10. No walking in a swimsuit! Grenada

It looks like half-naked beauties are pretty annoying for the local residents of this country. Otherwise, why it was taking such a harsh law? Lying on the beach in a bathing suit is not precluded. However, if you decide to walk in it down the street, then theoretically it could cost you $ 270. However, the local Tourist Board argues that the severity of the “law on bathing suits” is eased by not having its execution. In fact, no one has been fined for a defile in bikinis while walking on the street.

9. Driving with headlights off. Denmark, Czech Republic

It does not matter whether the rain falls, it’s snowing or the sun shines brightly in the sky – the lights of your car should be turned on all the time. This is, perhaps, a bit strange, but you better never joke with the traffic rules. Moreover, such a requirement is not entirely unreasonable. Studies have shown that other drivers are more aware of maneuvering around cars, if they have the lights on, and it helps to reduce the number of accidents.

8. Stopping the car and walking on the highway. Germany

Turning off your engine and walking along the highways of Germany on foot is strictly prohibited. Even if you are running short on the gasoline and the car died out, you will not only have to worry about buying some fuel, but also to pay about 100 Euros of fine. Approximately the same amount of money might be laid out, if you will decide to walk with a canister to the nearest gas station on the highway on foot. Although such actions on the German roads are rare and there are also no restrictions on speed, you better be careful as the rule breaking might cause your life.

7. Do not feed the pigeons! Italy

You can admire Venice, riding on it on the gondolas, going to the best museums, but you should never feed the pigeons! It’s not a joke, but rather a rule. These birds which used to be harmless in Italy are a big disaster now. Urban municipalities are annually spending huge sums trying to clean up litter from pigeons which is being collected around the homes and monuments. Those who feel sorry for the birds, might need to carry in their pockets not only bread crumbs, but also 50-60 Euros. But sometimes the penalties for this offense can reach up to 600 Euros.

6. Small coins are outside the law. Canada

“Money – it is always money” – you think so? Once in Canada, you might change your mind. In this country it is not always possible to pay with small change. Special  law enacted in 1985, explains how you can use a penny: in general there should be no more  than “reasonable amount” of them, and the seller may refuse a buyer who comes into the store with a couple of kilos of coins. And what is just exact amount to call it reasonable for legislators is forgotten to be registered.

5. Society of clean vehicles. Russia

Approaching the Russian capital, do not forget to wash the car! Given that the roads in Moscow are not only composed of asphalt, but often from deep muddy puddles, you will have to do regularly. And although the penalty you may receive only for the dirty, unreadable numbers, but if you fall under the regular campaign “Month of clean cars”, you might get into a boring educational conversation with the representatives of the road inspection even for the small amount of dust on the car.

4. No public eating during Ramadan. UAE

If you are traveling to the UAE during Ramadan, a simple lunch in a restaurant will cost you much more than in any other days of the year. At this time you might be prohibited from eating on the streets. For eating in a public place, you can even go to prison, like the two British tourists who had to give up freedom for three weeks. Other poor guy had to pay 275 dollars just for having to allow himself for drinking some juice during the day.

3. No kissing at the train stations! France, United Kingdom

In the most romantic country in the world- France- you are forbidden to kiss at the railway stations! The end of romantic farewell and meetings came in 1910 when it was adopted such an unusual law. It fell on the soul and the British quickly adopted the French experience. These rules apply so far, although the times and circumstances have changed. Indeed, originally it was intended to prevent delays of trains! As punishment for this offense is not provided, the maximum that could threaten the lovers – they might simply be asked to move from the apron to the parking lot.

2. The ban on topless behind the wheel. Thailand

No matter how tempting the idea is to take off the top, when there is a tropical heat, and you are driving a car or motorcycle, this is not worth it. This seems to be rather non-logical law, even though it feels like the country is trying to make everything to look serious in their country. Being topless is forbidden, and if you break it you will be punished by a fine of $ 10. Although, perhaps it is not so big of price to pay for a little refreshment?

1. Attention! Bubble Gum! Singapore

If you are planning a trip to +Singapore and you do not want problems, do not forget to put away the gum from the pockets. Furthermore, in this country it is strictly forbidden to spit on the streets and feed the birds. All prohibitions are associated exclusively with aesthetics: it’s not pleasant to walk on the spit-covered sidewalks, covered with chewing gum and bird droppings. You can chew a particular nicotine gum, and even then, only if permitted by the doctor.

Well, this is something beautiful to get thought about but there are a lot more interesting things that  need to be taken into account while talking about the Thanksgiving Day or Harvest Festival celebration, such as how do we celebrate them in our countries and how do they do it around the rest of the world?

