Cathedral in Armagh
Photo by: shadowgate , Creative Commons

Dubbed as the Cathedral City of Northern Ireland, Armagh has evidently a strong religious background. Now the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, it has been the religious center since the fifth century. It is even the center of both the Catholic and Anglican faiths. Interestingly enough, both the cathedrals representing the two faiths are named St. Patrick, after the patron saint of Ireland. These two cathedrals are found on nearby hilltops.

What to See in Armagh

Armagh feels a bit drab and depressing if you are expecting well-polished, modern buildings. There are some attractive Georgian buildings and historic sites that you may visit for the cultural feel. Just try to consider the ugly, boarded-up windows as part of the mixed up personality of Armagh. After all, Armagh is called a Cathedral City. You have to have a taste for something a bit different and saturated with ancient history. Call yourself a pilgrim and the place will definitely transform into something more intriguing and with underlying beauty. You may visit the must-see Armagh Public Library.

What to Do in Armagh

You can take a break by listening to music in Gildernews Bar. There is even a DJ present during the weekends. You may also check out the art exhibits, go to the theater or listen to a live band. If you would rather have a lazy day out, you can always go to a café or a restaurant.

Where to Eat

When it comes to food, you do not have anything to worry about in Armagh. The city is home to restaurants with variety of dining options. You can take your pick from French delicacies, Australian exotic foods, Thai soups, deli servings and fresh bread. You can be fancy as you like or simple as you want. There is room for the stylish and the exotic in Armagh, something you may not expect if you take in consideration some rundown streets.
Armagh offers enough interesting sites and activities to keep you occupied during your visit. The two St. Patrick cathedrals are enough to make your visit worthwhile. Still, additional interesting details should make your trip much more unforgettable. After a long day out, scoping both the beautiful and not-so-beautiful, you will be thankful to come home to period accommodations that make you feel as if you are a royal a couple centuries ago.

View of Caernarfon Marina in Wales
Photo by: Richard0 , Creative Commons

If you’re in the Gwynedd area in North Wales, you should make it a point to drop by the quintessential royal town called Caernarfon. This small town is situated just about 9 miles from the charming little university city called Bangor. If you want to learn more about welsh history and their unique language, then this will make the perfect travel destination for you. With only a limited number of attractions that you can go to, you can explore this town and the other nearby areas as one-day tour package.

You should start off your Caernarfon trip with a visit to the infamous Caernarfon castle. Although Construction on this magnificent heritage site started way back in 1283 by King Edward, it was never completed. Still, it makes for quite an interesting tour since you’ll get the chance to somehow relive its glory days within the castle walls. Another interesting landmark that you should visit is the Black Boy Inn, believed to be one of the oldest inns in the area of Northern Wales. You should also check out the new creative arts center at the galeri and Doc Victoria for a chance to sample the local arts scene. If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty, you can grab something to satiate your cravings at the bars and restaurants along the harbor.

If you have some time to spend in Caernarfon, do not miss out on the chance to experience the traffic free streets of this small walled town. Choose from the numerous guided tours that they have throughout the year in order to learn more about the past. If you’re looking for a more challenging way to explore the town, you can rent a bicycle from Beics Menai. There is also the Gypsy wood park that is worth a visit on a warm summers day. It’s a great place for the whole family to just enjoy each other’s company and unwind. You can learn the welsh language, or small bits and pieces of it at the Nant Gwrtheyrn Language and Heritage center since Caernarfon is considered to be the center of the Welsh Nationalist Movement.

There are a lot of independent shops that sells just about anything and everything that you may want in this town. From gifts to take home, to handmade clothes and accessories and not to mention assorted books on the Welsh language, you’ll have a wonderful time going through assorted trinkets. Drop by the square called Na Nog to purchase goods that have that Welsh theme.

Bristol General Hospital and Lightship, Birmingham
Photo by: crabchick , Creative Commons

Bristol is a city that has much to offer aside from its rich maritime history. Although many people believe that it has nothing interesting to lure tourists with, the truth is, it has its own charm and attractions that many people will want to check out for themselves. There are many inexpensive accommodations in this city, perfect for those who want to explore south England on a budget. Try exploring the city by boat and you’re sure to come across a number of interesting sights around the harbor.

For people traveling with their children, Bristol has a myriad of different attractions that can cater to the little ones. At Bristol, you and your children can explore the planetarium and the extensive collections of interactive displays about different inventions, the human body and even some unresolved scientific mysteries. There is also the Bristol Zoo Gardens, which is said to be 5th oldest zoo in the world. If you want to catch a glimpse of different underwater creatures from all over the world, then you should definitely head out to the Blue Reef Aquarium and IMAX 3D Cinema on Anchor Road. This amazing one of a kind aquarium will leave you and your kids speechless with its stunning display of underwater gardens.

