London Eye

London is crammed with plenty of tourist attractions. It is one of world’s best capital cities with a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions drawing millions of tourists from all corners of the world. Being the economic leader of Europe and a hub for business and creativity, London is renowned for tourism, commerce, politics and different activities. The city is also a bustling centre for poets, musicians, scientists, theatres, museums, parks, historic building and modern day captivations. No matter you are a tourist hunter, art and entertainment lover or a shopaholic, London is a one stop store for anything life has!

London Guards

There are few ways you can go to London, such as plane, train or car. No matter how you will get there, you will probably need a car and a parking spot. Most of the tourists travel by plane and then, decide to rent a car. The best travel tip for all of them is the possibility of comparing prices of car parking. Comparing prices of car parking and booking in advance is something you can find very handy. The unbiased search engine provided by Parking4Less can do all of the work for you.

London is the hub of the UK’s road network and is easy to reach by car, even if driving into the centre of the city is definitely not recommended. The infamous M25 ring road did not earn its irreverent nicknames “The Road To Hell” and “Britain’s biggest car park” for nothing. This means you can easily find yourself in a stressful situation, and if you need to catch a plane all of this will even

London Bridge

get worst. Parking4Less can definitely give you some help and make your trip a lot easier and stress free.

The top places to visit while you are in London are: Leicester Square, Oxford/Regents Street (Europe’s busiest shopping street), Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park, London Eye, The Big Ben etc. So pack your bags and hit the road. There is nothing you cannot do in London or you do not get in London. A visit to the city would give you the feel of life. Travel to London and feel the pleasure!!!

Potala Palace

Potala Palace is a sacred place in the minds of Tibetans, as well as the symbol of Lhasa. It was built in the seventh century and it has already had a long history of over 1300 years. The temple complex covers a surface area of some 220,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in China. Comprising the White and Red Palaces with their ancillary buildings, was built on the Red Mountain in the center of Lhasa Valley, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. The Potala Palace has 1000 chambers. The white places was for secular use. It contained living quarters, offices, the seminary and the printing house. The red Palace’s function was religious. The Potala Palace has always been the political center of Tibet since the fifth Dalai Lama.

Potala Palace Tibet

The construction of the Potala Palace was initiated by Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo for his bride, the Tang Dynasty Princess Wencheng. When the Tibetan Kingdom was in its prime period, for the friendship between the Tibetan and the Han nationalities, and to welcome Princess Wencheng into Tibet, Songtsan Gambo ordered the construction of the Palace. It had 999 rooms, plus the red tower on the mountain top, one thousand rooms in all. Since then, houses began to appear as living quarters in addition to tents. The pious followers of Buddhism regarded the towering Palace on top of the mountain as “The Polala Mountain,” the sacred place of Buddhism, hence the name of the Palace.

Most fascinating about the Potala Palaceare the Buddhist statues of various size made of copper, gold or silver, which are unique and exquisite in shape, excellent in craftsmanship, and lifelike. Some of

Potala Palace Room Interior

them have a height of several meters, and some, only a few inches. There are at least over 200 thousand statures in all.

Today the Potala Palaceis an enormous Hotel & “Art Museum” filled with dazzling array of paintings. The Art Gallery on the second floor of Sixipingcuo Tower alone contains 698 mural paintings. According to the autobiography of Dalai Lama of the fifth generation, the creation of Potala murals was started in 1648 A. D. by 63 painters from various parts of Tibet and completed 10 years later. Over the past 300 years or more, the original murals have undergone several renovations and a number of new murals have been added. Their contents cover a broad spectrum of Buddhist life, and the unique land, custom, history and episodes of Tibet. Tibetan painters are adept in applying colors of sharp contrast to depict varied and colorful images, and have reached

Potala Palace

extremely high artistic realm. Some of the mural paintings measure 5-6 meters high and a few score of meters long. Usually several hundred paintings are grouped together in a magnificent and kaleidoscopic endless array.

Adventure Travel in Siberia

Russia is the worlds biggest country, and it has probably the biggest unexplored territories in the world. The Siberia is covering almost all of north-eastern Asia. It extends eastward from Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and southward from the Arctic Ocean to the hills of north-central Kazakhstan and borders of China and Mongolia. To most people Siberia does not sound like an attractive holiday destination. When you think of Siberia, you think of the harsh climate and the labour camps where Joseph Stalin sent his enemies to. But, it does have its attractions, especially for adventure travellers.

