You may know Philadelphia for its iconic sites such as the Rocky Steps, Liberty Bell, LOVE sculpture, and Reading Terminal Market, but did you know you can also see a piece of Einstein’s brain, marvel at 19th-century robotics Maillardet’s Automaton and take a stroll down the oldest residential street in America? These and many more curiosities and unexpected gems are ready to be explored in the City of Brotherly Love. Mutter Museum Philadelphia’s Mutter Museum is one of the most unique and interesting museums in the United States featuring collections of fascinating scientific discoveries about the human body, along with antique medical equipment, anatomical and pathological specimens and much more. Visitors to the Mutter Museum are able to view the conjoined liver of Siamese twins Chang and Eng Bunker, slides of Albert Einstein’s brain, and the mystery surrounding the famous “Soap Lady.” The Museum’s Historical Medical Library is now open to the public for the first time in its 200-plus year history. Weekend visitors to the museum can now head upstairs to view rare artwork and books in a historic library which was previously only accessible to researchers with appointments. Find out more here: www.muttermuseum.org/ Wagner Free Institute of Science This natural history museum is a rare example of a Victorian era scientific society, with a museum, research centre, library, and educational facilities. The Wagner Free Institute of Science boasts more than 100,000 specimens including fossils, shells, minerals, mounted animal skeletons and skins displayed in original wood and glass cabinets. More details here: www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org The Franklin Institute The Franklin Institute’s innovative exhibits, films, and hands-on experiences demonstrate how fun and interesting science can be. One of the most famous and popular museums in Philadelphia, it houses some fascinating gems including a theremin, a prototype synthesizer which is controlled by movements of the player’s hands without any actual physical contact with the machine. Another fascinating museum curiosity is Maillardet’s Automaton, an early mechanic ‘robot’, that mimicked human behaviour. Built by 18th-century Swiss clockmaker Henri Maillardet, Maillardet’s Automaton was programmed to write out three poems and draw four sketches via mechanical means. Feeling curious? Browse here: www.fi.edu Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum Racing fans will be in seventh heaven at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum which houses the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars. The museum’s collection consists of approximately 75 racing sports cars and has been assembled over more than 50 years by Frederick A. Simeone, a retired neurosurgeon and native of Philadelphia. All interesting information and more here: www.simeonemuseum.org Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens A mesmerizing mosaic labyrinth created by artist Isaiah Zagar covers an indoor and outdoor space equivalent to half a city block. Zagar has devoted himself to beautifying the South Street neighbourhood since the late 1960s. In 1991 he started decorating the walls of vacant lots near his studios with mosaics. When the owner of the lots wanted to remove his work and sell the land, the local community rushed to support Zagar. The artist’s creation quickly became incorporated as a non-profit organization, was saved and opened in 2008 to the general public. www.phillymagicgardens.org Laurel Hill Cemetery A 78-acre National Historic Landmark and America’s second oldest cemetery, Laurel Hill was the first architecturally designed cemetery in the country and is laid out on a series of winding paths above the Schuylkill River. There are some wonderfully aesthetic tombstones and mausoleums to explore, including the William Warner tomb which shows the soul coming out of the tomb in a puff of smoke. Fairmount Park Fairmount Park is one of the country’s largest park systems in the U.S, with more than 2,000 acres of parkland featuring miles of trails, biking and hiking paths, an orchard, greenhouses, multiple playgrounds, the country’s oldest zoo, and the city’s iconic Boathouse Row. All details here: www.myphillypark.org Elfreth’s Alley This 32-house alley is America’s oldest residential street, going back over 300 years. The quaint cobblestone alley is lined with traditional red brick homes with old-fashioned flower boxes and shutters, beautifully preserved by the Elfreth’s Alley Association which was founded in 1934. Visitors can tour 126 Elfreth’s Alley, which is now the Elfreth’s Alley Museum, here you can learn about dressmakers, shoemakers, and other artisans who lived in the house, as well as about the larger history of the Alley. More information here: www.elfrethsalley.org The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has come up with a suggested itinerary taking in the very best of Unexpected Philadelphia.  Click here  to read more.

