10 best cities for a winter vacation

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Prague, Czech Republic

With its snow-capped spires and cobbled, winding streets, Prague is a fairytale city that remains relatively tourist-free in the winter months.

The stunning architecture looks even prettier under a sheet of snow, with one of the most beautiful areas being the old town, with its turrets and Romanesque vaults.

Gas street lamps were recently reinstalled throughout the city center, adding a romantic hue to evenings.

Cafes here are ideal for escaping the bitter cold.

"Choco Cafe is a great place to take a breather from intense winter sightseeing in the Old Town," says travel blogger Girl in Czechland. "It's full of comfy chairs and sofas and they have more than a dozen kinds of hot chocolate, which is so thick you can practically stand a spoon up it in it."

Where to eat: Lokál Dlouhá. This recently opened restaurant is known for its svíčková na smetaně (beef tenderloin and cream sauce).

Lokál Dlouhá, Dlouhá 33, Prague 1; +420 222 316 265

Where to sleep: The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa is a five-star, fairytale-like hotel in the middle of the city's old town.

The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa, Tržiště 19, Prague 1; +420 257 286 011

What to do: After the Christmas markets, there's the fascinating Estates Theatre, where Mozart conducted the world premiere of "Don Giovanni" in 1787.

Estates Theatre, Ovocný trh/Železná Street, Prague 1, +420 224 901 448

Salzburg, Austria

With its backdrop of Christmas carols and traditional markets, this is a perfect city for a winter break.
"Silent Night" was performed for the first time in the Oberndorf on the outskirts of Salzburg on Christmas Eve in 1818.
The city's main market is held in the shadow of Salzburg's Hohensalzburg fortress, but the one held in Mirabell Square is especially popular with foodies who come to sample local delicacies such as halusky -- pieces of dumpling mixed with fried bacon.
Where to eat: Goldener Hirsch on Getreidegasse. This beautiful restaurant is located within the old stables of an historic townhouse. The food is traditional Austrian with a modern twist.
Goldener Hirsch, Getreidegasse 37, Salzburg; +43 662 80840; everyday noon-2 p.m. and 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where to sleep: The Statkrug. A beautiful four-star Austrian hotel with one of the city's best roof terraces.
The Statkrug, Linzergasse 20, Salzburg; +43 662 8735 45-0
What to do: For a different perspective on Christmas, there's the Christmas manger exhibition at the Panorama Museum on Residenzplatz between November 29 and January 12.
Panorama Museum, Residenzplatz 9, Salzburg; +43 662 620808-730; everyday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.


Tromso, Norway

Tromso: One of the world's best spots for northern lights.
There are several reasons Tromso, known as the capital of the Arctic, is great in winter.
It's widely regarded as Norway's most beautiful city and is a base for spotting the northern lights.
More: Best places to see the northern lights
There are also several fascinating museums, including the Polar Museum, which offers an insight into the history of Arctic expeditions, and the Tromso Museum, which is famous for its Sami exhibitions.
Where to eat: Arcantandria is famous for its shellfish.
Arcantandria, Strandtorget 1, Tromsø; +47 77 60 07 20
Where to sleep: The four-star Clarion Post Bryggen has rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views.
Clarion Post Bryggen, Sjøgata 19-21, Tromsø; +47 77 78 11 00
What to do: The Perspektivet Museum on Storgata offers fascinating insight into Norwegian art.
Perspektivet Museum, Storgata 95, Tromsø; +47 77 60 19 10; Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.


Amsterdam

In winter, Amsterdam's museums are empty, making it the time to visit attractions such as Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House.
Built originally to house a circus, the Royal Carré Theatre celebrated its 125th anniversary last year.
Children will love the spectacular performances, which feature athletes from Russia, North Korea and China.
Where to eat: The cozy Restaurant Greetje has traditional Dutch food (and lots of Delft).
Restaurant Greetje, Peperstraat 23-25, Amsterdam; +31 20 7797 450; Sunday-Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 6-11 p.m.
Where to sleep: The beautiful five-star 717 boutique hotel on Prinsegracht is housed inside a former sugar trader's residence.
717 boutique hotel, Prinsengracht 717, Amsterdam; +31 20 4270 717
What to do: For Christmas shopping, smaller shopping areas like Haarlemmerstraat in the Jordaan, the Spiegelkwartier and the Negen Straatjes are better than the big department stores.


