• Corinthia Hotel, Budapest. Despite being in the “off-season”, this is a great time to visit Budapest. With the Hungarian festive season in full swing, travellers can get involved in a number of indoor and outdoor activities. The Corinthia Hotel Budapest will help guests to plan a bespoke itinerary around the city in December, suggesting that two not-to-be-missed activities are viewing the Danube by riverboat and the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square. Guests can enjoy the Christmas Eve buffet dinner on December 24 at the hotel’s Brasserie & Atrium Restaurant, which will feature ice sculptures, a huge cheese display, live gypsy music and more. Those looking to stay on until the New Year will find the hotel’s ballroom decked out for the New Year Gala Dinner. Celebrations will start with a welcome drink in the lobby at 7pm and carry on into the night. Finally, for something a little different, the Rickshaw Restaurant’s New Year’s Eve dinner will offer an à la carte selection of its signature Asian dishes. Rates in December start from €180 (Dh840) per night (www.corinthia.com/budapest), Courtesy The Corinthia Hotel, Budapest
    Corinthia Hotel, Budapest. Despite being in the “off-season”, this is a great time to visit Budapest. With the Hungarian festive season in full swing, travellers can get involved in a number of indoor and outdoor activities. The Corinthia Hotel Budapest will help guests to plan a bespoke itinerary around the city in December, suggesting that two not-to-be-missed activities are viewing the Danube by riverboat and the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square. Guests can enjoy the Christmas Eve buffet dinner on December 24 at the hotel’s Brasserie & Atrium Restaurant, which will feature ice sculptures, a huge cheese display, live gypsy music and more. Those looking to stay on until the New Year will find the hotel’s ballroom decked out for the New Year Gala Dinner. Celebrations will start with a welcome drink in the lobby at 7pm and carry on into the night. Finally, for something a little different, the Rickshaw Restaurant’s New Year’s Eve dinner will offer an à la carte selection of its signature Asian dishes. Rates in December start from €180 (Dh840) per night (www.corinthia.com/budapest), Courtesy The Corinthia Hotel, Budapest
  • Discover Bangladesh. Often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbours, Bangladesh offers travellers a different kind of holiday experience. Undisclosed Destinations offers a 14-day itinerary starting from Dhaka. The trip will start off exploring river life on the chars (sand islands) as well as temples and monuments, including the Hindu terracotta temples. From here, the group will head to the mangrove forests of the north-eastern Sundarbans, home to the Bengal tigers and other wildlife. Continuing east, the group will visit the region around Sylhet — close to the Indian border — as well as the tea-growing region around Srimongal. Included in the package are arrival and departure transfers, all accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, an English-speaking guide and tour leaders, meals (not including beverages) and entrance fees for the sites listed as part of the itinerary. International flights, airport taxes, travel insurance and visas are not included. From December 21 to January 5, for £1,599 (Dh9,450) per person; £325 (Dh1,920) single person supplement available (www.undiscovered-destinations.com).
    Discover Bangladesh. Often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbours, Bangladesh offers travellers a different kind of holiday experience. Undisclosed Destinations offers a 14-day itinerary starting from Dhaka. The trip will start off exploring river life on the chars (sand islands) as well as temples and monuments, including the Hindu terracotta temples. From here, the group will head to the mangrove forests of the north-eastern Sundarbans, home to the Bengal tigers and other wildlife. Continuing east, the group will visit the region around Sylhet — close to the Indian border — as well as the tea-growing region around Srimongal. Included in the package are arrival and departure transfers, all accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, an English-speaking guide and tour leaders, meals (not including beverages) and entrance fees for the sites listed as part of the itinerary. International flights, airport taxes, travel insurance and visas are not included. From December 21 to January 5, for £1,599 (Dh9,450) per person; £325 (Dh1,920) single person supplement available (www.undiscovered-destinations.com).