We do offer you to have a look at Top 7 Thanksgiving Day and Harvest Festival celebrations around the world.

1. Mid-Fall Festival in China

The Mid-Fall Festival is the Chinese version of the Thanksgiving Day, which is also known as Moon Festival. The usual timing for this holiday celebration in made upon the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, as it is believed that the moon is the fullest and roundest by that time. Connected with that comes the traditional food of mooncakes baked and served in a variety of ways. Traditionally on this day, Chinese family members and friends will reunion for having a look at the bright mid-fall harvest moon. Other celebrations include planting mid-fall trees, carrying lit lanterns and having them hang around the tallest buildings and towers and collecting dandelion leaves and distributing them among family members and friends. The Mid-Fall Festival is the only holiday except Chinese New Year which is held in all the Chinese communities around the world.

2. Thanksgiving Day Celebration in United States

Thanksgiving Day is announced to be a time family reunions in America and the official beginning day of the Christmas season. Most of the common symbols of the Thanksgiving Day are associated with food such as carved turkeys, pumpkin and apple pies, cranberry sauce and corn. These dishes might be included in almost every house Thanksgiving meals Thanksgiving is  also the holiday of gift-giving to your family members and friends while showing your gratitude and respect to your elders and siblings. Popular Thanksgiving gift-list includes flowers, jewelry, chocolate gift baskets, wine and etc.

3.’Harvest Festival’ in United Kingdom
‘Harvest Festival’ is one of the most popular and oldest festivals held in United Kingdom. Its history roots go deep into the year of 1843, when Robert Hawker invited local parishioners for a special thanksgiving service at a church in Cornwall. Soon it turned into a custom of decorating churches with home-grown plants, fruits and vegetables as a showing of gratitude. The ritual of offering an animal sacrifice, generally a hare, is accompanied with the cutting of last sheaf of corn.
The celebration is accompanied with songs and fruit and vegetable giveaway.

4. Thanksgiving Day Celebration in Canada
Canadian celebration of the holiday takes place on the second Monday in the month of October every year. The timing difference between the American and Canadian versions of the holiday varies because of the earlier start of the fall timing. The first Canadian holiday celebration was symbolizing the gratitude to god for the recovery of King Edward VII from serious illness but the official announcement of the holiday by the Canadian government was only made in 1957. The thanksgiving celebrations include most of the typical American customs such as parades, ‘family feasts’ and ‘turkey’.

5. “Kadazan Harvest “ Celebration in Malaysia
While being a country based on a large number of islands -Malaysia has a local traditional celebration of the holiday. The Kadazan Harvest festival of Malaysia is celebrated by Sabah every year. This traditional religious holiday is held in May in favor to the local Rice God. The rice-associated holiday is accompanied with the homemade rice wine distribution among localities who wear their traditional costumes Carnivals are also considered to play an important role while celebrating the festival.
The celebration also takes into account lots of varying activities, cultural programs and agricultural shows, buffalo races and traditional games.

6. Homowo Festival in Africa
African Harvest Festivals as not a surprise have a lot of religious connotations and can be characterized by a variety of religious dancing and singing. Dancers usually wear national masks and clothes made of natural materials.  Homowo- which translated will be like ‘hooting at hunger’, is a popular festival in Africa. It is the largest cultural festival of its unique kind. The Homowo festival here is associated with the gratitude showing towards kings and queens.

7.’Ladainha’ Celebration in India
The State of Goa which is known as a most-Christian populated part of India has its unique tradition of Thanksgiving celebration, which is known here as ‘Ladin’ or ‘Ladainha’. ‘Ladin’ literally means a litany to the Virgin Mary. During the Thanksgiving ritual, people thank God not only for the material benefits gained but also spiritual. The preparation for the festival includes purchasing wheat and gram, candles, wine and colored tinsel paper.

There is no scientific method for measuring friendliness of the locals, as you can rely only on your subjective impressions and are mainly results of public surveys. Nevertheless, there are countries that are considered to be the most hospitable in the world due to specific characteristics. Thus, the most of hospitable people in the world are:

5. Georgians
According to the results of different ratings and surveys, Georgians are in the fifth place. According to Western travelers, this Caucasian country is worth of attention not only because of the stunning natural beauty of western motifs, unspoiled mountain springs and mineral waters, ancient churches, but also with cheerful and friendly locals who believe that the God is who sends guests. It is not surprising that every visitor feels like a real member  in a Georgian house. While enjoying your position, you might be careful not to offend gracious hosts. For example, one of the biggest insults in Georgia is when you refuse to drink the wine offered. However, the recent actions of Georgian politicians slightly spoiled the image of Georgian hospitality, but well the politics is not a game of sample locals.

