The night between the nights, when we stay awake for the rest of the year (easier than it sounds) partying, feeling good and preparing for a new beginning – this is what New Year’s Eve is about. One of the most spectacular things to happen on this night is the traditional fireworks display in London – turning the Eye into a ring of fire, and painting the dark skies about the British capital into a canvas filled with smoke and light. But there’s more to New Year’s Eve than just a fireworks display at midnight. Here are some tips on what else you can do while waiting for the new year to begin.

Comedy

It’s always a good idea to spend the last few hours of the year laughing – all’s well that ends well, the Swan said, and I tend to agree with him. When you’re tired of walking around, playing mobile casino games in the New Year’s whirlabout you can attend a series of events that will let the wild laughter stuck inside you finalle erupt.

London will have several events on the last evening of the year that will make you laugh. Angel Comedy, unlike many other venues, will hold a free performance of comedians like Alistair Williams, Nick Dixon, Alasdair Beckett-King, Sunil Patel, Nick Elleray and Masud Milas. Bill Bailey will be at Limboland, the Comedy Store will have two shows with performers like Mike Gunn and Pete Johansson, and The Covent Garden Comedy Club will greet the new year at Heaven.

Sights to see

Parties, parties all over the place. But what if you need something more deep, thoughtful or educational for the night? Well, you can choose from a number of venues that will stay open on New Year’s Eve, making it as memorable as it can be. And you still have enough time to party later, right?

The British Museum will stay open for New Year’s Eve, and so will the Churchill War Rooms, if you feel like absorbing a bit of World War history. You can visit the Hampton Court Palace on this day, the Kew Palace or even the Zoo, for that matter, having fun with its amazing animals to end the year right.

When the night (and the year) is over

While many will greet the New Year with hangovers, there are alternatives to choose from. One of them is the New Year’s Day Parade, guaranteed to get you in the mood for the first parties of the year. Next year’s Parade will be the thirtieth, celebrating with over 8,000 performers from 20 countries of the world – dancers, acrobats, clowns and floats marching, dancing, playing loud music and greeting the new year with a lot of joy.

One of the best parts about holidaying in foreign lands is the ability to experience a whole range of new things, from the rich history of the land, to the beautiful wildlife and architecture that the culture has to offer. South Africa’s North West Province, situated just west of the major population centre of Gauteng, definitely has some breathtakingly amazing sites available. Home to the Cradle of Humankind, one of the eight World Heritage sites found within South Africa, a large number of national parks filled with beautiful wildlife and, of course, the beautiful hotel and resort of Sun City, you are guaranteed to never run out of activities when visiting this picturesque province.

The Maropeng Exhibition and the Sterkfontein Caves

Maropeng, which is Setswana for “returning to the place of origin”, is the official visitors centre of the Cradle of Humankind and home to the fascinating exhibition that focuses on the development of humankind and our ancestors over the past few million years. This is definitely a must-see place for anyone that is interested in gaining a fuller understanding of how we, as humans, came to be.

The limestone Sterkfontein Caves near the Maropeng Exhibit has become world renowned thanks to the many monumental fossil discoveries that have been uncovered, hidden deep within them. The two most popular is definitely that of “Little Foot” and “Mrs. Ples” which have helped answer many questions about how our humanoid ancestors once lived.

Sun City Casino and Resort

The best way to describe this resort would be as something you would expect to find in a Disney-styled fairy tale. Thanks to the rolling green hills, the utopian-like Valley of Waves waterpark and the extravagant five-star Palace of the Lost City, there is no denying that this resort is a must-see for travellers of all ages. Thanks to the large number of online casino sites like http://pokiespalace.com.au, that have taken the world by storm, many people seem to have forgotten the architectural beauty that surrounds most world renowned casinos. The Sun City Casino definitely takes this beauty to a whole new level, situated within the four-star Sun City Hotel, this place will leave even the non-gamblers in complete awe.

By Jason Swindon        

Visiting New York in your 20s is a right of passage. You’ve probably seen the city a thousand times on your TV, on movies and even on pretty much every travel blog you’ll ever read – New York is a city to behold. With so much to see and do, you’re likely to feel a bit overwhelmed and with that in mind, we’ve a list of 5 things you must do if you’re heading to visit the big apple in your 20s.

Image source: Flickr

Top 5 things to do in NYC in your 20s

1. Eat the real good bad food

New York is no place for a calorie counter and this is especially true in your 20s (you’ll have plenty of time to work it off walking around the streets of NYC). Good food was born in New York, so ditch the preppy salads and head to Gray’s Papaya. This is where the locals go to get their daily hotdog fix and better yet it’s under $2.

2. Walk off the real good bad food

You are young, fit and well able to take in this beautiful walk way on The High Line.  The park stretches from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea on a previously derelict elevated railway track. Resurrected with a stunning maze of gardens (showcasing 300 species of plants) and lots of New Yorkers – you’ll have a blast just strolling and people watching.

3. Get on the Staten Island ferry

Nothing is more appealing in New York than something for free, especially when it offers you such a great view. Want to see the Statue of Liberty? Of course you do – and rightly so, it’s a must when visiting New York. But if you’re on a budget it’s a good idea to hop on board the Staten Island Ferry for a total cost of $0. A short journey will take you to the island, hop on another return boat, and come back – free of charge. Not only that, but you will also have a stunning iconic view of Manhattan from the water – offering your some perfect photo opportunities and a chance to see New York with the New Yorkers.

