Jamaica

Christmas in Jamaica is such a bright and lively affair that you’d probably be too busy to even think of missing home.

In the days and weeks before the 25th, revelers in more rural locations take to the streets for the Jonkanoo parade, dressed in vibrant masquerade costumes that depict cows’ heads, horses, devils and policemen.

In other areas up until Christmas Eve itself, Grand Markets are opened, filled with delicious street foods, dancing, crafts and live, reggae music. Just some of the scrummy local delicacies that any visitor must try include pinda (peanut) cakes and Sorrel, a traditional Jamaican Christmas drink. Made of cinnamon, ginger, sugar, orange peel and rum, it’s an exotic replacement to our mulled-wine classic, and may taste even better!

While the typical Jamaican Christmas meal doesn’t include our favourite roast turkey, rest assured that you won’t go disappointed. Christmas dinner is typically made up of chicken, curry goat, roast ham, oxtail and rice with gungo peas.

India

Despite being a predominantly Hindu country, there are over 25 million Christians in India, which means that in typical Indian fashion, Christmas is a spectacular occasion.

Churches up and down the country are adorned with beautiful poinsettia flowers and candles, and the typical British pine tree is replaced by fragrant banana and mango trees, decorated with tinsel, lighting and intricate ornaments.

Across India’s bustling capital of Mumbai as well as much of Southern India, giant star-shaped paper lanterns are hung above Christian streets and houses. In the North-West of the country tribal Christians visit neighbouring towns and villages to sing traditional Christmas carols and share the story of Jesus’ birth.

As long-standing fans of Indian cuisine, British visitors to India should hugely enjoy the traditional Christmas meal. Succulent chicken and lamb curries, tender biryanis and even a well-spiced version of Christmas pudding are all staples of an Indian Christmas dinner.

Spain

Just a short plane ride away from home, Christmas in Spain is flamboyant, exotic and definitely worth visiting.

Christmas Eve, ‘Nochebuena,’ is the main event and a busy, sociable occasion. Pre midnight mass, celebrations take place throughout towns and cities, with many locals opting to spend the night in their favourite bars or restaurants before heading home for a traditional meal of Pavo Trufado de Navidad’ (Turkey stuffed with truffles).

In some parts of Spain (in particular the North) seafood is the staple starter of the Nochebuena meal, followed by an enormous roast lamb, pig or duck.

While the streets of Spain may see temporary peace during the time that Midnight Mass is being attended and meals are being eaten, there is even more fun to be found afterward. The early hours of Christmas morning are celebrated with music-filled, torch-light processions and parties will typically go on into the day.

Brazil

Perhaps the ultimate Christmas destination for any traveller looking for fun, sun and an abundance of festivity.

Similarly to Spain, celebrations commence on Christmas Eve but continue on into early January. From Christmas Eve, firework displays, churrascos (barbecues) and enormous electric trees made up of real lights brighten up the skylines of major cities across the country.

Brazilian renditions of our own ‘Silent Night’ (Noite Feliz) are sung by traditional carol singers throughout the run up to Christmas day, and on the day itself, many families and friends take to the beach for a day of sun, sea and relaxation.

Thankfully, the traditional Brazilian Christmas dinner often includes our own favourite, roast turkey and vegetables – albeit with a slight kick. There are a number of creative turkey recipes that include the use of champagne, spices and dried fruits! Because of all of the vast European immigration into Brazil, staples of traditional German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese Christmas meals may be found across the country. Delicious German Stollen breads and Italian Panettone can be easily found on Brazilian dining-tables during the Christmas period.

1. HopStop

The ultimate public transport app – HopStop lets you track any journey via bus, train, subway or by foot, and it is available in more than 68 cities all over the world.

Just type in the address of your destination and no matter where you want to go, the app will help you to map out your easiest route via public transport. You can also customise the routes which you use the most, and save journeys that you may need to take again.

Hint: When you’re travelling, make sure you keep your HopStop notifications on so that you can receive real-time traffic updates and public transport delays straight to your phone.

Available on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

2.Hailo / Uber

Taxis are a necessary and comfortable solution for travelling around any bustling city. As a staple of London living, black cabs are the perfect way to get around. Finding one at 4am after a night out in Dalston however, may not always be so easy. The Hailo app uses your phone’s existing GPS to make your location visible to all licensed black cabs in the area – all you have to do tap ‘pick me up’ and your nearest cab will start driving towards you.

Alternatively, you could jump on the Uber bandwagon. Available across 46 different countries, including New York, London and Canada, Uber links you to a licensed driver in your area. It definitely beats standing on a freezing corner trying to hail a taxi – or worse, taking the dreaded night bus…

Hint: Want to make an entrance at an important event? When in London check out Uber’s premium option, Uber Lux and travel in the comfort of a BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 or Mercedes S-Class.

Both Hailo and Uber are available on iPhone and Android.

3.PinPin

Of course, if you’re going to be taking taxis all over the city, you’re going to need some cash. The PinPin ATM finder covers more than 220 countries across the world, identifying all the nearest cash machines wherever you are.

Once you have access to cash, the whole city is yours for the taking.

Available on Windows Phone.

