Houston Hospitality: The Top Hotels You Need To Experience

BY  Mashum Apr 19, 2022

December closes a year but can gift a bag full of memories!! Well, for most travelers, this is a month when they seek an escape. If you are one of them, this article is for you. Here, you can go through some of the best places to travel in December. So, why wait anymore? Just pick a destination and plan up for a trip. Remember, only proper planning can be the strongest pillar for a memorable trip. As December is still far away, you can get cheap flight tickets and hotels in most places. Moreover, pre-planning can help you grow an interest in saving much money and ultimately make your trip a lavish one. For now, you can check out the destinations. I have made a list and I am quite sure that you would be able to go for a mini world tour while checking them out. Okay, time now for a smooth take-off. Here we go! Top December Destinations In 2022 You Must Know About Here are the ten best places to travel to in December. So, pick up one from the following list and make further plans. You can talk with an experienced travel agent and give him the responsibility to set up an itinerary. I hope, all the information regarding the exotic December destinations will be of your help. Just go through them and follow them accordingly. Read More: 10 Best Places To Travel In March – Travel Guide 2022  1. Atacama Desert, Chile Overview Chile is a small country in South America. It homes the famous Atacama Desert which is probably the driest place on the planet. You can be here in December to witness the vibrancy of nature even when the landform is harsh. Many tourists consider it one of the best places to travel in December as they can comfortably explore the desert. So, you can always consider visiting this place. There are direct flights to Chile from the US. Things To Explore Unique landscapes and boulders of the desert. Night-time desert safari and stargazing. Local shepherd families and their lifestyle. Places To Stay Tierra Atacama Hotel and SPA, Casa Atacama, Awasi Atacama. Best Dishes To Try Patasca, Pastel de Choclo. 2. Carmel-By-The- Sea, California Overview If you desire to spend a cool December but avoid the snow, the Carmel Valley Ranch can be the best place to visit. So, you can consider it one of the best places to travel in December USA. The Carmel-By-The-Sea is actually a resort where you can spend some three to four days. Here, you can just rejuvenate solo, as a couple, or with your family. Reaching the resort can be easy as you need to take a domestic flight or the right highway. Things To Explore You can check out the man-made beehives in the resort. Do not miss indulging in whisky tasting. You can take part in the activities like archery and candle-making. Places To Stay Carmel-By-The Sea Resort. Best Dishes To Try Fish and beef grill, Hand made bread, Kinds of pasta and pizza. 3. Big Island, Hawaii Overview The Hawaii Islands remain on the bucket list of most travelers. You can consider it one of the best places to travel in December. The main reason for this is the warm climate. You can just take a direct flight to the Kona from any major airport in the US.   Things To Explore Check out all the pristine beaches around the Big Island. Enjoy the seaside with some music. Closely observe the marine life of the place. Places To Stay The Four Seasons Resort, Royal Kona Resort, Gingerhill Farm Retreat. Best Dishes To Try Manapua, Fish Tacos, Huli Huli Chicken. Click Here To Read: Top 5 Unexplored Treks In Himachal 4. New Orleans, Louisiana Overview If you are currently looking for the best places to travel in December on a budget, the right pick for you can be New Orleans. It is in the state of Louisiana and you can expect to get warm weather here. Generally, the city turns empty this month and the locals decorate it for Christmas. So, you can consider it one of the best places to travel in December. You can reach Now Orleans by car from any corner of the country. Moreover, there are several domestic flights from different airports in the US.  Things To Explore Witness the parade and sporting events in December. Enjoy Christmas time and observe the local culture. Places To Stay The Brandywine By Sextant, City House, New Orleans, The Quisby. Best Dishes To Try Gumbo, Jambalaya, Po-Boys, Crawfish Etouffee. 5. Los Cabos, Mexico Overview If you are kind of a traveler who seeks lavish accommodations while on a trip, the Los Cabos in Mexico can be the right place for you. You can get a lot of 5-Star resorts in this place. The best you can do is pre-book your accommodation to get a suit at cheap rates. A rejuvenating trip can be the best in Los Cabos Mexico. There is nothing much to do in the city apart from roaming around and star-gazing. Reaching Los Cabos can be an easy task as there are many short flight lines. This place can come on the list of best places to travel in January too.   