Trans Siberian Express

First, there’s the Trans Siberian Express. Apart from the train ride itself, every city along the route has its attractions. And then, there’s Lake Baikal and its surroundings. A beautiful city, Irkutsk, and a lake with unique wildlife. The region also has an open air museum and tours to shamans.

There are almost endless destinations in Siberiafor adventure travelers. The Ural Mountains are the easiest destination. They are divided in Polar Urals, Northern Urals, Middle Urals

The Greater Altai

and Southern Urals. The Southern Urals are well populated and popular amongst tourists. The moderately high Ural Mountains (failing to top 2000 m anywhere) offer a lot of opportunities – hiking, rafting, spelunking and others. Because traveling independently to the Ural Mountains includes a lot of self preparation and can be difficult they are not very popular amongst foreigners.

The Greater Altai is probably the most popular travel destination in Siberia. It has to offer everything – from snow covered mountain tops to almost 7000 lakes. The Greater Altai also hosts Mt. Belukha (4056 m) which is Siberia‘s highest mountain. Like other destinations in Siberia traveling in the Altai requires a lot of preparation and considerable self-sufficiency.

Sala Rossa Wedding Hall

Italy, Florence

Eminently walkable and filled with Renaissance marvels and masterpieces, Florence is one of Italy’s most magical cities and a favourite among couples. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic modern artists and fashion designers, who have been drawn to this region of Tuscany and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Florence marriage ceremonies are performed in a spectacularly dramatic civil wedding hall known as la Sala Rossa. Many Italians as well as foreign couples have had a Sala Rossa wedding and it may be the busiest place where to marry in Italy. That is why it is best to make reservations for the wedding hall of Florence as far ahead of time as possible.

New Zealand - Top of a Mountain Wedding

New Zealand (Top of a mountain)

If you’re looking for a romantic wedding location New Zealand is just the place. Imagine being transported to your wedding venue by helicopter. That’s something to remember for years to come. Fun & excitment from the moment you begin. When you land on the mountain top, you can then take in the vastness of what New Zealand has to offer. Many wedding locations offer amazing views, but amazing doesn’t even come close to describing the panoramic views of lakes, rivers, mountains, and the rugged New Zealand landscape.

France, Paris

France, Paris

Since the beginning of time, Paris has always been the crossroads where philosophers, historians, politicians, scientists and lovers have exchanged ideas and created the world as we know it today.  While France is the country of human rights, Paris is the symbol of light, the capital of luxury, the centre of attraction of Europe. As you stand at the beginning of a new life with the one you love, celebrate this magical moment in the city that hosted so many turning events in history. A wedding in Paris will give this union a dimension uniquely French, a little je ne sais quoi that all will remember…

Fijian Islands Wedding

Fijian Islands

Fiji is most commonly referred  as the best place to get married in the whole world! Here you  can hold your wedding in your favorite sparking waterfall, beach or tropical forest that gives you the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.You can also choose a traditional Fijian wedding where exotic warriors will escort the bride to a perfect white sand beach beneath the swaying coconut trees.

Wales - Dramatic Cave Wedding

Wales (Dramatic Cave)

You’ve probably never considered getting married in a cave. You might rethink that when you see the showcaves in South Wales. There, a huge chamber called “The Dome of St. Paul’s” includes a large lake fed by two waterfalls. The unique natural setting, and the romantic intimacy of the cave make for an unforgetable wedding location.

Also check World’s Best Honeymoon Destinations.

Supertubes, Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa

Supertubes, Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa 

In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, about an hour’s drive southwest of Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world. Surfers come here for a great ride on beaches like Super Tubes, Boneyards, Kitchen Windows, Magna Tubes, Point and Albatross. The most famous of all is SuperTubes.The name itself should clue you in to the greatness of this lightning-fast wall that morphs into a large throaty barrel, especially when southwest swells rope into the bay from June to August. Apart from being a popular surfing destination, Jeffreys Bay is also renowned for its blue flag beaches and for hosting the annual Billabong Pro WCT surfing event at Supertubes during July.