4. Iranians
Iran thinks that its most precious thing is its people. Lonely Planet calls these people “warm” and “interesting”, while the famous journalist Will Hyde that cooperates with Times, returning from a trip to Iran, wrote that the residents of this state are the most friendly people on the planet.  This is something new to know as the comment was made by a public opinion influencing person. As to the data always smiling Iranians are sincere and simple. They are always ready to help travelers by offering them a cup of tea, paying for their lunch or inviting them for dinner, and even inviting to participate in the festivities: if you never visited  Iran, then you cannot even assume, how hot local dancing can be!

3. Canadians
According to a study conducted by Nation Brand Index in 2008, which was held among 20 thousand adult citizens of 20 countries, Canada was chosen by the  respondents to be the friendliest country from the 50 states offered in the survey. This scientific approach to selecting the most hospitable nation may seem a bit formal and not trust-worthy, but, in fact, Canadians deserve such a title. Lonely Planet was even surprised at how people living in a harsh northern climate, can be so pleasant and sociable as most of the time the conditioning goes the opposite way. After all, existing in cold countries is much more difficult, and therefore friendly, despite the cold, citizens of the maple leaf, of course, deserve this award.

2. Australians
A friendly “no worries” and a big smile are guaranteed to everyone who will be in Australia for even a short stay. Australians are very open and friendly people, and their positive thinking, combined with the friendliness allows any traveler that happened to be in that remote country, to feel as at home. As the tourists who have been to Australia mention, it is impossible for anyone to feel lonely, traveling across the Green continent: the locals are always ready to share with you a pint of beer or a cup of latte. This means that the travelling around this smallest continent will never get boring and after all you’ll have a lot of impressions to share with everybody.

1. The Irish
In the publication of the Bluelist 2008 Lonely Planet have recognized the Irish as the most friendly nation in the world. It makes little sense to discuss if the Irish are more or less welcoming than Canadians or Iranians are Irish are just different. The truth is that the citizens of the country of St. Patrick are really very nice and kind. Despite the fact that Irish are mistakenly described as those who always complain about the weather, the economic difficulties and high prices , they remain good-natured and honest people, always ready to help any tourist. And therefore, despite the inhospitable climate the pleasant nature of the inhabitants of Ireland makes this country one of the best places to travel.

However, perhaps our readers will not agree with this ranking. Everybody has his/her own list of most hospitable countries. We will be interested to hear what nationalities deserve the title of the friendliest, in your opinion.

Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
The main geological landmark of Northern Ireland is a “Giant’s Causeway” rock consisting of columns of fairly regular hexagonal shape. The place where the height of columns is nearly similar resembles the causeway. The world first learned of the existence of “Causeway“ in 1693, and since then this place is cluttered with legends and theories faster than the celebrity rumors. Someone thinks that these are the remnants of a stone gat, built by the giants between Ireland and Scotland; others argue that the “Causeway” has a natural volcanic origin, while others believe that it is the work of extraterrestrials.

Frozen waves, Arizona, United States
Photos of this natural formation have always been commentaries such as  “Photoshop!” Well a man who has not personally seen this miracle cannot believe in its existence. The gigantic stone wave looks too incredible to be truly natural. With its occurrence this miracle is obliged to water having washed away the layers of sandstone for millions of years, formed back in the Jurassic period!

McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica
Located on the land of Victoria, to the West from the strait of McMurdo valleys there have not been rain for more than two million years. This is the driest place on earth. Endless sands, skeletons and rocks carved by a mad speed winds, looks like a fiction movie shooting area or  a decorative scenario. Landscapes and natural conditions of these places are very far from being earthy, and more resemble Mars. NASA had spent a lot of trials here before starting the “Viking” on a “Red Planet”.

Rio Tinto, Spain
Rio Tinto River passes its blood-red waters through the copper-rich mountainous lands in Andalusia. And this alien landscape, unlike the previous ones is the handiwork of humans. As a result of thousands of years output, launched by Carthaginians, local soils have been very strongly oxidized, and the water of the river, having acquired a strange color, became poisonous. And, although, the extraction of fossil is not conducted in the last decades, because of the rising prices on copper, it can be restored.

Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
An amazing mystical place with a dry colorful cliffs and sparkling geysers attracts with its unearthly atmosphere. The appearance of the volcano-like seems rather attractive. And, apparently, that is why the unique festival of Burning Man is held here gathering tens of thousands of people who cannot sit in one place, and who want to be not the same as all. During the festival the circulation of money is completely prohibited on its territory, as well as the travel by car.

