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Cuba’s “off-limits” feel has long made it a perpetually popular destination for intrepid travelers. Globe Aware offers one-week volunteer vacations that allow our volunteers to explore and enjoy Cuba without the stress of planning once they land.


I Travel to Cuba All The Time — For U.S. Travelers, It’s Much Easier Than You Think

December 14, 2023
By Associated Press
By Carley Rojas Avila

The desire to travel to Cuba is a classic case of wanting what you think you can’t have. Cuba’s “off-limits” feel has long made it a perpetually popular destination for intrepid travelers.

Cuba has been named TripAdvisor’s number-one trending destination worldwide and is one of the top 10 most desirable tropical destinations for American travelers.

As an American citizen married to a Cuban, I’ve traveled to Cuba numerous times and know that travel to Cuba is far from off-limits. In fact, it’s easier to travel from the United States to Cuba than it has been in decades. U.S. travelers don’t even need family on the island or rigid group travel plans to do it. Your long-awaited vacation to Cuba might be closer than you think.

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Ever-Shifting Cuba Policy

When the Obama administration announced significant changes to the long-held, Cold War-era U.S.-Cuba policy at the end of 2014, the island instantly became the biggest news in travel. Interest in traveling to Cuba soared from travelers in the United States and beyond. Just two years after the Obama administration’s big announcement, tourism on the island just 90 miles off the coast of Key West rose 56% over pre-2014 levels.

With the Trump administration’s professed desire to undo all of President Obama’s policy changes towards Cuba, travel to the island seemed to once again be in jeopardy for American travelers. However, Trump-era regulations did little to roll back the new ease with which American travelers could visit the island.

What the restrictions enacted by the Trump administration accomplished quite successfully was convincing Americans that Cuba was again “off-limits” for travel. It isn’t. In reality, Cuba remains almost as easy to visit as it was since Obama’s monumental policy changes — and more accessible than it has been for decades and decades.

How to Travel to Cuba Legally

How are U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba these days? Long gone are the days of needing special permission from the U.S. government to travel to Cuba. Now, there are several reasons Americans can travel to Cuba without requiring permission from the U.S. government to do so.

One of those reasons is to “Support the Cuban People.” Planning a trip where you’ll stay at a locally-owned boutique hotel or guest house, tour the city with a local guide, shop in boutiques, and eat in Havana’s buzziest restaurants? Your trip will be one that will support Cuban small business owners and, therefore, easily qualify as a trip designed to help the Cuban people.

There’s no need to register your trip ahead of time, travel with an organized group, or apply for a visa. Simply book your airline ticket and accommodations before going to Cuba — it’s that easy.

Keep in mind as you make your bookings that some websites may ask for your reason for traveling to Cuba, or indicate there are restrictions for U.S. travelers in Cuba. Should you encounter this, stating that you’re traveling to Cuba to “support the Cuban people” is more than sufficient.

Worried about safety in Cuba as an American traveler? Don’t be. After spending significant chunks of time in Cuba over the past decade, I’ve never felt even slightly unsafe as an American. In fact, after traveling to 40+ countries, I can confidently say that Cuba is one of the countries where I’ve felt the safest.

Planning Your Trip

Remember that the irregular state of U.S.-Cuba regulations makes some aspects of Cuba slightly more confusing, though not necessarily more challenging if travelers know how to prepare for the experience.

Trump-era regulations mean that hotels and resorts on the island partially or entirely owned by the Cuban government are off-limits for U.S. travelers. Planning around this restriction is easy, and a comprehensive list of hotels and resorts to avoid is available online. Instead, there are plenty of stunning locally-owned boutique hotels and guesthouses, ranging from affordable rooms for rent to sprawling 19th-century mansions, that are restriction-free.

Navigating issues of cash and currency in Cuba can be more of a challenge. For decades, the U.S. government has enforced strict limits on U.S.-based businesses operating in Cuba, meaning that debit cards and credit cards linking to banks and credit unions based in the United States will not work in Cuba.

For American travelers planning to visit the island, you’ll need to come prepared with cash in hand — all the cash you’ll need for the duration of your trip. Online booking sites for accommodations and popular activities like tours in vintage cars and rum tastings make it increasingly easy to avoid swiping your plastic while in Cuba. However, planning your travel before touching down in Havana is a crucial step in the experience.

While traveling with cash in hand can make it challenging for more extended stays in Cuba, for the average traveler, it’s a small price to pay to finally be able to cross Cuba off the bucket list.

Monday, 18 December 2023 10:44

Where to Go in 2024

These 25 places offer ample opportunities for conscientious, sustainable exploration—exactly what Globe Aware travelers who care are seeking right now. We even have three available programs in the locations mentioned on the list!


Where to Go in 2024

The 25 most exciting places around the world to visit next

From a British city reimagining its industrial past and a laid-back Kenyan island free of cars to the best place in North America to see the total solar eclipse, our 25 picks for where to go next year have several traits in common: Each is an awe-inspiring, joy-inducing destination where human connection and creativity define the travel experience. These 25 places (listed in no particular order) offer ample opportunities for conscientious, sustainable exploration—exactly what AFAR’s travelers who care are seeking right now. Cheers to a year of getting out there.

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1. Fiji

Fiji’s marine life is famously beautiful: a colorful show of turtles, rays, and sharks swirling amid sun-dappled shades of green and blue. The main stage for this dazzling performance is its array of coral reefs—fragile ecosystems in which the symbiotic relationship between plants and fish plays out daily, their delicate dance a microcosm of our ever more stressed planet.

For the full story from Tim Chester, read: In Fiji, A Vivid Underwater World Awaits.

People climbing the steps of the Sydney Opera House.

2. Sydney, Australia

Best known for its looming concrete “shells,” the Sydney Opera House is a master class in modern expressionist design. The iconic building turned 50 in October 2023 to great fanfare. Enjoy dinner at Midden, the new Indigenous restaurant located within the compound; the next day, wake up early for an exclusive Backstage Tour, which will take you through corridors to rehearsal spaces and the orchestra pit. Check out the Opera House’s 2024 special programming throughout the year, including the London International Animation Festival in January and an evening with author Fran Lebowitz in February. Or consider a trip in May or June for the annual festival Vivid Sydney, when art and light installations transform the harbor into a mind-bending light show. —Michael Callahan

Colorful rooftops in Tangier against a blue sky.