Surfers Point, Margaret River, Australia

Surfers Point, Margaret River, Australia

Probably the most famous big wave spot in Australia and home to a WQS contest every year around April. The wave breaks both left and right, though the left is the best, over a fairly shallow rock ledge and on the biggest of days it can produce a 25ft drop down it’s very steep face and into the bowl below followed by a long walling ride into the channel, assuming you made the drop!  It’s a long paddle out and the peak can sometimes be a bit shifty in strong currents. Definatly should only be attempted by qualified surfers on boards to handle it, and bicycle clips might help you to avoid any embarrasing moments after the drop.

Pavones, Costa Rica

Pavones, Costa Rica

In Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, the Republic of Costa Rica is a legendary surfing location. Mostly ‘hardcore’ surfers come here mainly because of the consistent waves year round and also to the many great surf spots. This could be the trip of your life so better prepare yourself for the “country’s best waves” in Playa Naranjo and the quality right river mouth point break at Potrero Grande.

Banzai Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu

Banzai Pipeline, North Shore, Oahu

Ground zero of the surf action on the infamous North Shore, Pipe is arguably the most famous wave in the world. Most years from October to March, when the westerly swells are in season, this spot grinds out massive waves that are so perfect and hollow they look almost cartoon-like. But there’s nothing funny about Pipe. With a sharp volcanic reef just inches below the surface and waves breaking with spine-snapping force, unless you’re an expert it’s best just to sit on the sand and watch.

Surfrider Beach, Malibu, California

Surfrider Beach, Malibu, California

If for some reason you want  to surf  in North America, the best choice is California. When you are in California we recommend to you Surfrider Beach. The ‘Bu, as some locals call it, first gained national attention during the 1950s thanks to the novel and film Gidget. Today, it’s still the mecca of California cool and one of the best right point breaks on the West Coast. Though Malibu is always mobbed with surfers of every stripe hoping to lock into one of its perfect, machine-like peelers, it’s definitely worth braving the crowds on a perfect day when these waves can be ridden for a quarter-mile.

Hawaii Honeymoon Destination

Hawaii

There’s no place on earth like Hawaii. Whether you’re a new visitor or returning, these six unique islands offer distinct experiences that will entice any traveler. Hawaii offers superb coastlines, breath taking volcanoes, verdant forests, a native culture, warm breezes, sandy clean beaches and to top it all the most exotic and superb resorts. All this put together attracts the majority of honeymooners to this heaven which is the perfect getaway.

Italy Honeymoon Destination

Italy

Italy is the country of love and romance. With outstanding beauty, matched with its cultural richness, makes Italy a premier honeymoon destination. This is the most favored honeymoon spot by many Europeans. The beautiful northern Alps can be seen from here. This lake country provides the right atmosphere and Italy provides everything for a classy honeymoon.

Barbados Honeymoon Destination

Barbados

Barbados is one of the liveliest islands in the Caribbean. This is a beautiful island is known for its blue waters, white sandy beaches and the most quiet and soothing atmosphere.  The warm, friendly and fun Bajans say, “Life didn’t begin in Barbados, We just perfected it.”  This makes it the most preferred honeymoon destination for couples from all over the world.

Seychelles Honeymoon Destination

Seychelles

The islands of the Seychelles are quite simply the most romantic location imaginable. They are the perfect spot for the most romantic holiday of your life – crystal clear waters gently breaking on the pure white sands with gently swaying palms whispering in the background and a variety of hotels and resorts to suit each couple’s needs for that perfect Seychelles honeymoon.

France, Paris Honeymoon Destination

France

Oh la la, is it possible to have a list without including France? A country of contrasting landscapes, synonymous with romance and renowned for its unrivalled wines and fine cuisine. The country offers beautiful and exotic beaches, many hill resorts and It is very popular honeymoon destination.

Marocco Honeymoon Destination

Morocco

The Saharan sands and Mediterranean coastline of Morocco make it a fabulous place to take in a romantic atmosphere and experience rich culture filled with historic traditions. Amazing architecture, fantastic food, and much more await you on a honeymoon to this North African country.

Bahamas Honeymoon Destination

Bahamas

Bahamas Honeymoon packages have been the choice of many for decades. There are 700 Islands of Bahamas sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean starting just 50 miles off the coast of Florida. The Bahamas offer the largest assortment of vacation and honeymoon spots of any tropical destination, with 14 main islands that serve as hubs for the remaining 686 islands.If You are looking for something special to do on your honeymoon this is just the place?