Things To Explore The resorts in Los Cabos are themselves tourist destinations. So, you can explore them. Explore the streets of Los Cabos during Christmas. Take part in the dinner series where you can find dishes paying homage to the four elements. Places To Stay Solmar Resort, Seven Crown Express, ME Cabo. Best Dishes To Try Smoked Marlin, Pitahaya, Comida de Pobres. 6. Quebec City, Canada Overview If a chilly and snowy December is nothing problematic to you, Quebec City in Canada can be one of the best places to travel in December. If witnessing a perfect white Christmas has always been on your dream list, it can turn into a reality during the December trip to Quebec City. A week’s trip to this place can give a good competition to the best places to travel to in December for warm weather. Well, the romance of this city demands a couple trip but you can reach out to this place solo or with your friends.   Reaching Quebec City in Canada can be simple as there are a lot of flights from the US. Things To Explore When in Quebec City during December, you should explore the snowy streets. You can also concentrate on the local culture while reaching this city during Christmas. There are some excellent museums in the city that you can visit. Places To Stay Courtyard By Marriot, Auberge Internationale De Quebec, Quality Inn & Suites. Best Dishes To Try Maple Syrup, Tim Hortons, French Onion Soup. 7. Kochi, India Overview Kochi is one of the most picturesque cities in India situated in the state of Kerala in the south. The main reason for the beauty of Kochi is the presence of a lot of coconut trees and lagoons. Well, when a trip to Kochi, you can cover the entire state for a traveling extravaganza.   You can expect pleasantly warm weather in December as the chilly winds from the north do not reach much to this place. If you are concerned about reaching Kochi, consider it to be a bit ticky. So, at first, you would need to catch a flight to New Delhi from the US. You can expect these flights to be either direct or reach the destination on a one-stop basis. Once you reach New Delhi, you can either take a train or a domestic flight to Kochi. You can also include Kochi in the list of best places to travel in February too.   Things To Explore The Kerala Backwaters are the main thing that you can explore while on a trip to Kochi. Make sure you stay in the houseboat for a night. Tasting the Kerala cuisines is a must when you visit Kochi on a trip. Places To Stay Adams Wood House Homestay, Palm Grove Serviced Villa, Radisson Blue Kochi. Best Dishes To Try Pazham Pori and Beef curry, Thattu Dosa, Kappa Boti. 8. Miami, USA Overview In December, you can observe Miami turn into a party city. So, you can consider it as one of the best places to travel in December. The Swiss-born art fair also takes place in this city. So, people from all socio-economic strata come to witness it. Additionally, the beach is also there to allure people with its vibrancy. So, you can easily plan for a trip to Miami. In December, the locals start terming the time as ‘Art Week’. All you need to do is just check the time of the Art Fair and head to the city.   Reaching Miami is no big deal if you are in the USA. There are a lot of highway routes that connect to the city. Otherwise, you can take any domestic flights to the city on having time constraints.   Things To Explore Explore the Art Fair while in Miami in the month of December. Spend time in the beach and go for a short beach walk if possible. Explore the famous market in Miami and shop around. Places To Stay Hilton Miami Downtown, Habitat Brickell by Sextant, Holiday Inn Port of Miami. Best Dishes To Try Stone Crab Delicacies, Grilled Fish Sandwich, Chicharron. You May Like To Read This: 10 Best Places To Travel In June – Travel Guide 2022   9. Berlin, Germany Overview Probably, there is no human being who does not desire to witness the charm of European Christmas. Well, you can get a chance to fulfill your desire if you pack your bags and set out for Berlin next December. During Christmas, you can find the Berlin city to deck up like a bride. The best you can do is reach to gluhwein and enjoy Christmas Eve. The local shops come up with new stocks and you can get a chance to shop a lot. Moreover, during the night, the marvelous lights turn the city into a dreamy place. Nightclubs and bars serve premium quality whisky and wine that you can taste while enjoying the soothing music. So, you can always plan for a single city tour during December and that is the National Capital, Berlin. When it comes to reaching, you can get multiple direct and one-stop flights to this place. The best you can do is purchase the tickets early as they turn expensive during Christmas. Moreover, you can face many problems in getting a ticket while being late. Things To Explore The city and the lights can be the best things to explore in Berlin. Try tasting the food in the roadside cafes of Berlin. Listening to the local music from the live-performing bands. Places To Stay St. Christopher’s Inn, Generator Berlin Mitte, Meininger Hotel Berlin. Best Dishes To Try Currywurst, Schnitzel, Bratwurst. 