3. Tangier, Morocco

With a skyline that resembles a handful of dice tossed haphazardly on the cliffside, Tangier has long stood apart from other Moroccan cities. For several decades in the 20th century, it was administered by a cluster of foreign countries, including Italy and Spain. It lured writers and artists from Europe and the United States, imparting a cosmopolitan vibe that lingers today. In the past five years, though, Morocco’s northernmost city has reconnected with its national roots.

In 2018, Africa’s first high-speed train line linked Tangier with Casablanca. The journey now takes two hours. It was part of an extensive infrastructure investment to bolster the region. The arrival of new luxury hotels is a boon, including the 133-room Fairmont Tazi Palace and the boutique Villa Mabrouka, a 12-room makeover of Yves Saint Laurent’s onetime home by fashion designer Jasper Conran. Waldorf Astoria will join them, likely in early 2025.

The city’s two main squares, the Grand Socco and Petit Socco, showcase the talent of creative Moroccans. Alma Kitchen, owned by a local jeweler and her photographer husband, serves dishes such as charred eggplant and anise-and-cardamom-spiced potatoes. Idle over a coffee at Cinémathèque de Tanger on the larger square, a historic cultural venue that first opened in 1938 and was refurbished in the mid-2000s by French Moroccan artist Yto Barrada. Just outside the medina, Las Chicas focuses on Moroccan-made homewares, clothing, and organic wellness products by the women-owned Zoā Beauty; linger for a mint tea, or atay, here, too.

Stop by El Morocco Club, a piano bar and restaurant inspired by, and named after, the louche New York City nightclub that opened in the 1930s. Today the club—with its monochromatic photos and zebra-print sofas—is the perfect shorthand for old and new Tangier in one. —Mark Ellwood

4. The Texas Hill Country

This year, all eyes are turned to the Texas Hill Country, since it falls smack-dab in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse on April 8. As the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, the day will turn to night. North America saw a total eclipse in 2017, but the last time the land now known as Texas experienced one was back in 1397. Visibility will depend on two things: location (the Hill Country will get close to four and a half minutes of totality, out of a possible seven and a half) and weather (Central Texas’s annual average of 300 sunny days bodes well).

5. Rome, Italy

The meal started with octopus carpaccio, wagyu beef gyoza, and yellowtail sushi. After my husband and I polished that off, the waiter set down Ibérico pork marinated in soy and truffle. Seated on a snaking banquette at Seen by Olivier, the rooftop restaurant at the new Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hotel, we enjoyed dish after dish. When I first moved to Rome in 2009, I was hard-pressed to find such globally inspired fare; though it is a major European capital, it had tended to the traditional. But the Eternal City is changing.

6. Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru’s most popular attraction can sometimes seem to buckle under the weight of its visitors. Now, Intrepid Travel is offering a way to experience a lesser-known side of the Sacred Valley, using not the popular Inca Trail but a route based on the Quarry Trail. Its new itinerary features the dramatic Perolniyoc Cascade waterfall; an Inca quarry that gave the original trail its name; and a viewpoint, called Wayrapunku, that overlooks the village of Ollantaytambo, whose ruins include the 900-year-old Temple of the Sun. —Michael Callahan

7. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

It was the book that made people afraid to go into the water: Jaws. Celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024 with a tour of sites on Martha’s Vineyard where the movie was filmed in 1974. Beyond the realm of the great white shark, explore the quintessential New England beauty of the 87-square-mile island: the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah that appear to change color throughout the day; Offshore Ale Company, which serves malty fish and chips; and the 147-year-old carousel in Oak Bluffs, the oldest in the country. Visits in the “shoulder seasons,” late spring and early fall, come with mild weather and a respite from the island’s infamous summer traffic. —Michael Callahan

8. Lamu, Kenya

Walking the sandy, winding streets of Shela—a village on the southeastern coast of Kenya’s Lamu Island—is an exercise in trusting the process. The island is essentially free of motor vehicles, and the alleyways are only wide enough for pedestrians and donkeys. Even after visiting a dozen times, I take it as a given that I will get lost. I also trust that Shela is small enough that I will eventually stumble upon that patch of fiery fuchsia bougainvillea I had passed earlier, or that carved wooden door, or that mosque with the atonal call to prayer singer, and I will find my way once again.

9. Bhutan

The last remaining Buddhist kingdom in the world is not easy to reach, but that’s what makes arriving even more rewarding. After our pilot landed between 18,000-foot Himalayan peaks at Bhutan’s Paro International Airport (which looks more like a temple), I soon realized I was in a place unlike anywhere else.

Bhutan only opened its doors to tourism in 1974 and has put measures in place to make sure that tourists don’t overrun its pristine nature or long-preserved culture. With a strong conservation mindset, it is the world’s first carbon-negative country: 60 percent of its landscape must be covered in forest, and tourists have always been required to pay a daily fee. Since 2022, the fee has supported local community and conservation projects.

In September 2023, Bhutan halved its tourist fee to $100 per day to attract more travelers. Visitors are encouraged to stay longer to experience the country’s new and renovated five-star hotels, such as Zhiwa Ling Heritage, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, and Pemako Punakha, all of which are required to be built in the traditional Bhutanese style. And with the restoration of the Trans Bhutan Trail, visitors can explore new parts of the country.

Soon after it reopened in 2022, I hiked the historic pilgrimage route, which dates to the 16th century, on a G Adventures trip. We were some of the first foreigners to walk through remote villages on our way to see fortresses and stupas.

