1 . Rich in culture and steeped in tradition, winter in Budapest not only feels like a fairy tale but also looks like one. Here are 4 top things to do in Budapest during winter.

City Park Ice Rink

Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink is by far the most famous skating destination in the region. Skaters flock (蜂拥) to the rink each winter between late November and mid February. First opened in 1870, this ice rink is one of the oldest and largest in Europe.

Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House, which was completed in 1884, remains exactly the same as when it was constructed. Each season thousands of visitors arrive in Budapest to take in the extreme beauty of the opera house, while the lucky ones are able to secure a ticket for a show.

Andrassy Avenue and Fashion Street

Shopping in Budapest during winter is a magic al experience. Andrassy Avenue and Fashion Street are two of its most popular tourist destinations at any time of year. Covered with thousands of lights, the tree-lined avenue comes to life during the winter months, offering up many attractions. The shops here are usually open from 10 am to 9 pm in the winter months.

Spas and hot spring baths

Budapest is quite rightly nick-named the “City of Spas”. The baths of Budapest are astonishingly beautiful, famous the world over for their relaxing and medicinal benefits. Taking a dip in the famous baths during winter is an experience like no other.

2 . Best Family Vacations in Europe

In Barcelona, Gaudf’s art work is sure to impress adults and make children feel as if they’ve wandered into a fantasy land. Similarly, the street performances surprise audiences of all ages. Plus, families can always watch the FC Barcelona team play a soccer match at Camp Nou stadium.

The Eiffel Tower is sure to delight your children, whether you choose to take a lift to the top or see it at night. Nearby Disneyland Paris, whose fairy-tale setting leaves a lasting impression on its visitors, is also a popular attraction for those with little ones.

Kids will get a kick out of seeing the bizarre Dancing House, engaging with the interactive exhibits, and exploring Prague Castle. Meanwhile, parents will love the city’s rich cultural heritage (遗产) and reasonable prices. Because of its small size, Prague is an easily walkable city, which makes it perfect for those who want to save money on transportation.

This city attracts visitors young and old with its London Zoo, West End theatre district, London Eye and Platform 9³/₄ at King’s Cross Station, among other sights. Many of the top attractions offer guided tours, which are excellent ways for families to learn about London's history and culture.

From playing soccer in Barcelona to touring London Eye, Europe features activities for travelers of all ages and interests. If interested , click here to know more.

3 . Going on vacation every week might sound like the very unattainable dream.    1    . All you need to do is get in the habit of treating your weekend like a vacation, suggests Cassie Mogilner Holmes, a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. We asked experts to share their favorite tips for adopting a vacation mindset at home.

    2    . Some people have to bear weekend schedules packed with work. You could still make the best of a Thursday evening, Holmes suggests. Or, spare an hour on Sunday morning for chores, but protect the rest of the weekend as your vacation time.

    3    

Decision scientist Nika Kabiri recommends doing something totally new so you can disconnect from the same old routines governing your life. Among her favorite ideas: Drive to a part of town you’ve never been to before, go for a city walk, and grab lunch at the first cute café you see. Or take a bike or boat tour of your city.    4    

Treating your weekend like a vacation doesn’t mean it needs to be a delicate affair. If your “vacation” encounters a few unexpected affairs or lasts for only a few hours, don’t be annoyed.    5    .Don’t put pressure on yourself to have this “perfect vacation”. It’s meant to be fun. Plus, there’s always another one just a few days away.

6 . Welcome to the British Museum. You can experience cultures across the world, from the past of human history to the present. Here is some information about membership which you may be interested in.

Membership allows you to discover two million years of human history and enjoy 12 months of benefits while donating to the British Museum Friends in support of the work of the Museum. From just £69 a year (with discounts for those aged under 26), membership provides:

• Free, unlimited entry to all special exhibitions, such as Burma to Myanmar and Legion: Life in the Roman Army and a coming show on the later life and work of Michelangelo.

• A special program of Members’ activities.

• Use of a special Members’ Room.

• Regular mailings including the British Museum Magazine three times a year.

• A 10% discount in the Museum’s shops, cafés and restaurants.

• Members do not need to book for the regular collection or our exhibitions. You’ll only need to show your Membership card to enter.

• We also offer a discount for those who are disabled. And this will cover a personal Membership plus a free guest to help you get access to your Membership benefits and provide you the convenience when visiting.

If you have some questions about your visit, please read the Membership FAQs page or contact us at friends@britishmuseum.org. For more information or to arrange this Membership, please contact the Membership Office and we are very happy to help further.

7 . Discover the highlights of Madeira on our 7-night guided tour departing on the 19th of March! Known as the “floating flower garden”, this beautiful small island is nestled between the Canaries and Portugal.

