Charismatic Austria

Austria is known as the Republic of Austria. It is a country in central Europe and it is a landlocked country. Austria shares its borders with Germany and Czech Republic in the north, Slovakia and Hungary in the east, Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the West and Slovenia and Italy in the south. In order to travel to Austria, it is better to have a brief overview regarding Austria. 


Best time to visit Austria 
Austria is a mountainous region as it is located in the Alps. The northern, southern and central eastern Alps are partially located in Austria. The Austrian granite plateau which is the second highest mountain is also located here. Apart from these, there are many other mountains in the region. Austria has a photogenic beauty which is worth mentioning. 
The climate of Austria is cool and temperate in most of the regions, with warm humid winds. As most of the country is predominated with mountains, temperatures are generally low with less rainfall. Avalanches are very common during spring. Be careful of the sun in high altitudes. 
Austria is very cold in winter but summer has warm temperatures. It is advisable to visit Austria during summer, in order to enjoy your stay. As Austria is a hilly region, it is better not to plan your trip in winter as it is very cold. You can also visit during April and October. On the other hand if you want to plan your trip in the city, then it is advisable to visit during June and September. 


Economy in Austria 
Austria has highest GDP and it is the 12th richest country in the world. Austria has a very well developed industry but tourism industry is the prime revenue earning industry in Austria. 


Art and Culture in Austria 
Austria was a part of European culture and its reflection can be seen both in art and culture of Austria. Europe has a lot of contribution in shaping Austria's art and culture. Many famous composers were born in Austria like Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss, and Joseph Hayden etc. 


Famous Places in Austria 
Travel to Austria is incomplete without visiting different places and sightseeing. Few such places are mentioned below:

Vienna
Hallstatt
Arlberg Region
Innsbruck
Salzburg
Krimmi Falls
Linz
Tyrol's Valleys
Graz
Villach

Bienvenido a Espana

Hola seniors! “Bienvenido a Espana” (Welcome to Spain). 
Spain, which is currently world’s biggest football hub after Brazil and is booming in almost every field around the world, is a beautiful place to be in. It mainly attracts the football fans to visit and watch their football icons playing a game certainly worth watching like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo etc.



Costa Blanca
Near Valencia is another scenic beauty called ‘Costa Blanca’. It is an extensive coastline filled with parks and small villages. The view from each village is different from the other. Few beaches on this coast are quite famous like ‘Benidorm’ as well as the village areas of ‘Denia’ and ‘Calpe’. 



Sagrada Familia
When visiting Spain, a tourist should begin its tour from Barcelona where ‘Sagrada Familia’ is a historical church and its construction began in 1882. After visiting the church, the magnificent artwork in ‘Park Guell’ and breathtaking views of the ‘Mountain Montuijc’ await the traveler. This mountain also marks an end to the ‘must see’ places in Barcelona.


Falles Museum
About 2 hours in north of Alicante, is Valencia where ‘Falles Museum’ is famous for the exhibition of its traditional culture. In the mid-week of March, a grand event is hosted here which is said to be the greatest tourist attraction at that time in the world. It is this part of the year which fills the streets of Valencia with parades and other street celebrations. Places like Seville, Granada and Cordoba, Andalusian cities also show the Arabic influence that Spain has had in the past.


Granadas Alhambra                    
The greatest and the biggest attraction of Spain is ‘Granadas Alhambra’. It is a Palace and a fortress which was built in 14th century by the Roman King and is located on a hill. Its interior is filled with exotic stonework on the walls and ceilings. It was built in the style of Muslim Art and portrays it in a glorious way. The luxurious rooms and courts exceed the human brain.
                                                            
Pamplona Bull Run
Besides the monumental and scenic attractions, Spain is also rich in its culture and engrosses many people due to its fascinating festivals. For some, these festivals are a source enjoyment while some say that they are nothing but a ‘ticket to the next world’. One of the most famous one is the ‘Pamplona Bull Run’ held in the city of Pamplona. In this event, people run in front of wild bulls in order to save them. The people running in front have all volunteered but not dragged by force for participation. Another such festival is ‘La tomatina’. This festival is nothing but an organized fight between people and their only weapons are TOMATOES! This fight is organized in a small town of Bunol which is near Valencia. In addition, the yearly celebrations of Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Spain are also famous worldwide.
                                                       

Exquisite Germany

Germany can be segregated into 3 regions, namely, Mittelgebirge or Central German Uplands, North German Plain, and Southern German Highlands. The country is located in central Europe. It has a population of 82, 329, 758 (as per estimates 2009). The total area of Germany is 137, 846 sq miles or 357, 021 sq km. 

If you are planning to travel to Germany, make sure you visit some of the largest cities in Germany. They are Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich, Dusseldorf, and Stuttgart etc. And interestingly, every city has its own set of tourist attractions and has been able to appeal to tourists for its picturesque landscapes and other places of tourist interest. 

Depending on how much you are willing to shell out, you can opt for tailor-made travel packages which are offered by travel agents. You can compare the packages and services offered by these travel agents online and settle for the one, which you think will help you to enjoy your vacation thoroughly. 

When should you visit Germany?

The period between May and September is the best time to visit the country. However, visitors don't restrict themselves only to this period. You will find tourists visiting even during March through October. During April and May, you will find flowers that are in full bloom. 

Tourist attractions in Germany

There are several places you can visit if you travel to Germany. However, it doesn't just stop there. There are a number of festivals that people from different parts of the country enjoy. Check out the festivals which draw thousands of tourists. 

Festivals and Celebrations: 

• Fasching or Karneval
• Rhein in Flammen
• Walpurgisnacht
• Maifest
• Love Parade
• Christopher Street Day 

Places of interest in Germany

There are various tourist sites you can visit and explore the many facets of the country. Some of the places you can visit when you travel to Germany include the following - 

Bavarian Alps

Commonly referred to as Bayerische Alpen, it is one of the attractions that have drawn hundreds of travelers. It is a beautiful natural divide that runs along the Austrian border. 

Lake Constance

The Lake is quite big and in some places portion of the lake shares a common border or flows into other countries and regions like Austria and Switzerland. It is often known by the name "Swabian Sea". At a distance are the Swiss peaks that are covered with snow. It offers a picturesque and breathtaking view. 

Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is situated at the summit of a Swabian hill overlooking the small town of Hechingen.  This idyllic castle looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale:  with its tall towers and seven successive gates. 

At the nucleus of the castle lies a tiny chapel dedicated to St. Michael in 1061.  Over successive centuries, local German princes constructed a castle around this chapel.  While its foundations are a millennium old, the castle has been assaulted, torn down, built, and rebuilt.  Over its first 400 years, the castle fell twice in furious bombardments from catapults, archers, and swordsmen.  Then in 1453, the castle was leveled to the ground.

In 1850, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia and his cousin Prince Karl Anton von Hohenzollern began construction of a new castle atop these 400-year-old ruins.  The castle was finished in 1867 and soon became a symbol of the new rulers of southwest Germany.  The statues at the castle's base portray many Prussian kings and noblemen.