Switzerland, The World's Winter Paradise

Switzerland is named the top country to visit by the World Economic Forum’s list of countries in the world to visit in 2011.

Switzerland

With its unique blend of Italian, French and German cultures, Switzerland is Europe's most culturally diverse country, which is why so many people want to visit. I don’t blame them. Who wouldn’t want to feel as though they traveled three of Europe’s most visited countries for the price of one?

Switzerland is a top travel destination for many reasons. Some of Europe's best skiing, dining, and entertainment are located in two of the country's most popular cities, Davos and Zurich.

Known as the summer and winter paradise among all the countries in the world, there is never a bad time to plan a trip to Switzerland. Personally, I recommend planning a winter trip and taking advantage of one of the world’s most beautiful skiing regions.

Switzerland is the first place people skied for fun. One of the best places to ski is Davos, Switzerland's second largest city.  The city's six ski areas accommodate all levels of skiers.

Davos

The clean, crisp air whipping at your cheeks as the skis on your feet glide gracefully through the fresh morning snow and the beautiful view of the Swiss Alps both take your breath away. The thought does more than just catch my interest. I’ll be booking my next flight to Switzerland, please.

Zeughauskeller Meal

For those not convinced by skiing alone, Switzerland is also home to one of Lonely Planet Travel Guide’s top ten restaurants in Europe. The first, Zeughauskeller, is a famous beer hall in Zurich with a menu that offers 20 different kinds of sausage and other Swiss specialties. And if you're worried about not being able to read the menu, don't be. It's offered in eight languages to avoid this very problem. Between the ice-cold Pilsner and the savory bratwurst, you may have to remind yourself you're not in Germany.

Dining in the Dark

The second, Blindekuh, is for the more adventurous diner. A hot new trend, the patrons dine in complete darkness. At first, I thought this was rather odd. Why would someone pay to dine in the dark? After learning the restaurant's owners were visually impaired and that this was a way of sharing the experience of blindness, the question itself seemed odd. Being able to experience from another's perspective is something everyone dreams of doing, so why not take advantage of the opportunity? But be ready to place an international phone call if you plan on dining at the hotspot. Blindekuh is booked months in advance for dinner.

Opera House

Switzerland's entertainment is no exception to excellence. Zurich's Opera House is known world-wide. Nestled in the wealthiest city in Europe, the opera house is no stranger to international classical musician stars on stage or upper-class socialites in the audience. The beautiful, old-fashioned structure alone captures my interest; although, the calendar of events only reinforces my desire to go.


A breathtakingly beautiful country is waiting for our arrival. Will you be joining me in Switzerland?

Iceland Is The Place To Go This Summer

Iceland is USA Today’s top travel destination for 2011 because altogether a trip to the beautiful island just became more affordable with cheaper, more direct flights and the deflation of the country’s currency.

Iceland

Now is the time to plan a summer trip to Iceland for many reasons.

First, there are many new flight options which make traveling to Iceland much easier. This June, nonstop flights with Delta Air Lines will be available for the first time from New York City to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. Also for those with a tighter budget, low-cost carriers, such as Iceland Express, will offer flights from major cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Second, the country’s financial downturn is an advantage for travelers. As of September 2010, the U.S. dollar equals 180 Icelandic kronas. This gives a whole new meaning to getting a bang for your buck. Some of Europe’s most incredible attractions, dining and shopping are in Iceland and became much more affordable.

Iceland

The name Iceland is deceiving when it comes to describing the beautifully green region. In the summertime, Vesturbæjarlaug Geothermal Pool is rated the number one sight in Iceland by the well-known travel website Lonely Planet. The volcanic water keeps the pool at a comfortable 85-degree temperature. Vesturbæjarlaug also offers three hot, Jacuzzi-like pools perfect for relaxing sore or tight muscles from the flight. Reykjavik’s local hang out is the best way to spend a lazy morning overhearing the city's latest gossip. Known as the heart of the city’s social life, Vesturbæjarlaug is filled with locals of all ages relaxing and socializing. But be careful, Icelanders are very concerned with tourists dirtying up their clean, chemical-free pools. Visitors are encouraged to take a shower before getting in the pool.

Blue Lagoon

But if you want a more spa-inspired sense of relaxation, the Blue Lagoon is the place for you. Holding over six million liters of geothermal seawater that maintain a constant temperature of 104 degrees, the lagoon is an outdoor haven. I can already imagine slathering on some pure, white geothermal mud to deep cleanse and exfoliate my skin. Afterwards, I would relax in one of the man-made cave steam baths. My wallet may suffer a little, but it’s a small price to pay to be pampered like a queen.

After relaxing all morning, the next thing to do is re-energize with an authentic meal. According to Lonely Planet’s website, Iceland also offers some of the best dining in Europe.  In Reykjavik, the restaurant Indian Mango was ranked two out of almost 45,000 things to do in Europe. The restaurant offers Icelandic-Indian dishes and specialties, including duck marinated in a unique blend of Indian spices. Though more of a pricey establishment, the five-star quality food and service make the meal worth every penny.

Bæjarins Beztu

If a cheaper meal is more appealing,  you’ll be happy to be informed Icelanders are known to be addicted to hot dogs. The best hot dogs come from Bæjarins Beztu, an establishment run out of a van near a harbor in Reykjavik. Eat a dog with ketchup, mustard, remoulade and crunchy onions and you’ll be eating like a local.

12 Tonar

What’s left to do but shop? Iceland has something to catch everyone’s interest. For the music aficionado there is the three-floor shop 12 Tonar, a hang out responsible for launching some of Iceland’s hottest new bands. Drink some coffee, listen to some music and buy a CD from Lonely Planet’s second most popular place to shop in Europe. For the fashionista there is the Kringlan Shopping Centre, which is filled with designers such as Prada and Hugo Boss. Even those not into fashion can appreciate designer items at post financial crisis prices.

In the end, visiting Iceland is the most exotic budget traveling anyone can do. So why not plan a trip? You already know I am.

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