10. Mexico City, Mexico Overview December can be the best time to visit Mexico City for a trip. As this place experiences a tropical climate you can consider it one of the best places to travel to in December for warm weather. The best you can do is go for a solo trip to this place. You can get a lot of sightseeing locations in Mexico City.   Reaching Mexico City is a matter of a few hours because you can get a lot of flights from different airports of the US. Things To Explore Local Sightseeing in Mexico City includes a lot of Museums like the Frida Kahlo Museum, Aztec Ruins, etc. You can also explore the local cafes and taste a lot of dishes while on a trip to this city. Places To Stay Hotel MX Centro, Hotel MX Zocalo, Hotel Mundo Joven Catedral. Best Dishes To Try Tacos al pastor, Berbacoa, Tlacoyos. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. Where Is It Best To Travel In December? Any city tour towards the tropical region of the earth can be the best in December. Q2. What Is The #1 Vacation Destination In The World? Paris, France is the top-notch vacation destination in the world. Q3. Which Country Is Best For Visit 2021? Germany and France are the two countries best for visiting in 2021. It is still the same in 2022.   Q4. Where Is It Warm To Travel In December? You can go to Mexico or Brazil for a warm trip in December.   Final Take Away As a traveller, you can start planning for a trip at any time of your life. So, for now, the best you can do is start planning for a december trip. Keep in mind that early planning always helps. So, you should always make sure all your efforts are in the right approach. Another thing that you need to keep in mind is getting an experienced travel agent. So, you should leave no stones unturned to find one. You can not only request him to book all tickets but also to make a proper itinerary. Read More: Best Places For River Rafting In India 10 Best Places To Travel In August – Travel Guide 2022 Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World  

BY  Arnab Jun 3, 2023

Spain, with its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, tantalizing food, and picturesque landscapes, is a country that captures the heart of every traveler. If it's your first time visiting, the prospect can be both exciting and a little daunting. How do you navigate this unfamiliar yet enchanting territory? Don't worry. These five insider tips are just what you need to make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories. Here's what you should keep in mind. 1 - Understand Spanish Culture Familiarize yourself with Spanish customs and norms before your trip. Spanish people are known for their laid-back lifestyle and love for socializing. In Spain, meal times are later than what you might be used to; lunch typically starts at 2 p.m., and dinner at 9 p.m. or later. Siestas are a real thing, with many shops closing in the afternoon for a few hours. The nightlife is vibrant and starts late. And one more thing: remember the Spanish love for celebrations and festivals — you might just find one happening during your visit! 2 - Explore Iconic Landmarks Spain is rich in history and boasts of numerous World Heritage sites. From the royal palaces in Madrid, the iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, to the historic old town of Toledo, there's a lot to see.  You should — of course — prioritize your itinerary according to your interests and time constraints, but don't miss out on these marvels. 3 - Discover Hidden Gems While tourist hotspots are great, the real charm of Spain lies in its hidden corners. Venture off the beaten path and explore local markets, try a cooking class, take a flamenco lesson, or visit a local vineyard. These unique experiences will give you a taste of authentic Spanish life. If you're documenting the trip, going off the beaten path also gives you a chance to capture moments and sights that most travelers never get to experience. There's plenty of good public transportation in Spain, but if you'd like to explore, it can be smart to rent a car or charter a Yacht. The latter is easier than you might think, as the SeekSail website shows. 4 - Optimize Your Itinerary Don't make the mistake of cramming too much into your itinerary. Spain is a country to be savored. Traveling between cities can be time-consuming, so it's better to explore a few places thoroughly rather than trying to see them all. Remember to plan your day around the Spanish rhythm. You should take advantage of the late morning to explore, relax during the siesta hours, and soak in the nightlife. 5 - Pack Appropriately Spanish weather can be quite variable. Summers can be scorching hot, while winters are cold, especially in the north. Pack light, breathable clothing for summer and layers for winter. Don't forget comfortable shoes for all the walking you'll be doing! Remember, traveling is all about immersing yourself in the local culture and stepping out of your comfort zone. Use these tips to truly engage with Spain's captivating charm. And who knows, you might even come back home with a touch of the Spanish zest for life! Read Also: Living In Sunny Spain As Digital Nomads The 5 Most Historically Significant Buildings 5 Ideas For Wine Tours In Barcelona- Make It Happen

