5 Top Picks for Christmas Holiday Like a Fairytale

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

As the festive period of the year sneaks up on us in a couple of weeks from now, it might be a good idea to plan ahead if you are looking to spend the holidays somewhere special. Not sure on where to go? Then here are some hidden gems to consider if you want to enjoy an experience that resembles the most to a Christmas fairytale like the one you have dreamed about. These are about as close as it gets to the real thing! 

Whichever idea you may have set as the perfect Christmas fairytale, it probably entails white days, warm nights, campfires, theme markets, warm drinks and cozy nights in. It’s a part of what many of us see Christmas as the favorite holiday season– the white ground laden with a magical feeling floating in the air! There are definitely quite a few places that can fit this description, yet we’ve gathered 5 top choices promising to offer majestically Christmas vacation.

Bibuby, Cotswolds, UK

This wonderful rural part of the United Kingdom can feel like a true Christmas special. If you find that you want to enjoy the beauty of Christmas in a fine festive theme, this might be the place to go. With fabulous thatched roofs to the old-school yellow-stone walls, Bibuby is a location that manages to capture that iconic Christmas look in kind.

If you were to receive a post card of this place, you would likely believe it was a fictional location made just for the setting of a Christmas movie, such is the quaint and wonderful nature of the town.

Dinant, Belgium

Dinant, one of the most picturesque towns in Belgium’s Wallonia region is a fine place to visit if you want to experience something that is bound to have that true festive feeling to it. This is a lovely hotspot for winter travel, based just on the beauty of the Meuse River. It looks magnificent during this cold weather, with the shine of the frost coming down and landing perfectly across the ground to make that true Winter Wonderland feeling.

Add in the fact that old ivy-clad castles and forts still stand so proudly here, and you can easily see why people might feel more than comfortable coming here for a winter break. It carries a unique and charming design that is pretty hard to forget, as well as a city that has all the appeal of a true Christmas fairytale story. 

For a picturesque Christmas this year that looks the part, Dinant is the perfect choice.

Rakotz Bridge, Kromlau Town, Germany

Don’t let the name fool you. This stunning bridge called Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) as the locals call it can be found in Kromlau, Germany and is one of the most fantastically designed and detailed locations for a festive feeling and shine. It’s got a classy look that can be hard to forget, as well as a fine combination between the beauty of nature and the hardship of man to make that beauty stand out even more than ever before. 

This is a location that manages to fit the two perfectly together. The awesome stone bridge manages to appear almost natural, with a rather uneven look making it appear as if it was all put together without human touch!

For a Christmas wonderland design, this is the perfect place to pick and experience winter tranquility like never before. Constructed over 150 years ago, the bridge itself has a wonderful river below it that reflects wonderfully.

This creates the impression of a circular design – especially in the winter, when the snap of the ground illuminates back up and creates the perfect look down below. Hence, it goes to show that choosing Kromlau and Rakotz Bridge as your travel destination is definitely bound to be one of the most memorable sights at Christmas!

Giethoorn Village, Netherlands

This stunning like Dutch ton in the northeastern province of Overijssel, Netherlands is the perfect place to spend Christmas if you are looking for a place away from the bigger cities and be somewhere far more natural, less bothersome and nowhere near as busy. This stunning little town is known by many as the “Venice of the North” due to the fact that it’s loaded with canals like the famous Italian city.

When the frost of the winter helps to bring this all together and create something exemplary, it does create that truly wonderful Christmas fairytale look. If you arrive before the frost sets in then you can hire a little boat and go along the canals, taking in a winter sight that is truly hard to top.

From the shining lights from the houses and the locals to the stunning reflection of the town on the water, this manages to sell the picture of winter like few other places in this wonderful nation.

If you are going to be in the Netherlands for Christmas, then you should definitely do yourself a favor and pop down to the Giethoorn area to take in one of the most relaxing festive periods around.

Shirakawa Village, Japan

As a location well-known for making the most stunning take on winter-style designs, Japan makes its mark on this list with the pristine and wonderful Shirakawa Village, located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture. Easily seen by many as one of the most natural and fitting winter images around, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good reason. The small traditional village is something that can appear like it came directly from the tomes of a Christmas book, with a welcoming and engaging layout mixed with the tranquil, calm nature of the wilderness.