If you want to get a chance to see how Bristol was like in the past, then you should head out to the old city where you’ll find old buildings and cobbled streets still existing to this day. St. Nicholas Markets boasts of having the best array of local and international fare that will leave even the most critical of tourists wanting more. After sampling cheap good food, make sure to visit Castle Park and St. Peters Church to see the ruins of Bristol past. Thirsting for a beer? Then visit the Llandoger Trow pub for a cold pint and imagine how this old bar was back in the day for Robert Louis Stevenson when he was writing his famed book Treasure Island.

The city has many special events scattered throughout the year, so if you happen to chance upon one during your visit, make sure to stay for a while and enjoy the festivities. Some notable festivals include the St. Paul’s carnival, the Bristol Open Doors Day, the Venn Festival, Bristol Balloon Fiesta and Mayfest.

So if you’re looking for a different kind of English holiday, choose Bristol as your next travel destination.

A view of the Karuma Falls in Masindi, Uganda.
Photo by: sarah_mccans, Creative Commons

Uganda is an interesting country despite its persistent poverty and food supply problems. There are a great number of tourist attractions that you can visit in Uganda to broaden your cultural outlook. Try going rustic for a change and mingle with the natives of Uganda in Masindi. Masindi is a small town located at the northwestern section of Uganda. You can get to Masindi from the main road leading out of the country’s capital city of Kampala. Tourists can spend the night at the Masindi Hotel, the oldest hotel in Uganda. The Masindi Hotel has been in operation since 1923. You can get a feel of native activity in the bustling Masindi Market Street on a Sunday morning. The market, however, can get to be quite congested so you have to make sure that you are comfortably attired for hot and humid Masindi. Don’t forget to carry your own drinking water to ensure that you are fully hydrated at all times.

There is an airport right in Masindi that services the air transport needs of this small town. The presence of the Butiaba Port provides additional access to Masindi. Also in this small town are notable landmarks like the Kinyara Sugar Works which is one of only three major sugar manufacturers in entire Uganda. Several nature parks are also available for tourist visits in Masidi. Among these are the Murchison Falls National Park, the Budongo Forest Reserve, and the Bugungu Wildlife Reserve. The Omukama’s Masindi Palace is also located in this quaint town. Only a few banks are located in this small town so you have to make sure that you have enough local currency on you when you visit Masindi.

Also called Cayo by the locals, San Ignacio Belize is another wonderful destination you can choose to go to in Belize. This place is an ideal town for you to visit if you are fond of taking walks and observing the surroundings while doing so. Since most everything of interest in this town is only a short walk away from the downtown area where most tourists stay, you can very well explore the town on foot.

You can get to San Ignacio, Belize or Cayo by way of car. You can rent one at the International Airport and get someone to give you directions for getting to the town. If you find that you don’t want to bother with driving to the town, you can take a bus that will take you to San Ignacio in approximately 2 hours or so. You can also choose to take the shuttle to Cayo which often departs from the airport.

There are a number of places of interest that you can visit when you are in San Ignacio and these include several ruins and ancient burial grounds, nature farms and even open air markets and shopping areas. You will find that certain Mayan ruins, like the Actun Tunichil Muknal and the Cahal Peck to be places where you can get a small glimpse of what life was like in the past in these regions. You can also visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project or the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch if you are into nature and wildlife preserves.

Surrounding Mountains of Bad Gastein, Austria
Photo by: g5120 , Creative Commons

As the name suggests, Bad Gastein, Austria is best known among local Austrians as a spa town. In German the word bad means spa, which indicates the rise of its popularity in the 1800s as a spa resort for the rich, the royals and the upper crust from all over Europe.

In recent years, however, the spa facilities and hotels in the area have become more available to the average tourist. Bad Gastein, Austria also began to be popular among those who are looking for more than a therapeutic dip in its hot springs. Winter sporting enthusiasts eventually discovered the challenging terrain of the region during winter. Here is a selection of some of the more sought-after facilities and activities in Bad Gastein:

• Winter sports – For its obvious location within the Alpine region, Bad Gastein has many trails that the more athletically inclined can find challenging for various winter sports, such as snow boarding and alpine skiing.

• Hot springs – The region's thermal springs are reputed to have minerals and radon that can cure minor ailments such as asthma, sore joints, arthritis and bronchitis. These facilities are open both in summer and winter. A great number of skiers have also attested to the power of these hot springs to soothe aching muscles after a particularly taxing day on the slopes.

• Summer chill outs – Bad Gastein during summer has plenty of recreational activities to offer tourists. There are facilities for paragliding, horseback riding, mountain biking or just leisurely hiking along the Alpine terrain.

