Top 5 places to visit in 2017

It is midnight on the first day of 2017; we wish everyone a happy new year, make resolutions we probably will not keep and think of buying a gym membership. January 1rst is always a day filled with excitement for the upcoming year. It is the beginning of a new calendar and opportunities, making us realise we have a promising future ahead of us. To some, like myself, this future is filled with travels and discoveries. You can be sure that as soon as the clock strikes midnight in 2017, I'll be on my computer, trying to find the best deals to travel all over the world. 2017 is looking particularly bright on that area. Airplane tickets are getting cheaper and countries are making themselves look enticing by investing in the tourism industry. All of this combined makes us ready for new adventures. Some countries especially distinguished themselves over others;  here are my top five places to visit in 2017.

1.Taiwan

Even though it is a small island located in the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan has its place in history. Known for its rapid growth and industrialisation, the Chinese island is still full of tradition. In the last decade, the tourists took over the island, which is now a popular destination. From the modern Taipei to the traditional tea plantation, passing by the south-eastern beaches, Taiwan has it all for itself. It is now a traveller and foodie paradise, where the insular hospitality is well-known.

2.Canada

This might look like a shameless plug, but my home is actually a country you should visit at least once in your lifetime. The Canadian dollar got pretty low in the last months, making it an affordable trip. Since the country is wide, there is a large variety of sceneries and climates to see. From the Maritimes to the Canadian Rockies, there are plenty of places to visit for every type of traveller.

3.Oman

The real door between Asia, Africa and Europe, Oman is a rising star in the tourism industry. With its clear blue water and ochre sand dunes, it is no wonder the country reclaims Sinbad was its inhabitant. The culture and the hospitality of the locals make this destination especially welcoming. Just looking at the pictures, I know Oman is on my list.

4.Ethiopia

When thinking of booking your next travel destination, I am pretty sure Ethiopia doesn't come on the top of your list. Well, it should. Don't you remember Lucy? The oldest human bones were found in Ethiopia, where history meets civilisation. From UNESCO world heritage sites to cultural experience, the African country has much to offer for your next travel. Make sure you take a look at this beautiful place in 2017.

5. Columbia

If you are like me and spend your days on Netflix, Columbia is associated to the Medellin drug cartel. At least, that is what I tough until a curiously googled "Columbia". What I saw was a breathtaking country with lots to offer. The colourful houses, spicy food, Caribbean beaches and Amazon excursions made me want to buy my plane ticket right away. And if you are worried about the security, do not worry, it is a safe place to visit.

I hope these destinations made you dream of your next travels and that I inspired you to visit a few of them in a near future. I personally will restrain myself from buying plane tickets for all of them, but I might buy at least one.

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots

Xox

5 festive drinks for the New Year

Are you tired of the same old drink every New Year's Eve? Plain champagne and your aunt's "special holiday punch" do not appeal to you anymore? You might be in need of a change in your cocktail wardrobe. I assembled a few of the most festive drinks you should try on this special day. As a host or simply for yourself,  here are a few cocktails recipe to start 2017 on the right foot. Cheers!

1.Pomegranate Moscow mule

The Moscow mule, even though it has been on the market for a while, had a sudden rise in popularity this year. Give it a twist with pomegranate juice and you will be sure to impress your guests with something special.

Recipe:

-2 oz. of vodka

-1 oz. of pomegranate juice

-1 tbsp. of pomegranate seeds

-1 tbsp. of lime juice

-1 tsp. of honey

-½ c. ice

-ginger beer

-spring of rosemary

·         2.Manhattan
As one of my favourite drinks, I could only include it in the list. Sure, Manhattans can be found anywhere and be drank at any time. So why during New Year's Eve? Simple, everybody loves a good bourbon and this drink is different than your traditional holiday drink. So pour that alcohol and enjoy.
Recipe:

·         -1 c. of bourbon
-⅔ c. of red vermouth
-4 dashes of Angostura bitters
-4 orange twists

-4 cherries

·         3.Blackberry thyme sparkler
I love making cocktails for my guests, especially if they are easy to make but look complicated. This one is no exception. It not only looks chic, but also taste good! But beware of the sweetness, there is still champagne in it.

·         Recipe:

·         -1 c. blackberries + 8 more for garnish
-1 c. of water
-1 c. of sugar
-butter

-1 bottle of champagne
-4 oz. of gin
-4 sprigs of thyme
-1 c. of ice
-gold baking sugar for the rim
First, in a saucepan, bring the blackberries, water and sugar to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until it becomes a syrup. Drain the blackberries and wait until they cool down. Then, apply butter on the rim of your champagne glasses and dip it in the gold baking sugar. Finally, add 1 oz. of gin per glass, 2 oz of the syrup, champagne, blackberries and the sprig of thyme. Voilà!

4.Hot spiked cider
I don't know about you, but during the new year celebration, the weather gets pretty cold. Starting the new year with a warm drink can be a good thing, especially if your guests aren't familiar with the harsh winter weather.
Recipe:
-1 quart of water
-3 orange spice tea bags
-½ c. of light brown sugar
-2 c. of apple cider
-1 & ½ c. of light rum
-8 cinnamon sticks
-3 tsp. of butter
Pour water into a large saucepan and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and put the orange spice tea bags in it. Let it infuse for 5 minutes and remove the tea bags. Put the sugar, apple cider, rum and 2 cinnamon sticks and let it warm up. Pour the drink in the mugs, add ½ tsp of butter in each. Finish with cinnamon sticks for garnish.

