January February March April May June July August September October November December

January

1 Start a New Year with wonderful fireworks in Sydney Harbour at midnight.

5 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

5 – 27 Sydney Festival 2013. Check official website for the list of free events.

11 and 13 check free performances at Micro Parks in Sydney.

12 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

18 – 27 Centennial Park Light Garden. As the sun sets over Sydney in late January, you’ll be able wander through the spectacular illuminated Light Garden in Centennial Park.

19 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

26 Australia Day. Head to The Rocks this Australia Day for a free celebration of music and song.

February

2 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour.

8-24 Celebrate Year of Snake in China Town in Sydney with Chinese New Year Twilight Parade as the highlight of the New Year festivities on 17th of February and watch dragon boats race on 23-24th.

9 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

14 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

16 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

17 Short film festival’s Tropfest main event will take place at The Domain. Go there early as place fills up very quickly.

23 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

March

2 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

3 From 19:45 to 22:00(7.45-10.00pm) at Oxford Street and Flinders Street watch colorful and outrageous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. About 300000 spectators attend parade so get earlier there to take good spot.

9 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

9 – 10 check for latest deals at Travel Expo at Fox Studios, Moore Park

17 From 12:00 to 18:30 (6.30pm) annual Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade commences from the corner of Bathurst and George Street to Hyde Park.

16 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

21 March – 3 April Easter show at Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park. The Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual event, an iconic showcase of Australian culture, heritage and excellence. It combines innovation, heritage, education and entertainment. It is not free event, but tickets include transport as well as admission to the Show.

22 March – 1 April Sydney family show as always at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter. Thought it is more kids, but it is free entry event packed with fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Though you need to buy tickets for rides you want.

23 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 21:00 (9PM).

23 from 20:30 to 21:30 (8.30pm-9.30pm) the annual lights-out event Earth Hour will be held. It start couple years ago in Sydney, but now over 5000 cities across 135 countries are involved.

29 March – 1 April visit Hoopla festival at Darling Harbour. Australia’s annual circus, sideshow and street theatre festival.

April

1 Hoopla festival continues at Darling Harbour.

1 Last day of Sydney family show at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter.

1 – 3 Easter show continues at Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park.

6 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

13 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

20 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

25 ANZAC day – a national day of remembrance. The day starts with dawn service at Martin Place and following parade on George Street.

27 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

May

4 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

11 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

17 May – 23 June If you love photography you must visit Head On Photo Festival. Events this year are spread across Sydney from the CBD extending, north, south, east and west. Aside from traditional venues such as art galleries and museums, exhibitions and events were set in less formal venues such as cafes, pubs and Centennial Park.

18 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

19 Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon is held. It is Australia’s largest and most prestigious half marathon and you still have time to join it. This year introduced one lap course.

24 May – 10 June one of most colorful festivals in Sydney – Vivid Sydney 2013. Two weeks you can enjoy impressive light projections, performances from local and international musicians as part of Vivid LIVE and a free outdoor exhibition of interactive light sculptures.

25 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

June

1 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

1 – 10 Vivid Sydney 2013 continues around the city.

1 – 23 Head On Photo Festival continues.

5 – 16 60th annual Sydney Film festival takes place. It is always full of interesting movies to watch. Check screening schedule on their website.

7 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 19:30 (7.30PM).

8 – 10 Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival. The Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival showcases legendary names in jazz and blues, rubbing shoulders with emerging and young Australian musicians.

8 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

15 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

22 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

29 Harbourside fireworks at Darling Harbour from 20:30 (8.30PM).

July

[TBA] State Library presentes World Press Photo 2013 exhibition.

[TBA] International Food safari at King Street Wharf. Check it to taste various international cuisine.

[TBA] Winter Festival at Bondi beach. Watch ice hokey games or Disney on Ice or try ice skating yourself.

[TBA] Australia’s biggest coffee event Aroma festival takes over the historic laneways of The Rocks.

Full month – July is peak month for whale watching in Sydney.

August

11 city2surf is one of Australia’s favorite event and even you are not runner go to cheer for participants of this 14 kilometers run from city center to Bondi beach.

September

8  11:00 – 16:00 (11am – 4pm) Festival of the Winds most colorful spring festival in Sydney. Head to Bondi beach to see lots of kits in the air.

