Interesting Facts about Australia that will surprise you!

BY  Sibashree Nov 11, 2024

With the nip in the air and Christmas bells ringing, the best places to travel in Europe gears up for the visitors.  Also, the “Europe Winter Tourism Market” is massive, and Austria, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland are some of the key destinations or revenue earners in this regard.  Further, winter tourism in Europe is beyond indulging in the drizzles of snow and relishing the best food. It has a deeper economic significance in the continent. Did you know that the revenue from winter tourism in Europe is 1-2% of the GDP of European countries?  So, when you visit the best places to travel in Europe in winter, you contribute to the overall economy of the place and the country.  Moreover, winter brings out the best in Europe, with glimpses of the Northern Lights, skiing in the Alps, Christmas festivities, and many more!  You Cannot Miss The Best Places To Travel In Europe In Winter  A wintry day in Europe is blissful, and it’s a great time to travel to this continent if you want to avoid the crowd.  Furthermore, the beautiful landscape of Europe looks dreamier with the blanket of snow in winter.  So, let’s take a flight to the best places to travel in Europe in winter.  1. Rovaniemi, Finland  Best Place to Stay: Santa Claus Holiday Village  Finland Tourism Package from the USA: 1100-1500€ Ho! Ho! Ho! Winter comes with the invitation to fly to the official hometown of Santa Claus. It is the best place to indulge in Christmas festivities, and you will also love the reindeer farms here. Furthermore, you can participate in the following activities when visiting Rovaniemi in winter.  Ice skating Snow sledding Northern Light Safaris However, Rovaniemi will not disappoint you even if you want to spend a quiet winter vacation here. You can cozy up by the fire and have the best glogg ever. Are you a foodie like me? You can indulge in some smoky salmon and ice cream. The chef’s kiss will be watching the snow-clad forests through the windows of your hotel room.  2. Prague, Czech Republic Best Place to Stay: Hermitage Hotel Prague Czech Republic Tourism Package from the USA: 2000-3000€ With St. Nicholas Church as the center of attraction during winter and Christmas, Prague decks up with fresh coats. The Church of Our Lady before Týn and St. Vitus Cathedral are some other popular churches to visit in Prague during Christmas. Furthermore, Christmas has a different fervor in Prague, thanks to the Christmas markets here. It supposedly has the best Christmas Market in the world outside Germany. In the upcoming winter, Prague Christmas Markets will remain open from 30th November 2024 to  6th January 2025. You will get the best wooden toys, ceramics, and candles here. Looking for some gastronomic delight? Prague has Palatschinke and mulled wine that you will cherish.  3. Vienna, Austria Best Place to Stay: Hotel Sacher Wien Austria Tourism Package from the USA: 1500-2500€ Vienna, the winner of the “Most Livable City in the World,” is one of the best places to travel in Europe this winter. BBC conferred this title to Vienna three years in a row.  Further, in winter, Vienna transforms into a site of outdoor operas and hot chocolates. Attending the operas in the freezing cold is an experience, and with thousands of people attending the event, you will feel the palpable festive energy here.  Moreover, you can appease the connoisseur in you by attending the classical musical concerts here. Also, behold the snow-clad beauty of the St. Charles Church and Schönbrunn Palace. It’s dreamy and will offer you the best frames for capturing.  4. Tallinn, Estonia Best Place to Stay: Metropol Spa Hotel  Estonia Tourism Package from the USA: Around 4500€ Tallinn has an amazing location on the Baltic Sea and the most amazing historical centers. You can explore the following historical centers when in Tallinn.   Town Hall Square Olevsite Church Great Guild Hall Further, the turreted castles of Tallin stand tall with their unmatched architecture. Toompea Castle is probably the most famous castle among them. You will also love exploring Kadriog Palace and Pikk Herman. These castles are beautiful year-round. However, they appear to be straight from the pages of fantasy tales under the wrap of snow.  5. Zermatt, Switzerland Best Place to Stay: Hotel Firefly Switzerland Tourism Package from the USA: Around 2000€ Zermatt, at the foothill of the Matterhorn, becomes the paradise of skiers in winter. The coverage of fresh snow and the best scenic views make Zermatt everyone’s favorite, even on the chilliest days.  After you have a fulfilling winter day outdoors, you can indulge in the much-needed warmth and comfort in the spa of Hotel Firefly. Also, Zermatt is the ideal place to try Alpine cuisines and lemon martini.  Moreover, if you want to try outdoor pursuits other than skiing, you can try hiking. Even if you are not interested in hiking to the higher mountains, you can explore Zermatt and the surrounding villages.  You can even take a helicopter ride around Matterhorn to have the best views of the glaciers. If you are on the verge of ending your trip to Zermatt, don’t try to collect some handmade souvenirs.  