There’s something nice and dreamy about having the opportunity to live somewhere else for a year or so. Or more if you like. You can explore a new part of the world, learn about different traditions and cuisines, and even try your skills at mastering a foreign language. Maybe you are inspired by A Year in Provence or Eat Pray Love . Or simply want to create your own little adventure, borrowing just a little from Under The Tuscan Sun . Whatever your reasons are, perhaps the top 10 cities in the EIU Global Liveability Index 2022 might interest you. So which cities make up the top 10? According to the EIU Index, these are Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich, Calgary, Vancouver, Geneva, Frankfurt, Toronto, Amsterdam, Osaka, and Melbourne. Now it’s important to note that the Global Livability Index is produced each year by the Economist Intelligence Unit of  The Economist , which rates cities on more than 30 factors across five weighted categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. So if you are thinking of setting up a home in any of these cities, you know you will be in good hands, so to speak. You could use your time to explore what these cities and countries offer – getting more out of them than an average tourist. Visit local markets, festivals and fairs, explore popular haunts and cafes, take a class or two, make friends… While Travel Times has covered many of these cities in a number of ways – deals, cruises, touristy things to do and more, we put together some travel inspiration for you here again. Vienna, Austria Vienna is on the top of the list having scored highly – a total index of 99.1 out of 100. Vienna is always at the top of everyone’s list because it offers a lot to travellers of every kind. But at Christmas, it becomes all the more special with its enchanting Christmas markets. In fact, online travel company Click&Go reviewed their most popular Christmas Market destinations , and Vienna was second on their list! If you were to live in Vienna for a while, we would like to know – what are the things that would be at the top of your list? Copenhagen, Denmark Whether you are thinking of bicycling across Copenhagen or strolling across its historic city centre, or being like a local and setting up home and getting ‘immersed in hygge’ – you are in for a treat. We also have a lovely article about how to do Copenhagen on a budget , and it may give you the inspiration you need. You may also find that at the end of your long holiday or living abroad in Copenhagen, you are a pro at enjoying the small and good things in life together with the people you care about. Isn’t that what hygge is all about? Zurich, Switzerland This largest city in Switzerland boasts of many good things – excellent quality of life, amazing museums, stunning views, high ranking universities…No wonder it’s third on the list. What would you do if you had a year in Zurich? Do let us know in comments. Calgary, Canada Calgary is a cosmopolitan city which has a lot going for it. Whether you want to spend your months visiting its top attractions or make the most of its constantly evolving neighbourhoods and diversity – you would have a very eventful trip and year. Vancouver, Canada Vancouver has often ranked in the top ten of the world’s most livable cities. It’s renowned for its innovative programmes in the areas of environmental sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity. A lot of tourists and those in the know also vouch for Vancouver as a city that offers a very good work-life balance. Would you head to Vancouver for a year? Let us know. Geneva, Switzerland Whether Geneva has been in your list for its breathtaking scenery, absolutely amazing wines and cheese, (not to forget the chocolates) or for getting trained in watchmaking – it’s a good place to be. Geneva is also a city of world diplomats – you can find the headquarters of the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the World Trade Organization, and the International Air Transport Association. And these are just a few. Frankfurt, Germany Frankfurt holds the reputation of being one of the largest financial hubs in Europe. Whether you want to head there for its lovely sausages, or for the views of the Main, or its exceptional art and history museums, you won’t be disappointed. Toronto, Canada Toronto has consistently scored high in many lists and rankings. It is considered to be one of the best cities in the world to do business, ranked at the top often when it comes to global competitiveness, innovation and quality of life. Of course, there is plenty to do and see there as well, and we would love to hear your take on this city. Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam has world-class museums, quirky festivals, a lively theatre scene and great avenues for live music. It also helps that it has plenty of laid-back bars and lovely restaurants. Amsterdam has a well-established and thriving business ecosystem and attracts talent from across the world. Doesn’t matter if you are tourist, a digital nomad or looking to spend a year living there – you are guaranteed to get the best out of your experience. Osaka, Japan Osaka is known for many things – its exciting nightlife, sumptuous food and friendly locals. It also has plenty of history and plus, if you visit it during the cherry blossom season, you will never forget the beautiful scenes. If you stay for longer, and set up home, you can enjoy all the seasonal festivals, like Tenjin Matsuri, Kishiwada Danjiri and Ebessan. Melbourne, Australia Who doesn’t like Melbourne? Whether you’re attracted to its plentiful beaches, amazing bayside eateries or its excellent nightlife, Melbourne doesn’t ever disappoint. It is also culturally very diverse and is a good place to try out different cuisines, and most amenities of life are at an easy reach.

