Top Attractions in Copenhagen

Copenhagen was originally founded in the 10th century as a Viking fishing village. Throughout its history it has been decimated by the Plague, fire, wars, and pillages but has been able to rebuild itself over and over again, giving many people cause to nickname it the Phoenix. Copenhagen has built itself into one of the richest cities in Europe with a masterful urban planning system, and a high quality of life for its citizens. Copenhagen -  A Political Hub for Denmark  The city is well known for being the hub of political, cultural, economic, and technological life linking mainland Europe and Scandinavia. Copenhagen has many great universities as well as a focus on corporate expansion. Medicon Valley is the center of biotechnology research and development in Copenhagen and aims to connect companies and academic institutions to work together in harmony. Copenhagen also has an ambitious green plan. Cleantech is an initiative aimed to focus research on making Copenhagen environmentally friendly. Architecture of Copenhagen Architecture in Copenhagen is varied with remnants of its past mixing in with the rebuilding that has taken place throughout its history, from Neoclassical to modern. Copenhagen is known as the “City of Spires” due to its horizontal construction. Its skyline is broken up only by the dottings of tall spires from castles and churches throughout the city. Tourist Destinations in Copenhagen Copenhagen is a park-centric city, even its cemeteries double as parks. There are 5 miles of beaches in the area surrounding the city only a 30-minute bike ride away. Many Danes speak English, making tourism easier for Americans. While most signage, including descriptions in museums, are written in Danish, it is possible to ask for an English speaking guide to help you get the most out of your museum experience. Another highlight of Copenhagen is that most museums offer free admittance on Wednesdays. Copenhagen has many attractions. Here is a breakdown of where to go and what to see and do in Copenhagen:  Indre By: The inner city, also known as the Medieval City, is the historical heart of Copenhagen. Home to many of the city’s historical buildings, church spires, and shopping, it is the tourist center of Copenhagen. Here you will find Frederiksstaden, the area built in the rococo style and known for the Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle,  Frederick's Church (aka the Marble Church), and Stroget, the world’s largest pedestrian street. Nearby is the Nyhavn Canal. Vesterbro: Located here is Copenhagen’s top tourist attraction, the Tivoli Gardens. You will also find many of Copenhagen’s amusement parks here, including the Pantomime Theater.  Osterbro: The famous “The Little Mermaid” statue can be found in this district north of the city center. Also here, you will see the Citadel, one of Europe’s best-preserved fortifications.  Fredericksburg: This area includes the Copenhagen Zoo, an extensive and beautiful park, and Frederiksborg Palace.      

Top 10 Attractions in Berlin

Top 10 Attractions in Berlin The capital of Germany has had a turbulent history. It has served as the capital of five different governing bodies. It has been removed and replaced as the capital of Germany. It has been bombed out and split in half. For all that, it remains one of the most popular tourist cities in Germany. There is much to do and see in Berlin, a wealth of history and culture. Here is a list of the top 10 things to do in Berlin. Tourist Attractions in Berlin  Unter den Linden: The famous boulevard in the Mitte of Berlin is lined with beautiful Linden trees. A great walking path from which you can see many of Germany’s most famous buildings. The most iconic stop on a walking tour of Unter den Linden is the Brandenburg Gate. Built in the neoclassical style, the arch is one of the most popular spots in the capital. Reichstag: The meeting place of the German Parliament suffered a mysterious fire and years of disrepair. It now offers a an audio tour providing visitors with information about the history and culture of Berlin and a panoramic view of the city . Berlin Wall Memorial: One of the most iconic historical images that separated the east from the west, the Berlin Wall is now a popular tourist attraction. You can visit the museum at Checkpoint Charlie or take an in depth look at the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi regime in the Topography of Terror situated directly under the wall. Tiergarten: The urban park spread over 520 acres. Originally a hunting ground, it is now home to many government buildings. The famous Prussian Victory Column can be found in the Tiergarten. Museum Island: Home to many cultural and historical museums, it is most well known for its Pergamonmuseum. Located on the Spree River, it houses over 6,000 years of art and cultural history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Potsdamer Platz: Completely rebuilt after reunification, this area is the celebrity center of Berlin. A shopping and eating hub, nearby you can find the Kollhoff Tower, with the fastest elevator in Europe, and the Kulturforum, home of Berlin’s cultural buildings. Charlottenburg Palace: You can find this breathtaking palace just outside the city centre. It is the largest palace in Berlin. Built in the 1700s, there are gardens, a park, and a museum to explore. Judisches Museum: Two millennia of German-Jewish history are on display in one of the largest Jewish museums in Europe. It also houses the Rafael Roth Learning Center. Gendarmenmarkt: The neoclassical square is home to the most exclusive shopping street in Berlin. Strolling through the expansive market square, you will also see the monumental statue of famous German poet Friedrich Schiller. Alexanderplatz: In the center of former East Berlin, the area is a transportation hub and houses many socialist style buildings. One of the most popular attractions on the street is the Berlin Television Tower. The tallest building in Berlin, you can view the city from its observation deck. It also houses a revolving restaurant.    

