In Taiwan, leap years spell caution for the older generation who believe that they’re more likely to die in a year with an additional day. To ward off any misfortune, it’s customary for daughters to whip up pig trotter noodles – a dish said to bring good health and fortune – for their parents. With the dish symbolising longevity, the noodles need to be served long and uncut for a long and prosperous life.
In Taichung, pork trotter noodle shops can be found in the vicinity of temples, where superstition dictates that the bowl must be spun around before diners can tuck in – to represent a complete turn of luck. Head to Fu Din Wang, known for its local farm-sourced trotters, and the famous Fengjia Night Market, offering nocturnal noodles and other local delicacies from stinky tofu to fried ice cream.
Other must-visits include the scenic Gaomei wetlands or the picturesque HouFeng Bikeway for a leisurely pedal along an old railway track and the Dajia River Bridge.
Where to stay:
Hip hostel OLAH Poshtel – Taichung is just a short walk to Fu Din Wang and Taichung train station for easy access to the rest of the city. Private rooms are available, as well as relaxed dorms that feature partially enclosed beds with privacy curtains and reading lights. The hostel is a short drive to the renowned Fengjia Night Market, with bicycles available for guests to rent and explore the city in a more sustainable way.
On the flip side, February 29 is the perfect occasion to raise a toast to the leap year in London, and travellers can join in a unique cocktail tradition. Back in 1928, bartender Harry Craddock invented a concoction – comprising gin, orange liqueur, sweet vermouth and a dash of lemon juice – at the Savoy to honour Leap Day. This enchanting blend is now said to be responsible for more proposals than any other cocktail ever created.
Today, visitors can head to this timeless hotel and its historic American Bar (also the UK’s oldest cocktail bar) to sample both classic and innovative drinks. For those keen on continuing the trajectory, a Gin-themed Afternoon Tea Bus Tour awaits, whisking guests from Trafalgar Square to iconic landmarks aboard a vintage bus complete with gin-infused treats. For a more sober affair, book a ride on the London Eye, promising breath-taking views of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace from its towering height of 135m.
Where to stay:
With its sense of tradition and age-defying glamour, visitors can celebrate Leap Day at The Savoy where this heady cocktail was invented. Situated on the banks of the Thames, this luxury landmark hotel dating from the 1880s sits conveniently close to the London Eye and Covent Garden. Its elegant Edwardian rooms feature silk wallpaper and marble bathrooms, while the winter garden hosts delightful afternoon teas served to piano accompaniment. The Savoy, a member of Booking.com’s Travel Proud hotels, guarantees a lavish experience with its warm and attentive service.
Just a stone’s throw from the Irish capital of Dublin lies the Kildare country, famed for its iconic horse racing events – and more interestingly – the birthplace of the leap year tradition of women proposing to men.
While today’s romance knows no bounds, this quirky custom traces back to 5th century Ireland, when Saint Brigid of Kildare had made it known that maidens wait too long for men to propose. On that day, a day known as ‘Ladies Privilege’ was born, empowering women to take matters into their own hands and get down on one knee – and soon after, the practice quickly spread across Europe and beyond.
Today, Kildare offers travellers an opportunity to step outside of the norm, with its rich Irish mythology, ancient churches and famous horse racing festivals. Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway Tour from Dublin along the Wild Atlantic Way to explore the iconic cliffs and this bohemian city, or immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife Dublin has to offer on a Pub Crawl Adventure.
Where to stay:
The Rooms at Cunningham’s are situated in the heart of Kildare, near St. Brigid’s Cathedral and a short drive away from the world-famous Curragh Racecourse. What’s more, the snug restaurant at this guesthouse serves delicious Thai cuisine from Phuket noodles to Bangkok beef and offers plenty of vegetarian options.
Traben-Trarbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
In southwest Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate state, an age-old tradition lives — lovestruck boys will place the gift of a small birch tree decorated with ribbons upon their crushes’ doorsteps on the eve of May Day (the first Monday in May). But during a leap year, the tables turn, allowing girls to partake in this romantic gesture instead.
