With rolling valleys, Romanesque cathedrals, and towering peaks nestled between France and Spain, the Principality of Andorra boasts the best ski slopes and resort amenities in the whole Pyrenees. With an area of 468 sq. km (181 sq. miles) and a population of 79,034, Andorra is the world's 16th-smallest country (and 6th-smallest European microstate) by area and 11th-smallest country by population.

The multicultural Qatari capital Doha is dubbed as the Pearl of the Middle East where the old and the new coexist. Being a city steeped in culture, tradition, and heritage, it is home to some of the most striking museums, galleries, and public art projects in the region. Traditional dhows (wooden cargo boats) bob on the water, palace guards still ride camels to patrol the streets, and in the city's century-old souk, traditional fabrics, fragrances, and even falcons are on sale. That my friends, is Doha for you!

Located in the Middle East at the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the thriving nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a federal, elective monarchy made up of seven emirates (autonomous city-states) namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Fujairah. In addition to marine boundaries in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran, as well as with Oman in the Gulf of Oman, it shares land borders with Oman to the east and northwest and with Saudi Arabia to the southwest. The largest of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE, and the most populous port city of Dubai is an international financial and commercial hub housing hundreds of global companies in a forest of skyscrapers.

Today I’m going to tell you a remarkable tale! A tale of human craftsmanship, envisioned by a Hindu hermit, designed by a Catholic lead architect and a Buddhist foundational designer, managed by a Sikh, and constructed by a team of Jains and Parsis (Zoroastrians) on a land gifted by a Muslim leader. Welcome to BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi!

With an age-old tradition dating back to the 14th century, France is one of those countries in Europe, where celebrating Christmas with zest and fervor is deeply rooted within its national culture. And since the concept of the world's first ever Christmas Tree originated from here, France has as much right to the title of ‘The Home of Christmas’ as the North Pole. Owing to the diverse geography running from the French Alps to the Mediterranean, France follows different Christmas customs in different regions. But there is one thing in common - the Christmas Markets!

The annual Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) fills the Dutch capital's canals with magnificent works of light art every winter. Designers, architects, and artists from all around the world submit hundreds of concepts each year, out of which 20 to 30 artworks are chosen for display in the festival by a selection committee.

If you plan to stroll incessantly through gorgeous winter landscapes and enchanting Christmas decors, you need to be at Kerststad Valkenburg. Having seen a lot of Christmas Markets around the globe, I can safely proclaim that Valkenburg Christmas Market is hands down the best Christmas Market in the Netherlands and one of the most unique Christmas Markets on the planet. After all, it's not every day that you get to a Christmas Market within a marlstone cave!

While the whole world is already busy shopping in Advent Markets from mid-November, the Dutch have yet to set up a Christmas Tree! Strange but true, the country starts brimming with Christmas joy only from the second week of December when the town squares convert into grand markets selling food, trinkets, glühwein, oliebollen, and all kinds of gifts that bring smiles to the faces of your friends, family, and folks you care about.

Being Dutch citizens ourselves living in the Netherlands since 2013, and having traveled to 100+ cities, towns, and villages across all the 12 provinces of the country, we’ve discovered many hidden treasures that are not featured in any travel brochures or websites, and many of our Dutch friends aren’t even aware of them, making them perfect for crowd-weary travelers. Based on that experience, today, I decided to share with you 39 best hidden gems in the Netherlands.

Being Dutch citizens ourselves living in the Netherlands since 2013, and having traveled to 100+ cities, towns, and villages across all the 12 provinces of the country, discovering many hidden treasures on the way that are not featured in any travel brochures or websites, I can safely proclaim that we’ve seen this country more than many of the locals. Based on that experience, today, I decided to share with you the 35 best photography locations in the Netherlands that are shouting to feature on your Instagram.

Today I’m going to tell you a Christmas story. An epic Christmas story of a 7000 km cruise and road run across Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden from the Netherlands.

With snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps, gleaming emerald-green lakes, turquoise rivers, Venetian shoreline along the Adriatic Sea, and the underground magical world of Postojna and Škocjan caverns, tiny Slovenia (formerly a part of Yugoslavia and not to be confused with Slovakia that was previously a part of Czechoslovakia) certainly appears to be the 'Promised Land.' An extraordinary combination of climates brings cozy Mediterranean breezes to the foothills of the Alps, where it can also snow in summer. With more than half of its overall surface area still covered in woodland, Slovenia is one of the greenest nations in the world.

As you gaze out over the city's snow-covered rooftops, domes, and towers, the pealing of innumerable church bells will remind you that Christmas is approaching, and the Salzburg Christmas markets will warm you up. It's the perfect time of year for a romantic stroll through the city's hilltops, which provide a spectacular perspective of the city and the cheerful buzz of the Salzburg Christmas Markets will strike you as you return to the town. The aromas of toasted almonds, hot roasted chestnuts, freshly baked apples, and gingerbread hearts, along with nativity figures, Christmas Tree ornaments, toys, and warm knitwear create a one-of-a-kind ambiance.

The UNESCO World Heritage town's Market Square is undoubtedly one of Hallstatt's most beautiful spots. Every year, visitors from all over the world congregate in the ancient square, which is flanked by charming, tiny cottages. Visitors will find quaint cafes, restaurants, a popular bar for both young and old, motels, and, of course, souvenirs.

The Christmas markets in Innsbruck, Austria, provide a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for creating wonderful memories. The Innsbruck Christmas market experience is genuinely authentic, with the snow-capped Alps and old cobblestone roads combined with local Christmas traditions. From the Golden Roof to 300 meters above the town at Hungerburg, there are six Christmas Markets, 200 stalls, and a 14-meter tall Christmas tree full of brilliant and glittering crystals. Innsbruck, the city of Tyrol, comes alive with a frenetic Christmas spirit throughout the Advent season.

One may envisage Luxembourg City as a collection of banks and European Union offices. It will, however, be a huge blunder. The alluring reality is that behind all the buildings and bank headquarters sits a delightful bit of northern Europe. Thanks to its unusual setting, draped across the steep gorges of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers, the UNESCO World Heritage city is one of Europe's most scenic capitals, with a fairy-tale aspect. The city is divided into two sections: Ville Haute ("High City"), the medieval town center, which is famously placed along a stunning cliff face, and Ville Basse ("Low City"), which is located in the ravine that runs through the city and provides the most attractive location. Today I’m going to take you along with me on a ride across the 11 best places to visit in this beautiful city that can be done over the weekend. Let the journey begin!