We know that it’s the time of the year when you are doing Christmas markets along with ski trips. As well as planning your 2023 holidays. And if you’re in that mode, we want to remind you that Cappadocia continues to hold its charm. It’s a great contender for your 2023 bucket-list, and while we have mentioned it in our Five Hot Air Balloon Rides article , it does merit attention on its own. So, for starters, a bit about Cappadocia. This region is in the southeast of Ankara, and is known for many things, but most prominently for the rock formations known as ‘fairy chimneys’. In fact, you may have come across these beautiful, dreamy structures and Cappadocia’s surreal landscape – on social media, on the pages of a glossy magazine, or even on your friend’s gram! Cappadocia incorporates parts of the cities of Aksaray, Nevşehir, Niğde, Kayseri and Kırşehir. Many tourists head to the towns of Uchisar, Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı and Ihlara to experience the charms of this beautiful landscape. We were based in Goreme for our vacation and used that as a base to explore the region. Here’s what we enjoyed doing whilst in Cappadocia, and we think you may too: Take the hot-air balloon ride I am so glad that I didn’t listen to myself (I thought this was a touristy thing to do) and instead went for the sage advice of my husband. The hot-air balloon ride was an experience of a lifetime, and worth every Lira that we paid for it. Most local tour operators in Cappadocia offer these rides at various times of the day, but you should aim for the pre-dawn flight. If you do, you would be up in the skies, and catching the sunrise as your balloon glides softly over the fairy chimneys — that’s the 60-million-year-old rock formations that look as if they belong to a galaxy far away from Earth. That’s not all. You will also be able to take in the hillside settlements and breath-taking valleys. And once your balloon safely lands, you’re in for a treat too – champagne and some hard-earned Turkish breakfast! Look at the photographs from our trip below, and I am certain that they will win you over! A tour of the underground cities There are several underground cities in Cappadocia carved into the soft tuff rocks. However, there are two large ones near Nevsehir that are open to the public. What did we do? Well, there was so much to see around the area, that we took organised day tours so that we could get a glimpse and more of the not-to-be missed sights. Our group was small, the transport was air-conditioned and comfy – I reckon we couldn’t have covered all of the sights if we had gone out on our own. Here’s what we saw from the day tours, and a private taxi hire. (The cab came at very reasonable rates and ferried us around, giving us time to explore sights on our own). We took in views from Goreme Panorama point, visited the underground cities of Derinkuyu, and also went to the Goreme open air museum. Our tour managed to give us views of the Rose and Red Valley, Ortahisar Greek town and the pigeon valley. (Believe it or not, people collected pigeon droppings for fertiliser and this labyrinth of caves has dovecotes carved into the rocks so that it became easier to collect the droppings.) One of our tours included a visit to Pashaba or the Monks valley and taking in the Uchisar castle. Again, I will let the photographs do some of the talking. Try the testi or pottery kebabs If you are in Cappadocia, you mustn’t miss out on its unique offering. The clay pot/pottery kebab is also known as testi kabab. Meat, vegetables, and lentils are slow cooked in a sealed clay pot in traditional earthen ovens. When the pot is broken, the smoky aroma and flavour just delights your senses. In some cases, there’s also a bit of a flourish at play when this tasty treat is brought to your table. The waiter brings a clay pot from the oven to the table and ours used a sword to break it open! You could have lamb, beef, chicken, shrimp, carrots, celery root, onions, garlic, and potatoes in your pot, depending on what version you’ve ordered. Some restaurants require that you book your pottery kebabs a night or two in advance since they let the meat simmer and cook overnight and more. Whatever you do, please have the testi kebab. Head to the terrace to witness Cappadocia at night It is a most magical way to take in all the beauty of the region. Most hotels or cave hotels in Cappadocia would have a terrace. Once you’re done with dinner, head there and watch the magic unfold. We were in Goreme and the entire neighbourhood was lit up with lights – it felt like a festival of sorts! Be transported into a different realm by attending a Dervish ceremony We attended one at the Saruhan Caravanserai – just outside of Avanos. It was a most beautiful ceremony, and I felt as if all my worries flew away, and for that hour, I was one with the dervishes. You can find the details of the ceremony here . ( All photographs in this feature, apart from the one accompanying the dervish performance, are by the author and are taken whilst on a personal trip to Turkey .)