20 September – 20 October Art & About Sydney with opening party in Martin Place. A lot of different events and exhibitions to explore art around the city, in laneways, parks and galleries. Check it here for full list of venues.

October

1 – 20 October Art & About Sydney continues.

[TBA] Latin American festival Australia’s largest annual festival at Darling Harbour.

November

[TBA] Sydney Travel Expo at Sydney Town Hall. FREE entry.

[TBA] Newtown Festival is one of Sydney’s largest and longest running free community festivals on 11th of November. At festival will be three stages which will feature a diverse range of Sydney’s finest, with live bands, acoustic artists and world music

[TBA] Santa Claus is coming to Sydney. Darling Harbour transforms into a sea of red and white jolly men for the Santa Fest Water Spectacular. There’ll be Santas popping up all over Darling Harbour doing everything from water skiing to stilt walking!

[TBA] fireworks at Darling Harbour every Saturday from 9pm in November.

December

until 25th Christmas projections in the city.

[TBA] the biggest Christmas (Carols in the Domain) concert in Australia will be held in Sydney.

[TBA] Sydney Hobart Yacht Race starts.

31 famous Sydney New Year Eve fireworks.

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The post What’s on in Sydney appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

The above Christmas tree is located in Vilnius, Lithuania

The post Weekly Travel Photo. Xmas tree in Vilnius, 2015 appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Make sure you have insurance in place

When planning your next Christmas holiday, chances are that insurance policies are the last thing you want to be worrying about. However, travelling without insurance is simply not worth the risk, especially if you travel with children. Also, extreme and unpredictable winter weather might mean that your fight is delayed or cancelled altogether. Minimize the risks of disruption by ensuring that you have travel and medical insurance in place, so that you can focus on enjoying your time away.

Book a package holiday

As a family, finding an affordable yet fun holiday option is surely one of your priorities. The best way to end your year is to have great package holidays with your family. Relaxing in a perfect destination with your loved ones is truly a great experience, which is why choosing the right accommodation package is essential. Remember that you can still personalise some aspects of a package holiday, so that your next Christmas trip is precisely what you and your family are after.

Book your family holiday online

Have you waited until the last minute to choose a destination for your next family winter break? If you have, don’t panic, as this could actually be a good thing. Many tour operators offer fantastic last-minute deals that can only be booked online. There are even specialist travel comparison sites where you can learn about the latest deals and read the reviews left by other families.

Consider a staycation

Staycations began to be popular as the income of families around the world was affected by the financial crisis. However, there are reasons other than just finances that make a staycation a great option this winter. In the first place, there is a lot less stress involved, both for you and for your children, as there are no language barriers or unfamiliar food and drinks. Moreover, staycations are a great opportunity to appreciate the diversity of your own country, especially if you arrange a home exchange with another family.

But what about destinations? You may be asking. Here are some interesting ideas for your next Christmas family holiday.

Enjoy the Winter Sun in Egypt

Egypt is a great medium-haul destination for families looking for a change of scenery. Flights take barely 5 hours to reach el Cairo, where you can book a package holiday that includes tours to the Pyramids and to the old town markets. And why not take the standards Nile river cruise further this Christmas and treat your family to a cruise that goes all the way to fascinating Luxor?

A waterway winter holiday in the UK

With more than 2,000 miles of waterways, the UK is the perfect place to take your family on a winter canal boat holiday. Picture yourself waking up in a cosy boat anchored at a picture-perfect marina, taking a day trip to a nearby Christmas market, or enjoying some mulled wine in the comfort of your own boat. Some recommendations include the Kennet and Avon Canal, the Norfolk Broads, and the Caledonian Canal.

A trip to Santa’s homeland

Since it’s Christmas time, why not put a smile on your kid’s faces by taking them to visit Santa in his own home? Lapland holidays are not only great for children, but also for adults, as you can relax in traditional Finnish saunas, watch the Northern Lights, and go on a fun snowmobile safari at night as a family.

The post Tips for Families Going on Christmas Vacations appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

These are not light shows.  A lot of cities are lighten during Christmas time, but only some have still or video projections. Here is short list where it can be seen.

