Top 10 of the Best New Year Travel Resolutions for 2012

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Author: louiselanjaron

The New Year is approaching and we will all be thinking of our 2012 holiday destinations. The New Year resolution traditions stretch all over the globe. Here are a few suggestions for travelers wanting to make a difference this coming year.

Travellers resolution 1 - Leave no trace

An important one for not only the countries we visit but also for nature and to respect the environment. It is important we leave nature as we find it. Take all litter with us and not to chuck it onto the ground in beach, mountain, forests and water areas. To be careful when in hot climates not to start fires, especially through the summer months.

Travellers resolution 2 - Reduce water consumption

Many of the countries we visit are warm climates that see little or no rain for months. It is important to remember that although we are on holiday the locals that live there need water supply all year round so if we are careful with the water we are helping the natives water supply. Try shorter showers and don't leave the tap running when brushing your teeth.

Travellers resolution 3 - Not to over pack

Many of us feel the need to pack our suitcases to the brim. Nothing is worse than having to lug around a heavy suitcase. Try packing sensibly and keep your luggage to a minimum. When traveling to hot countries there should be much less weight as you will only be needing your shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. Also try buy your shampoos, gels and liquids from local supermarkets once in your destination country.

Image by Jeff Hester via Flickr

Christmas Breaks in Barcelona

Author: Asif Khan

Christmas seems to begin earlier and earlier each year. It seems that no sooner do the skulls, witches and vampires for Halloween leave the shop windows do we see Santa Claus, Rudolph and the elves appear. Then as soon as Saint Steven's day arrives, the shops are full of the January sales! Well, Barcelona in Spain is different. OK, so maybe the decorations do start to spring up a little after Halloween, but Christmas festivities in Barcelona breaks go on for much longer than just 26th December.
New Years is a huge celebration, in the bars and restaurants, and on the streets. People are dressed up and there is a carnival atmosphere. As the clocks strike twelve, the people of Barcelona eat twelve grapes in time with each of the chimes.
There will be bright lights everywhere you go and gifts for anyone on your list. You might even find some snow. However, not as much as you may find in other parts of Europe. You will find singing all around, specialty foods that are only treasured during this time. You will also find that many places like museums celebrate the holidays but are not open on Christmas Day.
Shopping in the Catalan Capital of Barcelona is one of the best things to do to aside from visiting many of the cultural and heritage sites the Mediterranean city has to offer. Shopping malls and small winding alleyways filled with shops are the hub of the centre of the city - the old town, or Casc Antiguo - and there are certainly some bargains to be had if you know the right places.
On Christmas Eve in Barcelona you will find it filled with special visitors in the homes there. Mainly those homes with children will get a visit from the "caga tió" a round wooden log which represents the practice of giving presents. This log marks the beginning of the holiday season and that Santa Claus is coming. This is also the time many families gather and spend some time outdoors. During the day the parents will hide the log and then the children will find it and hit it with a stick to bring forth presents.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/christmas-breaks-in-barcelona-3800875.html
About the Author

Log on to http://www.citybreakbarcelona.co.uk/ and you'll find everything that you need for Barcelona Holidays.

Christmas markets in Brussels

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Author: Paul Buchanan

Belgium has become a haven for those looking for an authentic way to celebrate the festive season, thanks to the famous Christmas markets in Brussels offering yuletide gifts, snacks and entertainments in the heart of the historic city.

The two largest Christmas markets in the city - easily found at the Grand Place and St Catherine's area, respectively - offer a plethora of attractions and entertainments for visitors of all ages throughout the Christmas period, a far cry from the overly commercialised and sanitised Christmas celebrations found in many cities in the UK and elsewhere.

Belgium may not have invented the Christmas market tradition - that honour belongs to Germany - but this smaller nation has undoubtedly taken the top spot in the minds of travellers from around the world, looking for a city break destination ideal for celebrating the season of goodwill. With fairground attractions including a big wheel and carousels, not to mention skating events held at the city's ice skating rink, ensuring that 21st century kids will be just as satisfied with the entertainment on offer as older generations.

That's not to say Brussels' Christmas markets are all about exerting energy though, as the Brussels Winter Wonderland is packed with cultural attractions to appeal to lovers of the arts too - with a number of free performances and remarkable ice sculptures gracing the streets during the period. The market stalls themselves are a major highlight, of course, and whether you're looking for home-made decorations, seasonal snacks or mulled wine, Brussels won't disappoint.

The city hosts around 240 wooden chalets specially constructed for the winter season, where visitors can buy all manner of gifts, and they transform the Belgian capital into a true winter wonderland. The shops open late into the night throughout December - typically 9pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends - meaning you'll never feel rushed to get your Christmas shopping in during the day time. Even if you prefer to visit Brussels after spending Christmas at home with the family, the Winter Wonderland festivities take place right through to New Year.

Brussels' Christmas markets are conveniently located if you're staying near the city centre, whether at the Hotel Brussels Midi or other popular accommodation, and if you're staying in Belgium for a longer period, you could also consider taking the trip to nearby Bruges. The markets here may be less impressive in size and scale, but the yuletide atmosphere is still on par with the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Related articles

• Top Six Christmas Markets To Visit In Europe (vino-con-vista.blogspot.com)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/christmas-markets-in-brussels-3802422.html
About the Author

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Romantic Escapes in the English Riviera, Devon

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By Debbie V Wall


A special person in your life or an amazing couple will treasure one of the many romantic escapes in the English Riviera, Devon. This is a most romantic break, offered in beautiful Devon, England. Show your love a wonderful carefree holiday in Devon. The sea view is spectacular and the opportunity for taking walks along the beach is high on the agenda. Quaint coffee shops quietly await your entry if you decide to venture out for a bite to eat.

Striking cottages are located in the Devon area and ready for let. A cottage with a direct view of the sea or a private garden will give a holiday worth remembering. A bed and breakfast catering to your every need would make any romantic interlude a success. Whatever the choice, you cannot go wrong in Devon's adorable setting.
Lovely cottages that sleep 8 with quaint patios, linen is provided with the rental and most cottages have under floor heating to keep you nice and cozy. Visit Drogo, one of the last castles constructed in England with your partner and toast to the time of Camelot. A house along the ocean is also truly romantic so escape to the English Riviera for some serious alone time. Make your romantic getaway in Devon a regular adventure. This pleasure trip will find a happy reception.
Entertain your significant other in Devon's Exeter. This cultural Mecca holds various celebrations throughout the year from New Years to Christmas. There is always entertainment on the English Riviera, visit the 850 year old Cathedral and stand in awe of a special time of unique architecture. Devon has the unique honour of having the only underground passageway and they are filled with shops, and wonderful places to explore.
Wow your love with candle light dinners while you sit and watch the ocean. Sit lakeside and have lunch by the water or have a massage together in one of the many elegant spas of Devon. Romantic escapes on the English Riviera can be a work of art; romantic breaks in Devon make a very special surprise for any loved one. Get away from the everyday grind and spend a day or more just idling time away together. Stroll through Exeter and discuss Roman architecture. As one of England's first established cities Exeter is filled with historical significance. Devon has a great deal of parkland making it a most unique place for a romantic breaks Devon.
Debbie is a tour guide who operates in the UK. She is primarily based in Lynton and Lynmouth and also reviews accommodation, such as guesthouses and hotels that she stays at. For romantic breaks Devon, Debbie recommends a Lynton B&B, called highcliffehouse.co.uk, as it is set within Exmoor National Park.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_V_Wall


http://EzineArticles.com/?Romantic-Escapes-in-the-English-Riviera,-Devon&id=5382956


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