WHERE TO TRAVEL IN JANUARY

Need a little post-holiday reprieve? Here are some ideas.

Travelers, don’t despair! Winter is here, but that doesn’t mean that travel season is over. In fact, with the start of the new year, January is a great month to hit the road and expand your horizons.  From the shores of Guanacaste to snow-capped peaks of British Columbia to the sunshine of San Antonio, here are five of the best places to travel in January.

1) San Francisco

Although San Francisco’s January temperatures are not ideal for the beach, San Francisco has a lot to offer when it comes to nature, beauty, wine culture and downright fun. The Muir Woods, about a one-hour drive from the city, are breathtaking.  Star Wars fans may recall memories from ‘a long time ago, in a far away galaxy’ as George Lucas filmed some of the Endor scenes in the Northern California Redwood Forests. The region is also home to the picturesque and delicious California Wine Country, so treat yourself to a tour or spend your evening on a sunset sailing cruise and admire San Francisco’s famous skyline.

2) San Antonio

Mexican and American culture and cuisine come together quite brilliantly in this Texan City. Though still considerably warm in January, San Antonio is not as blistering as the summer which makes it perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the Southern sun. San Antonio is home to the country’s largest urban ecosystem which can be enjoyed from the Paseo del Rio, or the River Walk comprised of 15 miles of footpaths, or on a boat cruise. The underground Natural Bridge Caverns are a must-see.  A San Antonio Explorer Pass provides access to the city’s top attractions.

Photo by Alfredo C. on Visual Hunt / CC BY

3) Guanacaste

Beach bums should head to Guanacaste, Costa Rica this January,  an exceptional time to visit. The weather is dry and hot, and the region is great for adventure seekers, too, who can tour the Hacienda Guachipelin or check out the natural hot springs. Swing on ropes through the jungle canopy like a monkey and ride on a horse to get there.  If you want a vacation that screams sunshine, beach relaxation, good eats and fun times, make your way to Guanacaste. Closest airport: Liberia Airport

4) Vancouver

Located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and home to the Rocky Mountains, Vancouver boasts endless natural beauty.  Although, it rains year-round in Vancouver (and January is no exception!),  the region’s breathtaking compensates for your umbrella and rain jacket. And all snow bunnies know that rain in the city means the mountains are freshly powdered! Whistler Mountain is not far from Vancouver (an hour- and-45-minute drive) and provides premium skiing conditions. For those who want to stay closer to the city, take the trolley to Granville Island, which has a vibrant arts and crafts scene and Gastown, a charming historical city!

French Quarter in New Orleans

5) New Orleans

The Big Easy is always is always abuzz, an enriching musical city that also happens to a birthplace of modern blues. Learn about the fascinating Creole folklore and learn to cook the local cuisine, and wash down your lunch with a locally brewed Abita beer in the heart of the famous French Quarter. Venture out to explore the famous South Louisiana swamps and bayous and see the alligators, snakes, birds and other intriguing creatures that call the city home. If you’re heading there to ring in the New Year, the Frenchmen Street neighborhood is a four-block stretch of live music, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and art galleries.

HOW TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK

There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than New York City. Amanda Coletta, a New York City native and hotel concierge, shares the best ways to get into the holiday spirit in her hometown.

If Hollywood has taught us one thing, it’s that there is no place like New York City during the holidays. The colors, the lights, the people, window displays, magical shows, and of course the people. Did I mention the people? Christmas in New York is the busiest time of the year, but there is a vibrant energy that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Typical Christmas decorations on Sixth Avenue

As a concierge, the number one question guests ask me during the holidays is, “What’s going on at Rockefeller Center?”

Well, there is the legendary giant Christmas tree, ice skating, and the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Three of the most popular holiday traditions within a one-block radius. Add in the Fifth Avenue’s store window displays and yikes! Can you say crowded? But, did you know that New York has plenty of other Christmas alternatives that are just as festive, just as awe-inspiring, and usually a lot less crowded?

