Get ready to pack your bags and pick up the Mandarin edition of Rosetta Stone. China may seem distant and out of reach now, but come next year, it will feel closer than ever.

I stop at my regular food stall in Gangnam. The Uncle is Seoul’s human landmark; his hands are accustomed to heat-intensive labor; he sells the ultimate street meat – fish paste on wooden sticks and delectable rice cakes stewing in a red, tangy sauce.

One of the old and beautiful cities of India, Madurai can prove to be a perfect travelling destination. With its rich cultural heritage and historic significance, this city has a lot to offer to your vacation. So, if you are planning on a visit to Madurai, here are a few notable locations of the city to stop by!

Even if we live on the other side the world, in the same continent but in the coldest part of America, the Carnival of Brazil heats up any cold environment. For Brazilians, every year starts twice: celebrating New Year´s Day and enjoying the Carnival.  In January and February Brazil is always preparing and waiting for such a magnificent event. All Brazil stops, nobody thinks of anything else different than celebrating. After all, it is the most famous holiday in Brazil!

For those on the lookout for a travel experience that transforms not only the way you look at the world, but the world that you’re travelling in, look no further than Village Monde.

Less than 50 years ago, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, named after the cane palms in the area, is now a hot tourist destination. It is a shock that it took so long when you consider that the temperature is a constant perfect, the beaches are powdery soft and the ocean waters idyllic.

The perfect grown-up winter getaway awaits you in Trinidad and Tobago. For a complete immersion into decadence, joie de vivre with a party atmosphere that will be unlike any you will ever experience, head to Trini during Carnival.

There’s just too much to appreciate in Colorado. The ever-present mountains, the sweeping plains between peaks, the all-season sun, the art and beer. But for one spring week, I had a chance to pack my bags and see the centennial state with fresh eyes, and man did I celebrate.   

Somewhat off the beaten tourist track is Kadikoy, a charming neighbourhood in the district of Uskudar on the north or Asian shore of the Bosphorus, the 32- km strait that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, the only city in the world that straddles two continents

What kind of traveller are you? Some of us like to lounge by the beach all day while others are constantly seeking an adventure. No matter what kind of summer vacation you are looking for, you can find everything you want and more at Lake Placid.

It’s hard not to be taken by the beauty of the beaches on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. A natural reef acts as a buffer, calming the waves that gently crash onto its shores and the sun is said to shine 300 days a year.

Barbados is brimming with opportunities for everyone to have a good time. Bajans know how to have fun and you should join in. With perfect weather, perfect sunsets, sunrises, impeccable beaches, cuisine for every palate and lots of culture and history to feed the mind as well, you can’t go wrong in Barbados.

Undeniably, the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel is a real gem. Take advantage of one of the many themed weekends or simply visit for a quiet getaway. In the cold of late November, it was a perfect place for a retreat. A return visit in the summer is in order to take advantage of the local boating culture, tour the islands and soak in some sun on the hotel’s great patio.

It’s hard not to be taken by the beauty of the beaches on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. A natural reef acts as a buffer, calming the waves that gently crash onto its’ shores and the sun is said to shine 300 days a year.

March Break is one week away and if you are looking for a last-minute destination, escape to the place that inspired Ernest Hemingway’s classic novels, that has the best ceviche and key lime pie you may ever taste and has breathtaking beauty. With a chill, Caribbean-esque attitude and island time, the Florida Keys will give you that perfect feeling of getting away from it all.

Whether you’re looking for a family getaway, a romantic couple’s escape or a great place to shred some powder, Golden Arrow in Lake Placid will deliver on all fronts. Pack up the car and get ready to enjoy this winter playground!

With 26 mountain resorts, Colorado is one incredible ski destination. There are so many hills there is almost one for every letter of the alphabet. The best name goes to Purgatory but if that does not convey a comfy cozy feeling for your next family trip, head to Steamboat.

I travelled with my 10-year-old daughter, and we scored the perfect balance of activities for her and me. Here are a few ideas to get you started on exploring San Diego. 

Next up on the final part of our three week Contiki adventure is Ireland, where the Craig is Mighty! And where you will find a pub on literally every street corner.

Jamaica brings to mind visions of warm weather, beautiful beaches, rum, sugar, and, of course, Bob Marley. However, there’s a new attraction calling people to this gorgeous Caribbean island; the Reggae Marathon.