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

Connemara National Park has been an important Irish national park, having won the Green Flag Award in 2018. This international benchmark shows its worth as a green space and park. Further, in 2021, it also sought the New Heritage Site Accreditation, which shows the quality of the national park and how it is maintained in a sustainable way.   Moreover, this park is even rich in geology and houses many historical and archaeological sites. In addition, as an outdoor enthusiast, you can explore its various hiking and walking trails.   So, want to tour this Irish national park, which has a dash of history, culture, natural abundance, and more? Here is a complete guide for you.   Important Information About Connemara National Park  Visiting Time: 9 am to 5:30 pm  Entry Fee: Free  Closed On Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, and Red and Orange Weather Alert Days  Amenities: Education Center, Visitor Center, Playground, Cafe, Toilets and Picnic Areas  How to Reach: You can reach this national park by train, car, or bus. You have to reach Galway City first and then take a bus (or private car) to reach the park.  Main Access Point: Near Letterfrack along the N59  Pet Friendliness: Dogs are Welcome to Walk the Trails   Fascinating Geology Of Connemara National Park  The national park is a part of the Twelve Ben area. So, the park also has underlying metamorphic rocks. The sediments forming these rocks are aged between 700 to 550 million years.   Further, you will find schists and gray marbles around the edges of the rocks. Moreover, at the top, you will see quartzite. In addition, it is astonishing to know that the final shaping of the park took place around 10000 years ago or during the last ice age.  The park has a rocky formation with boulder clay and a deposit of sand and gravel. The distinct geological features have contributed to the type of vegetation found in this area.   What Animals Are In Connemara National Park? Which Plants Does This Park Have?  The International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, has marked Connemara National Park as a Category II Protected Area. So, there is a constant endeavour to safeguard the landscape, wildlife, and ecology of the park unadulterated.   The park has many heritage breeds along with a wide range of protected flora and fauna. In addition, there are some conservation projects to protect the flora and fauna. The table below shows the details.  Birds* Stonechats Wrens Robins Peregrine Falcon Merlin Sparrowhawk Kestrel Mammals Nocturnal Animals  Pine Marten Bats Foxes Badgers  Diurnal Animals   Pygmy Shrews Red Deer Wood Mice Otters Hares Stoats Connemara Ponies Other Fauna Freshwater Pearl Mussel Salmon Trout Smooth Newt Common Frog Rare and Protected Plants and Other Flora Sundews Butterwort Purple Moor Grass Roseroot Purple Saxifrage Starry Saxifrage Pale Butterwort Lesser Twayblade Mountain Sorrel St. Patrick’s Cabbage St. Daboec’s Heath Heritage Breeds Connemara Ponies Cladoir Sheep Moiled Cattle Old Irish Goats Galway Sheep Conservation Projects** Control of Rhododendron Mweelin Exclosure New Found Wood Connemara Pony Cladoir Sheep Preservation Committee Irish Moiled Cattle & Conservation Grazing  *The national park has a large number of birds in the winter. Many native birds of Ireland, such as woodcock, song thrush, mistle thrush, snipe, and starling, increased in numbers in this season.   Moreover, fieldfare, redwing, and many other birds from Northern Europe flock to this park in great numbers during winter.   **The conservation projects in the park are designed to maintain biodiversity. These also try to eradicate the negative impacts on the rare and protected flora and fauna of the park.   Habitats Of Connemara National Park  Connemara National Park has wet boglands and uplands as its habitats. Further, the extremely wet boglands are the hubs of various vegetation. However, the uplands have drier mountain bog communities.  Boglands   Boglands are found in the low-lying areas of the park. Further, in these wet boglands, you will find the western blanket bog. In addition, purple moor grass surrounds this western blanket bog, and thus, it has a grass-like appearance.   