Are you making travel plans for the coming year? Well, we've just gathered our top ten favorite festivals all around the world and it's your chance to see them! Take a break from the ordinary sights and sounds of everyday life and immerse yourself in a wonderful experience. Where will your next adventure take you? South America? Europe? Asia? No matter where you go, we've got a festival for you to enjoy, so take your pick! 

1. New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia

December 31st, 2013

The whole entire world celebrates the coming of the New Year, but amongst all of the celebrations, the most epic one has to be in Australia. If you want to catch all of the action, head over to Sydney's Harbor Bridge for an impressive display of fireworks. 

2. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival in Scotland

January 28th, 2014

This Scottish festival occurs on the last Tuesday in January and it features elaborate costumes and songs that come after the mock burning of a galley. The sight of the burning galley is one to behold especially against the dark black night sky.

3. Chinese New Year in China

January 31st, 2014

The Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar. This two-week celebration explodes with large, colorful, puppet-dragons that run through the streets. There are also red lanterns that hang above the heads of people walking down the street. This joyous celebration will ring in the Year of the Horse. 

4. Rio Carnival in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

February 28th, 2014-Tuesday, March 4th, 2014

The Rio Carnival marks the beginning of Lent, which is part of the Easter celebration. Extravagant dance performances, floats, and costumes make their way down the streets for one of the most beautiful parades that you will ever experience.

5. Holi in India

March 17th, 2014

Holi is an Indian festival that is meant to be a day of joy, laughter, and love. This festival paints the streets of India while people roam around and throw colored powder at each other. The many different colors bring the city to life, so if you're looking for a bright and fun festival, Holi is for you.

6. Scarlet Sails in St. Petersburg, Russia

June 23rd, 2014

The Scarlet Sails tradition marks the freedom from school and rules! It's launched with a vibrant display of fireworks, music, and a water show that features different displays of ships that are lit up with beautiful lights.

7. Burning Man in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, U.S.A

August 25th, 2014- September 1st, 2014

The Burning Man festival is a radical event of self-expression that takes place over several days. The key features of this festival are the creatively crafted 'mutant' vehicles, song and dance, and the main attraction – a 100-foot wooden burning man.

8. La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain

August 27th, 2014

What does a real, live, gigantic food fight feel like? Well, La Tomatina can give you a feel for a food fight, but you'll only have tomatoes as ammo! This amazing festival will have you painting the town red with thousands of other Spaniards that are pelting tomatoes at each other. 

9. OktoberFest in Munich, Germany 

September 20th, 2014-October 5th, 2014

Are you a beer lover? Well, you might want to pay a visit to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest! Roam the streets of Munich to discover new beers, food and treats, and new friends. Beer and food? What a winning combo. 

10. Day of the Dead in Mexico

October 31st, 2014-November 2nd, 2014

The Day of the Dead is a time for people to gather, pray, and remember family members and friends that have died. It's a joyous and colorful celebration where people masquerade through cemeteries as the “dead”. People also offer up colorfully painted skulls and skeletons on the graves of their loved ones. 

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Planning a getaway for the holiday season? Well, if you love spending time in the water, we've gathered our top ten swim spots! Some places will satisfy your inner daredevil, while others will allow for the ultimate rest and relaxation in a wide open space of bright blue water. Take your pick from our list and take a dip!

1. The Devil's Swimming Pool- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Located at the peak of Victoria Falls, the Devil's Swimming Pool is a formation of a perpetual stream. It is about 400 feet above the actual riverside but it is, during dry seasons, completely safe to perch at the edge of the falls. The streams have a natural rock barrier that prevents the current from carrying over anything over the edge of the falls. It offers thrills and an exciting view but more importantly, no fatal accidents have been reported, so safety shouldn't be a big issue. 

2. Mosquito Bay- Vieques, Puerto Rico 

This bioluminescent body of water is an experience to remember. Mosquito Bay is particularly beautiful during the nighttime when the bay reveals its phosphorescent inhabitants, which are just little glowing plankton that emit light in response to movement. Don't worry about the plankton because they are completely harmless! The salinity of the bay is also high enough so that you can just float around.