Nagano, Japan

As a former Winter Olympics host city, Nagano is a great base for exploring nearby ski resorts.
The natural hot springs on the outskirts are perfect after a day on the slopes.
Beautiful, snow-covered Buddhist temples are worth checking out, as is the Togakushi Minzoku-kan folklore museum, which has a fascinating display about the ninjas who once trained there.
A top tip?
"The Neapolitan pizza oven place Qui E La that's tucked away in a private home in the woods is an even more welcome refuge in winter," says travel blogger Una, founder of lets-get-lost.com.
Where to eat: Fujiki-an on Daimonkikyocho is famous for its soba noodles, which they've been making since 1827. A picture menu makes ordering easy.
Fujiki-an, 67 Daimonkikyocho, Nagano, +81 26 232 2531
Where to sleep: Hotel JAL city on Toigoshomach is a short walk from both the train station and one of Japan's largest wooden temples -- in winter the views over snowy Nagano are breathtaking.
Hotel JAL city, 1221 Toigosyo-machi, Nagano-shi, +81 26 225 1131
What to do: The Zenkō-ji temple, built in the 7th century, ranks as the third largest wooden temple in Japan.
Zenkō-ji (Japanese only), 491-i Nagano-Motoyoshicho, Nagano-shi; +81 26 234 3591


Reykjavík, Iceland

Although Iceland's capital city is one of Europe's coldest spots, it has plenty of natural hot springs to warm up in (some of the best can be found in the Nauthólsvík area of the city).
The annual Winter Lights Festival, which takes place in February, is a spectacular celebration of winter.
Visitors can try their hand at a wide range of winter sports or skate on the city's Tjörnin pond.
Many cozy coffee houses sell rúgbrauð -- locally made, dark, sweet bread.
"An unmissable experience during winter is a dip in one of the city's many outdoor geothermal swimming pools," says Eliza Reid, who co-founded icelandwritersretreat.com with Erica Green.
"There is no experience quite like soaking in these naturally warm waters with snowflakes tickling your nose. Each swimming pool has its own character and everyone has their favorite."
Where to eat: Dill restaurant in the Nordic House cultural center. Chef Gunnar Karl Gislason is passionate about local produce and the food here is some of the freshest in Iceland.
Dill restaurant, Sturlugötu 5, Reykjavík; +354 552 1522
Where to sleep: Owned by Icelandair, Hotel Marina is a quirky, colorful hotel located in one of the city's trendiest districts.
Hotel Marina, Myrargata 2, Reykjavik; +354 560 8000
What to do: Harpa, the city's concert hall, was designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson to reflect Iceland's geology. It's constructed from more than a thousand glass blocks.
Harpa, Austurbakki 2, Reykjavík, +354 428 5000; daily, 8 a.m.-midnight

Berlin

Christmas markets are the ideal destination for pre-Christmas retail therapy -- Berlin has more than 60 of them.
With a miniature train and puppeteers, the market at Mitte at the Rote Rathaus is ideal for children.
Gendarmenmarkt is famous for handcrafted goods.
The two-story Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store on Kurfürstendamm is worth a look -- it's open all year and sells everything from tree decorations to candles. With 6,500 restaurants, 546 ice cream parlors and cafes and 2,800 snack stalls, there's no shortage of food.
Where to eat: Die Berliner Republik on Schiffbauerdamm is famous for both its food (currywurst is a specialty) and its beer, thanks to a stock exchange-style system that allows drinkers to purchase their favorite beer at rock bottom prices -- if they order at the right time.
Die Berliner Republik, Schiffbauerdamm 8, Berlin; +49 30 308 722 93.
Where to sleep: Hotel Otto on Knesebeckstraße is located in one of Berlin's quieter neighborhoods. Extras include a "surprise" button in the lift.
Hotel Otto, Knesebeckstrasse 10, Berlin; +49 30 54 71 00 80
What to do: Dr Pong on Eberswalder Strasse much surely rank as one of Berlin's quirkier bars. It's a ping pong bar, and perfectly sums up Berlin's underground nightlife scene.
Dr Pong, Eberswalder Strasse 21, Berlin; Monday-Saturday 8 p.m.-late, Sunday 7 p.m.-late (May-September), 6 p.m.-late (October-April)


Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa's Winterlude festival is one of the world's largest winter festivals.
It takes place from January 31 to February 17 and is famous for its ice sculptures, outdoor concerts and toboggan courses.
The Christmas Lights Across Canada scheme, which runs from December 5 to January 7, sees some of the city's largest monuments and buildings bedecked with Christmas lights.
From January, the city has the world's coolest commute -- the 7.8-kilometer (4.8-mile) Rideau Canal Skateway, which is used by commuters, schoolchildren and students to get through the heart of downtown.
Where to eat: Restaurant 18 on York Street serves traditional Canadian cuisine with a modern twist.
Restaurant 18, 18 York St., Ottawa; +1 613 244 1188
Where to sleep: The Arc Hotel is a warm winter retreat, with a fire in the lobby and complimentary champagne for guests.
Arc Hotel, 140 Slater St., Ottawa; +1 613 238 2888
What to do: From January to February visitors can take a spin on the world's largest natural ice rink -- the Rideau Canal.
Rideau Canal Skateway; +1 613 239 5234; January-February


Washington D.C.

If you're arriving in Washington DC by rail, you shouldn't miss the enormous, 30-foot Christmas tree that was given to Union Station by the Embassy of Norway.
In November and December, the ZooLights show at the National Zoo opens late and stages spectacular light shows.
The White House and Lincoln Memorial look especially beautiful in the snow.
During winter months, the Washington Ballet stages performances the Nutcracker.
Where to eat: Equinox Restaurant specializes in what its head chef refers to as "Mid-Atlantic cuisine." He basically means fish, and lots of it.
Equinox Restaurant, 818 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 331 8118, Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Thursday 5:30-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5:30-10:30 p.m., Sunday 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where to sleep: The Palomar is a small, vibrant hotel just a short walk from the Whitehouse, the National Mall and the Smithsonian.
Hotel Palomar, 2121 P St., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 448 1800
What to do: Zoolights at Washington Zoo kicks off on November 29 and lasts until January 1. Half a million individual LEDS turn the popular attraction into a veritable winter wonderland.
Zoolights at the Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 4888; November 29-January 1, daily, 5-9 p.m.


Edinburgh, Scotland

Cobbled streets, a beautiful castle and lovely public gardens make Edinburgh a beautiful city any time of year, but in winter it's breathtaking.
Since the launch of Virgin Atlantic's Little Red service, it's even easier to get to, with regular flights between other UK cities including Manchester and London.
Princes Street Gardens are transformed into a wonderland, complete with ice skating rink, enormous Christmas tree and a Ferris wheel, all in the shadow of the castle.
On the edge of the city, Arthur's Seat is the perfect location for a winter walk and the views from the top are second to none.
Where to eat: Edinburgh isn't about haggis and tatties. For fine dining, One Square restaurant and bar at the Sheraton Grand on Festival Square is the place to go. The drinks menu is impressive -- there are 52 types of gin to choose from.
One Square, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, +44 131 221 6422; daily, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Where to sleep: Jurys Inn is a short walk from the main attractions and offers a warm Scottish welcome.
Jurys Inn, 43 Jeffrey St., Edinburgh; +44 131 200 3300
What to do: A tour around Edinburgh's underground vaults is a great way to learn about the city's fascinating history.
Princes Street Gardens, Princes Street; +44 131 529 7921

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Crazy Buildings on Top of Buildings

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#1 Movin' On Up

They're often a little eccentric, but always seem like a pretty great idea (such as this green roof atop Chicago's City Hall). Here's a look at some of the world's craziest buildings that were built on top of other buildings.

#2 Sydney, Australia

The photo on the right shows a simple art deco building. But if you look closely at the photo on the left, you'll find an ultra-modern metallic home nesting on top.

#3 Loftcube, London

This $2000 prefabricated house offers modern living above the eighth story of a building in London.

#4 Syracuse, NY

The old victiorian house on top of this old manufacturing building is actually just a shell which contains the machinery that runs the building's freight elevator.

#5 Hong Kong, China

With real estate so expensive in Hong Kong, and the population steadily growing, some people just improvise and build their own illegal homes on top of other buildings. Creative? Crazy? Both? Yes.