• Cool events in local hot spots – Summer party nights are regularly scheduled at the bar and restaurant of the Euro Youth Hostel with its traditional barbecues, bonfires and live band performances. Another local hot spot is the casino. Nightly shows are featured during the peak season as well as special promotions such as poker tournaments and ladies' nights.

This sampling is proof that a place such as Bad Gastein, Austria feature attractions that many first time tourists would consider either hot or cool – literally and figuratively.

Cochabamba is considered as one of the most progressive and active cities of Bolivia. It is surrounded by the Alalay lagoon, San Sebastian hill, and Tunari hill. Its altitude is at 2,558 m above sea level. Cochabamba is situated in a fertile valley with pleasant and mild weather. Many tourists prefer to stay in Cochabamba because it has warm and sunny days with cool nights during winter. When summer comes, it has an average temperature of 26C or 78F. Currently, the city is inhabited with more than 700,000 residents.

Cochabamba can be reached either by land or air. It boasts of several main attractions including the following:

• Palacio Portales – This main attraction in Cochabamba is located in the Queru-Queru zone, providing the evidence of tin baron, Simón Patiño’s great wealth. The building is made up of imported materials. Its construction started in 1915 and finished in 1927. Currently, it is an interesting place as it has been made into a cultural center and an art museum.
• El Cristo de la Concordia – This main attraction, which is higher compared to the Cristo del Corcovado in Brazil, is a beautiful and huge statue of Jesus Christ. It provides a scenic view of the city from its top.
• Pairumani – This main attraction is also referred to as Villa Albina. It is a mausoleum situated in the mansion of Simón Patiño containing the remains of the latter and his wife, Albina.
• La Coronilla – This main attraction is a hill that represents a monument intended for the brave women who fought against Spanish forces in 1812 in order to defend the city.

Anegada Island, British Virgin Islands is an interesting island not only because of its beauty and grandeur but also because of the legends and myths that surround it. The Spanish name “Anegada” literally means “drowned land.” This is because the island is sometimes “drowned” by the high waters tat surround it.

The island is also famous for pirate tales and aboriginal stories. Many people say that pirates used to go to Anegada Island t hide their treasures. Some even believe that there are treasures hidden underwater that are yet to be found. The proof of this story is the 200 shipwrecks that surround the island. Popular story is that aboriginal people used to inhabit the island. The proof is the huge piles of conch shells in the island that can only be formed by humans.

As a tourist, you will find the shipwrecks and piles of conch shells amazing, especially after hearing the stories and legends about them. Aside from these, you will also enjoy the great beaches like the Cow Wreck Beach, Bones Bright, and Flash of Beauty. In these beaches, the sand is pearly white and the water is turquoise blue. The island itself is an emerald green—a great splash of colors that will take your breath away.

Another amazing thing about Anegada Island, British Virgin Islands is that it is surrounded by the great Horseshoe Reef, one of the largest coral reefs in the world. The island also has wonderful natural spots like the mangrove swamps, saltwater ponds, freshwater springs, and the mud flaps where you can see colourful species of island birds.

What other place in the world could be more beautiful when it’s the beach–and-sun combo you are looking for? There’s definitely no other spot than the Bahamas! When you decide to tour the islands, one of the first stops you must not miss is Nassau. Mansions, cathedrals, sheltered harbors, and 18th-century fortresses… what else is there to ask for?

Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas. It is home to one of the nicest resorts in the islands, the Nassau Palm Resort and Conference Center. There are many things you can do while in this city. If you want to enjoy the water, you can simply swim in one of its beaches. After swimming, you can explore other water activities like boating, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and diving. The water temperature is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round so water activities are great anytime, at any occasion.

Now, Nassau, Bahamas is not only fun in the water. It’s also great in land. There are attractions you may visit like the Botanical Gardens, national parks, museums, landmarks, and cultural and historical sites. You can also do bird watching, private flying, and gaming in the casinos. When you simply want to tour the city, it is very easy to ride on a horse-drawn surrey and enjoy the sites. If riding on a horse isn’t your thing, you can get on a taxi or tour bus to roam around instead. There are endless possibilities to enjoy a Nassau vacation!

Buzios, or also known as Armacao dos Buzios, is a famous city in Brazil. It is located in the state of Rio de Janeirio at a peninsula at its east side. Its name is actually termed after a conch shell. History tells that it was first settled by European pirates and slavers. It became and was originally a fishing village until the 1960s but has grown popularity when Brigitte Bardot (a famous French actress) accidentally ventured in this place while on vacation. Eventually it became a popular beach destination and has continuously developed into one of the main tourist attractions in Brazil.