Return flights from London Gatwick.

B&B 3-star accommodation for 7 nights.

Explore the eastern coast of Madeira, including a visit to Santana.

Uncover Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado volcano craters & Ribeiro Frio natural park on guided excursions.

Unwind with plenty of free time to relax or uncover more of Madeira independently with tips from our local guide.

Visit the charming village of Monte & its beautiful gardens.

Enjoy a typical Madeiran evening of food and entertainment.

Was £999 Now only £949 per person (pp) using code RD50!

CLICK HERE for more information or to BOOK TODAY

Travel Department is delighted to partner with Reader’s Digest and offer readers with membership exclusive discounts across any new 2024 holidays. Click here to reveal the current money-off offers, or simply call 0203-966-0527 and mention Reader’s Digest to learn more about the savings available.

Offer price of £949 pp is valid (有效的) at the time of publishing and based on departures on 19th March 2024 and only applies with discount code RD50. Prices may vary. Other dates also available.

8 . Scotland’s landscapes, history, and culture offer a great variety of experiences. This summer, join our unique ranger programs to discover Scotland like never before!

Young Clan’s Highland Games (June 4 to August 22)

A delightful experience for children! Test their skills in traditional Scottish games and compare their abilities to the historical legends of Scotland. No prior experience needed. Fun and educational, this program is flexible to fit your schedule. Meet at the Highland Folk Museum.

Wild Highlands Exploration (May 25 to September 3)

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Perfect for families, this program offers guided hikes through scenic trails, wildlife spotting, and camping adventures. Learn about Scotland’s native wildlife and how to responsibly enjoy the natural environment. Gather at the Glencoe Visitor Centre.

Loch Ness Legends and Lore (June 8 to September 3)

At the world-famous Loch Ness, this program combines breathtaking views with captivating stories about the Loch’s history and the mysterious Nessie. Ideal for families and photography enthusiasts. Meet at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition for this engaging talk.

Photography Workshops in the Isles (June 18 & July 11)

Enhance your photography skills in Scotland’s picturesque landscapes. Join our expert photographers for hands-on workshops.

6/18—Isle of Skye Sceneries: meet at the Old Man of Storr parking area.

7/11—Capturing the Aurora: meet at the Shetland Isles Observatory.

9 . How to stay healthy on holiday

Taking time to relax on holiday may be good for our health.     1    . Here’s how to stay healthy when you travel.

Plan before you go

Besides the stress of organizing your break in the first place, there’s the added anxiety of remembering to buy and pack everything you need, as well as getting where you need to go on time. To avoid this, as soon as you’ve booked your holiday, list the travel documents you’ll need. Check you have them and they’re valid (有效的). Then start packing several weeks in advance, giving yourself time to buy some daily necessities.     2    .

    3    

Try to forget the cares of everyday life. You can achieve this by ensuring you don’t check emails or social media, or feel obligated to use it to record your best holiday moments. Ideally, turn off notices, limit your screen time and try to focus on the present moment. That will enable you to relax and make special memories.

Eat and drink well and mindfully

    4    . Take time to really enjoy all the flavors. However, you should be aware that too many alcoholic drinks can cause “holiday heart”, characterized by an irregular rhythm. What’s worse, if you’re holidaying in a hot climate, that can also result in dehydration (脱水).

Get active

Try a new activity. Consider walking and swimming or tennis.     5    . Remember that being active not only helps you stay fit during the holiday, but also makes you feel fitter and more refreshed once you’re back.

10 . Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with its lavish food and giant shopping malls. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the city without stretching your wallet. With good planning, you can enjoy many things in Hong Kong for free.

1. Go gallery hopping and marvel at beautiful artworks

Hong Kong is home to plenty of independent art galleries that exhibit works from various artists around the world. While galleries are spread across the city, we argue that the best place to go gallery hopping is around Central and Sheung Wan.

2. Get up-close with nature at one of the scenic hiking trails

It’s easy to visualize images of Hong Kong’s breathtaking skyline when thinking of the city. But Hong Kong is also filled with thick greenery, mountains, and amazing natural landscapes. So, go hiking at any of the scenic trails the city has. For hiking beginners, the Peak trail is among the easiest and in the end, you’ll be treated to epic views of Victoria Harbour. Also perfect for newbies but a little more into nature is Dragon’s Back.

3. Step back in time at the traditional villages

Due to urbanization, Hong Kong’s traditional villages have been in massive decline throughout the years. With those still standing today, it serves as a time machine to showcase Hong Kong’s past. Among the best-preserved villages is Tsang Tai Uk. The original brick, timber, and granite materials are still well-maintained within the walls.