Christmas projections in Sydney, Australia

I am not sure when these projections started in Sydney but personally I saw it 5 years ago for the first time. Projections were amazing and I don’t remember how many nights I spend watching it during that month. It looks so naturally and it seams like building painting but not a projection. Projection pattern changes during the night and here is pictured only one of them.

Town hall is major building during Christmas projections in Sydney, but other buildings also can be lighted. It varies from year to year. Bellow are Hyde Park Barracks, St James Church, Sydney Conservatorium of Music lighted during Christmas

This year (2013)  projections should be on two sides of Sydney Town Hall – an usual projection on George street facade and new digital animation should be shown on the side in Sydney Square.

3D Christmas projection in Vilnius, Lithuania

Sydney is introducing video projection this year meanwhile in Vilnius (Lithuania) it was done two years ago in 2011. It was called 4D projection because besides visual 3D projection you could smell some scent during the show. Watch this 10 minutes long tale on the walls of city’s cathedral

In 2012 it was introduced interactive 3D Santa Claus which was talking to public. Children were a little bit shy during the first shows, but at the end Santa didn’t have enough time to answer all questions he was getting. This is record of one of the first sessions. Unfortunately there is no translation from Lithuanian to English, but you can get the idea what was happening there:

Projections in Melbourne, Australia

In 2011 Christmas light projection was at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne, but in 2012 location was changed to City Hall:

I think State Library was better location without trams in front of building, but this year projections are shown on Town Hall walls again.

Projections in other cities

I would like to hear if anybody knows interesting Christmas projections in other cities. Please post it in comment and enjoy Christmas time!

The post Best Christmas projections appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

As we draw nearer to the holidays, more and more people are rushing to get their holiday travel plans in gear: plotting vacation leaves, packing up suitcases and the like. Deciding where to celebrate, though, is not as simple. The tricky part is the actual choosing process, as the holiday traveler’s choices are endless. Still fretting over where to spend the holidays this year? Dash through our list below and find yourself a merry little Christmas.

1. Singapore City, Singapore

Watch in awe as the Orchard Road gets wrapped in a beautiful, twinkling Christmas glow. This year, the Orchard Road’s theme is Christmas Blooms in Singapore. The Switch On Ceremony will be on November 19, 2011.

2. New York City, USA

For a more bustling vacation, head on over to The Rock at New York City. Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree, a spectacular eye-catcher with over five miles of lights covering its entirety, is lit up starting the week after Thanksgiving.

3. Sydney, Australia

Don’t want to get cooped up in the cold for the holidays? Fly to Sydney and enjoy warm weather, ice cold drinks and Christmas carols by the beach! The Bondi Beach Park will be hosting this year’s Carols by the Sea on December 7, 2011.

4. London, UK

By Lord Dickens! The London Walking Tour is a definite holiday experience. Enjoy a whole day of going across London and finding more about the places where characters Pickwick, Scrooge and Tiny Tim supposedly lived.

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Feast your eyes on this winter wonderland: Iceland’s local folklore has not one but thirteen Santas bearing goodie bags at Christmas Parties. Have the chance to meet the Ladle Licker, Skyr Gobbler, Meat Hook and the rest of the 13 Yulemen of Iceland beginning December 12.

About the Author: Paul Kessler writes for National Holidays, a leading travel portal that offers sensational value coach holidays and trips by coach across Britain, Ireland and Europe.

The post Top Destinations for the Holidays appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.

Even identically named holidays can happen not on the same day. Like New Year celebration in most countries is on 1st of January, but Chinese New Year is on February 14th, 2010 and date is different each year. In most countries Christmas Day is on 25th of December, but orthodox celebrate it on 7th of January. Thanksgiving in US is on fourth Thursday in November, but in Canada – on on the second Monday in October. This list is almost endless, as even in different states or provinces of the same country holidays can be on different days. For example Labour Day in Australia in 2010 – on March 1st in WA, but on March 8th in VIC and TAS. Probably on any day of year it is possible to find country which has holiday on that day.

Personally I prefer not to travel on such days (local holidays is exception). Not only because it is more difficult to find accommodation and it is expensive, but also grocery shops, gas stations are closed earlier or totally closed during these days, national parks are getting crowded. It easy avoid these days by looking to calendar and here is starting point with listing of public holidays in different countries.

The post Trip planning. Check public holidays appeared first on Vi Travel Tips.