Buzios can be reached from a bus in Rio. These buses travel daily from five to seven times a day. The travel time is only 2 and a half hour. It has an all-year round summer climate. Being an amoeba shaped peninsula allowed Buzios to have more or less 20 beaches. Each has its unique style and appeal. To name some there’s the Azeda beach on the farthest part of the peninsula, the Ferradura beach a beautiful horseshoe shaped beach, and Geriba beach famous for its water sports. These beaches are famous for having animated resorts. All of them are lined with restaurants, boutiques, villas, bars, and pousadas. Pousadas or family guest houses are a great way to experience Buzios. Enjoy the homey and posh interiors of these inns. These beaches are classified according to their location; there are the North beaches, South beaches, and Town beaches.

Buzios is also famous for its cobbled stoned and narrow roads. It’s more of Mediterranean in style rather than Brazilian. Lately it also has been a destination for cruise ships. The high peak season for tourists is within the months of early December to March. Activities on Buzios consist mainly of water sports and leisure. You can do beach hopping, scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, fishing, wake boarding, skiing, banana ski, and of course swimming. Eco tourism activities are also an exciting way to explore Buzios. Being surrounded by abundant vegetation, mountains, and hills there are numerous wild life to discover. Such activities include an ecological walk through the natural reserves, rafting, rappelling, horseback riding, trekking, mountain biking, and diving.

View of the Tower Bridge in Belfast
Photo by: arrighi , Creative Commons

Belfast was a city developed from the boat building industry. Belfast is a very interesting city with a colorful past and a rich culture. The city is forever associated with the Titanic, the famous sunken ship.
What Tourists should expect while visiting Belfast

Belfast is now a tourists’ dream come true. The city sets the stage for bouts of hedonism. It is now very much made up to be a modern city with hip hotels and luxurious spots. There is nothing to fear now, in terms of weapons, violence and instability. However, you can still call Belfast loud. The pub is blaring with dance music. The city has the UK’s second largest and brightest arts festival. To have such a festival, a lot of people must have come to appreciate Belfast art. These people have nothing to fear in the city.
What to See or Do in Belfast

You can party and shop in most cities. In Belfast, you can do some unique things that you will definitely remember forever. Of course, photos of your activity will help future appreciation. You can go see the political murals in West Belfast. You may visit Titanic Town to go on an educational boat trip, where you can learn more about the famous ship and Belfast’s shipyards. You may also stop at Cave Hill to absorb the city’s panoramic view. Before heading to your accommodations at night, you may drink a Guinness at one of the pubs.

There are no more threats in Belfast. That should be the first thing you should remind yourself. You can now enjoy the culture, history and the vibrant present of the Irish city. Going on either a luxurious trip or a backpacking adventure, you sure can find a place in Belfast that will provide you with the appropriate enjoyment. You can find that the diversity of the present may be brought about by all the aspects of its history, both violent and peaceful.

View of Bangor’s city center, taken from the university slope.
Photo by: theancientbrit, Creative Commons

If you’re looking for a city that exudes a unique vibrant atmosphere, why not head out to Bangor in Gwynedd? This quaint coastal city is home to thousands of students each year, making it one of the UK's most populated university towns, though there is not much to see in this area, the food, drink and nightlife makes it worth a visit.

Bangor has a charm that is quintessentially Welsh in nature. If you want to get some fresh sea air, then you might want to explore the Bangor pier. For people who want to explore the history of this small city, you can visit the Penrhyn castle to see what a Bangor upper class residence looked like in the past. There’s also a doll museum that will pique the interest of little girls and a model railway museum that will pique the interest of little boys. The gardens cover 60 acres of ground, which makes it, the perfect venue for an afternoon walk.

For a dining experience, Bangor has much to offer in the culinary department, if you like traditional English rustic cuisine; you’re in for a treat. From welsh lamb dishes to seafood courses; you can have honest to goodness food at an affordable price. And because fresh produce is abundant in this small city, you can be sure that your food is made from the best organic fruits and vegetables available in the area.

If you’re planning to check out the nightlife in this city, then prepare to be amazed, as the numerous bars and clubs won’t disappoint you. From the conventional watering holes to the exciting club scene, you’ll be amazed by the quality of nightlife that this city has in store for you. But do be careful of drunken brawls, as there are times when fights do ensue out in the streets.

If you happen to be around for a university concert series, make it a point to catch a show, which is usually held on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Don’t miss the chance to see professional orchestras and soloists perform alongside the university’s own talent.

So there you have it. Come explore Bangor and experience all this for yourself. If you’re heading out into the country to visit the Snowdonia National Park or the Anglesey Sea zoo, do make it a point to drop by. You won’t regret it.