It was easy to understand Bhutan’s deep reverence for nature as we trekked through thick pine forests and fog-blanketed mountains—some with peaks that have never been scaled to avoid disturbing spirits. Hearing that made walking under their shadow feel only more sacred. —Kathleen Rellihan

10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Travelers who love food and art should make a beeline to Philly this year. The city garnered more restaurant and chef awards than any other at the 2023 James Beard Foundation competition. Make time to try the seasonal tasting menu at Friday Saturday Sunday, which won Outstanding Restaurant, or Thai cuisine at Kalaya, where Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon won Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. On the art side, the Rodin Museum is hosting a sculpture exhibition, Rodin’s Hands, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will feature the photographic exhibition In the Right Place, recognizing the pioneering photographers Barbara Crane, Melissa Shook, and Carol Taback. —Amy S. Eckert

11. Paris, France

The City of Light has been preparing to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and the Paralympics with signature French élan. (Swimming events in the Seine! BMX freestyle on the Place de la Concorde!). “There is much to consider if you want to be in Paris for the Olympics,” says Martha King, whose namesake agency is helping travelers who want to attend the Games. There are over 3,500 combinations of Olympic events and sessions; hopeful attendees should act quickly, King says. The city is, of course, festive throughout the year and worth a visit any time. Visitors before April 2 may enjoy the Mark Rothko exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton; afterward, go for a champagne spritz and Eiffel Tower views on the rooftop of the recently opened Hôtel Dame des Arts. —Michael Callahan

12. Los Angeles, California

Growing up in Los Angeles, I always felt it was so spread out that nothing quite tempted me to leave my neighborhood. Now, as an adult who recently returned from living in New York, I’m willing to battle traffic and get to know more of the city. From contemporary art exhibits at The Broad downtown to sunny afternoons spent at Hollywood’s new rooftop garden atop the Aster hotel, L.A. offers cultural and outdoor experiences all year round.

In February, the largest public art project devoted to Black artists in the United States will open in the city. The 1.3-mile-long open-air museum, called Destination Crenshaw, will be filled with permanent and temporary outdoor installations featuring works by more than 100 Black artists displayed across four acres of green space. Established and emerging artists will include painter Kehinde Wiley, artist and sculptor Melvin Edwards, and graffiti artists the RTN crew.

“The creative energy of the Black community in South L.A. drives popular art that’s born locally, copied nationally, and consumed globally,” says Jason Foster, Destination Crenshaw’s president and COO. “Nonetheless, these artists have received neither the public acknowledgment nor economic advantage from decades of creative productivity. Destination Crenshaw powerfully makes this case, visually stamping South L.A. as the West Coast’s cradle of Black creativity.”

The city’s food scene is thriving, too—a reflection of its diverse residents. Chef Rashida Holmes’s pop-up, Bridgetown Roti, will open its first brick-and-mortar location in 2024, bringing Caribbean cookery to East Hollywood. Row DTLA downtown, meanwhile, is a one-stop shop for global fare, including omakase at Hayato and wood-fired creations at Chris Bianco’s celebrated Pizzeria Bianco. More than enough reason to explore the city more deeply—and venture further afield. —Kristin Braswell

13. Manchester, England

Let’s start by saying that you know more about Manchester than you think you do—that the northern England city of red-brick Victorian buildings, old universities, and public squares already lives in your pop-culture subconscious, the backdrop for era-defining events that outshone the city itself.

14. Weifang, China

This eastern Chinese city between Beijing and Shanghai is often proclaimed the kite capital of the world, thanks to its annual international kite festival each April that draws tens of thousands of people, and the Weifang World Kite Museum, where five exhibition halls explore the craftsmanship and folklore of kites. But Weifang works to protect all of its cultural heritage, with a focus on preserving traditions that earned it status as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021 and as a 2024 Culture City of East Asia. For example, Shihuyuan Intangible Cultural Heritage Park teaches visitors about art forms, including clay modeling and paper cutting, as well as kites. Travelers can try their hand at kite-making and wood-block printing at Yangjiabu Folk Art Grand View Garden. A thriving evening food market scene ensures a delicious end to a day; try barbecued seafood or chao tian guo, a dish of pork offal and pickled vegetables wrapped in a thin pancake. Wild China can arrange a custom itinerary that includes Weifang. —Tim Chester

15. St. Kitts

St. Kitts, in the eastern Caribbean, is an island of thick rain forests and sunny beaches. But during its early colonial era it was blanketed with sugar plantations that were farmed by enslaved African people. Much of the crop was turned into rum, creating a lucrative business for the British. After St. Kitts gained independence in 1983 and shut down its cane sugar production in 2005 (it couldn’t compete with the global industry’s turn to beet sugar), the legacy of Kittitian rum was not forgotten. Now two locally owned companies are reviving the island’s distilling heritage with a proud Kittitian spin.

“We have a tradition of making rum called hammond, or bush rum,” says Roger Brisbane, the founder of Hibiscus Spirits and owner of beachside restaurant Spice Mill. “People made it in the mountains. This was roots-style, over a coal pot with contraptions to distill the alcohol from the molasses.” Today, his company blends regionally sourced rum with tart hibiscus, a nod to a Caribbean Christmas drink called sorrel.

Jack Widdowson is also building on the island’s history. Archaeologists unearthed a 17th-century distillery on the former plantation where he grew up, and in 2020, he founded the Old Road Rum Company there. For now he’s blending signature bottles (using molasses-based rum from other Caribbean countries) while renovating the distillery so it can produce 100 percent Kittitian rum again.

The Kittitian RumMaster experience from the St. Kitts Tourism Authority introduces visitors to both projects. But as Widdowson explains, “A visit to Old Road Rum is not merely a historical tour or tasting session. It’s an opportunity to be part of an evolving narrative that respects the past while shaping a new chapter for rum production in St. Kitts.” —Rosalind Cummings-Yeats

16. Valencia, Spain

Valencia, the 2,150-year-old city on Spain’s east coast, earned the title of European Green Capital 2024 by passing muster in 12 categories, including air, noise, nature and biodiversity, and energy efficiency. See this in action with a stroll through the city center’s old town (home to Valencia Cathedral, which is said to house the Holy Grail). Or wander Turia Garden, nearly six miles of green space along a former riverbed crossed by bridges built in various centuries. Cyclists can see the city from 125 miles of bike lanes. —Billie Cohen

17. Brno, Czechia

Pronounced Burr-NO, ideally with a luxuriously rolled “r,” Czechia’s second-largest city is roughly a quarter the size of Prague and receives almost none of its international tourists. Yet it is Brno, not the capital, that has been named one of UNESCO’s Cities of Music, honoring its thriving network of bars, clubs, and concert spaces, along with its world-class festival calendar. The scene here offers everything from the banjo punk of homegrown band Poletíme to JazzFestBrno, whose 2024 performers include Grammy Award–winning singer Samara Joy. Between the golf ball–shaped and acoustically advanced Sono Centrum venue and the imposing medieval walls of Špilberk Castle (where the city’s philharmonic performs), there are few spots in Brno that aren’t pressed into musical service.

18. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit’s Michigan Central, a Beaux-Arts former train station, has been reimagined as a transportation R&D lab with retail, dining, and community spaces—just one example of how everything old is new again in this city. The Motown Museum will roll out a $65 million upgrade throughout 2024 that includes performance spaces, interactive exhibits, and a music education center. The hip Cambria Hotel (in a 1936 radio broadcasting building by Albert Kahn, one of Detroit’s great architects) is the latest in a string of landmarks refashioned as boutique hotels. And a new glass-and-steel tower on the site of the 1927 Hudson’s store will open a 48th-floor observation deck in 2024. —Amy S. Eckert

19. San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico

Cross-border collaboration is the theme here, as these two cities, just 20 miles apart, share the biennial designation as the World Design Capital of 2024. That translates to a series of events in both places. La Frontera, an exhibition focused on jewelry design, will take place January 27 to August 4 at San Diego’s Mingei International Museum and February 16 to June 9 at the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT). In September, the week-long World Design Experience, an interactive showcase of design, will appear at various venues in San Diego. Additional travel-worthy art and architecture await: In San Diego, seek out the Salk Institute, a landmark of modern concrete buildings, or the University of California San Diego’s geometric Geisel Library (named for Dr. Seuss); in Tijuana, visit CECUT for its dramatic dome and garden full of replica Mesoamerican sculptures. —Tim Chester

20. Norway

Norway is a great place to feel the awe of nature, and that experience is getting even better. Starting in 2024, there will be more opportunities to take in the beauty and bounty of the country—and, in true Norwegian style, these travel adventures are also kinder to the Earth.

For the full story from Laura Hall read: Why This Nordic Country Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Bucket List.

21. Charleston, South Carolina

When the International African American Museum opened in 2023, Charleston put itself at the top of must-see lists for 2024 and beyond. Exhibitions share the many facets of the African American story, delving into slavery and the civil rights movement along with modern-day challenges and triumphs. A genealogy center helps families search for their histories too. Overnight at one of two new additions to the city: the Palmetto Hotel, where the contemporary decor is accented by works from Charleston artists of the early 1900s; or the Pinch, a stylish boutique property with a bike-share program, sailing tours, and a kitchen in every room. —Amy S. Eckert

22. Maldonado, Uruguay

There’s something in the air in Piriápolis. There always has been: Alchemist Francisco Piria founded his Belle Époque seaside resort town here in the 1890s, because he loved the supposedly cosmic energy. And visitors have long flocked to the Maldonado region as a whole for its world-class beach towns: flashy Punta del Este and its bohemian cousin, José Ignacio. Today, though, a visit is all about the wine. Travelers can stroll through family owned vineyards that unfurl toward the ocean; drink Uruguay’s gutsy tannat reds and signature albariño whites, and pair them with the melt-in-your-mouth steaks the country is famous for.

Uruguay’s viticulture scene is thriving, and Maldonado on the Atlantic coast is its fastest-growing wine region. In fact, Montevideo’s best-known winemaker, Bodega Bouza, has opened the hilltop restaurant Las Espinas here, and is adding a winery in 2024. It’s not the only one. Cerro del Toro—whose tannat varietal was recently dubbed Uruguay’s “discovery of the year”—will also open a winery next year.

In this part of Uruguay, enotourism means intimate vineyards and bucolic outdoor tastings. At Bodega Garzón, visitors can ride e-bikes around the sprawling estate to find a spot to savor wine with a picnic. On a rocky bluff with the Atlantic hazy in the distance, the Alto de la Ballena estate hosts tastings of its bottles, including a fresh tannat-viognier blend.

“Most of our wineries are boutique or family owned, and the owners are directly involved in every step of the process,” says José Ignacio–based sommelier Soledad Bassini, who has worked in the industry for 25 years. “That brings the wine a lot of character, and for visitors it’s like entering someone’s home and sharing their routine, traditions, and history.”

The abundance of wine experiences led Bassini to create the Mapa del Vino, a map that details Uruguay’s boutique vineyards. “Maldonado has everything,” she says. “Terroir, ocean, beaches—it’s the whole package.” —Julia Buckley

23. Tartu, Estonia

Tartu’s cobblestoned, café-filled town square is just the start of its charm. One of three European Capitals of Culture for 2024, it has plenty to offer any year—from professional productions at Estonia’s oldest theater (est. 1870) to pop-up bars and art shows in the Soviet-era “garage box” sheds still found behind homes. But the 2024 celebrations are even more reason to visit the southern Estonian city: a show of Soviet-era DIY inventions (April 24–December 31); an Estonian folklore concert by the Paris Philharmonic choir (June 15); and events that showcase the region’s forests, hills, and lakes, including an outdoor sculpture exhibit near the town of Otepää, about 30 miles south (May 25–September 15). —Billie Cohen

24. Toronto, Canada

By most measures, Toronto is more diverse than any city in the world, including New York City and London. More than half of its population of 3 million was born outside of Canada and upwards of 180 languages are spoken here. The city’s multicultural identity has been further solidified with the 2023 mayoral election of Olivia Chow, the first woman of color to hold the post. “It’s important to reflect who we’re representing,” she said when she won. “It’s saying to every Torontonian, ‘Doesn’t matter where you came from, what your skin color is, faith—if you have the passion and ideas to contribute to the city, please, the door’s open.’”

For the full story from Anna Kim, read: Why You Should Visit Toronto, the World’s Most Diverse City

25. Seattle, Washington

In a city known for the outdoors, Seattle’s cultural offerings take the spotlight in 2024. The Museum of History and Industry uses games, videos, and other interactive displays to examine the confluence of tradition and modernism in Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science (through March 3). The Seattle Art Museum pays homage to Alexander Calder with Calder: In Motion, an exhibition that spans the sculptor’s career (through August 4). Henry Art Gallery on the University of Washington campus showcases multimedia and social-justice artist Hank Willis Thomas in Loverules (February 24–August 4). And the Seattle Aquarium’s redesigned Ocean Pavilion will open summer 2024, featuring sharks, rays, coral, and mangroves in a reef ecosystem. —Amy S. Eckert

Monday, 11 December 2023 11:35

Q: When do I need to get in my application?

