A new year has come and began, but before anything else let me ask you a quick question:

What do you want to accomplish this 2015? Some of you may have plans that are larger than life, like starting a new organization that will focus on alleviating poverty, or some may have the simplest but sentimental resolutions, like spending a day with your parents whom you haven’t visited for the past two years. Then again, maybe you haven’t made your list yet and are waiting for divine intervention to do it for you. Worry not as we will help you make your list of goals and resolutions for 2015 while traveling and discovering the treasures of Slovakia.

We’ve prepared for you the following goals:
1. Travel into a new territory
2. Visit at least five historical edifices
3. Take memorable photos of a country’s scenic views
4. Meet new people

You can do all these four in Slovakia, a sovereign state surrounded by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south. Its capital and largest city is Bratislava while its second largest city is Košice. Its most dominant landmark is the Bratislava Castle that is best seen from the Novy Most, a bridge which crosses the Danube.

Recommended for first time travellers, the city of Bratislava prides itself of its rustic downtown sceneries, consisting mostly of historical structures. Some of the famous and well-visited destinations are the Roland Fountain and Grassalkovich Palace or Presidential Palace, where the leader of the country resides. The Michael’s Gate, seen from the Michael’s Street, also stands as a favorite as it is the only surviving structure among the town’s medieval fortifications.

But as attractive as Bratislava is, tourist attractions are not limited to this city. Other municipalities have one of their own. Among them are the popular State Theater of Košice, the looming castle of Trenčín, and the long-standing town halls of Bardejov and Komárno.

National parks are also a must-visit in the country since it is home to enchanting land and water sceneries that provide travelers with enough space to be one with nature and experience a most serene and tranquil stay. But, if you think that is all the country can offer, think again. It’s not only the attractions that make the country stand out. The warm and hospitable locals make this country one of a kind.

Now that you’ve started on your New Year’s Resolution List for 2015, you have at least 12 months to make everything happen. Forget all your worries, get up, and just do it. The clock is ticking. Start crossing out items on your list and have a splendid New Year in Slovakia.

Timmy Tan