4. Cycle round Central Park

Central Park is one of the most beautiful and iconic things anyone visiting New York should do – it is sacred ground for the New Yorker and the tourist. Home to 843 acres of sheer beauty, a young and fit person in their 20s should see it all on bike. Take to the tracks early morning (any time after 6am), rent a bike, and see the sights –, the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, Belvedere Castle atop Vista Rock, or the Bow Bridge (which one of the park’s most photographed locations). Cheap hotels in New York are plentiful in this area so stay around here for the ultimate NYC experience.

5. Get a view from a rooftop

Roof top views in New York can often be expensive and exclusive, but there are some that can offer your views like never before at a somewhat reasonable price. 230 Fifth is one of these – dress well and avoid crazy nights like Saturdays and you’ll have every chance of getting in. Prices are good considering the area and the view is simply phenomenal.

Whatever your plans for New York City – you could not be disappointed. Soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy all the city has to offer.

My trip to Petra turned out to be shorter than I planned, but a fantastic experience. No surprise that Petra was named “one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man!” I was completely possessed by Petra’s beauty.

Petra is a unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled there more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. Petra is also sometimes called as the ‘lost city’, as it was completely lost to the western world, in spite of being such an important city in ancient times.

Petra lies on the slope of Mount Hor in a basin among the mountains that form the eastern flank of Aravah (Wadi Araba), the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.

We had planned a hike to the Monastery, one of the major buildings in Petra for the day. It was truly spectacular, much larger than the Treasury and well preserved, because of the walls on both side and a facing mountain protected it from the wind. In front of the Monastery was a restaurant with shade where we stopped for a break.

Then the next day we planned to visit the Treasury. Wow, I am still just a little amazed as I write this. You walk down a gravel slope, where guides are trying to sell you a mule or carriage ride in. Nope, we preferred walking. Then you pass the start of this amazing society – there are caves, tombs, and funeral blocks along the pathway, where I believe the poorer members of the culture were buried. There were some carvings along the wall, and limestone blocks that supposedly were part of the initial road. Then, you see the glimpse of the treasury – a little bit of a pink structure peaking in through the shadowed Siq walls. This was an incredible experience.

Diving in the spectacular Red Sea, jeep safari driving in the desert, absorbing the enchanting Petra and floating in the Dead Sea, amazing sights, surprises and barbecues in a cave, hiking in Dana Biosphere Reserve, everything… Everything is so perfect there. It was a lot more challenging than I expected. I am extremely happy, proud and humbled by the entire experience.

Israel is one of the most culturally and historically rich places in the world, a fascinating destination to visit on your holiday. It’s a perfect destination for anyone interested in a variety of cultural and adventurous activities on their trip. With so many incredible things to see and do here, it can be hard to choose how to spend your days here, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the places you absolutely can’t miss!

Jerusalem

While you’re in Israel, you cannot miss the chance to visit one of the most sacred cities in the world to three different major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Marvel at the ancient sites here encircled by stone walls that will bring you back to biblical times. The ancient holy relics here include the Dome of the Rock and the Western Wall.

The Dead Sea

The lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is so salty that nothing can live here, at 10 times saltier than the ocean! Go for a swim in the Dead Sea and see how you can float effortlessly here. The water is so mineral-rich that it’s great for your skin, but watch out for getting the salty water in your eyes!

Tel Aviv

For a modern city experience, Tel Aviv is the place to visit in Israel. It’s the country’s cultural and commercial center with everything from buzzing nightlife to museums, international restaurants, beaches and so much more. It’s an exciting city with so much to offer so make sure to give yourself a few days to explore!

Eilat

This seaside resort town on the Red Sea is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a great summer holiday on the water. You can participate in all sorts of activities here like snorkeling, scuba diving, and even swimming with dolphins. Eilat hotels in Israel are luxurious and will help create a perfect experience for your holiday. Enjoy world-class dining and spa treatments while gazing out over the gorgeous scenery and beaches.

Masada

In the southeast of Israel stands this majestic mountain fortress overlooking the famous Dead Sea. It’s got a fascinating history which you can learn when you visit, and find some unforgettable photo opportunities here as well. Walk up the Snake Path to visit the fortress for an adventurous and scenic hike.

Ever since 1994, Canada has topped the list of best countries in the world to live in! Cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary were voted 3rd, 4th and 5th best to live in by the Economist Intelligence Units report in 2012.

It’s rumoured that about 250,000 people per year are moving to Canada in search of a better life.

Why move to Canada you may say? Well here are a few reasons:

1. Voted the best country to live in, as stated above.

2. It has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with the average expectancy of 79 years.

3. Canada has one of the cleanest environments on the planet. This is a pretty amazing fact, considering it is the second largest country in the world and has a population of over 30 million. Some of the purest water, natural resources and air in the world can be found there.

4. It’s health care system is without a doubt one of the best. A monthly fee will allow all Canadians to have access to the best medical care possible. Permanent residents will also have this option.

5. Canada has an amazing educational system that is free until 12th grade.

6. Cultural diversity in Canada is like no other country on earth. The country embraces people of all nationalities to come a live there. Because of this, it has a very multicultural society in which Canadians are very proud of.

This has meant that there are equal business, political and academic opportunities for anyone that has a permanent residency there.

Asians have played a massive role in developing and shaping Canada over the years. They have actually been established there for more than 100 years. Outside of Asia, two of the largest Asian communities can be found in Toronto and Vancouver. It’s very common to spot plenty of Chinese newspapers as well as Chinese television channels there.

With the recession not letting go of it’s stranglehold for the majority of countries around the world, more and more families are uprooting and setting sail for Canada.

In countries like Ireland, the focus is slightly shifting away from immigrating to Australian, and more so towards Canada.

To sum up, if you want to live in arguably the best country in the world for a variety of reasons, then Canada is the best option for you and your families future.