From stunning farmhouses which are centuries old to the snowcapped roofs that have stood for equally as long, this is a little location that really helps to show everyone what the true heart and beauty of Christmas is.

Final Words

Feel like you want to grab your passport and take the first flight to reach one of these destinations? We know the feeling! If you want Christmas this year to be a little bit more exciting than before, these magical places are worth considering. Obviously, these are just a few locations to check out, but each offers a distinctive and rather amazing Christmas fairytale type holiday for you and your loved ones.

From the comfort and calmness of a festive period to the beauty of lights and layout, the above list can satisfy any curiosity and preference, adding some stardust to your Christmas! Enjoy!

NOW READ: Tech Gadgets That Make Traveling a Breeze

Need more articles? No problem! Be sure to subscribe to our Daily Newsletter and YouTube channel. It's just that easy.

*by andreascy*

Six Awesome Family Vacation Ideas

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

If you happen to be planning or want to plan a family vacation and have run out of ideas, you have come to the right place! 

While it may not be very exciting, advanced planning is necessary to ensure a great, stress-free vacation, and the first step in planning ahead is picking your perfect vacation spot! Here are six awesome family vacation ideas that you can consider.

1. The Grand Canyon

This might sound rote, but it can actually be a fun and inspiring experience to visit the Grand Canyon. While it is a popular location, you have to make advanced reservations. You cannot wait until the last minute, especially if you want to experience some interesting things like the mule trip.

The South Rim is opened all year round. However, you can only access it during the months of May through October. If you have never been to the Grand Canyon, this is a great experience for the entire family. Its scenic view and awe-inspiring geography will positively captivate you.

2. The Outer Banks

In the state of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a great place to visit during your family vacation. It is a chain of barrier islands connected to bridges and ferries. The beaches are magnificent.

Throughout the year, weather is usually mild. However, in August and September, you can expect a change in weather because of the hurricane season. The off-season is between September and May. You may be able to get better rates then.

3. Miami, Florida

Miami, Florida, is a hot (literally!) vacation spot where you will find so many things to do as a family. You can go shopping or visit the museum, zoo, and parks. Miami has many street fairs, concerts and festivals, as well. There will never be a boring day on your Miami vacation.

For active, outdoor fun, you can go scuba diving, sailing, biking, snorkeling and fishing. You can also play golf or tennis. And be prepared to do a lot of walking if you are a shopaholic! On South Beach, there are fun night clubs to enjoy, as well as a diverse cultural cuisine at exotic restaurants.

4. Maine Coast

The Maine Coast is a long stretch of white, sandy beaches. There are many hotels, rentals and beautiful beach villas to choose from. There are also restaurants located along the ocean.

You will be able to do all of your shopping in Freeport. The peak season is during July and August, but the best to vacation on the Main Coast is after Labor Day in September.

5. Great Wolf Lodge

If you live in a cold climate and want to escape the snow without leaving the country, the Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park, is a great option (especially if you have young kids!).

These indoor water park resorts can be found all over the country, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri and Kansas just to name a few. It’s also a great option if you live in a tropical climate (like Florida) and want to escape somewhere colder without being entirely at the mercy of snow!

6. Caribbean Cruise

To get away during the winter, you can opt for a Caribbean cruise. Places like the Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados are ideal vacation spots all year round.

The climate is similar to Florida’s. A cruise offers fun and interesting things to do for the entire family!

Which one would you choose? 😍😎

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMORIES: 5 Top Picks for Christmas Holiday Like a Fairytale

Subscribe on our Newsletter for more updates straight to your inbox. Like, share, and comment if you are currently looking into great experiences. If you need an expert on planning trips, someone with years of experience as a travel agent, then we can help you.

*by andreascy*

5 Of The Worlds Biggest Metal Structures

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The largest buildings in the world are not necessarily the tallest. Many of those with the largest square footage exploit the benefits of steel construction. Structural steel, according to the American Institute for Steel Construction, is not only the most cost-effective framing system, but the quickest to erect and one of the most easily recycled. Five of the world's largest buildings are prime examples of the possibilities of steel. 

Venetian Macao 

The world's sixth largest building is its most extensive casino, the 10.5 million square foot Venetian Macao built on reclaimed land in Macao. Designed as a "mega-resort," the facility is operated by the Sands, the famous Las Vegas resort. 

It's ornate murals and cornices, its arena, its pool and spa complex and even its network of canals with their gondoliers beneath a painted sky are all attached to a structural steel frame.

Dubai Terminal 3 

The second largest building on earth is now one of the international terminals of Dubai International Airport. Terminal 3's 18,440,000 square feet of floor space originally served only domestic travelers, but now handles international flights as well. 

Over 40 million passengers use the terminal every year. Completed in 2008, the building required 33,000 metric tons of structural steel. As if it were not big enough on its own, Terminal 3 is directly connected to Terminal 2 through a common transit area. 

Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer 

FloraHolland's auction facility in Aalsmeer in the Netherlands is the largest trading floor in the world at 10.6 million square feet and the fourth largest building overall. 

Originally erected in 1972, the building was expanded to its current size in 1979. Its steel roof members are plainly visible from the auction floor. 

Chrysler Headquarters 

The headquarters and main R&D facility for Chrysler LLC is a 5.3 million square foot tower in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. 

The building's curtain walls hang from a steel frame, incorporating atriums and concourses that culminate in an octagonal skylight. The facade is designed to allude to the shape of an automobile, something not possible without steel frame construction. 

Abraj al Bait 

The most extensive building in the world is Abraj al Bait in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It includes a luxury hotel, a four level shopping mall, six residential towers for permanent residents, a conference center and two separate heliports and an intramodal transit station, as well as the world's largest clock tower.

While its exterior incorporates Islamic architectural motifs, particularly mosaics, the building's internal structure is a steel frame. 

Almost all the world's largest building's use structural steel framing. The one exception, the 6.6 million square foot reinforced-concrete Pentagon, was built during a time of steel scarcity. The contrast between its low, glowering facade and light, airy curtain wall structures is in itself an argument in favor of steel frame construction. The American Iron and Steel Institute maintains that steel offers economic and environmental advantages in addition to its "aesthetically beautiful" appearance. This makes it the medium of choice for contemporary architectural expression.

SEE ALSO: The Advantages of using Steel as a Construction Material

Did you like this article? You can always subscribe and get all the important updates directly in your Inbox  Your information is protected and we never spam. We promise!

*by andreascy*

Have You Ever Heard Of Manufactured Real-Estate?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

A part of the world is banking on the success of artificially created real-estate, quite literally, since for some time now, developers have been smiling all the way to the bank. And artificial real-estate doesn’t refer to just buildings --- no, no --- we’re talking about man-made islands in the Persian Gulf where development incorporates natural habitat and ecosystems. This is referred to as terraforming; and the most outrageous whims can be developed and accommodated for those where money is no issue. 

Replicas of lost civilizations as well as breath-taking 5-star themed hotels, high-rise malls, a sea-world and exclusive retail outlets, jut outward, literally, over the Arabian Gulf waters, staking their unusual real-estate claims.

Tell Me More!

A world-class golf course lies among private homes, which are scattered throughout, flanked by fresh-water streams flowing alongside them. A myriad of architectural styles used for these homes reflect ancient designs from various areas of the world including the Orient, Middle-East, Mediterranean Africa, Europe or even quaint sea-village homes built on stilts. One has the option of designing one’s own home that would reflect a unique style indigenous to any culture of the world.

According to developers, the real-estate market is booming due to the Dubai government maintaining low interest rates and ‘low’ property costs to encourage foreign investment and residency. And supposedly, Dubai is having a difficult time keeping up with the demands from those who are financially able to take part in these outlandish real-estate projects.

‘The World’:

This is only one of many themed real-estate pieces; and it is located 2.5 miles off the coast of Dubai and is made up of 300 individual islands shaped like the earth’s continents - England, Shanghai, Tasmania and many more--with micro-versions of each continent’s unique offerings such as castles, an African game preserve, full-scale, replicated Caribbean ships, etc., created for private ownership. And if you have a yearning to possess your own island, have your checkbook handy since there are still some available for sale.

Official water patrols provide security; and posh water taxis continually ferry guests between each ‘water world’ environment day and night.

A Sinking Dream?

It needs to be stated, however, that financial experts maintain that development has slowed down due to the 2008 financial crisis. Local developers deny that assertion inspite of the fact that property values on Dubai’s mainland have fallen 58% from their peak in the fourth quarter of 2008. It is, also, being alleged the synthetic islands are slowly sinking into the sea. This has been confirmed by geological surveys and many homeowners, living in this once-unquestioned piece of paradise, are furious regarding this sinking revelation. And any sinking issues may or may not have anything to do with the unarguable fact that many investors have reconsidered and backed out and some have asked for, and have received, investment reimbursements. Some argue for the more familiar real estate investments as seen on Dunhill Homes.

Whether this manufactured real-estate is losing value or whether islands are truly sinking, as of mid-July 2012, properties have continued to open - but one has to wonder: For how long?

SEE ALSO: 3 Best Tools For Construction Project Management

We appreciate your readership. If you liked the post, please use the share tools.

*by andreascy*

The 5 Most Dangerous Buildings In The World

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Mankind has achieved innumerable architectural marvels over thousands of years. The cutting edge technology used in construction today has not always been required to construct buildings that inspire awe and stagger the mind. However, many great building achievements are as dangerous as they are innovative. In many cases, the element of danger is what provides the construction with such thrilling intrigue. The following buildings are equal in their engineering accomplishments and elements of danger that they present to any visitors who dare enter. 

License: Creative Commons

Cliffside

China is home to the Hanging Temple. This building has stood for more than 1,400 years since the reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty. It faces a sheer drop of nearly 246 feet at the base of Mount Heng. This structure is actually the only temple in existence that serves as a place of worship for three individual religions: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The temple is constructed of wood and contains 40 individual halls. Beams have been inserted into hand-chiseled fitting in the rock surface. Visitors brave enough to enter the temple will find over 80 Buddhist statues throughout the structure.

License: Creative Commons

A Stone Tower

At 817 meters above sea level, Lichtenstein Castle in Germany is another structure that seems to totter on the side of a cliff. This castle was not the first to rest on this site. Previous structures had been built and fallen to ruins dating back to about the 1200's. Lichtenstein Castle was commissioned by Duke Wilhelm of Urach in 1840. Although the castle is still under royal ownership, the doors are open to the public that dare to make the trip skywards. Most visitors come for the view and to gaze at the collection of historic German weaponry and armor. Various castles on this site have utilized the popular architectural stylings of their day throughout the years. Lichtenstein adds to its allure high in the sky by employing Neo-Gothic traditions throughout its design.

License: Creative Commons

A Delicate Balance

The Takasugi-an in Japan is perhaps the strangest and most insecure structure ever to be executed. The name literally translates to “a teahouse too high.” It was designed by its architect for his own private use. Built off-site, the one-room building was transported and installed at the top of two chestnut trees. It is constructed primarily of bamboo and plaster, and it can only be accessed by using a single, free-standing ladder that must be propped against the side of one of the supporting trees.

License: Creative Commons

Working on an Incline

As though they were taking a cue from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Puerta de Europa or in English, Gate of Europe, in Madrid, Spain features two buildings that lean towards one another at a 15 degree incline. Each tower stands 374 feet tall and features 26 floors. The identical towers hover ominously over pedestrians and drivers who can travel beneath their shadows. The project was completed in 1996 as a joint effort between an American and Spanish architectural firm.

License: Creative Commons

An Icon of Architectural Mistakes

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is yet to collapse. This building is actually a bell tower for a central cathedral that went terribly wrong. It was five years after its initial construction in 1173 that it began it's unintended tilt to one side. The lean is due to the lack of solid ground resting beneath its foundation on one side. This side of the structure sinking into the ground is now submerged by over five feet, giving the 16,000 ton building less than stable footing.

Many of these structures are appealing to visitors for their unique qualities and dangerous appearance. While more adventurous people will flock to these as points of interest in their travels, those people who do not have thrill-seeking tendencies will be much happier enjoying photos from a safe distance on a stable foundation.

Don't miss a beat! Here are yesterday's top stories. Please forward this post to anyone else that you think may find it useful. If you enjoyed it, please join our email list to be notified of more specials.