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The Most Beautiful Train Stations In The World

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#1 Central Railway Station, Helsinki, Finland

Used by over 200,000 passengers per day, Helsinki's Central station is Finland's focal point for public transportation. Clad in granite and featuring a distinct clock tower as well as statues holding the lamps that adorn the entrance to the station, the station is one of the world's most unique. It is distinctly Finnish in its architectural style and that is what makes this station so unique. You couldn't forget where you were when walking the hallways and platforms of Helsinki Central!

#2 Haydarpaşa Terminal, Istanbul, Turkey

Damaged by a fire in 2010, the future of Haydarpaşa Terminal is uncertain. Proposed to be redone as Istanbul's main terminal for a future high-speed line between Istanbul and Turkey's capital city Ankara, the castle-like station remains stunning. Located on the other side of Bosphorus, when it was still open it also functioned as a bus and ferry terminal.

#3 Hungerburgbahn stations, Innsbruck, Austria

The mountainous, landlocked country of Austria is best known for its world class skiing, but it is also home to one of the world's most sophisticated rail systems. This is in order to make traveling between the country's many mountain towns easier for commuters. It's no wonder then that Austria is also home to one of the world's most beautiful train stations. Designed by famed architect Zaha Hadid, Hungerburgbahn is a futuristic set of stations that is as aesthetically ambitious as it is functional.

#4 Southern Cross Station, Melbourne, Australia

With a roof that looks something akin to a wave, Southern Cross Station's modern architecture makes it one of the world's most beautiful train stations. The roof itself stretches an entire city block and almost looks like a gigantic air filled blanket hovering over the platforms of the station. The architecture alone makes this station a must see!

#5 Antwerp Central Station, Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerpen-Centraal, as it is called in Flemish, is the central station of Antwerp, Belgium. Widely regarded as the finest example of railway architecture in the small country of Belgium, is known for its large iron and glass vaulted dome that hovers above its main waiting area. The building's architect, Louis Delacenserie, took influences from many different architectural styles when designing the station. Today, the building is still unable to be defined by any one style in particular. At the time it was built it was actually criticized for its extravagance, due to all the marble it is decorated with. Extravagant or not, this station is a must-see for any visitor to Antwerp!

#6 Atocha Station, Madrid, Spain

Mardrid's Atocha Station is the pride of Spain. Connected by high-speed train to Barcelona and Sevilla, that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this station has to offer its travelers. The station's main concourse features a lush, covered tropical garden full of palms, ferns and more, giving its visitors the feeling of being in a botanical garden. Not to mention an array of stores, cafés and even a nightclub. Perfect for those who want to party all night and have to catch an early morning train.

#7 Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa, Japan

Opened on April 1, 1898, Kanazawa Station has gone through quite the transformation over its 100+ year history. Today, it is elevated above street level and features freshly remodeled facilities as well its now famous Tsuzumi Gate, a glorious, modern take on a traditional Japanese torii. Travelers to Kanazawa are treated to modern Japanese architecture at its finest when visiting Kanazawa Station.

#8 Dunedin Railway Station, New Zealand

Nicknamed "Gingerbread George," Dunedin Station in New Zealand's South Island was once New Zealand's busiest train station. Today, after the advent of the airplane it isn't used quite as much as it once was, but that doesn't mean that it isn't easy to look at. With its mosaic-tiled floors and revived Flemish style architecture, Gingerbread George is a must see for anyone traveling to South New Zealand.

#9 Gare Du Nord, Paris, France

Situated in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, Gare du Nord is the busiest railway station in Europe with approximately 190 million travelers per year. It is also the most famous train station in Europe, having been featured in many different Hollywood and French films over the years. And why wouldn't it be? The station is gorgeous and almost romantic. Wouldn't be hard to imagine witnessing two long lost lovers embracing each other after getting off the train and onto the platform at Gare du Nord.

#10 Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, India

Built by the British during the Victorian era, Mumbai's central railway station is famous for its High Victorian Gothic style of architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is not only one of the most recognizable train stations in India, but the world. Its almost palatial style sets it apart from many of the world's other great stations as well. You truly feel like royalty when you enter through its doors.