Cave of Crystals, Mexico
Crystals have already been popular among the people especially in their pricy forms. No surprise that the cave that has a temperature of almost 60 degrees and 100 percent humidity of air makes the area almost inaccessible to man, but  a lot of people are ready to go not only to such sacrifices to look at the giant crystals of gypsum. Crystals that were discovered here in 2000 are the largest on Earth; the largest specimens reach 11 meters in length and a half in circumference and weigh over 50 tons.

Spotted lake, Canada
Located about a mile to the North of the border of Washington and British Columbia (Canada) lake, known in the language of the local people as Klikuk, steaming under the hot sun, is divided into many small water reservoirs, painted in the most incredible shades of white, green and yellow. This is explained by one of the highest concentrations of minerals in the water. This is something worth to see. Trails between the lakes are actually composed of salts of titanium, calcium, sulfur and other useful minerals.

The mosaic pavement, Tanzania
It is hard to believe, but these are extremely flat rectangles, located on the isthmus of Eaglehawk Neck, are not the handiwork of man but a natural resulted scenario. As well as the stone waves in Arizona, this wonder of nature is the product of prolonged erosion, as well as tides and sea-salt deposits.

The dried salt lake, Bolivia
Stretching for tens of kilometers a dried-up salt lake (Salar de Uyuni) contains 10 billion tons of salt and looks like a piece of another planet,. Surprisingly it is listed as unknown in South America. The sky mirrored in the salt crust merges with the horizon, and there is a feeling that you are in a blue and white endless void, and the pyramids of salt, collected by local workers for further exports, evoke thoughts of the forthcoming visit of extraterrestrials.

Cappadocia, Turkey
Rocky lunar landscape of Cappadocia with caves, carved in stones of Hittites was the only example of its kind even 3 thousand years ago. More than anywhere else in the world there are not so many fantastically shaped rocks in the natural origin of which is hard to believe. Nevertheless, all these flourish is the handiwork of the Mother Nature. Local tour guides carefully cultivate the legend that it is from this point; George Lucas sketched landscapes of Tatooine for the “Star Wars”.

Moon Valley, Brazil
Finding yourself in the national park of Chapada dos Veadeyrus it is not difficult to imagine that you have left your home planet and travelled for miles to have a visit to a planet nearby. Located in the Brazilian savanna, near the town of Chapada (Chapada), washed by the waters of the river San Miguel rock formations got the name of Moon Alley for the unearthly view. These stone labyrinths are about 1.8 billion years old – one of the oldest on the planet and they are almost entirely composed of quartz ore.

White Desert, Egypt
Huge boulders of chalk rise in the middle of hot desert, like icebergs. The creator this time is wind.This surrealistic landscape looks mysterious and arcane, against the backdrop of the setting sun. Once you separate from the group of tourists, and you can feel bewildered in time, as if there is no civilization, but the scorching sun around and the endless sands and maybe upcoming other creatures.

Bloody Pond, Japan
In Japan, near the town of Beppu there are several such places, which the Japanese themselves call hell. It is not recommended to bath in them because of high temperature reaching 90 degrees, and high concentrations of iron salts, which dye the water in an alarming red color and shocking steaming. It is covering the water, and adding even more enhances the sense of alien presence.

Stone Forest, China
400 square kilometers of stone wonders, located in the Province of Yunnan, is an amazing example of the water effect on such a seemingly solid stone rock. “The trees in this forest are composed of limestone, which was tempted slowly for many millenniums by the retreating sea which has washed away all the soft rock, leaving only the high columns, like trees.

Caves Eisriesenwelt, Austria
Ice caves located near Salzburg are the largest of all known to man. They stretch for more than 40 kilometers, and only a small part of them is open to visitors taking into account of the fact of the safety. Entrance does not make an impression of anything unusual, but its worth to take a step, and you seem to find yourself in another world, consisting of frozen waterfalls, giant ice stalagmites and other ice formations.

The cheapest of all the ski resorts are following:

1. Poiana Brasov, the average cost of all that is necessary for the full rest, including the use of lifts, rental equipment, food and drinks, stand sat about $300.

2. Bulgaria Borovets, where the cost of holidays in the average is about $400 after the ascending rise of the fee. The resort became more expensive by 14%.

3. High Tatras in Slovakia, where the average cost is $421. Compared to last year prices have increased by 20%.

Also, it is noted that the major European resorts could also be a good choice for skiers. The cheapest of the major ski resorts in Europe is called La Thuile in Italy.