A:  As soon as possible! Not only will this give you plenty of time to make sure your passports, visas, and such are in order, but the trips can fill up fast! Most volunteers have a better shot of getting the program of their choice when they book 6 months in advance.

Globe Aware volunteers are well aware that traveling during the holiday season is chaotic! But going in prepared can make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Take a deep breath in and read on for a few holiday travel tips for the busiest time of year.


11 Family Travel Tips Every Parent Should Know

Advice from globe-trotting editors, flight attendants, and industry experts who have seen and survived it all.

Oh, to have a time machine so we could tell our past selves about the challenges—and triumphs!—that came on the road as traveling parents. We would warn against bringing giant suitcases and Play-Doh on the plane; remember how many new friends were made in playgrounds around the world; and recall that there are worse things in life than a crying baby. Thankfully, we’ve learned from our mistakes and come here with family travel tips, tricks, and a whole lot of encouragement for those heading out on the road with younger travelers. This list is never going to be complete or exhaustive—every kid is different. For families traveling with children with disabilities, it’s also encouraging to see the advancements being made to make travel more accessible—and hopefully, ultimately, a bit easier and more fun for everyone.

Here are 11 essential family travel tips from well-traveled parents in the AFAR community.

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Be flexible and embrace the unexpected

It’s known that kids thrive on routine. That’s why so many families develop bedtime rituals and daily schedules to get their kids to follow good eating, sleeping, and behavioral habits (in theory, at least). When you’re on the road, though, keeping to a schedule becomes a lot more challenging, if not impossible—and that’s OK. Remember that this is a vacation for you and your kids, and rules are meant to be stretched, if not broken. It’s a well-known adage that screen time rules don’t apply in transit; pizza and chicken fingers are two key food groups; naps and meals may happen at irregular times; and staying up late/sleeping in are all part of “embracing the jet lag.” Speaking of . . .

Lean into jet lag during the trip—and give yourself a “jet lag buffer” when you return home

Many travelers make it a priority to get on local time, pushing through the jet lag with exposure to sunlight, a brisk walk, and no naps. Instead, we prefer to see where the jet lag takes us. One of the more favorable time zone changes comes when you fly east from the USA to Europe; that six- to seven-hour difference is the sweet spot. Take an overnight flight and land early morning local time. Ask for early check-in a few weeks in advance; if they grant it, settle in (shower, unpack, let the kids claim their space, maybe even nap!). Even if you don’t get out the door to explore until early afternoon, young kids will stay awake for one of those rare dinners out. Everyone goes to bed a little later, wakes up a little later, and it starts to feel downright luxurious.

As you might expect, the return to routine is a rougher road traveled. If schedules allow, give yourself at least one day per hour of time zone difference to get over the jet lag fully. “Ha!” you might say. “I don’t have a week to get over a week’s vacation!” Fair enough. Just try not to overcommit to activities during that first week back—sleep may be elusive. If you went halfway around the world (pushing 14- to 16-hour differences), expect everyone to be tiny nocturnal creatures for at least five days after returning.

Try to focus on the essentials and not overpack

Tony Dong has been a Delta Air Lines flight attendant since 2011 and is a father to a preschooler (in short: he gets it). In our AFAR story “A Flight Attendant’s Tips for Flying with Kids,” he unpacks a lot of wisdom, like: “No matter how hard we try to anticipate all the needs that might arise, traveling with kids teaches parents how to quickly improvise and change course.” Expect to forget something and have to visit a local grocery store. It’s part of the fun of exploring a new neighborhood—“living like a local,” as they say. Diapers are diapers pretty much everywhere you go. The novelty of discovering new gadgets and gizmos, snacks and treats may even delight your kids more than some of the standbys from home.

That doesn’t mean you should bring, well, nothing. Dong says parents should “definitely bring toys,” whether that means an iPad (and headphones) or a device loaded with your kid’s favorite shows; chapter books or beloved picture books you can read again and again; a Polaroid and journal for older kids; and something that reminds them of home, like a familiar blanket, small pillow, or stuffed animal.

Foster a sense of independence by giving kids their own backpack or suitcase

Once the kids are old enough, have them pack and carry their own little backpack or suitcase—trust us, they’ll be so excited and proud of it, there will likely be little resistance. Another incredibly fun option: a ride-on suitcase, like the JetKids by Stokke. Not only does this absolve parents of having to carry their kids’ things, it absolves parents of also having to carry their kids—win-win. If you’re running late for a flight, kids can move a lot faster on a ride-on suitcase than they can with their own two legs. It’s like having a scooter in the airport (but try to make sure they don’t run into any unassuming airport passengers). We also suggest investing early in some of this genius family travel gear—you’ll get greater mileage out of it.

The overpacking exception: emergency snacks

OK, this goes a bit against the “don’t overpack” philosophy but can be helpful if you have a picky eater. On a recent multigen trip to Poland and Romania, Michelle filled a suitcase with her four-year-old daughter’s go-to foods: Cheerios, Hawaiian rolls, even some shelf-stable milk. She admits, “I never thought I would be this parent. I always thought I’d be like, ‘We’re gonna find things to eat, [and you’ll] like it.’ But you know what? I just need some peace of mind to know I have some things that will keep [my picky eater] alive for two weeks and stave off fits. It was perfect. We went with an extra suitcase with a bunch of snacks; ate our way through them; and had a souvenir bag for the way back.”

Michelle’s daughter did eventually find some snacks abroad to satisfy her cravings—turns out they have Philadelphia cream cheese in Eastern Europe and that a person can eat that with pretzels for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for days on end. Who knew?

Book travel at least three months in advance

We all procrastinate or wait for last-minute deals. But the longer you wait, the narrower your choices. The best time to book your airline tickets? “I generally find that at three months in advance, seat assignments usually still have good options,” says Brett Snyder, founder and author of the airline industry blog crankyflier.com, in our article on keeping families together on a flight. The same holds true for lodging: the earlier you book, the more options you’ll have, like adjoining rooms in hotels or Airbnbs with the necessary amenities (such as the all important pool).