“2013 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting” by Anthony Quintano is licensed by CC BY 2.0

Christmas Trees

While spectacular, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is not the only Christmas tree in New York that’s worth saying. Some other Christmas trees include the following:

• At the Bryant Park Winter Village, the tree is lit twenty-four seven and is surrounded by a charming market selling an array of holiday gifts and wares. This might be the best alternative to Rockefeller Center!
• Washington Square Park has an illuminated tree directly under the arch which makes for a great photo op.
• At Lincoln Center, there is a tree at Dante Park across from the plaza. A great option if you are going to see The Nutcracker!
• Did you know Madison Square Park had America’s first community Christmas Tree? While in the neighborhood, have a frozen custard at Shake Shack, a bite to eat at Eataly, or take a walk to the Union Square Holiday Market. Don’t miss the park’s Gingerbread Boulevard.

“Christmas Arch” by Rich Mitchell is licensed by CC BY 2.0 0

• There is a “hidden” tree at the Bloomberg Building (58th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues). Perhaps hidden is the wrong word as it is quite large and surrounded by the circular glass Bloomberg Building, but many people don’t know about this tree, a truly unexpected surprise that happens to be my personal favorite.

Not all of New York City’s Christmas trees are outside. Some of the most interesting ones are indoors:

• At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there is the Angel Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche. This display is lovely, totally different than any other.  The tree has 50 angels while the creche (nativity scene) is put into the tree and comprises eighteenth-century hand-crafted figures and ornaments. Holiday concerts also occur in the hall throughout the season.
• The American Museum of Natural History has an Origami Tree with more than 500 origami ornaments. The 2016 theme is “Dinosaurs Among Us” in honor of the museum’s “Cuba” and “Dinosaurs Among Us” exhibitions. Feathered dinosaurs and modern birds are on display.
• The Peace Tree at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is decorated with 1,000 paper crane ornaments, inspired by the book, “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.”

“Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park” by Shinya Suzuki is licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0

Ice Skating

Where to go skating? One of the best alternatives to Rockefeller Center is the ice skating rink at Bryant Park which is larger and free (the only cost is skate rental). But there are a few lesser-known options as well.

One of the newer skating traditions is at Brookfield Place in the financial district. The shopping center hosts the outdoor skating rink, visits with Santa, and “Luminaries”, a light installation by the Rockwell Group comprised of 650 suspended lanterns that perform a holiday light show every two hours.

For ice skating with a more grown-up edge, check out the rink at the Standard Hotel. The Standard plaza is transformed into a Swiss chalet, and when you’re finished skating cozy up with a Hot Toddy.

“Rockettes” by Ralph Daily is licensed by CC BY 2.0

Holiday Shows

How many years have you seen the Rockettes do their famous kick line? Looking for a different holiday experience? Of course, the other popular tradition is to see the New York City Ballet perform George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. While the production is stunning, it is higher priced and tends to sell out. Did you know there are many other smaller Nutcracker productions being performed over the holidays? Some favorites include Dances Patrelle’s The Yorkville Nutcracker, Mark Morris’ The Hard Nut, and the Joffrey Ballet School’s production. Not excited about ballet? The theatre at Madison Square Garden will be performing Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

“Christmas Lights at Time Warner Center” by Ravi Sarma is licensed by CC BY 2.0

Holiday Displays

Barney’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Bergdorf Goodman are all famous for their holiday window displays, but you might be looking to see enjoy the charm of holiday decor without the hovering crowds?  The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a wonderland! More than 25 trains are on display traveling through 150 scenes of New York during the holidays, all created with natural materials such as bark, leaves and berries. There are winter concerts at the gardens, poetry readings, arts and crafts for the kids, and even Bar Car Evenings with cocktails for the adults. Taking the Metro-North Railroad back to Grand Central after the Botanical Gardens? Stop at the New York Transit Museum Annex and check out their own smaller train show.

If you find yourself shopping at the Time Warner Center, be sure to take a look at “Holiday Under The Stars” comprised of a dozen, 14-foot stars, dangling above the main entrance and changing color to the tune of festive holiday music. On Monday evenings, this coincides with “Broadway Under the Stars”, a free concert series from some of the most popular Broadway Shows. A holiday light show and free Broadway Concert? Only in New York, folks.

CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR AROUND THE WORLD

Chinese New Year festivities begin on 16 February in Chinese communities around the world. Musement takes a look at some different ways the Year of the Dog will be celebrated.

The Spring Festival celebrations, known in the West as Chinese New Year, begin on 16 February.  2018 is the Year of the Dog, a sign of the Chinese horoscope characterized by a loyal and sincere personality. But how is this festival celebrated in China and in the rest of the world? What are the origins and characteristics of this party?