For hopeless romantics, Traben-Trarbach is a charming wine town along the Mosel River in the Rhineland region ready to woo travellers with its treasure trove of attractions. In addition to rolling vineyards and breath-taking views of the Rhine Valley, travellers can marvel at its castle ruins, fine Jugendstil architecture and unique city gate. Alternatively, enjoy a Koblenz Guided tour of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress near the Mosel River, offering guests a chance to explore this famous fortress situated on the northern point of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
Where to stay:
Enjoy a beautiful stay at LOFT17 Neu Luxus-Loft Design Klima 2-4 Personen apartment which features a balcony with breath-taking river views – ideal for both lovebirds and families. The spacious apartment has two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and outdoor dining area, as well as facilities for differently-abled guests and free parking. The best part? This eco-friendly property offers guests an electric car charging station, recycling bins and offsets a portion of its carbon footprint for a sustainable stay.
Born on February 29? You’re officially a ‘Leaper’ in the Texan-New Mexican border town of Anthony. Proudly dubbed the Leap Year Capital of the World, those born on February 29 gather here every four years to celebrate their rare birth date with an extended festival full of live music, local food and frivolity.
The festivities this year include an exclusive Leap Day bash for Leapers on February 29, followed by a two-day festival at the Ernie Rascon Memorial Park featuring parades, hot air balloon rides and stalls serving mouth-watering enchiladas and tamales.
Outside of the party, travellers can explore the wider El Paso county and its host of museums, farmers markets and microbreweries, learning about the region’s indigenous communities through its art and food. Embark on an interactive El Paso Scavenger Hunt to solve riddles and complete quests, while discovering attractions the likes of Los Murales.
Where to stay:
The fun doesn’t just stop there. Visitors can put their boots up at Best Western Anthony/West El Paso, a brisk walk to Ernie Rascon Memorial Park, and a short drive to Sunland Park Race Track. This desert hotel features an outdoor pool, a hot tub and a gym, and upgraded rooms have in-room whirlpool tubs. With comfortable beds and a free breakfast buffet, morning newspaper and parking, guests are certain to feel at home here.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.
