Celebrate First Night On New Years
Archaeologists believe the Babylonians were the first civilization to celebrate the New Year, with an 11-day holiday tied to the vernal (spring) equinox starting with a first-night festivity. Sometime during the Roman era, New Year's was set as January 1st, a custom that was adopted in the Middle Ages by many Western countries. For millions who equate New Year's Eve with a party, however, that date...
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The 10 Best Family Activities in Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a seaside city that’s loaded with family-friendly activities. Beautiful beaches and one of the world’s most stunning natural harbors combine with big city verve to hit all the right vacation notes. With a fine public transportation system, it’s easy to get around. Get ready to head Down Under and explore this buzzing Aussie metropolis. 1) Taronga Zoo The
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Top 10 Geek Sights In Silicon Valley
If you're tired of technology taking over your life, take back control in Silicon Valley, where you can see the 10 top tech sights of interest to any geek and nerd. Google is headquartered in Mountain View, Facebook in Menlo Park, Yahoo! and Twitter are in Sunnyvale – all suburbs within a half-hour of San Jose. But Silicon Valley –- silicon...
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Bend, Oregon For High Desert Adventure Vacations
Bend is the focal point in central Oregon for active lifestyles and outdoor adventures, with sun all over, snow fun at Mt. Bachelor and recreation for all ages and athletic abilities. Nestled at the base of the picturesque Cascade Mountains, the resort communities of Bend, Redmond, Sisters and Sunriver, Oregon offer a spectacular year-round setting for outdoor recreation. Each has a lot to offer...
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Paris On A Petite Budget
Mon dieu! A trip to Paris is still considered too expensive by many potential visitors, especially those traveling with kids. Inexpensive European travel in Paris, France is really possible if you take the advice of locals who know to navigate the system and succeed. Take heart, for here, like the Pont Neuf and the other beautiful Seine River crossings, there are many ways to walk the line between...
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Tuscan Villa Family Vacation in Chianti Farmhouse
If you are craving a getaway "Under the Tuscan Sun," Villa Il Palagio in the heart of Tuscany could be just the spot you are looking for. Once a small, family-owned, bio-organic wine estate nestled in Panzano, Chianti, it has become a 30-room inn located within 32 kms (about 20 miles) of Florence, Siena and San Gimignano,...
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A Bethlehem, PA Christmas for a Holiday Wonderland
While some of you may hear the name Bethlehem and picture mangers and farm animals, the revitalized former Steel Capital in eastern Pennsylvania has their own take on the Christmas season. Bethlehem, PA Christmas is a sight to behold and taken on with enormous civic pride, since 1937. Picture a Blast Furnace Light Show and expanded holiday programming running concurrently...
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Christmas In New York City – The Best Holiday Attractions
Grab the kids and get into the holiday spirit by experiencing all that Christmas in New York City has to offer during the November to January winter holidays when most family activities are free. Recently, I’ve been bursting at the seams with holiday spirit (I had too much to eat at Thanksgiving), and being in the city that never sleeps, I’ve found an endless list of activities...
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A Cultural Christmas In Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico's colonial gem of Oaxaca honors every Catholic holiday, but nothing is as colorful or fun as the Festival de la Noche de Rabanos, a world-class Christmas family vacation. Oaxaca, Mexico is one of the country's better-kept secrets. A center of craft and culture, it is, at first glance, an obvious mentor to New Mexico’s Santa Fe. Although we love visiting Fanta Se (as it’s...
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Top Holiday Lights Celebrations Across America
We love the holiday season, when bright lights, Christmas decorations, menorahs, colorfully wrapped gifts and imaginative retail displays illuminate cities and towns around the world, regardless of whether there is sun or snow outside. For many, ’tis the season to spend time with family, bake and decorate (see our
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