6. Zagreb, Croatia Best Place to Stay: Garden Hotel Croatia Tourism Package from USA: Around 1500€ Zagreb exudes the quintessential Central European vibe and is a favorite of dark academia fans. Winter transforms it into a wonderland with the Advent in Zagreb festival. You will find the best brandy and homemade sausages here.  You also explore the Christmas markets and appreciate the lights galore throughout the entire locality to indulge in its festive fervor.  Are you looking for more adventure in Zagreb? You can plan a trip to the Plitvice Lakes National Park. It has waterfalls and 16 terrace lakes. In winter, all these waterbodies get frozen and offer you the most surreal view.  Moreover, with the Croatian National Theatre at the epicenter, Zagreb is important for the cultural landscape of Croatia and Europe. You must make a note that Croatian National Theatre is one of the most beautiful theatres in the world.  The Croatian Museum of Naive Art, Zagreb City Museum, and Maksimir Park are some other places of interest in Zagreb.  7. Bergen, Norway Best Place to Stay: Citybox Bergen Norway Tourism Package from the USA: 2600-6500€ Bergen has the ideal Norweigan vibe with colorful wooden buildings. You can enjoy the beautiful view of the fjords and harbor from these aesthetic buildings. And who does not know of the Northern Light in Norway in winter? Late November to January is the best time to experience the magic of Northern Light in Bergen, Norway. The longest nights become bright as you observe this astronomical wonder in the sky.  With your nights becoming lit with the Northern Lights, you can spend your daytime in Norway doing winter hiking, skiing, and sledding. You can even go on a Wildlife or Wild Safari and experience the wonder of nature.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Oct 13, 2025

Honestly, it’s fun watching Sydney flip personalities through the year. The city doesn’t really do that dramatic hibernation thing. It’s almost always, well, pleasant? But the city’s mood still shifts. Beaches, bars, parks! They all swap energy depending on the season. If you’re plotting a Sydney escape, it’s worth thinking about what you want most: are you after sun, culture, quiet nights, or rowdy days? Here’s how things actually feel, season by season. What Is The Best Time To Visit Sydney?  Check out the ultimate seasonal fun in Sydney in all months. Choose the best season based on the experience you want.  1. Summer (December – February): The Ultimate Beachfront Escape Let’s be real. Sydney in summer is a bit of a show-off. Those endless evenings that don’t seem to end, warm days (but not sticky-hot like you’d find elsewhere), and, yeah, every cliché about Aussie beaches is true but still sort of magical.  Bondi turns into a spectacle. You’ll hear more accents than at the UN. It’s noisy, crowded, alive. Some days, the sand’s so busy you give up, laugh, and just sit on the steps with chips. Restaurants spill outside, tables fill hours before sunset. Harbour’s packed with yachts, and it looks expensive even if you’re just gawking from the ferry.  Quieter beaches are a fifteen-minute drive away, yet barely touched—Nielsen Park, Balmoral (babies paddling at your ankles), everyone grilling sausages and pretending to argue over who forgot the tomato sauce. Oh, and parties—don't even start. New Year’s Eve on the harbor? Fireworks everywhere, Opera House in the background, people cheering, hugging random strangers! January packs in music, theatre, and weird art pop-ups. There’s always a movie playing under the stars if that’s more your speed. Stay At Villa Mirage, Manly. It’s open, breezy, all huge windows, like the house wants you barefoot and salty. You’ll be constantly outside or sliding indoors to cool off. Kind of surprising how close you can get to the water. Top Experiences If you’re ever going to splurge, charter a boat. Nothing beats skyline views with nobody elbowing you for space. NYE from a private rooftop—wish lists get made for moments like that. And dinner at Icebergs isn’t fancy, it’s just what you do when seafood’s this fresh. Must-Visit Event: Sydney Festival. All month. Don’t need a plan—just walk into anything. Free gigs. Roving acts down hidden alleys. VIP bits if you really want the works. Insider Note: Don’t wait to book. Everyone and their dog comes here for New Year’s. Start looking half a year out if you’re fussy. 2. Autumn (March – May): Tranquility & Wine Country Retreats After summer’s chaos, autumn is sweet relief in Sydney. It slows, locals breathe out, kids go back to school, and you can finally grab a good table without begging.  Still warm enough for swimming most afternoons and some weeks trick you into thinking summer’s still here. Sun doesn’t burn; air feels soft, and honestly, you might forget there’s ever “bad” weather here. You'll see way more families picnicking, groups laughing a bit less loudly, maybe a dog asleep in the sand. Nights are for al fresco meals and walks where you lose track of time. And if you like a drink, the wine harvest in the Hunter Valley is peak chilled-out luxury. Tours are mellow, winemakers like to chat, and the lunch spreads go for days. Not as crowded as you’d expect. Stay At Villa Hunter. It’s one of those “don’t take photos, just look” places, especially at sunset. Cozy inside if it cools off, but the terraces are where you’ll end up. Promise. Top Experiences Harvest Season in Wine Country: A private tour is perfect, especially with a driver who knows where to sneak you backstage. Yachts at dusk (better colors than any summer sunset), art galleries popping up everywhere. Must-Visit Event: Racing Carnival. Doesn’t even matter if you care about horses. It’s glammed-up, playful, equal parts gossip and spectacle—go for the people-watching. 