In addition, over the past year, prices in Courchevel, another famous resort, located in France, fell by 24 per cent.French resorts were succumbed to pressure caused by the Euros, significantly lowering the prices. Thus, Courchevel is now rated as one of the budget European ski resorts.

In the United States, the popular resort of Vail, Colorado has reduced prices by 11 percent; following it the rest here was cheaper than in Banff, Canada, and Verbier , Switzerland.

The prices of the ski resorts increased enormously recently. For example, in the Norwegian resort of Geilo, visitors were encountered with a 26-percent growth in prices.

Namib Desert. Namibia. The oldest desert in the world

African Namib desert, stretching along the coast of Namibia, has almost never seen rains for at least 55 million years. Last year no more than 10 mm of rain fell there, that is why its huge space of 80 thousand square kilometers, is almost barren and uninhabited. The name from the language of the local people of Nama is translated as “a place where there is nothing”. But here you can find the world’s highest sand dunes, the height of which can reach up to 300 meters. In addition, fairly large deposits of uranium, tungsten and diamonds have been found here.

Atacama Desert. Chile. The driest desert in the world

The Atacama Desert, which is squeezed between the Andes and the Cordillera, is hardly getting any rain cloud. Precipitation is not seen for several years, and some meteorological stations have never recorded a drop of rain for all of its existence. Drought is such that the local mountain peaks, reaching a height of no less than 6500 meters, are deprived of snow packs.

Desert Uyuni. Bolivia. The most salty desert in the world

Nestled on an area of 10 thousand square kilometers Uyuni desert is considered to be the most salty in the world. Its reserves of salt are estimated at 10 billion tons. Once upon a time there was a large salt lake, but over the time it has dried up, leaving the whole of dissolved salt on the earth’s surface. In the same desert the world’s largest reserves of lithium are buried. Fascinating local landscapes attract a lot of tourists to the alkaline lands and local residents have adapted to build homes of salt plates, where they offer travelers to spend the night.

Aralkum. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The youngest desert in the world

The Aral Sea, which most recently was considered to be the fourth-largest salt lake in the world, starting with the 60-ies of the last century, has lost 90% of its area. This stems from the irrigation projects of the USSR, which have removed all the water from the rivers feeding the sea to irrigate vast cotton crops. Despite the fact that so far projects have been proposed for the rescue of the sea, scientists believe that it is impossible to do so. Even if withdrawals from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya will be completely terminated, at least 200 years will be required for the restoration of the former volume of water. Aralkum, at a time, is the most poisonous wilderness of the world. Pesticides and fertilizers, with which the yield of cotton was once increased struggling with pests, got into the lake with the river waters, now being dried up together with the dust are carried far beyond the desert. Toxic substances have been found here, even in the blood of penguins in Antarctica.

Sahara. North Africa. The largest desert in the world

The size of the Sahara, which occupies most of North Africa, is compared with the European continent, or the territory of the USA. It covers an area of 9 million square kilometers and covers 11 African countries. In 1922, the highest temperature of 57.8 degrees Celsius was recorded here. Every year, there are more than 160 mirages in the Sahara. Even a special card is composed for travelers through which you can find out exactly where most likely you can see the mirages of the well, palm groves of the oases and mountain ranges.

Carcross desert. Canada. The Smallest desert in the world

The smallest desert in the world occupies just 2.6 square kilometers and, strictly speaking, this is not a desert. Despite the fact that the climate is much drier than in the surrounding countryside, the rains, in any case, happen here. In the late 90-ies of the last century, local authorities made an attempt to make the desert a reserve, but faced strong opposition of local residents who have long before adapted the place as a site for picnics, off the road raids and riding a board with the dune.

1. Whistler, Canada

Altitude: 653-2182 m, drop altitude 1530 m.
Ski trails: 110; 40 of which meant for beginners, 20-for the self-confident, 50-for experts.
Whistler is one of the best mountain resorts in the world and is said to be the Mecca of snowboarders. It is located at 120 km from Vancouver. One can get there from Vancouver airport either by car or by railway; the return ticket makes about 200 dollars. As the Pacific is close to Whistler, there are about 11.000 mm precipitations a year, and snow cover height reaches 914 cm. The most ordinary landscape here are the fir trees, end-dumped in downy snow to the top. Winter Olympic Games will take place here in 2010.