Top 5 Travel Trends of 2018

Travel destinations and the travelling trends of 2014 have gone beyond tourist hotspots and beaches and into enthralling novel territories. Listed below are the top 5 travel trends of 2014: 1. Getting back in touch with nature In today’s world of social networking websites, tablets, and smartphones, spending time in the outdoors with nature has taken a backseat. The technological advancements may have become very popular with the general populous and also facilitated increased productivity, but people are fast getting tired of it. They want to get away from it all! This is the reason why most travel lovers are looking to get back in touch with nature in 2014. Most enthusiasts want to go camping, but do not want to carry heavy tents and other camping gear with them. This has led to the sudden popularity of forest lodges. In 2014, natural pristine settings with luxury services and amenities such as special excursions for children and spa and massage packages are going to be biggest attractions. 2. Local by personal experiences A ‘staycation’ is one of the biggest travel trends of 2014. It means that you go for a vacation in your own city or town and revel in its attractions. A staycation is also rapidly changing to suit the personal needs of vacationers. Travelers now do not just want to go to a local spa or stay in the best hotels in the city, but instead want to check out unusual and interesting hometown getaways. Local activities such as couple classes, culinary or dance classes, etc. have also become quite the rage. 3. Cruises along a river Cruises across oceans is still very popular. However, tourists and travelers of 2014 are searching for the exclusive experience. This has led to the rising popularity of river cruises. River cruises offer most of the services provided aboard ocean cruise liners, but come with fewer travelers per boat, resulting in a more intimate and exotic vacation. Kayaking, tubing, and other river activities are also likely to catch up in 2014 as more and more people are looking for holidays that include fun activities. 4. Holidays to many destinations The tourists of 2014 are not happy with staying put at just one vacation hotspot. They now want to do more, see more, party more, and visit many different places during a single trip. Travelers may want to spend some time at the beach, then head to the cool environs of snow-capped mountains, and later end the vacation camping or hiking through jungles. A multi-destination vacation is the way to go in 2014! 5. Urban fun and activities The global population is getting younger thereby making cities the new hotspot for travelling young couples and singles. Metropolises and big cities attract more young tourists as they offer varied and plentiful cultural experiences and upscale amenities which the usual relaxed travel destinations lack. Tourists on an urban holiday want to interact with the locals and go on impromptu exciting day trips instead of spending time at a spa. Urban tourism is here to stay in 2014!

Top 10 places to visit in California

The plethora of artificial and natural attractions in California make it one of the prime tourist destinations in the world. The top 10 places to visit in California are listed below: Tourist Destinations of California Yosemite National Park:  It is a huge expanse of natural beauty spread across more than 760,000 acres. Come and revel in views of Giant Sequoia groves, incredible granite cliffs, gorgeous waterfalls, diverse flora and fauna, and lots more! Golden Gate Bridge:  It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in not only California but all over the world. This global landmark is one of the most photographed bridges. The red-orange color of the bridge is what makes it so unique. It is thus-colored so as to make it easily visible during foggy conditions that often envelop this bridge. Walk, drive, cycle, or take a guided walking tour of the bridge and immerse in its rich history and splendor. Lake Tahoe:  Formed during the Ice Age, around 2 million years ago, Lake Tahoe is one of the biggest on the planet. Enclosed in the embrace of beautiful mountains, this tourist hotspot offers lots of activities and adventures all year round. Varied water sports and escapades like kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, swimming, and paddle boating can be enjoyed from spring to fall, while snowmobile riding, snow skiing, snowshoeing, and snow-tubing can be enjoyed in the winters. Big Sur Coastline:  It is a 90-mile picturesque driving route and amongst the best in the world. Some of the attractions along the way include Bixby Bridge, one of the tallest single-span bridges in the world; the forty-foot-tall historic Point Sur Lighthouse; and the incredible McWay Falls that plunge 80 feet right into the ocean. Disneyland:  Not much needs to be said about this globally known amusement park. Come and enjoy roller coasters, enthralling rides, colorful areas filled with shops and restaurants, themed neighborhoods, and captivating shows. You also get to interact with Disney characters in this fantasy kingdom. Death Valley:  It is a place with eclectic attractions, historic sites, and numerous fun activities. Get mystified by distinctive desert landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and lovely surroundings. A must for every nature lover! Venice Beach:  It is one of the most visited beaches in LA. The sunny weather and varied activities like biking, swimming, roller-skating, sunbathing, etc. make this 3-mile beach a really popular tourist hotspot. You may also check out Muscle Beach. General Sherman:  It is a 275-feet tall and about 2,300 to 2,700 years old Giant Sequoia found in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park. The trees found in this forest are amongst the biggest in the world. Visit and get awestruck! SeaWorld San Diego:  It is a wondrous theme park wherein you can enjoy live shows, thrilling rides, and close-up encounters with varied creatures like Polar bears, dolphins, penguins, killer whales, and walruses. Redwood National Park:  Tourists can walk through these scenic woodlands and admire diverse wildlife, wondrous tall Redwood trees, rivers, and waterfalls. You may also drive along the pristine coastline and get bewitched by the azure waters and sights of seabirds and even grey whales. Kayaking, mountain biking, guided walks, and salmon fishing are some of the fun activities on offer.    

Deciding on Being a Mother

Starting a family is a huge decision that should be discussed between the possible mother and father, but for the mom, there could be even more to think about. For a mother to carry a child inside their stomach for nine months, it’s a special thing that needs plenty of time to think about. There are tons of factors that go into becoming a mother. For instance, there is the change in the body -- of course -- that every pregnant woman gets. The belly (or baby’s home for nine months) will grow, the body will change and there will be aches and pains that you didn’t know you could get. It will become increasingly more difficult to perform such tasks that you could do before with no strain, but now become too exhausted to do. Then you have the financial strains that come along with being a mother such as hospital bills, getting prepared for the baby with a crib, stroller, diapers and everything else. Having a setup such as a nursery at home is also a strain that you need to invest money into to make the perfect room for your new little one. As the child grows older, there will be plenty of challenges that you and your child will face: illnesses, potential bullies, school, friends, and everything that goes with it. Before you take the next step, you need to be 100% sure that you are ready to be a mother -- and a family with the significant other you choose to help you with the family. Image by sdminor81 on Flickr