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Mushroom House, Perinton, New York

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The Mushroom House or Pod House is a contemporary residence in the town of Perinton, New York which has been featured in television programs (notably HGTV's Offbeat America series) and books due to its whimsical appearance. Patterned after umbels of Queen's Anne's Lace, its brown color is more suggestive of mushrooms. 
The house was constructed for attorney-artist couple Robert and Marguerite Antell between 1969 and 1972 and was designated a town landmark in 1989.
The structure is sited in a moderately-wooded ravine adjacent to Powder Mills Park. The house itself comprises four 80 ton pods which rest on reinforced concrete stems of 14 to 20 feet in height. These fan out from three feet in diameter where they connect to the pods to five feet at the base. The sides of each pod's "cap" are completely windowed. One pod serves as the living and dining area, one as the kitchen/family room, and two as sleeping areas. An additional "half pod" provides an open deck area.
The exterior is concrete with it side walls and unique meringue tops for four of the pods! Due to this, the house is a very quite home inside. Although the setting is very peaceful and tranquil. The new addition has concrete walls however, it is built into the side of a hill! So it is very energy efficient!

MUSHROOM HOUSE INTERIOR
The interior of the Mushroom House is just amazing! Each one of the rooms flows from one to another! When it was first designed by James Johnson, he was in the forefront of “OPEN LIVING”! Today this is what everybody desires in living space! Mr. Johnson is a visionary! Each room has art from the ceiling to the walls to the floors! The ceramic light fixtures by Marguerite Antell are just beautiful! Tile floors and artistic ceilings are breathtaking! Custom woodwork and furniture fits perfectly! Every inch of this home is creative! 

CONSTRUCTION OF THE MUSHROOM HOUSE 
Four 80 ton pods and one balcony resting on variable-length concrete and steel stems that rise from the ravine comprise the house. Builders Peter Strong and William Ashton made molds in the ground, on the site, which they used to form the stems and the pods. The stems vary in height from 14’ to 20’, taper from 5 feet at ground level to 3’ at the top, and are designed to support a pod 34’ in diameter. The pods were constructed in two parts, a bottom and a top. The pod bases were formed in 30’ “pie pan” molds of concrete and polyurethane. Lifted into place, they were reinforced with concrete and steel rods, and a rim of the same material was added for stability. Steel and concrete floors connected the segments. The tops were molded over a hill of sand, reinforced and insulated, and successfully moved into place. This was a major building accomplishment. To reconstruct the buildings today, it is roughly estimated at over $4,500,000!

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The Best Vacation Destinations You've Never Heard Of : Part 2

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#10 Republic of Congo: Gorilla Watching!

I know what you're thinking -- since when has war-torn Congo been on the top of any sane traveler's list? While parts of the country remain embroiled in violence, the Republic of Congo -- a former French colony that has managed to avoid much of the conflicts of its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo -- is experiencing a boon in travelers.
Two luxury safari camps have opened in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in recent years, with easy access to the sights and sounds of the world's second-largest tropical rain forest. Well-appointed rooms with gorgeous views are just the beginning -- here, you even have the opportunity to follow gorillas with local guides. Um, yes please.

#9 Casablanca, Morocco: Not Just a Movie

This port town has a dusty, colonial feel, but it still manages a romantic pull -- and not just for film buffs. Filled with cool Art Deco town houses, palm trees and Parisian-style bistros, Casablanca has experienced a rebirth under the reign of the more tolerant and economically savvy King Mohammed VI.
Now, the city is starting to court the international jet set with a bevy of new art galleries. Visitors will also want to check out the Twin Center, North Africa's tallest towers, and the "gorgeous" Rialto movie theater. Paris in the Middle East? Not quite, but you're going to want to see for yourself.

#8 Mergui Islands, Myanmar: Like Cast Away, In a Good Way

These 800 islands have remained largely empty due to Myanmar's police state: the few dozen tourists who would visit each month were closely monitored. But all of that is beginning to change as Myanmar slowly takes steps to become a democracy.
Now, though only a handful of companies run trips to the Mergui islands, tourists are beginning to rediscover this region. Because so few have heard of the area, though, visitors can still expect Cast Away-esque empty beaches, deserted islands and gorgeous natural surroundings. Sailing Yacht Asia gives tours of the archipelago in luxurious yachts that can accommodate 10 people.

#7 Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Tetons and Thai Food.