If you’ve a trip planned to California in 2023, we have a hot little list for you here. The reason is, the Golden State is offering travellers and tourists a wealth of new offerings. This ranges from theme park experiences and cultural attractions to photo-worthy museums and luxury resorts. And all of these are being introduced for 2023. So even if you’ve been to California before, there will be something brand new and exciting in store for you, and your family. It’s like discovering a much-loved place in a new light. Exciting Theme Park Additions SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly anticipated themed land, will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, and will be the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ to debut in the United States. It opened its first location at Universal Studios Japan to rave reviews in 2021. The US debut at Universal Studios Hollywood will transport theme park guests and Nintendo fans into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to become part of their compelling universe. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ was created in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to generations of Nintendo fans for over 40 years. Disney – 100 years of wonder celebration at Disneyland Resort Begins in January 2023 Disney 100 Years of Wonder (Disney100) will be the largest cross-company global celebration in the history of The Walt Disney Co. At Disneyland Resort, the heart of the celebration, the fun kicks off on the 27th of January with limited-time offerings taking place throughout the year. Highlights include platinum-infused décor throughout the resort; two all-new night-time spectaculars: “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure Park and “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park. There’s also the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction; the opening of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown in spring 2023; and the long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park in time for spring. San Diego to Debut Arctic Rescue Coaster SeaWorld San Diego’s new highly anticipated coaster, Arctic Rescue , will open in spring 2023. Joining other thrill rides at the theme park, Arctic Rescue will be the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast. This family friendly, multi-launch ride invites guests to hop on a snowmobile and launch up to 40 mph on a chilly adventure as they race through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger. Revamped and reimagined experiences at Knott’s Berry Farm Montezooma’s Revenge was the first flywheel-launched roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1978, and it is the oldest shuttle loop roller coaster still in its original location. For 2023, Montezooma’s Revenge is being rethemed with new thrills that will allow guests to be completely surprised by the direction the train takes them. The new Fiesta Village will reopen at Knott’s Berry Farm in summer 2023, showcasing beautiful décor across three new zones in the area, brand-new food locations, an updated Fiesta Plaza stage and a redesigned marketplace inspired by Los Angeles’ Olvera Street. Major Attraction Openings Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza opening 2023 The new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza coming to downtown Palm Springs in 2023 will feature the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Spa at Séc-he and an outdoor Oasis Trail. The new museum will celebrate the history, culture and modern times of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and the state-of-the-art spa will showcase the Tribe’s ancient Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. Inspiration for its design includes Agua Caliente traditions such as basket weaving and pottery, and elements found in nature. The Sausalito Center for the Arts opening in Marin County The Sausalito Center for the Arts (SCA) in Marin County is set to open in early 2023, along the iconic waterfront street of Bridgeway. Sausalito is a community with a rich arts heritage, and the SCA embodies that history. The centre will feature art and cultural events, as well as serve as an educational, meeting and community-building space. A one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of downtown Sausalito, the SCA will feature a beautiful rooftop bar complete with Sausalito’s famed picture-perfect view of the bay. Museum of Illusions coming to San Diego Museum of Illusions will open a new museum in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter toward the end of 2023. The nearly 10,000-square-foot museum will feature optical illusions, 3D holograms, brain-puzzling exhibits and interactive illusion rooms designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Noteworthy new accomodations California’s diverse accommodation offerings continue to expand, with more than 30 new hotels and resorts opening in 2022, accounting for over 5,100 additional rooms. Noteworthy new hotels slated to open in 2023 include: Pendry Newport Beach replacing the iconic former Fashion Island Hotel Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa opening in Indian Wells Canopy by Hilton opening in downtown Sacramento Appellation Hotel in the rolling hills of Healdsburg Hearst Hotel in San Francisco, which is set to redefine luxury in the city by the bay Palihotel San Diego, along with three new hotels within Palisociety’s brand-new Le Petit Pali brand.   The Renovated Sea Ranch Lodge Is a Must-Visit Stop in Northern California’s Iconic Coastal Community.  Nomada Hotel Group set to open three new properties in SLO CAL Adding to its existing portfolio including Granada Hotel & Bistro in San Luis Obispo, Farmhouse , a B&B style hotel with 26 separate cottages is due to open in the heart of Paso Robles in January 2023. River Lodge , a wine country escape complete with 27 accommodations, large central pool, gardens and full-service restaurant and bar, is due to open in May 2023 at the base of the Paso Robles wine trail. In August 2023, Pozo , situated near Santa Margarita Lake, will provide 30 accommodations including airstreams, upscale tents and RV hook-ups. The property will also boast a distiller, pool and soaking tubs, as well as a full-service restaurant.  Now that you have all the information from exciting new resorts, attractions and experiences, time to get your holiday planning hat on!