In the national park, you will find these boglands near the pool surface, slope inclines, flat lands, and flushes. However, these boglands can appear on your route if you're hiking off trails, and there can be swallow pools. So, be careful!  Uplands   The mountainous and rocky uplands also house a wide variety of vegetation. The grasslands and heather here are also home to some rare and endangered animals, such as red deer and Old Irish Goats.  Moreover, the heathlands here are drier due to a higher altitude.  Hiking And Walking At Connemara National Park  For hikers, all roads in the Connemara National Park lead to the Diamond Hill summit. , panoramic views of Letter Hill or Tully Mountain. Twelve Bens and Kylemore Abbey are also visible from the mountain summit. However, the national park has three more major hiking trails. Check out the table below.  Name of the Trail Difficulty Level Distance (in Km) Upper Diamond Hill Difficult 3.7 Lower Diamond Hill Moderate 3 Sruffaunboy Trail Easy 1.5 Ellis Wood Nature Trail  Easy 0.5  If you are planning to complete a multi-day hiking trip in the national park, you can consider camping here. However, you have to abide by the Wild Camping Code and the regulations related to the Camping Exclusion Zone.   Moreover, you can take a walk (self-guided) through the Tree Trail in the park. It begins from the Car Park Kiosk, and throughout the trail, you will meet tree varieties such as holly, hazel, oak, and Scots’ Pine.   Did You Know?  Through the Connemara National Park West Center and the Letterfrack Village, you can have a thought-provoking walk. The trail you will take is known as the Poetry Trail. Further, in various locations along the path, you will find nine poems by eminent Irish poets like Mary O’Malley and Moya Cannon, which are placed on plaques.   In addition, it is a one-of-a-kind experience for poetry lovers. Some of these nine poems talk about the park and its importance in Irish history. Further, the remaining ones are more generic in nature.   Exploring History At Connemara National Park  The archaeological and historical sites at Connemara National Park tell the tales of human lives and the history of the park for thousands of years. The park’s two megalithic tombs (West and East Tomb) in the park were already popular. However, thanks to the surveys of Helen Riekstins, an archaeologist and national park guide, we have 13 other sites that add to the importance of the park.   Among these 13 sites, six further have been visited by NMS or the National Monuments Service and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Here are the visited sites.  A standing stone  A cairn  Enclosures  A pre-bog wall  Nearby hut  A house  Further, the other seven sites are to be a part of the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) review for inclusion.   The pre-bog wall is likely to be associated with neolithic farming. On the other hand, the hut sites and standing stones are believed to be from the Bronze Age.   Connemara National Park has sites that are 10000 years old. These sites existed as coastal middens and belonged to the Mesolithic or Stone Age.  Many archaeological and historical sites are found near Diamond Hill, Letterfrack, and Mweelin.   The megalithic tombs in the park are around 4000 years old.   Connemara National Park is a twin historic site with Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland. These twinning sites speak for the cultural bond between Ireland and Canada.  Guglielmo Marconi, who received the patent for two-way radio in 1912, is associated with the place. Between Diamond Hill and Mweelin, he suspended the wires, and the current site of Bunaboghee Bog and Park Office had the second line. Here, he invented the first Full Duplex Radio.   So, the presence of various archaeological sites and the association with famous personalities make this park a delightful site for history lovers. Moreover, the Letterfrack Industrial School (1890) is a site important in modern history. Further, the school’s graveyard here tells the grave tales of injustices to the boys resting there.   Final Words   Located in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers around an area of 2,000 hectares. The park opened its door to visitors in 1980, and since then, it has been a place of attraction with its scenic beauty, geological variety, rich wildlife, and hiking trails.   The park also hosts many events like the Summer Evening Lecture Series and Heritage Week Celebration. Moreover, stargazing has become a popular activity in the park, and adults and children over 7 years of age can participate in the star-watching event. You can also check the National Parks website for the latest events at Connemara National Park.  So, are you planning a visit to this historically and naturally rich Irish national park anytime soon? Or have you already been to this wonderful place? Don’t forget to share your experience with us!  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture.