Spend New Years Eve At A Getaway In Auckland

New Years Eve always holds the promise of so much, a new year, new beginnings and a chance to say goodbye to the year that was. Celebrations are planned months in advance and it's an event that is celebrated all over the globe each of us marking the occasion in our own way. If your idea of celebrating New Year is by heading away for a few nights to a special location why not book yourself into a luxury bed and breakfast in Auckland.

Auckland, or the Supercity as it is now known, covers an expanse of the Auckland isthmus and is home to a quarter of the population of New Zealand making it a buzzing metropolitan city however despite this it's easy to get around and there is plenty to see and do. Fireworks displays are held on the Auckland Harbour Bridge over the Hauraki Gulf on New Year's Eve, the Skytower is lit up and celebrations are held at hospitality establishments all over the city.

If you are looking for a great night out but not in the centre of the city you could head just north of Auckland to Matakana. There are many choices for your New Year Eve with many of the local vineyards and restaurants booking entertainment to help you ring in the New Year.

Perhaps a night out is not your thing and you would rather spend a romantic night in with that special someone, your luxury bed and breakfast in Auckland will be able to give you details of local takeaway establishments if you want to order something in, or perhaps grab some fish and chips, a bottle of wine and head down to the beach.

Taking a holiday for New Years Eve will see you starting the New Year relaxed, refreshed and ready to keep all those resolutions, for a day or two at least. Your luxury bed and breakfast in Auckland should also be willing to provide you will an extra special breakfast on the first day of the year. Imagine waking up in your sumptuous suite set in bush clad surroundings, stunning views, relaxing sounds of the country and being served a delicious breakfast. You will be sure to remember that New Years Eve and morning for many, many years.

There are many luxury bed and breakfast accommodations in Auckland to choose from so give yourself time to research a few of them and don't forget to consider those a little bit out of the city - just being away from the hustle and bustle can be relaxing in itself.

The Ridge Luxury Accommodation in Puhoi North Auckland New Zealand offers three luxury suites all with their own private decks & stunning views out onto hundreds of acres of native bush and the sea in the distance.
Ian and his wife, are informal and very relaxed hosts with their hosted dinners a key part of the experience, they also provide the opportunity to mix with other guest from all over the world in a relaxed and informal manner.
Due to its close proximity to Auckland The Ridge is popular with travellers from all over the world and for domestic guests for weekend breaks, special occasions or that romantic getaway. Close to Auckland but a world away. Make sure you check out The Ridge luxury bed and breakfast in Auckland if you are planning to spend the New Year in Auckland.

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How to Spend Your Time in 2012's Hottest UK Destination: Birmingham

The New York Times recently named Birmingham the world's 19th top destination to visit in 2012. Times have changed in the city that's moved on from its industrial past to become one of the UK's cultural hotspots. Spend a few days roaming the city with your camera at the ready. Famous for some of its architectural pearls like Selfridges department store building, Birmingham provides great photo ops that'll leave your mates jealous of your holiday in the city.

Festivals
Birmingham is a city of festivals as one is held at least every few months. In March visit the city for the Flatpack Festival of film showcasing excellent independent movies in venues including the UK's oldest cinema. Soon after, Fierce festival takes place, focusing on live art and gathering participants from around the world showing off their performances. During the summer the city comes alive with music as it hosts the International Jazz and Blues Festival. Many events are free to the public and take place in both conventional and unconventional venues like galleries, shops and canal boats. Later in the year, Birmingham Book Festival celebrates local and international literature through a series of events such as workshops and lectures.

The Art Scene
There's a lot of art on show in Birmingham, from public art scattered throughout the city to the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelites in the world at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Classic art lovers will also appreciate the Barber Institute of Fine Arts that houses works by some of Europe's best known impressionists. If you're a fan of modern art, the Ikon gallery is likely to be your cup of tea, priding itself on cutting edge contemporary art exhibitions.

Nightlife
With four universities and many colleges, Birmingham has a noticeable population of young adults who love a good night out. Bars and night clubs in the city cater for every taste. Try the Broad Street or Mailbox areas for some serious clubbing. The live music scene is also alive and well with bands making regular appearances at venues like the O2 Academy and Jam House. Comedy fans will find a good few haunts for a live show too. Theatre aficionados gather at the Birmingham Hippodrome and The Alexandra among other venues. Look out for performances by the Welsh National Opera, one of the season's highlights.

Shopping
If on the clothing hunt, Birmingham has a selection of shopping centres to choose from, as well as the traditional British high street and more expensive options. The city's famous Jewellery Quarter is still going strong with a plethora of specialist jewellers willing to show off their craftsmanship. Markets are big in Birmingham. Six days a week Bull Ring market pulls in the crowds with its seemingly endless stalls crammed with fresh produce. Farmers' markets and an arts and crafts fair are also held once in a while.

After so much exploring, shopping till you drop and dancing into the wee hours, you'll really appreciate a comfortable hotel in Birmingham close to local amenities.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

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Peru Vacations: How to Spend a Cultural Day in Lima

As the former capital of the Spanish empire in South America, Lima has plenty to suit those who are fascinated by different cultures. The fusion of Spanish culture with Peruvian traditions, and how they've assimilated with each other throughout the last centuries, is a truly fascinating condition to witness. So if you have a day to spare during your Peru vacations to enjoy Lima, here are our suggestions for a culturally insightful experience.

Morning
Mornings are a quiet time when the city is just waking up. Although stores tend to open around 9 am, on Sundays, they might not open at all. Therefore, so as not to waste time while on your Lima trip, head to a museum right after breakfast. You will likely have the place considerably to yourself, and the few hours before lunch is a good time to get your brain thinking. One of the most revered museums in Lima is the Larco Museum, located in the San Isidro neighborhood, which showcases priceless Inca and pre-Inca relics, providing glimpses into the lives and ways of Peru's ancient people. If you are close to the city center, the House of Gastronomy housed in a pastel pink building is a good way to get acquainted with the food of Peru even if you don't get to try it all on your South America vacation packages.

Afternoon
After a nice lunch of ceviche or perhaps pollo a la brasa, visit the historical city center. The center is where you will find the best preserved examples of Spanish architecture around, with their intricate wood balconies and delicate details reminding of an era long gone. The Plaza de Armas is where people once and still congregate socially and for demonstrations, and the Cathedral is one of the most impressive in South America. Visit the San Francisco Church and catacombs beneath to see how the Spaniards treated their dead. Lima's Chinatown, due to Peru's large Chinese population, is the biggest on the continent!

Evening
Culture does not only mean seeing the old, but also the new ways in which the people live. For this, there is no better place to go than the Miraflores district, trendy and chic enough to rival any Western city. Lima's upper class love to walk along Miraflores' clifftop stretch of urban parks called the Costa Verde, go shopping at the luxury Larcomar mall, and eat at the fine restaurants often hidden to all but those who know where to look.

This article about Lima culture was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize Peru vacations as part of your fully customizable South America vacation packages.

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