The festive season is officially here and whilst many of us have the traditions that we stick to year after year, it’s often very different for everyone across the world. Many in the UK often dream of a white Christmas and Australians are known to enjoy their Christmas whilst on the beach with a BBQ! Travel Department has put together a snapshot of how cultures around the world celebrate the festivities. Take a look below. 1. Italy & Befana the Witch Whilst Italy celebrates the holiday season with delicious food on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, they also have an extra holiday tradition. On the eve of 6th January, called Epiphany (the 12th day of Christmas), children will excitedly leave their stockings out in the hopes it will be filled with sweets and presents. 2. Italy & No Meat on Christmas Eve Even though Christmas Eve is a cause of a family feast in Italy, unlike the following day, it’s traditional that no meat (and sometimes no dairy) is consumed. It’s often a meal consisting of seafood before people go to Midnight Mass services. 3. The Netherlands & Shoes by the Fireplace In the lead-up to 25th December, the children of The Netherlands place shoes by the fire in hopes that Sinterklaas will fill them with small gifts in the night. Similar to how we would leave a cookie and a drink for Santa and a snack for his reindeer, the Dutch leave carrots in the shoes for Sinterklaas’ faithful steed, a white horse named Amerigo. Whilst we’re used to naughty children receiving coal in their stockings, children who misbehave would traditionally receive a potato in lieu of gifts. 4. Ukraine & Festive Cobwebs Usually, we associate Christmas with wreathes, tinsel, baubles and more; Ukrainians often use decorations that mimic a spider’s web shimmering in the winter dew. This tradition stems from a folktale about a widow who could not decorate a tree for her children, so spiders took pity on the family and spun beautiful cobwebs all over the tree for Christmas morning.  Additionally, spider’s webs are considered to be lucky in Ukrainian culture. 5. Japan & Fried Chicken Feast In 1974, KFC undertook a holiday marketing campaign in Japan. The straightforward phrase “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!) started a national custom that is still popular today. Despite the fact that Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, families from all across the nation gather there for a special Christmas Eve supper. 6. South Africa & a Barbeque While the festivities vary by area and culture in South Africa, most families get together for a barbeque known as a braaing. The main course includes marinated steaks and boerewors sausages, while the traditional dessert is malva pudding served with custard. Christmas trees made of traditional fir are adorned with a variety of ornaments, including hand-beaded African decorations. 7. The Alpines & Krampus Joins Santa According to mythology, the Krampus, a devil-like monster, joins St. Nicholas celebrations on 6 th  December in Alpine nations like Austria. A list of their good and bad deeds is requested from the kids: children who behave well receive treats like candy, apples, and nuts, while those who don’t behave well worry about what the Grinch might bring on Christmas morning. 8. Egypt & Christmas in January In Egypt, Christmas Day isn’t celebrated on the 25th December but on the 7th January! Coptic Orthodox Christians observe a specific fast during the 43 days leading up to Christmas (Advent), from 25 November to 6 January, during which they essentially follow a vegan diet. They don’t consume anything made with animal products (including chicken, beef, milk and eggs). It is referred to as “The Holy Nativity Fast.” However, people can be forgiven if they are too weak or ill to fast properly. 9. Philippines & Four Months of Christmas & Parol Philippines is known for celebrating Christmas for four months – Festivities begin in September! However, formal celebrations begin on 16 th  December with the first of nine pre-dawn early morning masses. Whilst Filipinos have adopted many western traditions such as Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, and Christmas Carols, they still enjoy some native traditions. ‘Parol’ is traditionally a bamboo pole or frame with a paper star lantern on it. The decoration symbolises the star that guided the Wise Men and is one of the most popular decorations in the country. 10. Ireland & A Single Red Candle A tall red candle is traditionally left in a front window by the Irish overnight as a warm-weather sign of safety and protection. In Ireland, homemade roast goose, veggies, cranberries, and potatoes are a common holiday cuisine. There’s also the ‘little Christmas’ or ‘Women’s Christmas’ – January 6 is a special day in Ireland when the women of the country are celebrated. It’s to cheer their efforts – all women who worked so tirelessly during the holiday period. The day falls on January 6 and is also known as Nollaig na mBan, or The Feast of the Epiphany. Have you visited any of these beautiful counties and their cultures during the festive period? Or perhaps you’re looking to adopt your own family tradition? Regardless, Christmas is celebrated across the world in a variety of ways – each as beautiful as the last! If you’re looking to visit any of these countries, why not try a  guided tour holiday ? Travel Department offer plenty of discounts and have  holiday deals  all year around.