Bora Bora Honeymoon Destination

Bora Bora

Truly, the most romantic island in the world. From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale. Resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their special amenities have been fine tuned to perfection. From sunrise to sunset, each resort has designed their own blend of unique romantic experiences for their guests to choose from.

Thailand Honeymoon Destination

Thailand

Thailand is a dream destination if you’re planning a honeymoon or just want a romantic getaway in an exotic location. Most people who honeymoon in Thailand still choose to head to the beaches, and there certainly are some amazing ones here. But if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous or different, there are plenty of other places in Thailand what are wonderfully romantic and also off the beaten path.

Dubai Honeymoon Destination

Dubai

If you are seeking for pleasure and gratification along with some excellent shopping options and tempting delicacies escorted with enjoyable beverages in different bars and nightclubs that allow you to tap your feet on the dance floor for the whole night then Dubai is the best option for your Honeymoon! A beautiful, romantic and diverse cultured city engulfed within the desert and the coast of the Gulf of Oman, Dubai is a place with high raising skyscrapers, ancient mosques, different souks and malls and luxurious hotels just waiting to be delved by the honeymoon couples.

Also Check World’s Best Wedding Destinations.

Tropical Islands Resort - World's Largest Tropical Indoor Pool

Tropical Islands Resort is an artificial tropical resort located in Briesen/Brand, part of Halbe in Dahme-Spreewald, Brandenburg, Germany, about 60 km south-southeast of Berlin. It is said to have the world’s largest tropical indoor pool which can accommodate up to 8,000 visitors a day. It is also the world’s largest indoor waterpark at 66,000 m² (710,000 sq feet) – the size of eight football fields.

Tropical Islands Resort - World's Largest Indoor Waterpark

At 5.5 million m³ (194 million ft), It is world’s third largest building, and is the world’s largest single hall without supporting pillars inside. . The hangar cost €78 million and was originally commissioned by Cargolifter AG as an airship hangar named Aerium, but the airship it was intended to house – the CL160 – was never built.

Tropical Islands Resortin Brandenburg has perfect temperatures of 26 °C and is home to the world’s largest indoor

Tropical Islands Resort, Brandenburg - World's Third Largest Building

rainforest, Europe’s largest tropical sauna and spa complex, a Tropical Sea with a 200 metre-long sandy beach. The complex contains a large artificial rainforest, comprising over 30,000 cubic metres of soil with over 500 species of plants. It has over 29,000 plants covering the remaining space. Sounds of natural rainforests are broadcast throughout from speakers disguised as rocks or other natural features. In addition to the tropical plants there are also parrots, cockatiels and budgerigars living in the hangar. Other attractions found inside the Tropical Islands complex are a Balinese lagoon, miniature golf, and a camping ground, where visitors can stay for the night inside the climate-controlled dome.

And best of all it’s open all year round, 24 hours a day.

Le Palais de la Mediterranee

Le Palais de la Mediterranee, Nice, France - France is synonym with love and romantism. The French people celebrates St. Valentine’s the same way the other people celebrate this day. The main question is which resort is the most romantic in France and the answer is Palais de la Méditerranée. Palais de la Méditerranée, a charming hotel ideally located on the Promenade des Anglais and close to the city centre, is a beautiful sight. The palace’s white Art Deco façade built in the years 1930 was restored in 2004 to its original beauty. Towering over the Bay of Angels and the turquoise waters, Palais de la Méditerranée is very close to numerous sightseeing curiosities of the city of Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur. Attracted by its uncommon location, within walking distance of Old Nice and ideally located on the seafront, national and international travellers enjoy our hotel’s reputation of elegance and style, situated just a short distance from the Nice airport. The third floor is the heart of the hotel with a beautifully conceived indoor/outdoor pool, gastronomic restaurant, fitness rooms, cosy lounge and a sun terrace with stunning views.