A Pride of Lions at Hwange National Park
Photo by: cardamom , Creative Commons

Hwange is a mining town located in the western part of Zimbabwe. Before 1982, the town was called Wankie and because of the Hwange Colliery (the largest coal mine in the country) located in the area; it is the hub of the coal industry of Zimbabwe. Aside from being the focal point of coal mining, Hwange is also a very popular tourist destination because of the Hwange National Park.
Hwange National Park

The Hwange National Park hosts a variety of wildlife. It is estimated that there are at least 400 different species of birdlife and more than 100 species of mammals in the National Park. The Hwange National Park has an area of 14,600 square kilometers making it the largest national park in Zimbabwe. It is different from other national parks because of the brown hyena and gemsbok population; no other protected area has as large of a hyena and gemsbok population as the Hwange National Park.

Hwange has done a great job at preserving some of the most endangered species. The population of the largest land mammals, the African Elephant, is thought to be the larger in the National Park than what naturally occurs. The African Wild Dog, estimated to have a population of about 5,000, is also breeding and living abundantly in Hwange National Park.

Aside from animal viewing, camping is also a very popular activity in the National Park. There are three permanent camps in the park: the Main Camp (located in the south), the Sinamatella (in the north) and Robins Camp (in the north). The Main camp is the most accessible. The Sinamatella is located on top of a waterhole which is great for viewing animals. The Robins camp is not recommended to newcomers because of its remote placement and doesn’t have a consistent supply of fuel and other provisions.

Hadrian's Wall in Newcastle
Photo by: Ultra7 Creative Commons

Newcastle upon Tyne or just Newcastle as commonly called is truly something that you have to set sights on when you want to experience an unforgettable travel experience while in England.

Tourists flock to this lively city because of the diversity of attractions that it possesses. From a quiet walk along its sandy beaches and dunes, you can go to the Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne where many tourists are also enjoying the vibrant colors that play over the river. From there, you can drop by a variety of museums, theaters and city arcades such as the Central Arcade, which is a traditional shopping arcade beautifully preserved as a memoir to the city’s heritage.

One of the best attractions in the city is Grainger Town, which houses the best buildings and streets in Newcastle upon Tyne. Here, you can find the Theater Royal, Grainger Market, Grainger Street, Clayton Street and Grey Street, which was voted as the finest street in England in a poll made by BBC Radio. The town is the historic heart of the city, making it a top site in tourists’ itinerary. Grey’s monument, built in 1838, is a popular spot where a lot of people gather and where you can find Andean music as well as political and religious speakers.

If you are interested in shopping for Oriental products and if you have a taste for Oriental dishes, you can these in Newcastle upon Tyne’s Chinatown wherein you can find Japanese, Korean and Chinese restaurants and shops.

The famous Hadrian’s Wall can also be found in Newcastle upon Tyne. Built by the Roman Empire, this landmark in the Western part of the city is a frequently visited by tourists who marvel at how this wall was built. It was built in AD 122.

Newcastle upon Tyne boasts of the rich culture of the Geordies who still speak their own dialect and value their heritage. Newcastle is also known for its fun-loving people and its rich night life which is famous throughout England because of its number of pubs, night clubs and bars.

Part of every fun-loving city is the celebration of festivals which attracts many tourists yearly. The most popular festivals are The Hoppings taking place every June, MELA every August, Continental Christmas Market every December, Northern Pride every summer and The Evolution Festival every Spring Bank celebration.

So if England is your next travel destination, never miss to visit Newcastle upon Tyne to compete that vacation of a lifetime.

A view of the Randa Village in Mbale in Uganda.
Photo by: treesftf , Creative Commons

There is very little excitement that can be had in Mbale, Uganda. But, this dearth of nightlife and commercial activity is well compensated by the abundance of natural attractions you can visit for a little communing with nature. Most interesting of all of the natural wonders you can explore from Mbale is Mount Elgon. This mountain is the fourth highest peak in East Africa. At the foothills of the mountain is an excellent hiking area known to locals as Mabasa. The mountains serve as a water catchment into which the waters from Nzoia River flows down to Lake Victoria, and from Turkwel River which flows down into Lake Turkana. As you hike up to the top of Mount Elgon, you will witness a variety of wildlife roaming around.

The mountain is home to different animal species including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and forest monkeys. There are also around three hundred bird species that have found homes in the mountain. Through the mountain’s slopes, you can find elephants and buffaloes visit the various caves to lick the natural salt off the cave walls. Another cave you can enter from the side of Mount Elgon is the Kitum cave. On the cave’s ceiling hang wonderful crystalline formations. From Mbale, you can drive to the foothills of Mount Elgon where you can enter the Mount Elgon National Park through vehicle paths that lead to various animal viewing areas as well as to the mountain’s caves. One particular viewing area you can visit is the Endebess Bluff where you can enjoy a panoramic view of various land and water forms. If you wish to go on a hike, you can get a copy of the Kitum Cave guide book to lead you on self-guided walking trails.

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of the country of Belize and is one of the favorite destinations of budget travelers and backpackers due to the low prices and laid back atmosphere that the place offers. There are a number of bars and restaurants that one can hang out in on this island and plenty of friendly people, local and expats alike, that you can mingle with.