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在台湾，闰年对老一辈来说意味着需要特别小心，他们认为在这一年里更容易离世。为了避免厄运，女儿们通常会为父母准备猪脚面线——这道菜据说能带来健康和好运。由于面线象征长寿，因此必须保持完整，不可剪断，以祈求长命富贵。
在台中，猪脚面线店通常分布在寺庙附近，按照习俗，食客在享用前需先旋转碗，以象征运势的圆满转变。推荐前往以本地农场猪脚闻名的Fu Din Wang（富鼎旺），以及著名的逢甲夜市，在那里可以品尝夜间美食，包括臭豆腐和炸冰淇淋等当地特色小吃。
其他推荐景点包括风景优美的高美湿地，或沿着旧铁路轨道悠闲骑行的后丰铁马道，欣赏大甲溪桥的美景。
住宿推荐：
时尚青年旅馆OLAH Poshtel – Taichung位于市中心，步行即可到达Fu Din Wang和台中火车站，方便前往市区各处。这里提供私人房间以及配备隐私窗帘和阅读灯的舒适宿舍。旅馆距离逢甲夜市仅需短途车程，并提供自行车租赁服务，让游客以更环保的方式探索城市。
伦敦，英国
相反，2月29日是个适合在伦敦举杯庆祝闰年的日子，游客可以参与一项独特的鸡尾酒传统。早在1928年，调酒师Harry Craddock在Savoy酒店创造了一款特调鸡尾酒，以纪念闰日。这款鸡尾酒由杜松子酒、橙酒、甜苦艾酒和柠檬汁调制而成，据说比任何其他鸡尾酒促成了更多求婚。
如今，游客可以前往这家经典酒店及其历史悠久的American Bar（英国最古老的鸡尾酒吧），品尝经典与创新的调酒。如果想延续氛围，还可以参加Gin-themed Afternoon Tea Bus Tour，搭乘复古巴士，从特拉法加广场出发，沿途游览地标，并享用杜松子酒风味的茶点。想要更宁静的体验，可以预订伦敦眼（London Eye），从135米高空俯瞰大本钟和白金汉宫的壮丽景色。
住宿推荐：
具有传统气息与不朽魅力的Savoy酒店正是这款鸡尾酒的诞生地，是庆祝闰年的理想之选。这座豪华酒店坐落于泰晤士河畔，建于19世纪80年代，靠近伦敦眼和考文特花园。其优雅的爱德华式客房饰有丝绸墙纸和大理石浴室，而冬日花园则提供伴随钢琴演奏的下午茶。作为Booking.com的Travel Proud认证酒店，Savoy以其温暖周到的服务，确保客人享受奢华住宿体验。
基尔代尔，爱尔兰
距离爱尔兰首都都柏林仅一箭之遥的基尔代尔，以传奇的赛马赛事闻名，但更有趣的是，这里是女性向男性求婚的闰年传统的发源地。
虽然现代爱情不再受限于性别角色，但这一有趣的习俗可追溯至公元5世纪。当时，基尔代尔的圣布里吉德（Saint Brigid of Kildare）认为女性等待男性求婚的时间过长，于是在那一天，她促成了“女士特权日”，赋予女性主动求婚的权利，这一传统很快传播至欧洲及世界各地。
如今，基尔代尔为游客提供跳脱常规的旅行体验，这里有丰富的爱尔兰神话、古老教堂以及著名的赛马节。建议从都柏林出发，沿着狂野大西洋之路（Wild Atlantic Way）参加莫赫悬崖与戈尔韦一日游，欣赏壮丽海岸线并探索这座充满波西米亚风情的城市；或加入都柏林酒吧巡游，体验当地夜生活的魅力。
住宿推荐：
The Rooms at Cunningham’s位于基尔代尔中心，靠近圣布里吉德大教堂，并且驱车不远即可抵达世界知名的柯拉赫赛马场（Curragh Racecourse）。此外，旅馆内的餐厅提供美味的泰国菜肴，包括普吉岛风味面条和曼谷风味牛肉，同时也有丰富的素食选择。
特拉本-特拉巴赫，德国莱茵兰-普法尔茨州
在德国西南部的莱茵兰-普法尔茨州，有一个古老的传统——在每年5月的第一个星期一，即五一节前夜，深情的男孩会在心仪女孩的门前放上一棵装饰着彩带的小白桦树。而在闰年，这一传统则反转，女孩也可以主动送上白桦树表达爱意。
对于浪漫主义者而言，特拉本-特拉巴赫（Traben-Trarbach）是莫泽尔河畔的一座迷人葡萄酒小镇，这里有连绵起伏的葡萄园、莱茵河谷的壮丽美景、城堡遗迹、精美的新艺术风格建筑以及独特的城市门。此外，游客还可以前往莫泽尔河畔的科布伦茨（Koblenz），参加Ehrenbreitstein要塞的导览游，探索这座位于联合国教科文组织世界遗产——莱茵中上游河谷最北端的著名堡垒。
住宿推荐：
LOFT17 Neu Luxus-Loft Design Klima 2-4 Personen公寓提供一个带阳台的美丽住宿，可欣赏迷人的河景，非常适合情侣和家庭。公寓设有两间卧室、设备齐全的厨房和户外用餐区，并配备无障碍设施和免费停车位。更值得一提的是，这家环保型酒店设有电动车充电站、垃圾分类设施，并通过碳补偿提供可持续住宿体验。
安东尼，德克萨斯州，美国
生日在2月29日？在德州和新墨西哥州交界的小镇安东尼（Anthony），你正式成为“Leap Year Baby”（闰年宝贝）的一员！这里被誉为“世界闰年之都”，每四年都会举办盛大的节日庆祝这个特殊生日。
今年的活动包括2月29日专为闰年生日者举办的特别派对，随后在Ernie Rascon Memorial Park展开为期两天的庆典，届时将有游行、热气球体验，以及供应美味恩奇拉达（Enchiladas）和塔马利（Tamales）的美食摊位。
除了庆祝活动，游客还可以探索更广阔的埃尔帕索县，这里有博物馆、农贸市场和精酿啤酒厂，还可以通过艺术与美食了解当地原住民文化。还可参加互动式的El Paso Scavenger Hunt，在解谜和完成任务的过程中，发现当地标志性景点，如Los Murales壁画。
住宿推荐：
Best Western Anthony/West El Paso酒店步行即可到达Ernie Rascon Memorial Park，驱车不远即到Sunland Park赛马场。这家沙漠酒店设有室外泳池、热水浴缸和健身房，升级客房还配有按摩浴缸。酒店提供舒适的床铺、免费早餐、自助停车和晨报，确保宾客享受居家般的放松体验。
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