2. Les Arcs, France
Altitude: 850-3250 m, drop altitude 2401 m
Ski trails: 114-for beginners, 66-for the advanced, 29-for extreme people
The closest airport is in Geneva at 135 km from Les Arcs. Also one can reach the resort by Eurostar going to the station of Bourg Saint Maurice. The city itself is below the resort, but it’s possible to get to Les Arc by a comfortable funicular machine, which takes travelers up every 20 minutes. It starts working at 7.20 a.m. till 19.20 p.m.. It is one of the best resorts of France. Experts find it to be a European model resort for snowboarding and free riding. A snow park, fun boxes, pyramids and trails are located between the foundations of ACA1800 and ACA 1600. The half pipe on the ACA 2000 is lighted up till 20.00 p.m. and on Tuesdays it is lighted up till 22.00 p.m.

3. Chamonix, France
Altitude: 1035-3842 m.
Ski trails: 41-for beginners, 25-for the advanced, 13-for risky snowboarders.
It is possible to reach Chamonix either from Geneva international airport, which is at 88 km from the resort, or by train to the station of Chamonix. The resort is located in the center of a valley, at the border of France, Italy and Switzerland and has wonderful infrastructure. At first sight Chamonix seems not so attractive for snowboarders as Morzine in neighborhood. Here the fun park is worse and there are big queues. But exactly here one can also have a good time in the evenings. Chamonix is said to be a center of club parties and entertainments. Besides, any professional will be pleased with even the most difficult local trails.

4. Mammoth Mountain, USA
Altitude: 2377-3369 m,
Ski Trails: 19-for beginners, 63-for the self-confident, 63-for the advanced
The closest airport from the resort is at 265 km in Reno. The ski season here is from the end of October till the beginning of June. You can often meet the best riders of the world exactly here. Not so expensive rent, world level trails, equipped especially for snowboarding, make Mammoth attractive for them, who like snowboarding.

5. Lake Lodge, Canada
Altitude: 1400-2400 m, drop altitude 991 m.
Ski Trails: 105
Lake Lodge Resort is at about 300 km from the international airport of Calgary. Its territory is 28,5 quarter km. It’s the biggest territory of ski resort in Canada. Here trails for any level snowboarders are located: for beginners and extremes. The views of the resort make Lake Lodge the most picturesque place in North America. The ski season here begins in November and ends in the midst May.

6. Morzine-Les Portes du Soleil, France
Altitude: 1000-3200 m, drop altitude 1460 m
Ski trails: 150-for beginners, 110-for the self-confident, 28-for professionals
You can get to Morzine either from the airport of Geneva, at 70 km from the resort, or from Cluuz railway station, which is only 208 km from the resort. Morzine is a resort ever being in vanguard of French snowboarding. It is better to be a self-confident snowboarder to enjoy skiing here.

7. Mayrhofen, valley of Zillertal, Austria
Altitude: 630-2415 m, drop altitude 1650 m
Ski Trails: 45-for beginners, 90-for the self-confident, 22 for professionals
The closest airport is located in Innsbruck, at 75 km from it and the railway station is called Mayrhofen too. Zillertal valley is said to be the best Austrian snowboarding resort. The biggest world level fun park is in Mayrhofen resort. The neighboring resort Kaltenbach is one of the best places in Europe for free riders. There are more than 800 boarding house hotels, and European youth come to ski exactly here. Besides, tourists with ski-pass are taken to the valley by buses free of charge.

8. Livigno, Italy
Altitude: 1800-3000 m
Ski Trails: 28- for beginners, 36-for the advanced and 10-for experts
It is possible to reach Livigno either from Milanese airport at 240 km, or by railway to the station of Zernes, located at 28 km from the resort. There is a wonderful fun park, a huge ski territory, there are few people in Livigno and that’s why it is the best ski resort in Italy. You should just drink fine Italian coffee in the morning, estimate Italian cuisine and remember that exactly here there are wonderful duty-free shops. People here are friendly and are always ready to help strangers.

9. Tinne, Isera valley, France
Altitude: 1400-3450 m
Ski Trails: 80-for beginners, 35-for the advanced and 16-for professionals
You can get to Isera Valley either from Geneva airport which is at 165 km from the resort, or from the railway station of Bourg Saint Maurice, which is at 20 km from Tinne. It is an Olympic resort where there is snow during the whole winter season from November till May. You can ski on Grand Motte glacier till the end of July. Sport enters of Tinne and Le Lac were renovated by vast money invested in the resort. But prices still remain low.

10. Niseko, Japan
Altitude: 650-1308 m
Ski Trails: 22-for beginners, 17-for the advanced
The closest airport is located in Sapporo at 100 km from the resort, and the railway station is at 8 km in Kutchan. Specialist think that Niseko and three of its ski areas are the best place for snowboarding in the world. Niseko is open for snowboarding from 8.30 a.m. till 20.30 p.m. The beauty of the resort is not only the perfect fun park, but also the distinctive culture, hot sources and the volcano on the background.