Avoid Basic Economy

The Basic Economy fares on major airlines may be cheaper, but they come with a cost: the right to choose a seat when making your reservation. “The easiest way to solve the issue is to pay the premium,” says Rainer Jenss, president of the Family Travel Association, an industry group focused on family-friendly travel. “If you can afford to spend a little extra, you’ll have a better chance of keeping your family’s seats together.”

Book window and aisle seats

Think of it as a game of Monopoly where you scoop up the desirable real estate to use later for bargaining. If you can’t book a cluster of seats together, reserve as many aisles and windows as possible so fellow passengers will be more apt to trade, says Kristin Maxwell of family travel blog Kids Are A Trip. “Having a decent seat to swap is always easier,” she said. “Even the most sympathetic travelers won’t want to trade you for a middle seat.”

When in doubt, take a road trip

Sometimes flying isn’t an option—perhaps it’s cost prohibitive, or in AFAR deputy editor Tim Chester’s case, the kids outnumber the adults, making parenting on a flight so much harder. “If I had to choose, I much prefer driving,” he says on a recent AFAR Travel Tales podcast about family travel. “We can stack up the car with everything they love and we’re not annoying anyone else. And if we have to stop, we can stop and take it at our own pace. I don’t feel as trapped as I do in an airplane.”

Looking for some road trip inspiration? Head out to one of our favorite National Parks to explore with kids. And check out our list of the 21 best road trips in the U.S.

Don’t dismiss “kid-friendly” accommodations

Trust us: happy kids, happy parents. We recently compiled a list of hotels and resorts around the world with some of the most impressive kids clubs that will give everyone in your crew a bit of a break. There’s also a whole range of hotels rolling out the welcome mat for kids with amenities and experiences designed for children of all ages—everything from all-day dining menus just for kids at Pendry hotels to guided tide-pool exploration at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai.

It’s never too early to start traveling with kids

“When my son, Luke, was three, my wife and I were planning to take him with us on a trip to Japan,” wrote former AFAR executive editor Jeremy Saum in 2019. “Why would you do that, my friend Lisa asked. Why spend all that money to fly across an ocean when he’d be just as happy throwing rocks in your backyard? Plus, he’s so young, he won’t remember anything. And he’ll ruin your trip.”

More than a decade later, Jeremy concedes that she was right. “But I’m still glad we did it,” he adds. “And we haven’t stopped taking him places. . . . Your old life as a traveler is gone—but you get a new one.

“For my wife and me, our memories of Japan do not include secret sake bars. Instead, we remember following a garbage truck down the street. It was blue! And so small! We remember the doorman who slipped an origami frog into our son’s little hand. We remember that same little hand ringing the bells at the Kyoto temples. We remember finding the playground on the roof of the Tokyo department store and feeding our kid the peanut butter sandwich we’d bought in a 7-Eleven.

“That’s why you fly across the ocean: Life is short, and the world is full of wonders. None of us gets to experience all of them. But there are plenty to go around, if you keep your eyes open. That’s another thing about kids, little ones especially. They don’t care what you’re ‘supposed to do’ in a destination. Everything in the world is new to them, and they decide what’s cool.”

Not many Globe Aware volunteers may know it, but this program location has made a name for itself as a popular place for filming kitschy Christmas classics. Find out where!


PICTURE THIS The fairytale European destination where Netflix loves to film Christmas movies

The country has featured in several Netflix Christmas films already

By Ryan Gray
Nov 5, 2023
The Sun

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, which means it's almost time to curl up in front of the TV and watch cheesy festive films.

If you're planning on doing that this winter, there's a good chance you'll end up seeing lots of scenes shot in a surprising European destination.

Not many people know it, but Romania has made a name for itself as a popular place for filming kitschy Christmas classics.

Its fairytale castles and impressive snowy landscapes make it a filmmaker's dream when it comes to filming holiday flicks.

Among those to have made the most of the country are Netflix's Christmas Prince series, of which there are three films.

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Additionally, Hallmark used Romania for several of their movies, including Christmas at the Palace, A Royal Christmas, A Crown for Christmas, A Princess for Christmas and Royal Matchmaker.

High up on the list of filming locations are Romania's many castles, with places like Snagov Palace and Peles Castle featuring in many of the films mentioned before.

Travel awaits said of Snagov Palace: "It has spellbinding fountains and a formal garden, plus a guesthouse. When there is a blanket of snow, it becomes a winter wonderland — the perfect setting for romantic Hallmark movies."

They then wrote about Peles Castle, adding: "The facade of Peles Castle is decorated with colourful murals and intricate woodwork that give it an air of whimsical fantasy.

"It is no wonder Hallmark selected this quintessential location as the setting for several of its movies."

They're far from the only castles to have featured in Christmas films, with Bran Castle another to have been utilized for its impressive, whimsical features.

Elsewhere, the capital Bucharest has also played its own starring role in some of the films, with Christmas at the Palace and Christmas Prince both making the most of the city.

Cotroceni Palace is the former Royal Palace of Romania's rulers and is a national museum today, but it was used to film the interior of the fictional Aldovian royal residence in Christmas Prince.

Atlas of Wonders explained: "Several rooms and halls of Cotroceni, including the monumental staircase, were used to film scenes taking place in the noble residence of Aldovia."

Elsewhere in the city, scenes were filmed in the Romanian Athenaeum, a concert hall in the middle of Bucharest and in Herastrau Park, which looks particularly Christmassy when covered in snow.

Castel Film, the Romanian production company behind most of the films, explained why the city works so well as a Christmas film location.

They said: "Over the years, Bucharest has become a go-to filming location for Christmas movies.

"Bucharest’s neo-Romanian establishments and architecture enrich the visual appeal of the films.

"The city of Bucharest also houses a variety of classical interiors which are extensively used in the films."

Local Philippine press coverage of Globe Aware’s work with corporate volunteers. The groups have been constructing houses, building classrooms, and including lots of fun, interactive side projects to engage with the community.

 

Wednesday, 06 December 2023 13:04

Balance was perfect

“The balance was perfect, got to do a lot of activities and exploration while also spending a lot of time doing the service project. Got to feed people and help build a house for a family in need.”