To get to the island of Caye Caulker, you can take a flight from Belize City via Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. This flight usually takes around ten to fifteen minutes, making it one of the most viable options for you to take to get to the island. If you want to try some other way of getting to Caye Caulker, you can opt for a water taxi which also departs from Belize City. There is a trip to the island every two hours or so and you will get to your destination in approximately 45 minutes.

Some of the places of interest that you may not want to miss when you get to Caye Caulker, Belize include the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve which is popularly known as the island’s local reef and the Blue Hole, which is considered a very famous dive site in the region and is only an hour’s boat ride away from the island. If you don’t want to go diving to see the marine wildlife but still want to see them nearby, you can do so by going to Shark and Ray Alley. There are many tour operators that will be happy to take you there to feed sharks and stingrays with food that is tossed into the sea.

The city of Belize is the largest city in Belize and was once the capital of this country before flooding and extensive damage brought about by a hurricane forced the government to move further inland. This city is on a peninsula that protrudes into the Caribbean Sea, which makes it an ideal resort destination for people to visit.

You can get to Belize City by way of their international airport, which is the Philip S. W. Goldson Airport or the BZE. To get to the city center from the airport, you can try and catch one of their airport buses however it is best if you take a taxi instead since these airport buses are not reputed to be very reliable. The international air carriers that fly to Belize City include Continental, Delta, US Air and you can also find regional carriers like Maya, Honduras and Tropic flying to the city as well.

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Belize City, you should try to check out one of the reasons why people go there in the first place and that is the beach. Aside from the beach, you should check out the many parks that can be found in the central part of the city and these include Battlefield Park and Albert Park. If bird watching is your thing, you should check out Bird Island. If museums and history are what you are interested in, you should visit the many museums that are found here which include the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Belize, the Fort George Lighthouse and the Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts.

If you are planning to explore Antarctica, then Ushuaia, Argentina is the perfect place to stay in, and you will get to do more things and visit more places while vacationing in the country. This progressive city is the largest among the cities found in the Tierra Del Fuego province of Argentina. And due to its location, which is on the Beagle Strait, it is also considered as the world’s southernmost city.

Ushuaia, Argentina is a bustling town that has easily become a major tourist destination in the country with its wide array of casinos, hotels and nice restaurants. And of course, it is a top choice for a hiking base, starting point of a cruise to Antarctica and a favorite venue to hold winter sports.

But aside from the various activities that you may do here, the city of Ushuaia is also most visited by tourists because it is home to various places of artistic value and history, such as museums. One of these is the Museo Maritimo, Yagones y Gobernador Paz. This museum showcases the rich history of Tierra del Fuego and is situated in an old prison.

The Presidio displays the history of the military prison of Ushuaia and is on the same site as the Museo Maritimo. One room in the Presidio exhibits some of the masterpieces of talented local artists. Museo del Fin del Mundo, on the other hand, is where the largest exhibit of Tierra del Fuego bird collections can be found. This museum in Ushuaia, Argentina is dedicated to the nature of Tierra del Fuego. A figurehead of the Duchess of Albany is also on display at this museum.

For more of Argentina’s history, tourists may also visit Mastil de General Belgrano, which was built in honor of one of the founders of the country and of the navy cruiser sunk by the UK forces during the Falklands War, which was also named after him. An interesting fact about this particular site is that it has been one of the stops during one of the seasons of the top-rated reality television show, The Amazing Race.

Ushuaia, Argentina is also where the Tierra del Fuego National Park is located. Here you may engage in several exciting activities, such as trekking and you can be sure that the trails are well-marked and very safe to navigate. You may look for and join clubs that organize treks for your convenience and total enjoyment.

Surely Ushuaia, Argentina is one place that you must see when you go on a trip to the country. You will not be disappointed with the many things that you can do and place that you may visit in this busy city.

The mere mention of Graz, Austria to people with the slightest familiarity with bodybuilding and weight lifting will immediately associate this city with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. After all, this is the place where the former bodybuilding champion spent his time as a young man before he achieved global fame as a bodybuilder, as an action star and as an American government official. On the other hand, more seasoned travelers who have spent time in Austria will probably recall the sights of old buildings and districts around the city and nothing else.

However, Graz, Austria cannot be simply dismissed as an old place. True, it’s been around for a long time but that gives the place a richer heritage and a grand historical background. These days, the city is home to the old and the new that incoming travelers can enjoy and admire. Consider these examples:

• Old Town – This area gained its major milestone when UNESCO granted its inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites in 1999. This is to recognize the harmonious presence in the same spot of different structures from different historical periods and in different architectural movements. Among the buildings in the area are the Landhaus from the Renaissance period, the Dom Cathedral built in the Gothic style, Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II constructed with the Mannerism style of architecture and the Basilica Mariatrost from the Baroque period.
• New structures – Some of the more recently built buildings in the Old Town and in the greater metropolitan area can also be found. These include Kunsthaus Museum of Modern Art, Stadtmuseum Graz, Camera Austria Museum of Photography, Kriminalmuseum, and Literaturhaus Museum of Contemporary Literature in German. Graz also has an artificial island that is made of steel, which is called Murinsel. This man-made island is located on the Mur River.