Once known purely for its fine powder and Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole is now a destination for any season, thanks to a burgeoning art scene, new resorts and a well-regarded music festival.
You can still ski down bone-jarring cliffs during the day and saddle up to cowboy bars at night, but now there are also expert classes to take in nature photography, great galleries to visit and even a darn-good Thai restaurant to book for dinner (named appropriately, Teton Thai).Who knew Wyoming could feel so cosmopolitan?

#6 Burgos, Spain: A Gastronomic Delight

This teensy city used to be known primarily for its massive cathedral, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in the 80's. Today it's attracting foodies the world over, after being declared Spain's gastronomic capital.
Local delicacies include blood sausages with roasted peppers, grilled lechazo, and baby lamb. Besides the gorgeous church and scrumptious food, there's a new boutique hotel here (Via Gotica) as well as the recently-opened Museum of Human Evolution.

#5 Granada, Nicaragua: At the Center of a Renaissance

Granada, nicknamed "Great Sultan," was founded in 1524 and is the oldest city in the new world. Today it's emerging as the center of a Nicaraguan renaissance. As locals say: "Granada is Nicaragua; the rest is just mountains."
With colorful, colonial houses, framed by the hulking Mombacho volcano, Granada leaves an impression like nowhere else in the country. It's also got huge tracts of forests teeming with endangered species, quiet surfing beaches and first-rate resorts. Check out El Zaguan for Granada's best churrasco-style steakhouse and Alabama Rib Shack Bar for American grub with a Latin flare.

#4 The Jesenik: Relaxation Awaits

The Jesenik , a Czech mountain range along the border with Poland, has long been renowned for its rejuvenating, clean air. Folks have been coming here to unwind since the 18th century.
Just ask Maximilian Franz, the youngest child of the Holy Roman empress Maria Theresa: He founded a Swiss chalet in the spa village in 1850. Today, modern pools, saunas and treatment facilities attract the tired and the stressed from all over Europe.

#3 Washington D.C.: Not Just For Fat Cats and Lobbyists

If you're thinking D.C. is still full of preppy rich lobbyists and disadvantaged minorities, you're right. But in the past couple of years, neighborhoods have become more racially mixed as the city has seen an influx of new residents. The foodie scene is humming right along, too, now that the artisnal foodie palace Union Market and Thai jewel Little Serow have gained followings.
Check out Logan and Adam's Morgan for first-class dining and entertainment options. Rad nights can be had at the Black Cat and the 9:30 club.

#2 Oslo, Norway: Fine Fjords, Fine Food.

Oslo offers an intoxicating mix of tall trees and tall buildings, fjords and fine food. The Oslo Opera house, which looks like a giant glacier sliding into the river, boasts incredible acoustics and has won numerous international design awards.
Nearby, you can grab some Michelin-approved grub at Maaemo restaurant, or explore Oslo's diverse mix of top-notch nightlife, which ranges from jazz to indie rock. Perhaps best of all is how easy it is to leave the city behind and explore Oslo's surroundings, where one can cycle, hike, ice-skate, kayak, sail or ski -- all within city limits.

#1 Yucatan, Mexico: Steeped in Culture

This ancient Mayan city is home to a plethora of archeological sites and a culture steeped in tradition. Here you can find beautiful resorts offering truly unique spa treatments (like a three-day cleansing ritual called Kukulkhan) as well as a dance festival, concerts, literary festivals and even talks by renowned astronomers.
Nearby Valladolid has become a bit of a foodie paradise, offering dishes like grilled watermelon with panela cheese and tacos stuffed with pork, black bean and pickled onions.

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The Best Vacation Destinations You've Never Heard Of : Part 1

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#20 Changbaishan, China: Biggest. Ski. Resort. Ever.

Surprise, surprise: China is embarking on yet another hyper ambitions modernization project. This time, the goal is to build a $3.2 billion ski resort in the pine-packed nature reserve in Jilin province, near the North Korean border.
With 43 planned trails totaling 20 miles, it'll be one of the largest resorts in Asia. Hoteliers are already setting up shop, including Westin and Sheraton resorts, which opened last month.