A legendary color – red! – plays an important part in the origins of this holiday, It’s said that in ancient times, a terrible monster, the Nian, emerged from its lair to feed on humans every 12 months. However, when the Chinese people discovered that loud noises and the color red frightened the Nian, they started to greet its awakening with songs, dance, fireworks and red decorations to escape the slaughter. This legend gave birth to one of the most important Chinese New Year traditions: The lion-headed dragon parade. Here’s a look at how different countries around the world celebrate.

1. China

Before the start of the New Year, people go to pray in local Taoist temples and they thoroughly clean their homes – a ritual symbolizing the discarding of the old year’s misfortunes in preparation for a new start.

On New Year’s Eve, a lavish banquet reunites the family around a table full of traditional treats. Different generations sit together, from grandparents to newborn grandchildren. One of the dinner’s highlights is the Nian Gao, the New Year cake made of sweet, glutinous rice with sugar, lotus leaves, Chinese dates and nuts (depending on the region). It’s considered a good omen because, in Chinese, the sound of its name is similar to the words meaning “Best Year.” The first day of the new year is celebrated with the Dragon dance while the dead are honored with candles, incense and prayers on the second day, which is also when married women visit their families. The God of Wealth is celebrated on the fifth day and a lantern festival on the fifteenth day marks the end of the festivities.

The Nian Gao, the traditional Chinese New Year cake. Photo credit: Ju-x via Visual hunt / CC BY

Each city in China has its own special way to welcome the new year. In Hong Kong, celebrations begin with a colorful parade in the Tsim Sha Tsui district and continue with a spectacular fireworks display in Victoria Harbor. A variety of fragrant flowers adorn the city to symbolize different wishes for the forthcoming year.

Hong Kong’s magnificent fireworks display in Victoria Harbour, photo credit: rmlowe via VisualHunt / CC BY

In Beijing, the real parties are held in temples, which host actual fairs that involve tourists and locals in dance and traditional music, acrobatic performances, stalls selling local crafts, and traditional food stands. Don’t miss the reenactments of ceremonies that back to China’s Imperial era, such as the one in the honor of Heaven and Earth.

Shanghai is the capital of China’s nightlife, and celebrations sparkle here during the New Year. You can attend concerts and theatrical performances, enjoy dinner in high-class restaurants and take part in glamorous parties held in the trendiest clubs. While partying dominates the dance-floors, the devout ring the temple’s bells to attract luck and prosperity in the coming year. Meanwhile, on the Jian Chang river, a spectacular countdown to greet the new year commences.

3. New York

The Lunar New Year Parade takes place in New York City‘s Chinatown quarter, starting on Mott Street and turning onto Canal Street, continuing on East Broadway and finishing at Broome Street. On 20 February, the New York Philharmonic celebrates the Year of the Dog with the Lunar New Year Concert and Gala on 20 February. Master Long Yu will conduct the Farmers’ Chorus of the Yunnan Province, a mountainous area in southern China. The chorus, together with young pianist Serena Wang, will perform Beethoven.

4. London

The Soho district is the beating heart of London‘s Chinese New Year’s Eve with traditional exhibitions, culinary specialties, dragons and fireworks. This year the parade will take place on 18 February on Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue, where a stage will host some themed entertainment. The parade ends at Trafalgar Square with a fireworks show.

The streets of Soho in London decked out for Chinese New Year, photo credit: Charles D P Miller via VisualHunt.com / CC BY

5. Milan

Finally, Milan holds two major Chinese New Year events: the Parade of the Golden Dragon on Via Paolo Sarpi, the heart of Chinatown, and an artistic event at the Teatro dal Verme taking place on Friday, 9 February. To kick off the Year of the Dog, Italian artists such as Eugenio Finardi and Francesco Baccini will perform on stage at the Teatro dal Verme. and there will be many guests including the Chinese actress and TV host Ni Ping, who has hosted the Chinese New Year festival for China’s CCTV for 13 years.

If you’re welcoming the Year of the Dog in one of these cities, don’t forget to wear something red to ward off the Nian. As the Chinese say:  新年快乐(xīn nián kuài lè – Happy New Year)!

9 CITIES TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE

With the new year just around the corner, it’s now time to start making plans for how to ring in 2020! Here are some of the best cities to celebrate.