Michael McCann
South Africa
November, 2023

Wednesday, 06 December 2023 11:12

Highly recommended

“This was my 5th time volunteering with Globe Aware (Cuba, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and now Costa Rica). Federico was our Costa Rica coordinator and he was EXCELLENT. He was very friendly and knowledgeable, accommodated our schedule needs, and made us feel very welcome. I would recommend the Costa Rica Orosi Valley to my friends and family. The project was a good mixture of hard work (mixing cement to make concrete) and "easy" work (helping decorate a community center for an event).”

Kyle Rowley
Orosi Valley, Costa Rica. November, 2023

With 2024 just around the corner, Globe Aware volunteers have probably noticed that travel publications are releasing list after list on where to travel next year. But what about the world’s most exciting places to visit in 2024? Find out what they are!


These are the most exciting destinations for 2024, according to National Geographic

From places with prehistoric stories to hot spring havens, this list is sure to provide you with some fresh ideas

By Liv Kelly
November 1, 2023
TimeOut

With 2024 just around the corner, travel publications are releasing list after list on where to travel next year. We've covered the most budget-friendly, most underrated and top trending destinations – but what about the world’s most exciting places to visit in 2024?

Well, the travel gurus at National Geographic have the answer, as they’ve just released The Cool List for 2024. 30 destinations dotted all over the world have made the list, from the Albanian Alps to the Andrefana Dry Forests in Madagascar.

Europe dominates almost half of the list with 13 entries, including Malta’s capital Valletta and Pompeii in Italy. Many destinations are now more reachable thanks to the vast improvements happening on railways. Perhaps most intriguingly, National Geographic predicts that Wales is going to be a hit travel destination in 2024.

According to The Cool List, Wales has a centuries-old Whisky tradition that’s often overshadowed by that of Ireland and Scotland. Welsh whisky has undergone something of a renaissance; Cardigan Bay and Penryn are home to two of the nation's four ‘geographical indication-sanctioned’ distilleries, which means you sample the whisky right at its source.

The Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is another destination highlighted to be one of the most exciting for travel next year, and it’s no surprise, given that Mérida, the state’s largest city, also made the list of trending destinations according to Booking.com. The Yucatán landscape has a fascinating history: the meteor that wiped out dinosaurs landed here, forming extremely flat lands and the area’s famous cenotes, which were formed by the meteor’s fallout.

Sierra Leone also makes Nat Geo’s list. The country has recently become significantly more accessible thanks to the opening of a new airport. Nature is what most travellers venture here for, and there’s plenty to marvel at with its beaches, mountains, and native chimpanzees.

Other destinations include Sikkim in India, which boasts bountiful views of the Himalayas, and Victoria in Australia, thanks to a new road trip that visits the area's thermal hot springs.

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Here are the most exciting destinations to visit in 2024, according to National Geographic

Europe

  • Albanian Alps, Albania
  • Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Emilia-Romagna, Italy
  • Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, Scotland
  • Nordland, Norway
  • North Yorkshire, England
  • Pompeii, Italy
  • Saimaa, Finland
  • Tartu, Estonia
  • The Euros, Germany
  • Valletta, Malta
  • Wales
  • Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The Americas

  • Atacema Desert, Chile
  • Lima, Peru
  • New York State, US
  • Miami, US
  • Texas, US
  • Dominica
  • Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
  • Iberá Wetands, Argentina

Africa

  • Akagera, Rwanda
  • Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar
  • Sierra Leone

Asia

  • Sikkim, India
  • Tainan, Taiwan
  • Xi-an, China
  • South Pacific
  • Victoria, Australia
Monday, 04 December 2023 11:36

Christmas Traditions From Around the World

Do our Globe Aware volunteers enjoy any of these Christmas traditions from around the world? If not, what traditions does your family celebrate during the holidays?


25 Christmas Traditions Around the World That Will Surprise and Delight You

Brooms, books, and even roller skates are all part of some beloved holiday customs.

BY MICAELA BAHN
Sep 11, 2023
The Pioneer Woman

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Every family has their own special Christmas traditions that they carry out year after year: the game of Pictionary that always follows opening gift or the delicious punch your mom makes for holiday parties. In the case of the Drummond family, they always wear matching Christmas pajamas and savor dishes that Ree is famous for (like cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy). And then there are those larger, cultural traditions that each country celebrates as well. For some, it might be going to Christmas Eve Mass, singing Christmas carols, or hanging up twinkling lights on your house.

And while certain aspects of Christmas tend to look very nearly the same all over the globe, many countries have their own unique ways to celebrate that you may not be familiar with. From foods that you might not associate with Christmas (like radishes or fried chicken) to sunny, non-snowy activities (like surfing), everyone has their own take on Christmas. Ahead, as you learn about these Christmas traditions from around the world—and you may even pick up some to weave into your own family holiday, like hiding a pickle ornament in the tree or having some festive fun with Christmas crackers. There are even Christmas Eve traditions like exchanging books the night before the big day (or make them a part of Christmas Eve boxes). No matter how one celebrates, there’s one thing we all have in common: Christmas is meant to be enjoyed with those we love.

1 Christmas Piñatas

You likely know that piñatas, or papier-mâché animals and other figures filled with candy, are tied to Mexico, but did you know that they frequently make appearances during the holiday season? The only difference is that this time of year, they show off some additional glitz and sparkle to celebrate the holidays. Traditional ones come in the form of a seven-point star, symbolizing the seven deadly sins that are then broken by a stick to represent faith in God. They're usually filled with little treats like candy, fruits, and peanuts.

2 Brooms and Mops

Perhaps you’ve hidden your brooms and mops when you’re not in the mood to clean, but in Norway, they do it with a Christmas tradition in mind. Norwegian folklore advises hiding brooms and mops on Christmas night to prevent evil spirits and witches, who return to earth on Christmas, from taking the cleaning tools and using them to fly through the sky. How’s that for a clean sweep?

3 Fried Chicken

This is a more recently-celebrated tradition that’s become super popular in Japan. While Christmas isn’t exactly a huge holiday there, some people do celebrate it, with Christmas Day feasts consisting of none other than buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Not only is Colonel Sanders now synonymous with Santa Claus, but the brand even purveys Christmas-themed “Party Barrels” to mark the tradition. They include salad, cake, and plenty of fried chicken.