You may have probably heard the bit about the French baguette. It’s been in the news and made it to many headlines. Well, the French are super happy that their beloved bread has made it to the UNESCO heritage status. President Emmanuel Macron described the baguette as “250 grams of magic and perfection” but do you know about the kind of elements and experiences on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Representative list? Being part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage inscriptions means recognising the country’s heritage and its importance in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of increasing globalisation. There are many interesting and rich experiences and elements from the world over on the list. It includes Ukrainian borscht cooking and traditional Ahlat stonework from Turkey, the traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony and many more. It actually makes for such a lovely bucket list. Imagine having a travel bucket list that aims to experience and tick off things from the UNESCO 2022 list ! How incredible it would be to experience, say bear festivities in the Pyrenees ? The bear festivities take place every winter in five villages in the Pyrenees mountain range located in Andorra and France. You will see young men dress up as bears and run through the streets trying to catch participants. The festivities are punctuated by dances, speeches in Catalan and music. The entire local population takes part, hunting the bears and welcoming the spectators. Although the style varies from one village to the next, the scenario remains the same and symbolizes the end of winter, spring rebirth (with the bear waking up from hibernation) and the relationship between humans and nature. Or heading to China to get insight into its traditional tea processing techniques and tea ceremonies ? Tea is an important part of people’s daily lives in China. You will find that tea is served steeped or boiled in homes, workplaces, tea houses, restaurants and temples. It is an important part of socialisation and of ceremonies such as weddings. The practice of greeting guests and building relationships within families and among neighbours through tea-related activities is so integral to this country and its people. And if you’re the sort of person who loves a good cup of tea, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony or visiting a tea plantation will be like a dream come true. The telling tradition of Nasreddin anecdotes is also very interesting, and would certainly make it to my list. Would it make to yours? It refers to the social practices and festivals around the telling of anecdotes attributed to Nasreddin, a philosopher and wise man recognized for his wisdom and humour. Although there are slight differences across communities in terms of imagery, character names and stories, the key features are shared as a common heritage in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. How nice it would be to attend a festival or a storytelling event and take in the anecdotes – over cups of coffee and a nice fire? Being a part of a feast, and being able to sample Al-Mansaf in Jordan also tickles our taste buds! This festive dish is central to Jordan’s socio-cultural fabric. Large chunks of sheep or goat meat are boiled with spices in a yoghurt sauce and served with rice or sometimes bulgur over a layer of thin bread. The preparation itself is a social event, with cooks discussing common concerns, telling stories and singing. The layers of bread, rice and meat are arranged on a platter and garnished with fried, desiccated almonds. In northern Jordan, fried bulgur balls filled with minced meat are also placed around the dish. The host’s relatives carry the platters to the reception hall and the guests sit around them, with five to seven people around each platter. Traditionally, the dish is consumed with the right hand while the left is placed behind the back, but today some people use dishes and spoons. Women generally pass down the recipes and related practices (such as milking the goat or sheep) to their daughters and granddaughters. Fascinating stuff, isn’t it? And if Egypt has always been on your bucket list, this will interest you even further. The festivals related to the Journey of the Holy Family in Egypt commemorate the Holy Family’s voyage from Bethlehem to Egypt to escape King Herod’s oppression. Every year, the event is memorialized by two festivals in which Egyptians, including Muslims and Coptic Christians of all ages and genders, participate in large numbers. The first festival, called ‘The Festival of the Advent of the Holy Family to Egypt,’ is a one-day event generally held in the beginning of June. The second event, called ‘The Nativity of the Virgin’, is a feast that takes place in several towns and cities, including Durunka and Cairo, between May and August. Activities include singing, traditional games, body-painting, re-enactments of the journey, religious processions, artistic performances and the sharing of traditional foods. Do check out the complete list here, and let me know what experiences make it to your list. (All photographs, including the feature/cover image and information in this feature story are from unesco.org)

Here’s some very exciting news for those who are a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien and  The Lord of the Rings . Now, chances are that you have already visited or put on the top of your dream list, a trip to the Hobbiton movie set. Millions of passionate fans have thronged the Hobbiton movie set over the years but none of them have had the opportunity to spend a night in ‘Middle-earth’. Until now. When everything changes and an opportunity of a lifetime is made available! For the first time ever, fans from around the world can explore the faraway lands of their favourite holiday films with an exclusive overnight stay at the original Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Host Russell Alexander is inviting guests to his family’s property to live like Bilbo Baggins and retreat to The Shire ™  for an overnight stay at Hobbiton, as featured in the famed  The Lord of the Rings  and  The Hobbit  film trilogies. Nestled in the picturesque pastures of New Zealand’s Waikato region on a 2,500-acre working farm, the property’s rolling, green hills – bear a striking similarity to The Shire™ as described by J. R. R. Tolkien in  The Lord of the Rings . It was this likeness that captivated Sir Peter Jackson’s movie scouts more than two decades ago. The team quickly realised the Hobbits had found their home – and this holiday season, it could be yours.  Alexander will host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests at NZD $10 per night* as a homage to the 10th anniversary of  The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey , courtesy of Airbnb.  With access to 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse , The Green Dragon Inn , and other beloved locations from the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, guests will take an unexpected journey into Middle-earth for an experience unlike any other.  What is on offer whilst they are there, and what can they expect to enjoy? Cozy overnight accommodation curated by the trilogies’ Creative Director Brian Massey, including a writing nook fit for Bilbo Baggins at The Millhouse. Private access to a personal Hobbit Hole, set up for relaxing moments of  Preciousss ime and afternoon tea.  An evening banquet in The Green Dragon Inn with a feast featuring beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, freshly baked breads and plenty of ale, plus Second Breakfast™ and Elevenses™ served daily.  A behind-the-scenes private tour of Hobbiton Movie Set. Excited? How can you apply? You may request to book at one of three overnight stays on Tuesday, December 13 at 9 PM GMT at  airbnb.com/hobbiton . Stays will take place March 2-4, March 9-11, and March 16-18, 2023.  To request to book, guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged 18+. Maximum occupancy is four persons. Two bedrooms are configured, featuring one queen bed, and the other two king-singles. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from Auckland, New Zealand. Round-trip car transportation will be provided for the two-hour journey between the airport and the property.  For those who haven’t as yet made their foray into the world and work of J. R. R. Tolkien and are intrigued by all the terms we’ve used (what’s Middle-earth, what’s a Hobbit Hole and Hobbiton, you ask?), here are two helpful links. Find out about J. R. R. Tolkien here and about the movies and more based on his work here . Now, set for your calendars for December 13, and request a booking!