Like most of the major cities and towns around the country, Graz, Austria has a highly efficient and very interconnected system of public transportation. Tourists will surely have a convenient, easy and comfortable time visiting the old and the new in this city of fabulous contrasts.

Riberalta is located in Beni, Bolivia. It is the capital of Vaca Díez Province as well as the Riberalta Municipality.

During dry season, Riberalta is the closest area you can get to in order to reach the beaches of Bolivia. More so, you can have a nice stroll along rivers. Riberalta boasts of sandy beaches. On the other hand, Riberalta is also the easiest way to reach other great places in Bolivia. About 25 km from Riberalta, you can reach the Tumichucua community, which means Isle of Palms. A beautiful lake consisting of a tropical island is found in this community.

The old Rubber-boom city can also be reached 90 km from Riberalta. It is the largest city in Beni where tourist trips are offered. In addition, the Las Piedras town can be reach 92 km from Riberalta. You can play pool next to a football field and order food. It is the town where the long wall of Incas is located.

If you are in the mood to go further, you can reach a scenic resort 9 km from Las Piedras. This resort boasts of beautiful cabins, delicious food and snacks, and sandy beaches. You can also find a lake that offers a good view of diversified forestry.

Riberalta can be reached either by land or air. You can get around using motorbikes that usually charge between 3 to 4 Bolivianos per ride anywhere in the town. These motorbikes are considered the taxis in Riberalta. When you want to go to a place, make sure you know its name rather than the address.

Beef Island is a small island which is a part of Tortola in British Virgin Islands. It is the gateway to the Islands if you go there by airplane because it houses the major commercial airport that serves the whole British Virgin Islands.

Just like all the islands in British Virgin Islands, Beef Island also boasts beautiful beaches with crystal clear water that provides a perfect background for picture taking sessions with your family and friends. But one of the main attractions of Beef Island, British Virgin Islands is its main town, Trellis Bay. You can do a lot of things in Trellis Bay. For one, you can go snorkelling to see amazing marine life that hides underwater. You will see sea grass, corals, and colourful fish and sea creatures like rays and tortoises. And the good thing about snorkelling in Trellis Bay is that there is very little boat traffic. You can also try windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, and kiteboarding, to name a few.

Aside from these exciting water activates, you can also spend a quiet time just wandering along the streets of Trellis Bay. You can do people watching and window shopping. If you are the artsy type, you will enjoy Aragorn Art Studio that features sculptures made of metal. There are also art galleries that feature colourful paintings done by local people. One interesting fact about Beef Island, British Virgin Islands or about Tortola is that most festivities happen in full moon. Full moon gives an air of mystery and drama to any festivity or event happening in the island.

Paradise Island, Bahamas is one of the most popular destinations in the Bahamas because of its strategic location and incomparable beauty. Many people who have had a taste of the place swear by its paradise-like beauty. Bridged to the north of the capital city Nassau, Paradise Island is truly a must-see spot that everyone shouldn’t miss.

The island offers the vacationer many resorts, hotels, casinos, and of course, marvelous blue beaches. The weather here is always warm, and therefore perfect for touring many attractions while enjoying the water and sun simultaneously, It offers serene places for relaxation, although it also is a busy metropolis which active people may love.

It is very easy to get to the island from Nassau, and this is why Nassau tourists always end up having Paradise Island as their second stop. In fact, some can even simply cross the bridge to get to the other city. As they cross the bridge, they are greeted by the splendor of the Royal Towers which is the largest wing of the well-known Atlantis Resort. Many visitors call it as the “Vegas-by-the-sea.” Being the grandest resort in the Bahamas, it is often swarmed by people who love to go shopping, fine dining, playing in the casino, lounging in the theater, and even playing with the dolphins.

If you love going to nightclubs, Paradise Island is also the best spot for you. Others spots you shouldn’t miss in this paradise are the Cabbage Beach lines, Versailles Gardens, and the Cloisters.

Palacio de Cristal in Curitiba, Brazil.
Photo by: frz, Creative Commons

Curitiba is a modern city in the southern part of Brazil. It is the capital of Paraná state. The city of Curitiba is starting to be famous with its new development. People are recognizing it for its highly notable urban development. It even won a UNESCO award for such an achievement. With this, it is a must see place to experience and go to in Brazil.