  • The Mevlâna Festival, Turkey. A festival where both physical and mental stamina is everything, the Mevlâna Festival (Festival of the Whirling Dervishes) commemorates the anniversary of the death of the 13th-century Sufi mevlana (saint) and poet Rumi. Draped in white flowing robes, black cloaks and traditional headgear, the performers spin in circles to enter a trance-like state. Travellers to Konya will typically find two shows per day from December 7-17 — morning and afternoon — and can purchase tickets with Dos Plumas Travel, as part of a package that includes tickets, guide services, transportation and hotels in Konya ([/URL]
    The Mevlâna Festival, Turkey. A festival where both physical and mental stamina is everything, the Mevlâna Festival (Festival of the Whirling Dervishes) commemorates the anniversary of the death of the 13th-century Sufi mevlana (saint) and poet Rumi. Draped in white flowing robes, black cloaks and traditional headgear, the performers spin in circles to enter a trance-like state. Travellers to Konya will typically find two shows per day from December 7-17 — morning and afternoon — and can purchase tickets with Dos Plumas Travel, as part of a package that includes tickets, guide services, transportation and hotels in Konya ([/URL]
  • Carnaval de Negros Y Blancos, Colombia. Carnaval de Negros y Blancos (Carnival of Blacks and Whites) is considered to be one of South America’s oldest festivals. The celebration dates back to the agrarian Indian cultures, when the Pasto and Quillacinga Indians held celebrations to plead for the protection of their crops. Later, during Spanish rule, the festival marked a time when slaves were allowed to celebrate by dusting themselves either black or white. In keeping with the tradition, festival-goers will find that everyone paints or dusts one another with anything from chalk and make-up to flour. Taking place from January 4 to 6 in Pasto, Colombia, the festival is typically split into three main celebrations: the Castaneda Family Parade that preludes the actual carnival, El Dia de los Negros (Day of the Blacks) and El Dia de los Blancos (Day of the Whites). Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies direct from Dubai to São Paulo, with a return economy ticket from Dh7, 165; Avianca (www.avianca.com) flies from São Paulo to Pasto, via Bogotá, with return economy tickets from $1, 700 (Dh6,245). Luis Robayo / AFP photo
    Carnaval de Negros Y Blancos, Colombia. Carnaval de Negros y Blancos (Carnival of Blacks and Whites) is considered to be one of South America’s oldest festivals. The celebration dates back to the agrarian Indian cultures, when the Pasto and Quillacinga Indians held celebrations to plead for the protection of their crops. Later, during Spanish rule, the festival marked a time when slaves were allowed to celebrate by dusting themselves either black or white. In keeping with the tradition, festival-goers will find that everyone paints or dusts one another with anything from chalk and make-up to flour. Taking place from January 4 to 6 in Pasto, Colombia, the festival is typically split into three main celebrations: the Castaneda Family Parade that preludes the actual carnival, El Dia de los Negros (Day of the Blacks) and El Dia de los Blancos (Day of the Whites). Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies direct from Dubai to São Paulo, with a return economy ticket from Dh7, 165; Avianca (www.avianca.com) flies from São Paulo to Pasto, via Bogotá, with return economy tickets from $1, 700 (Dh6,245). Luis Robayo / AFP photo
  • Kaapse Klopse, Cape Town. Visit Cape Town during the month of January and you’ll not only experience pleasant weather, but the excitement of South Africa’s famous Kaapse Klopse festival or Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year), which is held in Cape Town every year on January 2. Dating back to the 1880s, the event now features nearly 13, 000 minstrel troupes crowding the streets, performing songs and dance routines with instruments such as banjos, guitars, ghoema drums, whistles, trombones and tubas. The festival typically stretches from District Six and covers most of the central business district and waterfront and ends at the Green Point Stadium. It’s suggested that festival-goers don a fairly colourful getup to blend into the crowd, and sport a pair of comfortable walking shoes if they plan on following the parade by foot. Food stalls are erected along the route and offer a number of cuisines, including Cape Malay dishes, Etihad (www.etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Cape Town, via Johannesburg, with return economy tickets from Dh5, 135. iStockphoto.com
    Kaapse Klopse, Cape Town. Visit Cape Town during the month of January and you’ll not only experience pleasant weather, but the excitement of South Africa’s famous Kaapse Klopse festival or Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year), which is held in Cape Town every year on January 2. Dating back to the 1880s, the event now features nearly 13, 000 minstrel troupes crowding the streets, performing songs and dance routines with instruments such as banjos, guitars, ghoema drums, whistles, trombones and tubas. The festival typically stretches from District Six and covers most of the central business district and waterfront and ends at the Green Point Stadium. It’s suggested that festival-goers don a fairly colourful getup to blend into the crowd, and sport a pair of comfortable walking shoes if they plan on following the parade by foot. Food stalls are erected along the route and offer a number of cuisines, including Cape Malay dishes, Etihad (www.etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Cape Town, via Johannesburg, with return economy tickets from Dh5, 135. iStockphoto.com