Unfortunately such ideal conditions can be found not in all airports of the world. But some modern air terminal complexes are able to compete with hotels. Sleepinginairports.net made an inquiry among travelers and refreshed its traditional top 10 of the best airports of the world, where one can stay for a night. Changi Airport in Singapore is the leader for the 10th time. The other ones were arranged in alphabetical order.

Singapore, Changi
One can not only charge his or her mobile phone, watch a film free of charge and wake up thanks to the chair inbuilt alarm clock in this wonderful air terminal complex. Transit passengers are offered to take part in excursions over the city and to visit swimming pool absolutely free of charge. One wants to stay at such an airport as it is much better, cozier and comfortable than houses of many people. It is calm, quiet and there is sterile tidiness here, which is the result of cleaners’ hard work.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands
At this airport tired travelers are offered massage and SPA procedures. There is a meditative room for the representatives of all religions, where they can find books in different languages. The affiliate of the National museum opened in the arrival zone became a “special appeal”: comfortable chairs, clean showers and toilets, internet access. Children, who have to while away the time here, will not be bored, as a special play zone is made especially for them. It is pleasant to spend several hours there but better to reserve a hotel room for the night. Local security service is always alert and in case of any suspicion your documents will be checked.

Athens, Greece
Travelers like the new airport of Athens, because it is clean and large with internet access. It differs from other European airports with subtle atmosphere of luxury. It’s very clean at the airport. Cleaners are fussing everywhere.

Vancouver, Canada
There are different opinions about this airport. Some people find it to be the best place where they can spend even several days in case of redrawing the schedule: they can take a shower, send a letter to their relatives and colleagues. Others complain about chaos and mess made by numerous Canadian and American flights and also about impolite staff. In other words, it is better to be there once to make an opinion about the airport.

Hong Kong, China
The airport of Hong Kong tries to complete with the Singaporean one, though it doesn’t manage to. One can easily catch cold in the new hub sitting under the conditioner. Besides, tourists very often run into pickpockets. However, there are also positive things here: worship and play rooms appeared in the complex, one can use Wi-Fi and send massages.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This airport is huge! Actually it is an optical illusion. It’s as big as other Asian airports, but there are fewer people here, that’s why the territory seems too large. The know-how of this airport is the “all-inclusive traveler’s hall” , where paying 17 dollars tourists get food, internet access, TV, mini-golf and many other things. Passengers noted plastic chairs and paid shower as the minus of the airport.

Auckland, New Zealand
The enormous Auckland airport is smaller than other international air terminal complexes, but at the same time it is very comfortable. There are not so many announcements and travelers can take a nap on folding chairs and couches, take shower or have a rest on comfortable arm-chairs in the mini-theatre. Tourists noticed also friendly staff of the airport. But on the other hand, boarding announcements are hardly heard.

Oslo, Norway
Norway is a wonderful country. It’s inhabitants are pleasant, neat and take care of environment. Such is the capital airport. You needn’t be afraid of robbers and pickpockets; you can take a nap on a chair and not worry about your luggage. Comfortable benches, dim light of the night help you to have a good rest.

Seoul, Incheon, South Korea
Incheon has become one of the best transit airports, where there are many sleeping and resting places. Free internet, special rooms for children, massage and play rooms! So you’d better think about spending a weekend there.

Helsinki, Finland
Though the city is located in the outskirts of Europe, aircrafts from the local airport fly in more than 120 directions. There is everything for the tourist happiness, including shower and free internet.
It’s not really necessary to wander about the airport looking for an information desk. The whole staff is not only well-wishing but also perfectly speak English.

And though the arctic aurora can be met even on the Hindustan peninsula, on the northern hemisphere they are most often seen in the region, drawn by a circle, crossing Alaska, Big Bear Lake, Hudson Bay, the southern part of Greenland and Island, the north of Norway and Siberia. The more northerly the tourist goes in his travel, the more chances he has to watch the unique phenomenon of nature. The readers of the Guardian newspaper recommend places where it is possible to admire the arctic aurora. Maybe, it is worth making use of their experience?
Norway, Tromsø
A tour to Tromsø, in Norway is an inexpensive pleasure, but it is worth every penny spent. A small group, consisting of 6-8 tourists, is taken by a mini-bus to watch the sky act. Moreover, usually the tourist companies have only one lodge where the tourists have to wait until the clouds clear away. That is why it is important to choose the company, which will take the clients to the place where the arctic aurora will really be seen. And already there they will be able to take out the stands, place the photo cameras, and shoot as much as they need.