La Casa Que Canta

La Casa Que Canta, Playa La Ropa, Mexico –  La Casa Que Canta is perched on a cliff surrounded by the Sea of Zihuatanejo Bay, with a magnificent panoramic view. The Exclusive Resort offers ten pool suites, eleven grand suites, three terrace suites facing the ocean, all inspired by the beauty of Mexican Art. The Resort features two of the most elegant swimming pools found anywhere in the world. The Freshwater Infinity Pool is located on a promontory overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay and seems to overflow directly into the water below. The hotel appeared in the movie “When A Man Loves A Woman.” La Casa Que Canta offers fresh water and ocean-filled swimming Pools. Nearby, guests may also enjoy an 18-hole golf course, tennis, watersports and deep-sea fishing. This could be just the place to be on St. Valentine’s Day.

Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este, Como, Italy – Villa d’Este is set on the banks of one of the most romantic lakes (Lake Como) in the world and just north of Milan (40 minutes outside of Milan and just a couple of exits before the Swiss boarder.). Villa d’Este was built in 1568 as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. The property comprises 25 acres of gardens, whose statues and landscape have been photographed for centuries. Hailed as one of the best hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes Traveler, this famous resort destination has been widely praised for its beautiful gardens, exquisite cuisine, gala celebrations, impeccable decor and extraordinary hospitality. The chance to be on the brink of the most romantic lake in the world could be the best destination for you and your soul mate on St. Valentine’s Day this year.

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland – Ashford Castle is a medieval castle turned into a five star luxury hotel near Cong on the Mayo/Galway Border in Ireland, on the shore of Lough Corrib. Ashford Castle is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World organization. Today it is recognized as a world class resort property in a private estate of 350 acres. Ashford was the chosen location for the producers and stars during the making of the classic film “The Quiet Man.” It has also played host to President and Mrs. Reagan and more recently Pierce Brosnan, aka 007, chose Ashford as the venue for his wedding. Creative cooking, inspired use of seasonal ingredients and an innovative menu await you here in the  finest restaurants in Ireland. Chef Stefan Matz has received many accolades for his culinary expertise and has developed an impressive choice of four unique dining experiences, each with its inimitable style and ambience. As with the outdoor facilities, Ashford offers its guests the ultimate in pampering. Health & Beauty facilities with dedicated spa treatment rooms offering Yon Ka products. The Yon Ka philosophy is to give skin the means to recover its balance and all its energy. Yon Ka products commit to offer visible results after each skin treatment. At this resort you will get the chance to spend St.Valentine’s Day in a medival style.

The Wickaninnish Inn

The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, Canada – The Wickaninnish Inn, is a landmark Relais & Châteaux property- an enchanting and critically acclaimed destination perched on the awesome western edge of beautiful British Columbia. No trip to BC – and indeed, Canada – should be made without experiencing this remarkable Tofino hotel destination. The Wickaninnish Inn is the only resort on beautiful Chesterman Beach and is known for its refined west coast cuisine and renowned spa experiences. Surrounded by the ocean on three sides with an old growth forest as a backdrop, the Wickaninnish Inn offers panoramic views of the open Pacific. The artistic elements contributed by a variety of artists, artisans and master carver, Henry Nolla, combine art, culture and nature together throughout the Inn. Each one of the spacious guest rooms and suites provides ocean- and beach-views, fireplaces, deep soaker bathtubs, duvet comforters and private balconies. If you like to spend St.Valentine’s day on a beach, then The Wickaninnish Inn is just the place to be. Here you can enjoy into the spectacular Chesterman Beach and have the best romantic vacation in your whole life.

Plaza Colon Christmas - Puerto Rico

This may be the year to visit Puerto Rico for Christmas. With holiday airfare on the rise, this island nation is offering some bargain prices for lodging. In addition, there are numerous festive Christmas activities. Enjoy an authentic Puerto Rican Christmas dinner; watch a unique holiday street parade with music, singing, and dancing; or tour Old San Juan to see Christmas lights and decoration.

Antigua

Celebrate New Year - Antigua

Christmas in Antigua could be a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy all the celebrations of this festive holiday and escape the chill of the north at the same time. Christmas traditions are similar to those celebrated in the United Kingdom. A number of hotels in Antigua host fabulous Christmas dinners for their guests. And what would Christmas be without Santa? The staff in some of the hotels dress up as Father Christmas and visit with a sack full of gifts for the children.