3. Winter (June – August): Cozy Luxury & Cultural Indulgence For a city known for beaches, winter’s surprisingly good. Not freezing (ever), usually sunny, and the city gets all grown-up on you—fireplaces, dark cozy corners, long dinners.  Sure, water’s cold, but if you’re nuts, those outdoor pools are open and there’s always a few swimmers bobbing around like penguins. Food just gets better, with the chefs dialing up the rich, warm flavors. Opera, live shows, quiet bars with crackling fires! It’s a different crowd, slower energy. Also, prices drop, and top hotels don’t hide it; they want you there. Book a suite just because you actually can. Stay At Mosman Waterfront home. Real luxury is coming in from a walk with wind-stung cheeks straight into a sauna or steam room. Watch storms over the harbor without moving from your sofa. Top Experiences Bring the chef to you: big, lazy dinners without hassle, just laughter and empty plates. Hit an opera—winter draws the serious productions. Spas are empty, treatments longer, nobody rushing. Must-Visit Event: Vivid. Whole city lit up with trippy lights, projections—impossible to explain if you’ve never seen it. Just go. Get a hot drink, wander until you can’t feel your toes, call it a night. 4. Spring (September – November): Rejuvenation & Exclusive Outdoor Adventures Spring's that sigh of relief as days grow longer, flowers everywhere, parks suddenly packed again. Jacaranda blooms drop purple confetti on the sidewalks.  Kids, dogs, runners, everyone’s out. You get those mornings where it’s just cool enough to want coffee outside, afternoons warm enough for t-shirts. Outdoorsy types love it as hikes don’t leave you sweaty, yet the ocean’s recovering warmth is ready for the brave. Wildflowers on the coastal walks, whales offshore sometimes, if you’re lucky. Quick Tip: Go inland for a day, the Blue Mountains are classic this time of year—flowers, trails, views for days. Stay At Villa Utopia. Completely open, full of light, you’ll forget what “indoors” means. Sort of house that hosts as many little gatherings as you want—no one stuck inside. Top Experiences Hot air balloon rides at dawn over the Hunter Valley. Pack a camera or just stand there and gawk. Create-your-own picnic after a hike, art shows cropping up with surprisingly friendly crowds. Must-Visit Event: Sculpture by the Sea. Bondi to Tamarama walk turns into a giant, outdoor art fair. Could get busy, but that’s half the fun. Stroll, stop, eat ice cream, repeat. Final Thoughts: When Should You Book Your Luxury Stay In Sydney Look, there’s no truly “wrong” season here. Want the full sun-blasted, classic travel-mag Sydney? Summer or spring.  Looking for something more laid-back (and lower-key on price)? Autumn and winter are criminally underrated. Honestly, it doesn’t hurt to overlap two seasons for a rollercoaster of city moods. Whatever time you settle on, the right stay, big, easy, friendly homes, will turn it luxe anyway. Sydney has a way of outdoing itself.

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.  Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.  However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.  Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.  Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place. Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.  Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.  Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.  1. Audubon Zoo Visit https://www.instagram.com/p/C4qRCaVrNPe/?img_index=1 Location: 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed) Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.  However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.  I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.  Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!  Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.  Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures. 2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.  Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.  As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.  Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.  A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.  3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.  Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.  Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves. Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.  Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!  4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.  Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.  So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.  They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.  Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.  5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park  Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.  Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.  Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.