We at Musement always look forward to New Year’s Eve. Although, sometimes the holiday doesn’t work out as you planned and the global hype can feel a bit overwhelming. Not to fear! Traveling for the New Year is one of the best ways to ensure 2020 starts on a positive note! Out of loving concern for exciting new beginnings this December 31, here are nine destinations that will guarantee you ring in 2020 with a cheer!

1. New York

New York is kind of a given as all Americans tune in to watch the ball drop in Times Square, but some people enjoy standing in the midst of it all. Don’t want to watch the ball drop? Here are some alternatives for New Year’s Eve in New York City.

2. London

New Year’s Eve celebrations abound in London, many complete with live music, Champagne and dancing, or you reserve a spot on a dinner cruise to watch the midnight fireworks over the Thames River…you might even get to hear Big Ben chime in the New Year. In addition to must-see sites London Eye and the Tower of London, a plethora of seasonal activities will keep you busy during the day, such Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.

London evening skyline

3. Las Vegas

Sin City meets all the requirements for an ultimate party night, and New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas is not any different. See the strip’s neon lights from the High Roller observation wheel, the Vegas Nightclub Pass grants access to VIP perks at Nightclubs like the front of the line and also saves you some money, and gastronomes might enjoy an afternoon culinary tour on the Las Vegas Strip – the perfect way to fill up before hitting the town. Also, don’t forget to buy your monorail tickets as it’s the only way to travel around the strip on New Year’s Eve.

4. Milan

The Italian metropolis and fashion capital will make your New Year’s Eve feel like you are living La Bella Vita. Aside from fantastic shopping opportunities where you can buy your fancy evening attire, Milan’s diverse neighborhoods boast lively bars and clubs as well as some stellar restaurants. Toast the beginning of 2020 in Milan with a Prosecco toast!

5. Paris

A cultured and sultry city, Paris is singular and the Parisians know how to celebrate life–whether through food, entertainment or romance. Start your evening off at the Crazy Horse Show in Paris where you will catch jazz fever with French Cabaret, or check out a non-stop musical (comedy) sensation with Paradis Latin New Years Eve with dinner and then dance the night away.

New Years Eve in Paris

6. Florence

Calling all Renaissance men and women: welcome 2020 during a fairy-tale like evening in the Tuscan capital. Enjoy a delicious Tuscan Dinner and Gala Concert complete with Champagne while overlooking the Ponte Vecchio. Tip: If you want to do some sightseeing during your stay in Florence, be sure to book your tickets ahead of time as they are often sold out!

7. Dubai

Dubai is a luxurious, lavish adventure. There are parties all around town, and we suggest Gala Dinner Cruise. The Burj Khalifa will now be open 24 hours so maybe you can welcome 2020 from the top of the world’s tallest structure?

Dubai NYE fireworks, Photo by tnilsson.london on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-SA

8. Barcelona

Fiesta seems like it was made for this eccentric city. With kilometers of beaches, a myriad of bars and roof-top clubs, New Year’s Eve celebrations in Barcelona will undoubtedly run into the wee morning hours. This New Years Eve party and Flamenco Show to experience the essence of the city as will one of the many nightclubs, depending on which vibes you’re going for.

9. Budapest

A flourishing party hub and historic capital, Budapest attracts people from all over the world for its music festivals, concerts, gothic architecture and exceptional party events. On New Year’s Eve, take your pick from a gala concert with dinner and after-party; a Hungarian dance performance, also with dinner and an after-party; and a lively pub crawl. If you’re feeling festive on New Year’s Day, attend a gala concert with the option of dinner and a cruise.

Budapest NYE Celebrations

12 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR TRAVELERS

1. Travel Eco-friendly

Traveling is getting easier every year. If we think of our parents’ generation, for example, once upon a time, it was unimaginable for them to organize a flight in two minutes flat and sometimes for just a small pittance. We travel more and more often and further and further away, so we should be aware of the carbon footprint of each of our travels. A good resolution for travelers to make this year is to travel green: try to minimize our carbon footprint and preserve our wonderful planet so that we can continue to protect and discover its treasures—and so, in turn, the generations to come will also be able to enjoy them.

2. Adapt to the customs of the country you visit

When traveling, it’s important to travel responsibly, and this also involves good manners. Knowing how to greet others, the proper ways to behave at the table, and what to tip in other countries is important for every traveler.