Barbados

Carols by Candlelight Christmas - Barbados

One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Barbados is the “Carols by Candlelight” held at the official residence of the Prime Minister of Barbados. The audience holds candles while enjoying Christmas carols sung by various musicians. Barbados is a very religious country so you will find lots of churches holding Christmas services.This island country offers something for everyone. In addition to soaking up the sun at the beach, if you like to be active you might enjoy windsurfing, kite surfing, or traditional surfing. For nightlife, Barbados has many bars, pubs, restaurants, and dance clubs. Maybe you enjoy horseback riding. There are a number of equestrian centers for riding horses through the sugar cane fields or on white sand beaches.

St. Lucia

Hillstone Christmas Day - St. Lucia

Peaks and valleys offering you plenty of diverse terrain for exploration characterize St. Lucia. There are high mountain peaks, hot springs, waterfalls, dozens of small isolated coves, and beaches by a warm calm sea cooled by refreshing Atlantic trade winds. Enjoy this diverse landscape with biking, horseback riding, hiking, golfing, playing tennis, snorkeling, diving, or deep-sea fishing. St. Lucia also boasts the only drive-in volcano in the world!Both Christmas day and the day after are official holidays in St. Lucia. However, if you arrive a little earlier in the month of December there is a special Christmas folk festival. This celebration has been held at the Pigeon Island National Park. Festivities include a Fiesta Night featuring Christmas music by choirs and steel bands. Music sets the ambience for a special Creole dinner and Christmas tree lighting. Other activities at the National Cultural Center include more food and drink and Santa Claus arrives to hand out gifts to children.

Jamaica

Bostons Bizarre Christmas Castle - Jamaica

Santa Claus and his gifts are very much a part of a Jamaica Christmas. Although in some rural areas it is said that Santa rides a cart and donkey. The Grand Market is a special Christmas celebration in Jamaica. The main streets in the bigger cities and town are closed to traffic and sellers spread their goods out along the roads. This is a place for children and their parents to buy gifts for family and friends.In Jamaica, you’ll hear Christmas carols like Silent Night and O’ Come All Ye Faithful but don’t be surprised if they are sung in reggae style! Located off the coast of Cuba, Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. The landscape is diverse ranging from the Blue Mountains in the east to narrow coastal plains and flatlands in the south. There are hundreds of miles of coastline with enough fabulous beaches to suit anyone whether you would like peace and quiet or lively populated spots with sunbathers listening to reggae music.

Rathausplatz Christmas Market, Viena

Viena, Austria

One of the best-known and most popular Christmas markets in Europe is located in Vienna’s Rathausplatz, the large square in front of the Town Hall. Here, 140 wooden stalls sell a variety of handcrafts and foods from mid-November until New Year’s Eve.
While the market remains open, the nearby park is transformed into a wonderland with themed lights hanging from trees and the air is filled with the spicy scent of mulled wine, all helping to bring Christmas alive.

Copenhagen, Denmark 

Christmas in Copenhagen is nothing short of enchanting, especially in Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world, originally opening on the 15th of August in 1843. It is a popular attraction throughout the year, drawing well over four million visitors annually. But you haven’t experienced Tivoli until you have visited for Christmas.

Paris - Christmas

Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysee, all the wonderful sights of Paris, are worth visitng year round. But at Christmas there is so much more. Continental markets offering the most tempting delicacies, beautiful lights, charming carollers. Romantic and cosmopolitan, Paris is a top spot to spend your holiday.

St Peter's Square in Vatican City on Christmas Eve

Rome, Italy

As the city where the tradition of celebrating Christmas was born, a visit to Rome at this time of year is always an enchanting experience. The spectacular Piazza Navona plays host to a large market while the Piazza del Popolo is home to an exhibit featuring 100 beautifully crafted Nativity scenes. For many, the highlight of any trip is attending midnight mass at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Christmas Eve, a truly unforgettable experience.  Holy Father Benedict XVI will preside over two Christmas masses. The first will take place at midnight on Christmas Eve, December 24th. The second will take place on Christmas day, December 25th, at noon.

Lapland, Finland

Lapland, Finland

Located in the far north of Scandinavia, Lapland delivers a truly magical and unique Christmas experience in stunning picture-postcard setting.With acres of pristine snow, herds of reindeer, teams of eager huskies, sleigh bells and, of course, Saint Nicholas himself, Lapland is a delight for children of all ages. Though temperatures are likely to be below freezing, you can be sure of a warm welcome, along with a hot mug of cider.