If you’ve always fancied a digital nomad lifestyle, or want to explore one, here’s some news you could use. And an opportunity that you can make good use of in 2023. You could work from incredible destinations and explore the world alongside your 9-5 job. Holiday rentals marketplace HomeToGo has announced a search for its first ever Professional Nomad: a remote or hybrid worker who’ll receive up to three months of free stays in incredible rentals via HomeToGo’s marketplace in order to experience the ultimate workation. The opportunity, which is open for submissions via hometogo.de/nomad/en up to 15 January 2023, comes alongside new research revealing the top cities for workations across Europe in 2023. The demand for workations is soaring, with web searches for the term seeing a year-on-year increase of 210% in 2022¹. Moreover, in a recent HomeToGo consumer survey of German residents², 75% of participants stated that they would like to go on a workation next year. To help this wave of remote working adventurers find ideal destinations for their travels, HomeToGo has researched over 150 European cities to create a ranking of the top spots for workations across the continent.  Looking for locations that offer superlative set ups for travellers working remotely, plenty of things to do and see around the 9-5, plus good value for money, HomeToGo’s 2023 Workation Index takes into consideration the number of coworking spaces per capita, internet speeds, the amount of highly-rated tourist attractions, hours of daylight, and the median price per night per person for holiday accommodation in each city. Jonas Upmann , Travel Expert at HomeToGo , adds: “ From seasoned digital nomads to those starting to think about their first trip of this kind, we hope that HomeToGo’s 2023 Workation Index will provide plenty of workation inspiration to all types of travellers. It’s clear that workations are here to stay – and with privacy, space, and functional office setups, holiday rentals are the ideal accommodation for this type of travel. We look forward to finding our first ever Professional Nomad to test this out at scale in 2023! ” And here are the best 10 destinations for digital nomads in 2023. Also, here’s more about what the professional nomad offer is all about. What will the Professional Nomad’s responsibilities include? With privacy, space, and functional office setups, vacation rentals are the ideal type of accommodation for workations. Receiving up to three months of free stays – valued at €10,000 – via the HomeToGo marketplace, HomeToGo’s first ever Professional Nomad will test this out at scale. They’ll choose when, with whom and to whence they travel, with one key responsibility: experience the ultimate workation with HomeToGo. Who can sign up for a chance to be selected? If you’re able to work remotely, we encourage you to apply! Entrants must be aged 18 years or older. We have given you plenty of inspiration for 2023. Now it’s time to pack your laptop, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to find your next workation destination, with guidance from the list above.

The series that everyone is talking about is filmed in some stunning locations. After the first Hawaii-set season became a sleeper hit (and won several awards), the show evolved into another season. The first two seasons of  The White Lotus  were filmed in real-life luxury hotels by the Four Seasons chain. The instalments also include restaurants from the hotels.  The first season of  The White Lotus  was filmed at the  Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea as filming took place in 2020, the crew was under strict COVID-19 guidelines. Rooms at the luxury property begin at approximately €1,000 per night and include the spa, three pools, 81 cabanas, water sports, and snorkelling. It’s beside the beautiful Wailea Beach, which is also featured on the show. In the tv show, the rooms are painted in print, wild colours, whereas in real-life the decor is much more muted. In season two, the location moves to Sicily to the San Domenico Palace, Taormina . Overlooking the Ionian Sea, including views of the beautiful Greek theatre, the Teatro Antico di Taormina as well as the active volcano Mount Etna, this stunning hotel has hosted Hollywood royalty such as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. The four seasons chain took over in 2020. Season 2 was also filmed at  Lumina Studios close to Rome and on location in Sicily. Noto, a southeastern town famous for its Baroque architecture, was featured in a quick girls’ trip for Daphne and Harper.