5.Habitant
As a proud Canadian, I am obligated to provide you with a cocktail recipe what contains maple syrup. It is mandatory. Seriously, this drink has just the hint of sweetness that you need to celebrate the upcoming year. Enjoy!
Recipe:
-2 oz. of Canadian Whiskey
-1 oz. of lemon juice
-1 tsp. of maple syrup
-1 slice of orange for garnish
-1 maraschino cherry for garnish

I hope you enjoyed those recipes and that you have a fine evening with your family and friends. I also wish you a happy new year and a blast for 2017!

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots
Xox

Cocktails by: delish

Best traveller's stocking gifts ideas

What is more pleasant than receiving gifts for your future travel? ...Giving some!
We all know we can't afford to pay a full tropical vacation to all of our family members (except if you are rich), but we can make their future plans easier. If you are just a bit like myself, everyone in your family and friends are travellers. That is the reason why I like giving practical, but small things for the adventurers in my life. Also, for those of you who are still students or, somehow, spent all of their money on travels, here are a few cheap things for your loved ones' stocking.

1.Travel diary

One thing I like to do before I go on a vacation is organise my schedule. My travel diary is actually filled with itinerary and tickets for monuments all over the world, so it acts as a planner and a souvenir. I also like to write down my blog ideas in it, making sure I don't forget my sudden stroke of genius.

2.Portable Charger

I actually received this gift last year and have been using it non-stop ever since. It is a life and frustrations saver. With this portable charger, your loved ones will never go exploring without a fully charged phone.

3.Cocktail Kit

When I go on a vacation, I like to treat myself to a little drink, especially on the plane, before having an elbows fight with my seat neighbour. More seriously, if your traveller is feeling a bit fancier than the traditional coca cola, he only needs to ask for vodka, add the ingredients and voilà!

4.Passport holder

I don't know about you, but when I first started travelling, I was so nervous about everything, my palms got sweaty. And so did my passport. I always seemed to search for it at the security, holding up the line. So I decided to invest in a passport holder, that way it is easy to find and protects it from my sweaty hands.

5.Luggage tag

We never have enough luggage tags. With this small gift, you can prevent a nightmarish day of lost luggage.

6.Running Ipod armband

If your special someone likes running or just want to keep his shape during travel; try buying an armband for his Ipod or phone. It is practical and protects your device while travelling.

7.Cord clip

When you travel, you have no time to organise your ear buds, laptop power supply and phone charger cords. So when you need to actually take something out of your bag, everything falls off because the strings have magically attached to objects in a split second (happens to me all the time). So let's just say that this embarrassing moment won't happen to your loved one if you give them cord clip.

8.Money

Yes, money. We all need money to travel, that is a known fact. It can be a few dollars or the country money for the future travel.

I hope you found some ideas for your holiday stocking gifts. All the links to the products features in this article are listed down below. Good luck with your shopping!

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots

Xox

-Travel diary: Magasin Général, similar one here 

-Portable charger: Amazon 

-Cocktail Kit: Anthropologie

-Passport Holder: Anthropologie

-Luggage Tag: Anthropologie

-Running i-pod armandband: Amazon

-Cord clip: Anthropologie

-Money: Your local bank

Why you should visit Québec during the holiday

It is well known that Canada is the home of Father Christmas, after all, that is where the north pole is located. It is also well known that it is the best place to visit during the holiday season. The snow, the markets, the landscapes, everything screams "Christmas!!!". As a Québec citizen, I must confess, it is the best town to visit during the holiday season. Once you step in the Canadian city, you immediately feel the magic in the air. Last weekend, my friends from Montreal and myself decided to make real tourists of ourselves and explored the Old Town. We discovered many reasons why everyone should visit Québec during the holiday season, here are a few:

1.Snow

Quick question: what makes a place Christmassy?... Snow! When I think of a winter wonderland, I think of sparkling snowflakes slowly falling from the sky. There can't be any Christmas magic without a bit of snow. Well, in Québec, there is plenty of snow for everyone. So get in your winter boots and explore the white city.

2.Shopping

All along the year, Québec is home to a multitude of shops, showcasing artisans' work. Specially during the winter, Québec is filled with beautifully decorated markets (such as the German Christmas market), a heaven for every heavy shoppers or for anyone wanting to buy originals presents. There are even Christmas boutiques where you can find home decor especially holiday decorations.

-German Christmas market

-Petit champlain

3.Decorations

It seems all of Québec makes an effort during that period. Streets are cleaner, people are nicer and I am pretty sure it is all because the decorations installed everywhere. Every year, as I walk in the city, I am amazed by the originality of the merchants and restaurateurs, always trying to innovate in their Christmas decor. Make sure you visit "la rue Saint-Jean" and "le petit Champlain" for awesome pictures.

-Rue Saint-Jean

-Petit Champlain 

4.Activities

Throughout the year, Québec offers plenty of activities for the sports addicts, families or children. It is no different during the winter. From alpine skiing to ice-skating, while passing by snowmen-making, there is a lot to choose from. The only thing you will regret is not having the time to do it all.

-Ice-skating in "Carré d'Youville"

-Ski Mont Sainte-Anne

5.The food

In the capital, we love our food. It is warm, delicious and diversified. After a day spent outside in the snow, a warm hot chocolate and meal will warm you up and make you feel at ease. The local food scene is created around the principle of a warm welcome, like the people of Québec. You can either eat a typical French-Canadian meal (Poutine!) or go for something more exotic, which are both available at every street corner.

-L'Échaudé 

-Le Panache 

-La Maison Smith 

-Chez Ashton 

Of course there are many more reasons why you should visit Québec during the holiday season, but that was just a few of them. I hope you have the opportunity to explore this nice city very soon, or, at least, have the urge to visit.

Enjoy,

The little traveller's boots

Xox