*by andreascy*

A Guide to MPLS Internet

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Multiprotocol Label Switching - or MPLS - is a breakthrough telecommunications system that allows data to be distributed in a more streamlined and efficient manner. Since it is a method, not a service, it is highly adaptable to any number of functions. It was designed by the Internet Engineering Task Force - or IETF - with the express goal of preparing networks for the increase in traffic to and from networks connected to the internet. As network traffic continues to expand alongside the technology, MPLS will likewise continue to grow in importance.

To be able to understand why MPLS is so important, a cursory examination of the methodology it replaces is necessary. Before the arrival of MPLS, packets being transmitted through networks were analyzed by each router in which it was relayed. This process was necessary for the router to pinpoint the destination of the packet - in effect revealing where the packet must be forwarded. This is a cumbersome process as precious time is being expended each time one of these routers has to independently reassess the packet.

Using MPLS methodology, however, each packet is given a type, more specifically known as a Forwarding Equivalence Class. This Forwarding Equivalence Class, or FEC, is looked up on a given table, granting the router the necessary data to send the packet on its way. This removes the time consuming process of thoroughly examining the packet for a destination and allows the router to simply examine the appropriate packet's label for forwarding information. Additionally, it allows for a greater degree of packet characteristics to be quickly accessed by each router, giving network administrators the ability to prioritize packets based on any number of attributes.

The benefits of MPLS methodology are wide and varied. Not only does it allow service providers to compensate for the expansive nature of internet growth, it also allows for different data types to be transmitted simultaneously, provides options when dealing with various routing integrations and provides a very functional fail-safe to retrieve data in the case of network failure. It is similarly interface independent, allowing a greater range of network types and speeds to communicate effortlessly.

Companies that have found it increasingly difficult to handle massive network traffic as the years go by will find MPLS methodology to be very effective in dealing with this problem. MPLS will allow business networks to connect with one another in a way that will surely induce sighs of relief to those used to older forwarding methodology. Due to its effectiveness and scalability, integrating MPLS methodology will give service providers the means to deter a wide range of future problems, as well as providing them with the ability to deal with methodology they will surely use for a long time to come. Finally, with the increasing need to communicate in real-time, the MPLS methodology's quality of service implementation will ensure audio and video applications that facilitate communications will have higher priority during data transmissions, allowing these specific packets to flow through networks without trouble or delay.

RECOMMENDED: What can MPLS service providers do for your business?

If you do Facebook, please like us there! Thanks for being here! 

*by andreascy*

Urban Farming Is A Green Way to Improving Cities

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

 

Urban Farming is a process of growing foods within vastly populated towns and cities. These regions use up a lot of our foods and needed resources. A meal could journey greater than 4,000 miles to get from the farm to the markets and restaurants. Growing food nearer to the areas of greater demand decreases the amount of gasoline required to transport it from start location to its final destination. 

Minimizing the number of trips saves money and time. Additionally, this strategy can decrease maintenance cost of transporting vehicles. As a result, there is less need to purchase new vehicles. Toxic gases spewed into the atmosphere is greatly reduced. Urban agriculture is not restricted to fruits and vegetables.

It calls for raising livestock in the midst of the metropolis. Our "carbon "food-print" is the amount of greenhouse gases produced as meals go through the food system. Humans contribute to nitrous oxide emission when we consume food sprayed with chemical fertilizers.

Stop being afraid to learn. Here's how!

*by andreascy*

TED : Michael Hansmeyer - Building Unimaginable Shapes

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Classical architecture is defined by "orders" - ways to connect a column to a building, to articulate the joining of materials and structural forces. Colloquially, these orders are based on elemental forms : the tree trunk, the plank, the scroll, the leaf. 

Michael Hansmeyer is adding a new elemental form : the subdivision algorithm. He turns his math and programming skills to making ornate, organic, hyperdetailed columns generated from lines of code and then comped up in cross-sections of cardboard, almost as if they're being 3D printed.

His latest work with cupolas and domes is even more mesmerizing, like looking deep inside an organic form of near-unbearable complexity.

Inspired by cell division, Michael writes algorithms that design outrageously fascinating shapes and forms with millions of facets. No person could draft them by hand, but they're buildable - and they could revolutionize the way we think of architectural form. This presentation was recorded at TEDGlobal 2012.

If you liked our article feel free to comment below and discover even more TED Performances.

*by andreascy*