  • Venice, Italy. If you’re looking for a European getaway this winter, Venice offers both a heavy dose of culture as well as fun-filled festivities and celebrations, and all this without the worry of snow. Celebrate the Carnevale, falling on February 17, one of Venice’s biggest traditions offering festival-goers everything from a masquerade ball to parades and numerous other activities. For those hoping to experience the historical side of Venice, Iditravel offers a walking tour of San Marco and Rialto., The four-hour itinerary includes the St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Rialto’s market and more. Also, make sure that you hitch a ride in a gondola at least once during your stay. Not only is travelling by water a great way to see a city, but it’s also an excuse to ride in what is perhaps one of the most iconic means of transport in Venice. Eithad (www.etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Venice, via Florence, from Dh3, 165. To book a walking tour with Iditravel, visit www.iditravel.com. Marco Secchi / Getty Images
    Venice, Italy. If you’re looking for a European getaway this winter, Venice offers both a heavy dose of culture as well as fun-filled festivities and celebrations, and all this without the worry of snow. Celebrate the Carnevale, falling on February 17, one of Venice’s biggest traditions offering festival-goers everything from a masquerade ball to parades and numerous other activities. For those hoping to experience the historical side of Venice, Iditravel offers a walking tour of San Marco and Rialto., The four-hour itinerary includes the St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Rialto’s market and more. Also, make sure that you hitch a ride in a gondola at least once during your stay. Not only is travelling by water a great way to see a city, but it’s also an excuse to ride in what is perhaps one of the most iconic means of transport in Venice. Eithad (www.etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Venice, via Florence, from Dh3, 165. To book a walking tour with Iditravel, visit www.iditravel.com. Marco Secchi / Getty Images
  • North and South Vietnam. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a leisurely holiday spent on the beach with a book in hand, Vietnam seems to cater to every kind of traveller. If the idea of visiting the whole country appeals to you, take a tour of the north and south with Vietnam Unique Tours. The itinerary runs for a total of eight days and travels from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city. The holiday includes visiting Sapa, the Mekong Delta, Ha Long Bay, the Cu Chi tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thành market, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, a pearl farm and more. Price includes domestic flights, accommodation, a cookery demonstration, a Tai Chi session, kayaking, meals, transfers in air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide and all entrance fees. Beverages and personal expenses are not included. The eight-day tour starts from $660 (Dh2,424) per person (www.vietnam-uniquetours.com). Return flights on Emirates start from Dh2, 895. iStockphoto.com
    North and South Vietnam. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just a leisurely holiday spent on the beach with a book in hand, Vietnam seems to cater to every kind of traveller. If the idea of visiting the whole country appeals to you, take a tour of the north and south with Vietnam Unique Tours. The itinerary runs for a total of eight days and travels from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city. The holiday includes visiting Sapa, the Mekong Delta, Ha Long Bay, the Cu Chi tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thành market, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, a pearl farm and more. Price includes domestic flights, accommodation, a cookery demonstration, a Tai Chi session, kayaking, meals, transfers in air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide and all entrance fees. Beverages and personal expenses are not included. The eight-day tour starts from $660 (Dh2,424) per person (www.vietnam-uniquetours.com). Return flights on Emirates start from Dh2, 895. iStockphoto.com
  • Dana Point, California. Not only does March in southern California mean beautiful weather, but it also marks the Dana Point Festival of Whales. Often called the “Whale Capital of the West”, Dana Point, which is an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, offers travellers a number of whale-watching opportunities, including sunset whale watching and basic excursions, which depart every hour, through Dana Wharf Whale Watching (www.danawharf.com), and grey whale adventure cruises (www.ocean-institute.org). The festival also offers guests a variety of events, including the Harbor Music Series, which showcases a number of musical styles and sounds, Diamond Dig, where kids can dig for “buried treasure” (www.monarchbeachrotary.com) and the Sand Sculpting Competition, which is open to both adults and children, and more., The Dana Point Festival of Whales is from March 7 to 8 and 14 to 15, 2015. Price and times of events vary. Visit www.festivalofwhales.com for more information. Captain David Anderson’s Dolphin and Whale Safari / AP photo
