Dr Michelle McCrystall is a polar scientist who is currently working at the University of Manitoba. Having moved to the city of Winnipeg in the last 6 months, she has experienced some dramatic changes in climate across the seasons. She has provided us with some insight into her first 6 months in the Canadian climate…
“Why Germans are so crazy about Cornwall”. This is what I asked myself, even though I am German and I should naturally know. When I moved to Cornwall, my family and friends were amazed: “You are moving to Cornwall? How beautiful”. They admired me for that decision and I felt that I must be moving to a very special place. A co-worker told me that he had been on holiday to Cornwall in his campervan and that it was absolutely gorgeous.
Christmas markets are among the most popular traditions in Europe. The tradition started in the former Holy Roman Empire during the Late Middle Ages, where winter markets were held for citizens to stock up their supplies to last through the cold months. Over time, local handicrafts such as baskets and woodcarvings were also sold on the markets. The earliest documented winter markets were reported from Vienna (Austria) in 1298 and the German cities Munich (1310), Bautzen (1384) and Frankfurt (1393).
by Caroline Coch
Everybody knows that while there is winter in the northern hemisphere, it remains warm near sea level in the tropics. I have always been aware of this – but experiencing this climate difference within one day was truly fascinating.
It is often (incorrectly) thought of as simply a 18-30s holiday destination, yet Mallorca offer so much more to travellers. Mallorca (or ‘Majorca’) is the largest island in the Balearics (Ibiza and Formentera lie to the west, and Menorca to the east) and an ever-popular Mediterranean destination thanks to its glorious beaches, up-market port towns, remote mountains, stunning views and small rural villages.
A holiday to Lapland is the ultimate Christmas present, for children and adults alike. After all, this is the one place you can spend time with Santa Claus on his home turf!*
Lapland is the largest and northernmost region of Finland and has a subarctic/continental climate categorised by mild summers and long, cold, snowy winters. For this reason - and due to an abundance of conifer trees - it has become associated with Christmas, particularly in the UK.
Wellington City, with its Victorian timber architecture, bushy hillsides, waterfront promenades, and craggy shorelines, is the Capital of New Zealand, and a rather small Capital at that, with a population of just 405,000 people. It is located in the Greater Wellington Region on the south-western tip of the North Island, bordering the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands. As such, Wellington is the crossing point between the two islands, and a well-trodden path for travellers.
There is nowhere quite like Cape Town, The Mother City; it is the perfect blend of grand landscapes and natural wonders, combined with an array of cultures, cuisines and creativity. It is even said that Cape Town can have four seasons in one day - the perfect location for the weather-loving intrepid traveller. The proximity of nature is also a constant source of wonderment here - you can watch zebra and wilderbeasts grazing on the slopes of the world famous Table Mountain from the highway.
Sydney is a cosmopolitan city, surrounded by vast unspoilt beaches, sparkling harbours, famous landmarks, renowned vineyards and numerous world heritage sites. It is the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, where millions of travellers – both gap year students and vacationers alike - flock to each year. Sydney enjoys a sunny climate with warm summers and mild winters, so there are many outdoor activities to enjoy all year round.
Photo: La Paz's cable car system is one of the most popular and convenient ways to get around the city Credit: Chloe Moore
Disembarking the plane in La Paz, Bolivia, will take your breath away; both literally and metaphorically. The city has the highest elevation of any government city in the world, at an altitude of 3,650m.