3. Sistema Sac Actun- Quintana Roo, Mexico

The Sistema Sac Actun is prominent for its cave diving sites. The Grande Cenote entrance leads to the underwater cave system where tourists can swim through and begin exploring. The temperature is relatively consistent through out.

4. Cenote Yokdzonot- Yucatan, Mexico

If you're looking for a daring dive, then the sinkholes of Yucatan are perfect for you. You can gain access to these beautiful waters by paying a small entrance fees to the locals. If you're not up to the daring dive, then you can take a dip in the shallow areas of the water.

5. Lubok Simpon- Pahang, Malaysia

Located amongst the most ancient rainforests in the world, this swimming spot offers a vibrant challenge with the current. Be sure to avoid the more precarious waters flowing at the other side of the bank!

6. Blue Lagoon- Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is a cold region, but the Blue Lagoon is pleasantly warm. The geothermal heat conducted from beneath keeps the lagoon hot, averaging a temperature of around 38°C throughout the year. After a cold adventure, the Blue Lagoon serves as a great place to take a dip and rest your bones.

7. Big Sur River- California, USA

Big Sur can be found on the Central Coast of California. While the river has several swimming spots, the best spot is in the gorge, which sits at the bottom of the waterfall. Shallow spots en route the gorge are best suited for children and those looking for a fun, but simple swimming spot. 

8. Hearts Desire Beach- California, USA

Northern California's best swimming spot is Hearts Desire Beach, where swimmers enjoy its warm and shallow waters that run for long distances and provide safety against large waves.  

9. River Granta- Cambridgeshire, UK

Looking for a swim in British waters? The long and winding Granta River offers a quick way to get in and out with the use of a series of ropes that hang freely into the water. It's a fun way to go for a dip!

10. Pont Du Gard- Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France

Featuring crisp and clear waters, a Roman-esque aqueduct, and a wide river, this area makes for a great place to go for a swim. The accompanying beach allows for memorable picnics as well. The only rule is to avoid swimming under the nearby arches.

Many people fight an ongoing battle every night with their bed. Have you ever felt like you just can't get to sleep? Between worrying about the trials of today, and the tribulations of tomorrow, it can be nearly impossible to wake up rested and refreshed. In order to help you get the best rest possible without the use of sleep-inducing drugs, we have put together our latest top ten list on the best ways to get a better night sleep. If you happen to suffer from insomnia (mild or severe), it is probably best to consult the advice of a doctor to improve your sleeping patterns. With this list, we simply want to provide you with a foundation for better sleep.

10. Put the computer and cell phone down...

Ever notice how you can feel tired, but be awake enough to stay on the computer until the late hours of the night? You may not notice it, but the light being projected from your computer and smart phone can contribute to you feeling more awake at night. To prevent this, put down your phone down and turn your computer off before going to bed, so that your brain isn't stimulated by the light coming from the screen.

9. Avoid over the counter remedies

Although over-the-counter sleep aids can help you get a decent night's rest, they will often cause your body to become dependent on the active sleep agent, making it difficult to fall asleep without it. Many over-the-counter sleep aids are marketed as “non habit” forming, but that is simply not the case. You may not experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them, but they won't correct your overall sleeping pattern, so seek natural remedies first. If that does not work, consult your doctor.

8. Proper diet

Before bed, avoid eating any large, fatty meals that might be difficult for you to digest. and thus, keep you up all night, If you are going to eat something, make sure that it is light and free of excessive sugar so you don't get a rush of energy before bed. 

7. Reduce anxiety before bed

This may be easier said than done, but preventing pre-bedtime anxiety can be a detrimental factor in helping you get a restful night's sleep. Try practicing a variety of breathing techniques to help quell your mind before you go to bed. If that doesn't work, try various progressive muscle relaxation techniques that can help relax your body. If that still doesn't work, try venting to someone so you are not internalizing everything in your head before you go to bed. 