    Dana Point, California. Not only does March in southern California mean beautiful weather, but it also marks the Dana Point Festival of Whales. Often called the “Whale Capital of the West”, Dana Point, which is an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, offers travellers a number of whale-watching opportunities, including sunset whale watching and basic excursions, which depart every hour, through Dana Wharf Whale Watching (www.danawharf.com), and grey whale adventure cruises (www.ocean-institute.org). The festival also offers guests a variety of events, including the Harbor Music Series, which showcases a number of musical styles and sounds, Diamond Dig, where kids can dig for “buried treasure” (www.monarchbeachrotary.com) and the Sand Sculpting Competition, which is open to both adults and children, and more., The Dana Point Festival of Whales is from March 7 to 8 and 14 to 15, 2015. Price and times of events vary. Visit www.festivalofwhales.com for more information. Captain David Anderson’s Dolphin and Whale Safari / AP photo
  • North India. It’s no secret that the north of India is a large place — so large that you could easily lose three weeks getting through the most obvious of tourists spots as well as the lesser-known sites. I-escape and the India-based specialists Oriental Routes have teamed up to offer travellers a tour of the region with the Essence of Rajasthan itinerary. This eight-day trip is best suited for those who are new to northern India and looking to visit the more well-known tourist spots. Starting and ending in Delhi, with stops in Agra, Bharatpur, Ranthambore and Jaipur, guests can expect to see the Jama Mosque, Red Fort, Humayun’s tomb, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jaipur’s City Palace and Wind Palace and more. Accommodation, transportation and service charges are all included in the rate. Meals (unless specified), international flights and tips are not included. The tour costs from $1, 190 (Dh4,375) per person, for seven nights. Visit www.i-escape.com for more information. iStockphoto.com
    North India. It’s no secret that the north of India is a large place — so large that you could easily lose three weeks getting through the most obvious of tourists spots as well as the lesser-known sites. I-escape and the India-based specialists Oriental Routes have teamed up to offer travellers a tour of the region with the Essence of Rajasthan itinerary. This eight-day trip is best suited for those who are new to northern India and looking to visit the more well-known tourist spots. Starting and ending in Delhi, with stops in Agra, Bharatpur, Ranthambore and Jaipur, guests can expect to see the Jama Mosque, Red Fort, Humayun’s tomb, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Jaipur’s City Palace and Wind Palace and more. Accommodation, transportation and service charges are all included in the rate. Meals (unless specified), international flights and tips are not included. The tour costs from $1, 190 (Dh4,375) per person, for seven nights. Visit www.i-escape.com for more information. iStockphoto.com
  • Historical Haiti. Despite being one of the least-visited countries in the Caribbean, Haiti has a number of historical sites. Its “off-the-beaten-path” reputation also means little to no tourism bustle. Book a 10-day holiday with Undiscovered Destinations and travel from Port-au-Prince to Cormier Plage. Guests can expect to visit a number of key historical sites in Port-au-Prince, as well as Jacmel coffee port, the waterfalls of Bassins Bleu, the Sugar Cane Plantation Museum, the Citadelle and the palace of Sans-Souci. Arrival and departure transfers, domestic flights, all accommodation (on twin-share basis), the services of an English-speaking guide, meals and entrance fees for sites listed on the itinerary are included in the price. Not included are international flights, airport taxes, insurance, visas and beverages. The 10-day trip is from March 31 to April 9, 2015, and costs from £1,685 (Dh9,960) per person, with an optional single-person supplement of £350 (Dh2,070) (www.undiscovered-destinations.com) Andrew Gully / AFP photo
    Historical Haiti. Despite being one of the least-visited countries in the Caribbean, Haiti has a number of historical sites. Its “off-the-beaten-path” reputation also means little to no tourism bustle. Book a 10-day holiday with Undiscovered Destinations and travel from Port-au-Prince to Cormier Plage. Guests can expect to visit a number of key historical sites in Port-au-Prince, as well as Jacmel coffee port, the waterfalls of Bassins Bleu, the Sugar Cane Plantation Museum, the Citadelle and the palace of Sans-Souci. Arrival and departure transfers, domestic flights, all accommodation (on twin-share basis), the services of an English-speaking guide, meals and entrance fees for sites listed on the itinerary are included in the price. Not included are international flights, airport taxes, insurance, visas and beverages. The 10-day trip is from March 31 to April 9, 2015, and costs from £1,685 (Dh9,960) per person, with an optional single-person supplement of £350 (Dh2,070) (www.undiscovered-destinations.com) Andrew Gully / AFP photo

Where to go when: winter season — in pictures

Olive Obina

November 24, 2014

  • English
  • Arabic

A look at which places to travel to around the world during the winter season from December to March.

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