4. Find My Car

Every car owner has experienced that moment of panic – “where did I leave my car?”In a foreign city or unfamiliar part of town or it can be even harder to retrace your steps and get back to your vehicle.

The ‘Find My Car’ app pins your parking space on a map, and gives you clear directions back to your car from wherever you are. It uses GPS so you can use it anywhere it the world, even if you don’t have access to WiFi

Available on iPhone and Android

5. Museums Mobile

There’s no way you can travel to a new city without soaking up all of the local culture it has to offer.

Navigate your way around all of the closest museums and galleries to you with Museums Mobile, one of the best free apps for culture vultures. With information on thousands of museums across the world, switch it on when you arrive in a new city and take your pick from the local sights.

Hint: Step out of your comfort zone. Literally. Make your way to a lesser known part of town and spend an afternoon exploring some hidden gems. It’s something new you can even do in your home town!

Available on Windows Phone

@getatraveldeal

So, you haven’t got lots of time to hunt down the latest travel deals. Follow @getatraveldeal and you’ll always be in the know about the deals as they happen. Sylvia Myers always has a mailbox crammed with great offers, discount codes and more.

 

@Expedia

Expedia, the popular travel site, already has a large following on Twitter, and with good reason. Their hot deals are second to none and you’ll also find top tips on popular destinations and a wealth of information about travel packages, hotels and flight deals.

 

@GoogleTravel

Yes, the search giant not only brings you the best search engine services, but some of the best travel services too. From interesting destination facts to the latest travel industry news, Google’s Travel Team will make sure you are kept up to date with the latest snippets.

 

@rickseaney

Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com cares about sharing the latest travel deals with his many followers. FareCompare is home to the largest database of historical and current airfares, but you will also find answers to air travel questions and lots of useful advice about travelling abroad.

 

@MiddleSeat

Fun stories about travelling, facts on getting the best deals and the latest travel industry news are what makes Middle Seat from the Wall Street Journal so popular with its followers.

 

@Gadling

If you’re a fan of the gadding.com blog, you will love the Twitter feed. Here you’ll find lots of fun, interesting and relevant stories about travel and how to get the best deals as they happen online.

 

@Orbitz

Orbitz, the leading online travel company, offers the best in travel news, deals and also the best planning advice so that you really get the best from your next trip. You can also check out the latest deals on their website.

 

@vagabondish

If offbeat travel news is what you are after, head on over to follow Vagabondish. Here you’ll get lots of information about individual cities, culture, fun facts and details about the latest travel promotions as they happen.

@PeterSGreenberg

Want the latest information from one of the world’s leading travel gurus? Need to know if it’s safe to travel to Egypt? Do you want more information on Traveller’s Cheques and other currency? Peter Greenberg answers these questions and many more.

 

@notfortourists

Not For Tourists is a great resource that gives you insider information on what is happening in neighbourhoods around the world. If you really want to blend in with the locals whilst travelling, this is the site for you!

 

@fareologist

The fareologist at Bing Travel is here to give you the latest hotel and airfare details, the lowdown on where to travel and the latest in travel news and trends. Bing Travel can also take the hard work out of finding your next holiday with their powerful search facility.

 

@Frommers

The best trips in the world start at Frommers and here you’ll find some of the best travel guides, deals, stories and much more delivered directly to your Twitter account in easy to read snippets.

 

@GuardianTravel

The Guardian is renowned for its great travel stories and their Twitter account is no exception. Emerging destinations, insider guides, travel trends and new hotels all make it onto their Twitter feed and you’ll discover some great places to travel that you didn’t even think of.

 

@CNTraveler

Conde Nast Traveler is one of the most respected of travel companies around and are loved for their truthful reviews of some of the world’s best destinations. Conde Nast correspondents travel anonymously so they are great at getting the best reviews and stories to your mobile device.

 

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Want the latest in travel tips and trends, company news and travel news? Need random but useful stories and tips direct from the knowledgeable Kayak team? You’ve got it!

 

@TheAdolphus

Have you heard of The Adolphus Hotel? It’s a cosmopolitan hotel rated number 1 in the Zagat Survey (high praise indeed!). Located in Dallas, Texas, the Adolphus keeps its audience happy with interesting lifestyle and travel tips and events happening in the local area.

 

@frugaltraveler

Looking to holiday on a low budget? The Frugal Traveler can help you find those elusive deals and save a fortune on your travels. When you follow Seth Kugen, you’ll find these benefits and many more delivered direct to your timeline.

 

@TravelMagazine

Travel reports, guides, special offers, latest travel stories, travel articles and much more await you at The Travel Magazine. Based in London, this popular publication offers some of the best advice for travelling around the world.

 

@JetBlueCheeps

Want the last minute deals on airfares delivered to Twitter every Tuesday? Follow Jet Blue Cheeps and you’ll get just that. Cheeps are offered for a limited amount of time so snap them up quick before everybody else does!

 

@Paul_Steele

Paul Steele is the Founder and Editor BaldHiker.com. While his twitter handles do not offer travel deals, they do offer a look at places around the world you don’t want to miss. Some of the best photos, revealing some of earths hidden treasures.