6. Quit smoking

If you are a regular smoker, you may be actively contributing to your inability to get a good night's rest. Since nicotine is a strong stimulant, it can disrupt your sleeping patterns if you are having a cigarette before bed. Withdrawal symptoms can even cause you to wake up in the middle of the night, craving a cigarette.

5. Avoid alcohol before bed

That glass of Merlot may look extra appetizing, but try to avoid drinking it before going to bed. Different forms of alcohol, like wine, can help you fall asleep faster, but they inevitably reduce the quality of your sleep. This will cause you to wake you up at random points during the night. 

4. Limit your nap times

Naps can be a good way to make up for lost sleep here and there, but don't replace a good sleep schedule with periodic naps during the day. Not only will this throw off your internal clock, it will leave you more tired and groggy than ever before. Keep naps to a 20 minute minimum so your body can get a quick recharge without entering full sleep mode. 

3. Have a sleep conducive room

Make sure that your “bedroom” is a comfortable and relaxing place to sleep. Many researchers recommend keeping the “office” and “bedroom” separate from each other. This way, you are not associating the anxieties of your office, with the peacefulness of your bedroom. Also, make sure that you have adequate blinds to keep the light out. Using those old bedsheets may be more affordable, but when the sun begins to rise early in the morning, you will be waking up with the roosters. Create a space in which you are comfortable enough to lay down and relax after a long day.

2. Exercise 

If you are having trouble sleeping, one of the best things to do is engage in a consistent routine of physical exercise. This will not only energize your body throughout the day, it will also tire out your body at night. Make sure though, that you do not exercise too closely before bedtime. Your post-workout energy will make it difficult for you to fall asleep immediately after a workout. To get around this, try working out in the early evening so you have time to shake off that post-workout energy and fall asleep soundly at night.

1. Set a routine

One of the most fundamental ways to get a better sleep at night is to create a consistent sleep routine. This entails, going to bed, and waking up at the same time everyday. If you are constantly going to bed and waking up at different times, you will throw off your internal clock, even if you are getting the same amount of sleep. If it helps, try keeping a sleeping log noting when you lay down for bed, and when you wake up in the morning. Setting a consistent sleep schedule for yourself is the best way to get a good nights rest.

As the holidays roll around, more and more people will be swiping their plastic credit cards to purchase gifts for everyone on their list. After working in the retail industry for a number of years, I often noticed an increase in the amount of people who would use credit cards during the holiday season. I mean, I totally understand circumstances where you may need your credit card to buy the necessities that you cannot immediately afford, like food, but it also provides a false sense of wealth in those who depend on it more than they should. Unlike the physical cash that you have in your wallet, credit from the bank is not tangible. The card in which the credit is kept may be tangible, but the “money” contained within it is not. Subconsciously, the lack of a physical barrier between us and the “cash” often promotes over-spending of money that we do not actually have. 

As consumers, this reality should prompt us to differentiate between the things that we need, and the things that we want. Unfortunately, credit cards help blur this line by assuring us that we do have the “money” to buy the things that we “want”. The result – thousands of people are plunged into a debt that can be very difficult to get out of. Suddenly, the television that you thought you could afford on credit, is not something that you can pay for in reality. Before making any purchase on credit that is not considered a “need”, make sure you can pay it off as soon as possible! The longer you go without paying it off, or at least paying the minimum, the more interest it will accumulate. Thus, it will be harder for you to pay down overtime. Failing to make payments will also affect your overall credit score, making it difficult to get a loan in the future.

The key to maintaining a good balance between your credit and cash expenditures is knowing the difference between a want, and a need. Ask yourself, based on your income, what can you afford strictly on cash? If your bill's take up most of your income, don't make outrageous purchases on credit. Since most of your cash will be tied up in bills, there will be none left to pay down the credit. Strike a good balance between the two so you don't loose everything to money that technically “doesn't exist”.