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Christmas Sun and Fun to Warm the Young at Heart

Edited by Sarah Wilman

Does anyone look forward to untangling knotted Christmas lights with frostbitten fingers? The thought of crowds of soggy shoppers, trudging their way through knee deep snow to battle for the latest Tickle Me Elmo fills even the cheeriest soul with dread. A vacation in the sun therefore, might be just the thing to warm the spirit this holiday, toasting Frosty the Snowman with a poolside daiquiri.

Cape Town, South Africa
Beach bums rejoice. Stretches of glistening white sand, broken by granite outcrops and seaside villages span the length of this ancient shoreline. Devil's Peak and Lions Head, near vertical cliffs provide a stark backdrop to the coastal community. The heat can be blistering but adventurous travellers with a penchant for risk-taking can cool off by cage diving with Great White sharks in the waters of False Bay. A colony of African penguins has taken up residence at Boulders Beach and they welcome visitors, while afternoon ferry rides provide opportunities to spot Right Whales, Dusky Dolphins and Cape Fur Seals.
Recommended Hostel: Big Blue Backpackers

Cairns, Australia
Cairns is an urban city on the cusp of untamed wilderness. Perched along the shores of the Coral Sea it has a tropical climate all year round. The last hub of development before the remote, humid jungles of Cape York Peninsula, Cairns offers pleasures for landlubbers and seafarers alike. The warm, clear waters teem with rainbow-colored life and Nemo is just waiting to be found! There is diving along the Great Barrier Reef and cruising above in a glass-bottomed boat.

Hot air balloon rides chauffeur passengers over ancient rainforests, clear volcanic lakes and towering, blue waterfalls with typical Aussie hospitality. Party-goers can also enjoy their grog at one of Cairn's famous pubs, night clubs or bustling casinos. Recommended Hostel: Bohemia Resort

Phuket, Thailand
Crystal waters and vibrant reefs decorate the primal shoreline of Kata Beach, which is referred to as the gateway to the Similan Islands – one of the world's finest diving destinations. It is only a five minute trip in one of the island’s open sided taxis to the world infamous Patong, where the only limits are the ones on the credit cards and inhibitions disappear with the setting sun. Raucous beer-bars show gruelling Muay Thai boxing matches and there is an abundance of local karaoke joints for showing off a Bruce Springsteen set of vocals. The Soi Sunset Strip is dotted with seedy Gogo bars and there the cup of hedonism overflows with the Patong credo which you‘ll be muttering by the time you leave: "mai pen rai,”-"Don't worry, be happy.”
Recommended Hostel: Divers Inn

Cancun, Mexico
This is non stop revelling with wet t-shirt contests, nightclubs emanating bass-laden beats 'til dawn and tequila infused memories of laser shows, body shots, human bowling and bodies dancing in a sea of foam. It's not quite Christmas with Paris Hilton, but you never know! The evenings may be for self indulgence, but during the day there are tours of the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum. The reinvigorating, warm waters of the Caribbean can also help to wash away the night before. It is worth remembering that Santa has three lists: the good, the bad and the irredeemable in Cancun!
Recommended Hostel: Chac Mool Hostel Cancun

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The sidewalks of the home of Carnival are tiled in endlessly changing, black and cream swirl mosaics, beckoning everyone to follow the "yellow brick road” to a land steeped in rich diversity and natural beauty. Rio is famous for the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and on New Year's Eve, two million partiers make their way to "Reveillon,” one of the world's most spectacular celebrations and brilliant displays of fireworks. The Maracanã stadium reflects the Brazilian passion for the frenetic fútbol and is one of the biggest sports venues ever built. Loyal pilgrims still march through the Floresta da Tijuca, which is now the largest forest in an urban area. They are making their way towards the massive statue of Christ the Redeemer, which resides at the pinnacle of Corcovado Mountain. There is definitely no doubting that Kansas is a long way away!Recommended Hostel: Mellow Yellow Backpackers

New Year Celebrations on Copa Beach

For more information visit:
www.hostelworld.com

If you can’t get away this holiday, you can still have an exotic alternative to turkey by clicking on the link below
www.travellady.com/ARTICLES/article-culinary-young.htm

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