4 Saint Nicholas’ Day

In Germany, Saint Nicholas is entirely different from Santa Claus. Over there, Saint Nicholas is a separate gift-giver that nods to the religious version of Santa and leaves small presents, such as coins and fruit, in the shoes of good German children on the night of December 5th. But if they were naughty, children could wake up to find sticks, twigs, or switches in their shoes instead!

5 Christmas Pickle

Here's a dill-ightful tradition that's thought to have started in Germany, but the actual origin is pretty much a mystery. Despite that, everyone will relish in this activity. It consists of someone hiding a pickle ornament deep within the tree’s branches, and the person who discovers the pickle sometime during the Christmas season will receive a bonus gift or lots of good fortune for the upcoming year.

6 Exchanging Books

Iceland has a charming Christmas tradition you may want to start in your own family. On Christmas Eve, Icelandic families exchange books, then spend the rest of the evening cozied up by a fire as they read aloud and eat sweet treats. Sounds like a perfect Christmas Eve to us!

7 Fruitcake

Fruitcake, the frequently-gifted cake that’s filled with dried fruits and nuts, is eaten throughout the world during Christmastime. But did you know that this tradition actually started in ancient Egypt? While the Egyptians may not have celebrated Christmas, the food got its start amid the pyramids and was even dropped into tombs, since it was seen as a must-have food in the afterlife.

8 Christmas Star

In Poland, on Christmas Eve, you may feel your tummy rumbling until your family receives a sign from the heavens that it’s time to eat—literally. Polish families don’t start eating dinner until someone spots the very first star shining in the sky.

9 Ukraine Christmas Dinner

In Ukraine, as soon as you sit down to the dinner table, get comfortable—because you’ll be here for a while. Ukrainians serve a whopping 12 courses during their traditional Christmas feasts, and each one is dedicated to one of Jesus’ apostles.

10 The Night of the Radishes

Yes, this is a real night that’s celebrated in Mexico, and it’s considered to be a Christmas tradition. Every December 23, residents of Oaxaca, Mexico witness a competition like no other, in which participants carve nativity scenes into the skin of sizeable radishes. Then they’re put on display at the Christmas market for all to view.

11 Czech Santa

Did you know that in the Czech Republic, Santa doesn’t drop down the chimney on Christmas Eve? Instead, he delivers his presents on December 5, or St. Nicholas Eve.

12 Christmas Orchid

In the United States and in other parts of the world, the Poinsettia is pretty much the official flower of Christmas. But this is not the case in tropical Costa Rica, where the official Christmas flower is the orchid.

13 Roller Skates

How’s this for a super-fun Christmas tradition? In Caracas, Venezuela, residents don’t head to church services in cars—but on roller skates. There are actually so many people who participate in this tradition that several city streets are closed to traffic on Christmas morning.

14 Mince Pies

Maybe you’ve heard of mince pies in passing, but what are they exactly? They’re tiny pies filled with dried fruit, and they’re so popular in England during the Christmas season that children leave them out for Santa instead of cookies.

15 Holiday Sauna

For many of us, Christmas is a downright chilly holiday, which is why any opportunities to soak up some warmth are welcome. We think we can get on board with this Finnish tradition: sitting in a sauna. Many homes in Sweden have saunas, with people often sitting in the sauna to celebrate Christmas Eve.

16 "Happy Christmas" Instead of "Merry"

If you’ve ever watched a British Christmas movie (like Love, Actually), perhaps you’ve heard people saying, “Happy Christmas” instead of “Merry Christmas.” While people don’t know exactly how this phrase started in England, people do know that King George V said it in 1932 during the first royal Christmas message.

17 Shoes by the Fire

In the Netherlands, right before Christmas, Dutch kiddos place their shoes next to the fire so Santa (or “Sinterklaas”) will fill them with tiny gifts. Children also leave carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas’ ride: a white horse named Amerigo.

18 Pohutukawa

In New Zealand, Pohutukawa refers to the native trees that bloom during the holiday season. They're famed for their cheerful, bright-red blooms and throughout the country, the flower is seen as an official symbol of Christmas, often appearing in decorations and cards.

19 Surfing

Cowabunga, Santa! In Australia, Christmas means surfing, and lots of it. It’s when they’re celebrating summer while the rest of us are freezing up here in the Northern Hemisphere. On the beach, Santa arrives by surfboard instead of his sleigh, and after catching some waves, people celebrate with a Christmas barbecue.

20 Yule Goat

While we may associate Christmas with reindeer, in Sweden, they have a different animal that symbolizes Christmas. Historians say that the tradition of the “Yule Goat” goes all the way back to the 11th century, first appearing in Saint Nicholas lore as a goat figure that could ward off the devil. Nowadays, it’s often seen as an ornament on many Christmas trees. Some people even put giant versions of them in their yard as a holiday decorations.

21 Christmas Apples

In China, it’s not all cakes and candy when it comes to Christmas—it’s all about apples. People believe that this tradition stems from the similarity of the Chinese word for apple to the Chinese word for Christmas Eve. Gift-givers give entire packages of apples to loved ones for Christmas.

22 Crackers

No, we’re not talking about saltines. In England, crackers are brightly-hued cardboard tubes that hold mini toys, paper crowns, and jokes. When two people tug at each end, it makes a loud CRACK! sound (hence the name) and whoever is left holding the side that has more of the middle chamber wins the gift.

23 Father Frost

In Russia, their version of Santa is named “Father Frost.” He doesn’t travel alone (specifically, with a “snow maiden”) and brings presents on January 7, which is when Russians celebrate Christmas.

24 Tamales

While many American Christmas dinners tend to revolve around turkey or ham, in Mexico, it’s all about the tamales for holiday feasting. Yum!

25 St. Lucia Day

In Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Sweden, St. Lucia, or St. Lucy, is a big part of Christmas. On December 13, people celebrate St. Lucia Day, which by many is viewed as the start of the holiday season. For these festivities, the oldest daughter in each family dresses in a white gown and wears a crown made up of twigs and nine candles.

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