3. Rediscover your inner self

Work, obligations, and the stress of everyday life can sometimes completely drain our batteries. When we worry too much about what we need to do and about those around us, we tend to forget ourselves. Taking a break and refocusing on oneself is essential. So, why not commit to a meditation or yoga retreat to recharge in 2019?

4. Take up a sport (again)

After the excesses of Christmas and the New Year, many of us feel the need to get back in shape. Walking and hiking are suitable ways to explore new horizons or (re)discover our own country. Throw yourself a challenge like the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage or running a marathon in an unknown city.

5. Go to a good traveler festival

A wise traveler is also a cultured traveler! Think of a list of museums you’d like to visit this year or participate in a music or film festival in a city you don’t know as both are interesting ways to meet new people and interact with locals.

6. Travel for a cause

Surely the noblest resolution on this list since it’s one that’s not all about you. That said, while it will allow you to serve others, it could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Choose a cause you really care about—humanitarian, social or ecological—and fly off to Asia, North or South America, Africa, or even Europe.

7. Travel light

Swap out your big suitcase for a backpack. Leave your designer clothes, perfume, makeup, high heels, uncomfortable dresses, unnecessary accessories—in short everything superfluous–at home. You’ll see, it’ll do y

8. Visit some of the most beautiful places in the world before they disappear

Our planet is suffering, and while it’s important to change our habits from an ecological point of view, we cannot go back. This is why some spectacular destinations are growing endangered. Add at least one of them to your list–and travel there responsibly!–before it’s too late.

9. Don’t neglect souvenirs

Souvenirs are important, too. They allow you to continue traveling when you’re back home and help keep the travel memories alive. So, remember to write a travel blog or bring back local souvenirs for yourself as well, and most of all, take plenty of pics with your camera or smartphone.

10. Enjoy time with those you cherish

Traveling is also an opportunity to get far away from the daily grind and share a special moment with those who accompany us. This year, why not organize a trip to Rome with your children, a trip to Vienna with your parents, or a road trip in Europe with siblings or a group of friends?

5 New Year’s resolutions for your mental health

 

The New Year can be a great excuse to take stock and work out what to improve in the months ahead.

If you do decide to choose a New Year’s resolution, try and pick something manageable. Choosing to make small, positive changes can benefit your confidence as they’re easier to keep up. Plus, they enable you to focus on doing something rather than giving up.

We’ve come up with some small, practical ideas that can benefit your mental health over 2018…

1. Try meditating

Meditation is a fantastic way to give your mind some time out and a chance to calm. Try to slot in one or two sessions a day – even if it’s only for five minutes.

You may find apps such as Headspace, Insight Timer or Stop, Breathe & Think helpful for getting started and learning the techniques that work for you. These apps make meditation accessible to anyone.

2. Start a gratitude diary

Each day try to write down 1-3 positive things that have happened. These could be as small as “I had a laugh with a colleague” or “I ate a nice meal”.

This is a great way of training yourself to look at the positives of each day, which will help your mental wellbeing.

3. Try something new or develop an existing skill

Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument? Or perhaps you want to work on your conversation skills?

Taking up a new hobby or making a pledge to improve a skill can be a great confidence-booster! It can also be a good way of meeting new people and giving you something to look forward to in the week.

However, it’s important to avoid putting pressure on yourself to be ‘perfect’ – remind yourself that no-one can master a skill straight away, learning takes time and making mistakes helps you improve.

4. Make time to chill out

If you’ve fallen into the habit of staying late at work, you may decide to pledge to leave on time. This gives you the chance to recharge ready for the next day – being tired and run down won’t help your mind or your productivity.

Similarly, you could promise to block out some time each week for some “you” time. Do something that relaxes you, such as listening to music or having a soak in the bath.

…and while we’re on the subject – try to get enough sleep. You can read lots of tips on our sleep blog.

5. Get support if you need it

Feel as if you’re struggling to cope? Why not commit to seeking support in the New Year?

It takes great strength to ask for help, but it’s the first step towards getting better. You can read our advice on talking about your mental health or find out how to contact us here (please be aware that our opening hours over the festive period are different. For more information, see our post on Christmas opening times).

We provide support and advice for anyone who has ever worked in the UK’s automotive industry and their family dependents.