Kick off your year-end check-off mode!2019Global Top Destinations of the Year Roundup
Smart YouthGO!Discover the uniqueness of every land
2019As the year draws to a close, have you already made a long wish list for yourself but don’t know where to start checking things off? With the year-end approaching,Holiday Inn Expresshas prepared a comprehensive list of global top destinations for all youSmart Youthwho are having trouble making choices. Seize2019the tail end of the year and join Holiday Inn Express on your check-off journey!
Emerging Dark Horse Destination – Serbia
“A niche visa-free country made popular by the Belt and Road Initiative
Serbia, a country rated byLonely Planetas one of the “Top Ten Most Worth-Visiting Travel Destinations,” has become visa-free for Chinese travelers starting in2017, thanks to the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative. It has quickly transformed from a relatively unknown niche destination into an emerging travel hotspot for Chinese tourists. According to the2018China Outbound Tourism Big Data Report jointly released by the China Tourism Academy and Ctrip Travel Big Data, the number of travelers booking trips to Serbia via the Ctrip platform saw an increase of218%, making it a true “dark horse” destination.
Scenery of Serbia (Image source: Internet)
They say Serbia is the crossroads where Eurasian cultures blend, and its capital — Belgrade — is at the very heart of this intersection. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Belgrade is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities, offering a uniquely multifaceted charm. It is also home to St. Sava Temple, the largest Eastern Orthodox church in the world. Its exterior, built from gleaming white marble and granite, supports a green semi-dome that is a must-visit landmark for any smart youth exploring the historical richness of Belgrade.
Smart YouthRecommended Hotel for the Destination – Holiday Inn Express Belgrade
Address:23, Ruzveltova , Belgrade
Holiday Inn Express Belgradeis located in the city center of Belgrade, just1.7kilometers away from St. Sava Temple and only10minutes by car from the train station, offering convenient access. The hotel features spacious and bright rooms, high-standard bedding, and convenient foreign currency exchange services, helping guests embark on their overseas journeys more easily.
Holiday Inn Express Belgrade
Holiday Inn Express Belgrade
Annual Destination for a Reversed Experience — Australia
Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere Goes Better with Beaches
In the minds of people in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas means snow-covered hills, reindeer sleighs, and Santa Claus in red and white. But if you come to Australia in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas takes on a completely different scene — one of sunshine, beaches, and surfing. In Australia, strolling along any beach on Christmas Day, you’re likely to find a “Santa” wearing the classic red hat, catching waves.
Christmas in Australia (Image source: Internet)
Christmas celebrations in Australia begin as early as11the month of November. In addition to Christmas promotions in major stores,11the second Saturday of December sees Australia host a grand event called “Christmas Pageant”,” where people take to the streets in colorful, festive attire, celebrating with joy and embracing the holiday spirit of the year’s end. Then in12early January, there’s “Christmas Carois”,” where families head out together, sitting on the lawn at night to enjoy music and romantic picnics under the lights — a unique Christmas sight in this beautiful Southern Hemisphere nation.
Christmas in Australia (Image source: Internet)
Smart TravelersRecommended Hotel for the Destination — Holiday Inn Express Newcastle, Australia
Address:514 King Street , Newcastle
Newcastle is a city built around a vast harbor, with Australia’s largest coastal lake — Lake Macquarie — in the southern suburbs, and the surf-famous Port Stephens to the north. Strolling along the world-renowned white sandy beaches and soaking in the Christmas vibe is a delightful experience during your trip.
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle, Australia
Newcastle Holiday Inn ExpressBoasting an excellent location close to the city center and major attractions, with convenient transportation. The hotel offers bright and simple guest rooms, a comfortable resting environment, and fully equipped facilities to help all smart travelers kick off each day full of energy.
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle, Australia
Lobby of the Holiday Inn Express Newcastle, Australia
Annual “Can’t Afford to Eat” Destination — Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland (Image source: Internet)
This land full of artistic charm is also one of the most expensive places to live. According to the “2018China Outbound Free Independent Travel Big Data Report” released by Mafengwo, Switzerland has the highest food consumption price index, especially Zurich, where a plate of shredded potatoes costs about140RMB — truly earning its title as the annual “Can’t Afford to Eat” destination. Therefore, when visiting Zurich, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and instant noodles to avoid overloading your wallet or credit card.
Smart TravelersRecommended Hotel for the Destination — Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport
Address:Hofwisenstrasse 30, Zurich
In a place like this, an affordable and convenient hotel is absolutely essential.Holiday Inn Express Zurich AirportJust10minutes by car from Zurich Airport and5minutes on foot from the train station, it offers easy access to downtown Zurich by train. You can stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, a shopping paradise as renowned as the Champs-Élysées or Fifth Avenue in New York, or take a walk along Lake Zurich and immerse yourself in its picturesque lakeside scenery.
Holiday Inn Express Zurich
The hotel features cozy and comfortable rooms, a wide selection of meals, and a convenient business center to meet various traveler needs. It also provides a free shuttle service to the airport, ensuring maximum convenience for your travel and accommodation experience.
Meal options at Holiday Inn Express Zurich
Business center at Holiday Inn Express Zurich