TOP WINTER VACATIONS (destinations) l part1

1. PARIS, The City of Romance

winter holiday 2008

What really attract us:

Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris). This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.

Eiffel Tower. For the most wonderful views try to be on the tower (second level is just perfect) at the time of sunset. You’ll be able to see for miles and have the opportunity to shoot beautiful photos.

Arc de Triomphe. This world-famous landmark structure has served ever since the days of Napoleon as a symbol of victory for triumphant French troops returning home

River Seine. This famous river flows from east to west through the heart of the city and divides Paris’s Left Bank and Right Bank.

Shopping. Paris is famous for its department stores. Not only are they convenient because you can find everything from clothing to furniture, but some of them, like Galeries Lafayette, with its Art deco style and beautiful glass dome, and Au Bon Marché featuring a facade by Gustave Eiffel, are also great pieces of architecture.

2. LONDON

winter holiday 2008

For a bird’s-eye view of London, take a spin on the London Eye, the Ferris wheel overlooking the Thames. Don’t miss landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Globe Theatre. Spend a day at the Tate Modern or shopping along Portobello Road in Notting Hill. See the Cabinet War Rooms that housed Winston Churchill’s WWII bunker and watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Need a break? Have a pint in a pub or visit a famous London tea room.

London Shopping

Oxford Circus. The intersection of Oxford Street and Regent Street is one of London’s most famous areas, but not for any historical reasons – just for the pure shopping bliss. Although Oxford Street is busting at the seams with chain stores like H&M, Marks and Spencer, Selfridges, and Jigsaw, don’t count it out of your shopping expeditions.

The top department stores are the famous Harrods which is at Knightsbridge.

For some serious designer shopping (and people spotting), head to Bond Street home to all big designers, jewellers and aution houses, from Prada to Sotherby’s, Cartier to Louis Vuitton, Aspery to Hermes. For an equally, if not more, exclusive designer shopping experience head to Sloane Street (at the Knightsbridge end – where it begins, near Harrods), home to the creme de la creme of the designer world, with Giorgio Armani, Prada, Valentino, Chanel, Fendi, Pucci stores etc. again perfect for some celeb spotting and people watching.

to be continued…

NOTE TO REMEMBER !!!

Winter Wonderland

When travelling around winter time, it is important to be prepared for temperature variations.  For example, even during the cold winter months, temperatures may be hot at high elevations or at night.  Even during the cold winters, it is possible to have relatively warm days.

Since many of the tourist sights are mostly outdoors, it is important to be prepared to spend long periods of time outdoors.  In the north in winter, it is essential to have long underwear, hats, scarves, gloves, and a very warm coat.  Also, during the winter, some restaurants and indoor places will not be well heated so it is useful to be prepared to wear a jacket indoors if needed.  High-class hotels have good air conditioning and heat as needed.