#19 Bhutan: An Enigmatic Kingdom

Bhutan is one of the most enigmatic countries on earth. Here, the rice is red, chillies are the main ingredient in many dishes and the country charges $200 a day as a tariff for visitors. That last bit may seem absurd, until you realize the fee is all-inclusive -- encompassing accommodation, food, transport and an official guide.
In Bhutan, you'll find snowcapped peaks, primeval forests and gorgeous Buddhist monasteries. Maybe the local scenery is why this tiny kingdom is consistently ranked the happiest country on earth. Called "Nepal for the jet set," Bhutan is also mostly tourist-free. And as any seasoned traveler will tell you -- that's a damn good thing.

#18 The Kimberely, Australia: A Craggy Beauty

The Kimberely region, three times the size of England, has remained untouched for years, it's rugged, craggy beauty mystically unreachable. But that's all beginning to change. Luxury lodges and bungalows -- many of which have their own dedicated helicopter landing spots -- have sprouted up.
Yes, the Kimberley area is remote and thus geared towards the well-heeled. But if you have the cash, this place is crazy beautiful.

#17 Constantia: South African Wine Country

If Cape Town left you feeling dizzy from its natural beauty, this nearby suburb will take the rest of your breath away and knock you out cold. Set against the staggeringly beautiful slopes of Table Mountain, Constantia features 10 winemaking farms dating back to 1685.
The crown jewel of the city is the Steenberg Luxury Hotel. With an award-winning winery, 18-hole championship golf course, plush spa and three gourmet restaurants, it's perhaps unsurprising it was rated the #1 hotel in all of Africa by Travel & Leisure magazine.

#16 Lithuania: Land of Beer

Lithuania is fast becoming a mecca for beer lovers. A new beer trail allows visitors to sample Lithuanian beer from different provinces.
Rumor has it, the beer in Lithuania has a different DNA than all other known strands. These "earthy and unusual" ales can be tried in more than 50 farmhouse breweries in the country's north. Duff land, this is not.

#15 The Philippines: A Secluded Paradise

Secluded beaches, untouched reefs and tiny surf towns are among the draws of this country, which is made up of more than 7,000 tropical islands. New resorts have sprung up in recent years in this country, catering to the international jet setter.
These include the new Dedon Island resort on Siargo, near one of the world's best surf breaks and the private island resort of Eli Nido Pangulasian, which is located in a Unesco biosphere. Snorkel to your heart's content.

#14 Koh Pangan, Thailand: Like Cabo Without the Spring Breakers

Once known primarily for its raucous annual full moon party, Koh Pangan is now growing up and shedding its hedonist reputation. New resorts like the stylish Buri Rasa and Kupu Kupu are luring high-end business clientele as well as families, making the place seem more "Eat Pray Love" than spring break at Cabo.
Besides the gorgeous beaches, hidden waterfalls and Buddhist temples, Koh Pangan offers Western amenities like a Canadian-run Yoga studio and a vegan cafe serving handmade coconut ice cream.

#13 Puerto Rico: Better than the Bahamas

Our neighbs to the South are looking mighty fine these days. Puerto Rico might not get as many American visitors as the Bahamas or Hawaii, but this island paradise is just as worthy of a jaunt.
The beautifully-preserved old city with its blue-glazed cobblestones is a site to see. New hotels have opened in recent years, too: The Condado Vanderbilt, a stately hotel built in 1919 is re-opening this summer after having been closed since 1993. The Ritz just opened new digs 20 miles from the main city-- with 115 rooms facing the ocean, and 11 miles of walking and biking trails.

#12 Pecs, Hungary: Budapest's Cooler Cousin

125 miles south of Budapest, Pecs is a fascinating cultural jewel, with Baroque buildings, an Ottoman bathhouse and new creative venues. After being chosen as a 2010 European Culture Capital, the city added a new modernist concert center and the extensive Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, a venue for art and music.
Another benefit to visiting Pecs is that the weather there is almost always pleasant; lying equidistant from the Danube to the east and the Drava to the south, Pecs enjoys a microclimate that lengthens Summer.

#11 The Falkland Islands

These galapagos islands, described as "cold and rugged" by the NYTimes, don't have the best PR. Indeed, politics has consumed this region -- even 30 years after the Falkland War between Argentina and Britain. No matter: this is still a good time to visit.
Stanley, the capital, is seeing massive development, including the creation of the Faulkland islands Museum, a new harbor-view restaurant and the expansion of the Malvina House Hotel. Get here before the new money completely transforms the place.

Posted by MyRealty.am

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