Saudi Arabia’s ancient city of AlUla is in the limelight in 2023. It will once again play host to the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the world’s only modern polo tournament to be staged in a desert, from Thursday January 26 to Saturday January 28, 2023. Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Desert Polo is the first modern polo tournament in the world to be staged in a desert environment.  About AlUla Located 1,100km from Riyadh in north-west Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets and packages You can book different kinds of packages and tickets to the tournament, including a three day access pass. This 3-day access pass allows you to enjoy the high-energy weekend-long tournament from start to finish. You can dress to impress at this exclusive tournament in AlUla and be a part of the celebrations as Adolfo Cambiaso and La Dolfina Saudi Polo Team are welcomed to the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo once again. Competing teams The eight competing teams will be led by an expert player from global polo icons, with the world famous La Dolfina Polo Team players back again joined by Facundo Pieres and Gonzalito Pieres and other professional players, while invited patrons and players drawn from both Saudi Arabia and the global polo community will make up the sides. Putting your best foot forward Like any sporting event, spectators and visitors not only rejoice in the game, but also in the opportunity to put their best fashion foot forward! Richard Mille is the official timekeeper of the exclusive two-day event (amongst some of the most renowned polo players participating in the tournament was a member of the Richard Mille family and long-term brand partner, Pablo Mac Donough). “We are proud to be part of this significant event and to support the continuous development of polo in Saudi Arabia. The AlUla region provides the perfect natural stage to witness some of the greatest polo stars on the planet in action,” Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA. Make a trip out of the sporting event The region has some stunning landscapes, and you can see gorgeous images here . You can explore the region and its many attractions, making the desert polo tournament a stepping stone to a great vacation.

Here’s some good news for those who love rail travel, and especially across Europe. Known as the ‘ Good Night Train ,’ this sleeper service will link several European cities this year. The current route on offer is Brussels – Amsterdam – Berlin. Ticket sales will start on  20 February , 2023. What would the sleeper train journeys be like? According to its website, these journeys would include the following amenities and options: Comfortable couchettes, good beds and seats. Breakfast in compartment; more catering options available Bikes can be transported, pets in private compartments Will start with three times a week, daily if possible from 2024 Tickets from €49 for a seat and from €79 for a bed

From yoga retreats to living like a monk, rejuvenating the mind and body is one of the travel industry’s top trends for 2023. The need to unplug and reboot is largely due to fast-paced lifestyles, increased stress factors and post-pandemic lag. California has long been a mecca for travellers seeking a higher level of health, fitness and inner peace. Retreats can be found all across the Golden State, from the beachy yoga culture in Southern California to the breezily beautiful Central Coast and remote northern regions. Discover five of the best wellness experiences for 2023 in California.  Live like a monk in Shasta Abbey, Mount Shasta Achieve a more profound sense of self through a stay at Shasta Abbey. This Buddhist monastery welcomes outsiders into its beautiful, sacred space, located on a 16-acre forest near the base of Mount Shasta. The three-day Introductory Retreat encourages visitors to try Soto Zen through guided meditation, Dharma talks, and mindfulness. Soak in a desert oasis at Two Bunch Palms, Desert Hot Springs Two Bunch Palms , a former favourite of Al Capone, the resort has more recently hosted Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Madonna, and more. Thanks to natural aquifers found in Desert Hot Springs (30 minutes outside of Palm Springs), guests can soak in healing mineral water under the shade of tamarisk trees. The spa menu encourages adventure through unique therapies, including water shiatsu, sound vibration healing and shaman-lead classes.  Find your centre, then ride waves with a Surf & Stay retreat, San Diego Up your fitness, SoCal-style, with a Surf & Stay retreat in San Diego. Guests can choose from weekend or five-day packages, both of which include accommodations at Blue Sea Beach Hotel , overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Guests will be fully kitted out in head-to-toe surfing gear while enjoying unlimited lessons and surf tours up and down the San Diego coast. Yoga classes, guided bike tours and stand-up paddleboarding lessons are offered too. Relax with curated cannabis in Mendocino County Incorporating cannabis into wellness has become more popular and for those who would like to combine the CBD trend with travelling, Mendocino is a place to be. Key takes on integrating CBD and cannabis products into a visit include a session at Fort Bragg’s The Bakery, featuring artisanal cannabis products presented in bakery-style display cases. In Ukiah, visitors can head to  Plantshop for a selection of local sun-grown herb or a medicated yoga session. Located in the most southern tip of Mendocino County, Gualala’s High Tides offers up full service of “compassionate cannabis care”.  Relax with yoga and wine in Westerbeke Ranch, Sonoma It’s all about balance at Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma where Body Flows hosts regular retreats. It includes daily yoga classes, meditation, hikes, healthy farm-to-table meals, and nightly tastings best enjoyed before a dip in the hot tub. Visitors can retire to the private or shared cabin, nestled in among trees and gardens.  For more information www.visitcalifornia.com