Spitsbergen, Norway
There is a fabulously beautiful area in Spitsbergen, and the geographical longitude allows feeling all the charms of the polar night with the amazing by their brightness auroras.

Cruises at the shores of Norway
The cruises along the shores of this country allow watching with comfort the life of the arctic regions and fascinate with the white silence of the islands, the sea is dotted with, and the bright arctic aurora, which color the sky.

Great Lakes in Ontario, Canada
It is only an hour’s trip from Upper Lake by snow vehicle, and deep-frozen travelers will be able to admire the sky northern lights as much as they want. Among the drawbacks are the great number of flights, including the flights by local air companies and also terrible cold. But, certainly, you may count on sauna and beer after the excursion.

Island
The financial crisis greatly reduced the prices for hotels and restaurants in Reykjavik, so that those who cannot afford expensive rest, the voyage to this country will be more attractive than the trip to Norwegian Tromsø. And the city itself is livelier, which will be pleasant for those tourists who are interested besides the northern lights in the night life of trans-polar. But it is bad to watch the lights in the city – the street lights are an obstacle. It is better to go out of the city, irradiated with artificial lights.

Kiruna, Sweden
It is one of the places in the north of Sweden, where many tourists managed to watch the bright northern lights. Though the sky here is far from being the clearest in the world, it is sometimes said in the tourist prospects. Again , in order to watch and especially to take photos of the northern lights without any obstacles, it is better to go out of the city, where the street lights will not compete with the sky.

Northern Finland, Utsjoki, Ivalo
In the northern part of Finland the level of air pollution is low, and in such places far away from the big world like Utsjoki, or Ivalo, the northern lights can be watched up to 200 times a year. And not far from Helsinki they appear much rarely.

1. La Chavanette, Avoriaz, France
The Swiss wall – It’s a name that does not say anything to the usual skier. However everybody who ever stood on the very brink of this steep descent of 200 meters, gets shivers merely from the hissing sounds of this name. «Only for professionals» – says the tablet at the beginning of the descent. The beginners, who are not frightened of the warning signs, will be stopped by the steep abyss, so abrupt that the skier who is standing on it is not able to see that there are only continuous potholes passed on a virgin soil and deep snow waiting for him ahead. And if the slope is smoothed out to an ice condition, it is impossible to survive on it.

2. Delirium Dive, Sunshine Village, Canada
Delirium Dive is the most abrupt descent of the Goat Eye Mountain. This is the favorite place of the reckless American skiers, whose adrenaline is warmed up not only by steepness, but also by a high danger of avalanches. The avalanche patrol insists on providing the skiers with avalanche beacons and on giving them shovel and a tester before the skiers leave on a route. Without them it is impossible to get on the elevator. Besides that, there is no possibility to rent equipment on the base of the resort; skilled skiers come here with their own equipment.

3. Grand Couloir, Courchevel, France
The well-known resort of Courchevel already became the talk of the town on news sites about the whims of the Russian oligarchs. And nevertheless the aim of going there is not only to get a cigarette lighted from 500 euro denominations and to squander brilliants. From the elevator station La Saulire starts the most difficult part of descent in the Big Couloir. If it hasn’t snowed for a week or two, the several first turns can be considered as a survival test, but further the route extends and the second half of the descent does not require any extreme skills.

4. Corbet’s Couloir, Jackson Hole, Wyoming,  USA
Corbet’s Couloir is the descent, which skilled skiers and snowboarders should overcome at least once a life. The new elevator on the mountain Rendezvous will get any beginner here. Many go for a ride here – to the top point and downwards – on the elevator for several times, before they dare to undertake a reckless descent. However, the slope itself, the angle of which does not exceed 40 degrees at 15-metre width, is not too terrifying. The main thing is to overcome yourself and jump at the very beginning of descent. There are two ways either to jump at the left, then having flown by 3-4 meters to displace weight forward and to join the sharp turn, passing by the big rock, or to make a six-meter jump over the rocks.

5. Backside of the Valluga, St. Anton, Austria
To appear top of the most extreme ski zone of Austria is possible, only having passed the qualification test. The slope has a small angle of inclination and is usually covered with a fine snow, however the comfort of descent is deceptive – after all it ends with an abyss. It is enough to miss the left turn because of fear or inexperience and the adventure will end on the rocks – with 700 meters lower the slope.

6. Tortin, Verbier, Switzerland
The sensory acuity here depends on the condition of a route and the height of a snow cover. When there is much snow, the extremeness of descent may not be noticed. However when the slope is smoothed out, the farther skier flies, the higher are the hillocks and more terrifying is the descent. If the route is smoothed out to an ice condition, its passing turns to a deadly attraction.