The city has a temperate climate during summer and in winter has the coldest temperature compared to other areas in Brazil. It’s geography consists of smooth rounded hills and mountain ranges that surround the city. It may lack the beaches of other popular Brazil destinations, but boasts of its well developed city and well preserved historic buildings amidst the urban changes. It has 26 well-preserved parks that consist of diversified flora and fauna.

Originally Curitiba is a gold mining camp founded in the 17th century. It eventually became the capital of Paraná and continuously grew. Cultures mixed when a number of immigrants continuously arrived in 19th to early 20th century. And today with its growth and innovative urban development it evolved into an ideal city.

Curitiba today is described to have well groomed grass parks, amiable cityscapes, beautiful historical buildings, and an efficient bus transportation system. It is pleasant to have a walk around the city. There is the Linha Turismo or Tourist line that offers a tour of the city. There are regular buses available at certain points of Curitiba. It stops includes the parks of Tanguá & Barigüi, Memorial Ucraniano, Opera de Arame, Rua das Flores, Rua 24 Horas, Teatro Paiol, Jardim Botanico, and Santa Felicidade. This tour starts from Praca Tiradentes, from 9:00 am to 5:00pm, available from Tuesday to Monday. Each stop allow 30 minutes for exploring about.

Curitiba’s gardens reflects it different influences. French influences provided the inspiration for its botanical gardens. It has greenhouses with intricate metal structure. A carpet of flowers welcome visitors at the entrance. The Italian and German Woods have distinct characteristics that reflect each of its influences. The German Woods have a replica of an old church. The Italian woods on the other hand are a venue for festivities such as Grape and Wine parties hosted by the Italian community. The Japanese Square features a series of cherry trees and artificial lakes. The Tingüi and Tanguá parks are more of the urban developed ones.

November 15 Street is one of the best places to have a stroll in Curitiba. It is a pedestrian-only street that was built in 1972. Museums are also a must-seen destination in Curitiba. One of the most notable museums is the Museu do Olho or Museum of the Eye. It was said to be an extravagantly designed museum to look like the Paraná Pine which is one of the city’s symbols. It is a landmark that is hard to miss.

The Guildhall in Derry
Photo by: wiki , Creative Commons

Derry, also called Londonderry, is often thought of as a poor second place to Belfast. Lying on the River Foyle’s west bank, Derry is not exactly pretty. However, it has personality. The Maiden City, as it is sometimes called, is like a plain-looking young lady who does not get noticed until she utters something terribly wise. Quite behind when it comes to investments, Derry can at least boast of its rich history, its riverside location and the locals’ infectious optimism. You can feel a lot of the combination of culture and optimism while listening to music in pubs. Derry has a major role in the cultural revival of Northern Ireland.

What to Do in Derry

The night scene in Derry is very colorful. You can visit pubs to engage in the musical scene. You can have your pick from live music, DJ mixes and theater or concert performances. Derry is rich in the cultural scene.

Where to Eat in Derry

Even the restaurants in Derry have cultural and artistic influences. You can easily imagine artists assembling in the cafes, drinking cappuccino while nibbling on Paninis. Those who want a more familiar atmosphere may go for the Boston Tea Party’s famous apple pie. Fresh home cooking and amiable waiters and waitresses complete the easy atmosphere. You may also venture into one of the stylish restaurants nestled in the middle of Derry’s cultural center.

Shopping in the Maiden City

If you are going shopping for Derry souvenirs, you will be pleased to know that there are several shops catering to tourists. There are craft stores selling Derry-made souvenirs. There is even a bookstore that specializes in books that are all about Derry and the rest of Ireland. Bookworm, the bookshop, also has a café. You may also buy Irish linen and Irish music CDs to take home.

Where to Stay in Derry

You will find some excellent accommodations in Derry. The hotels are likely three or four stars in rating. If you want to stay in a hotel within the walls of historical Derry there is the Tower Hotel Derry. The Tower Hotel Derry has 93 guestrooms. There are other hotels and lodges outside Derry’s historical walls, though.
Visit Londonderry in the near future and you won’t regret that you have tried this personable city.

Coastline of Aberystwyth, Wales
Photo by: H Dickins, Creative Commons

If you’re on the trail of visiting different cities and towns in Wales, make sure to include Aberystwyth in your travel itinerary. This university town exudes an undeniable lively persona, thanks to its vibrant and young population. It is the center of welsh culture and the birthplace of the nationalist Wales movement. Aberystwyth life is surprisingly laid back considering that there’s so much going on in this small town. Whether you’re searching for the meaning of life or scouring around for a party spot, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for in Aberystwyth.

If you think of yourself to be one of the most discerning of self-confessed bibliophiles, you can explore the extensive book collection that the national library of Wales holds. This particular library has more than 5 million titles, including all books published in the United Kingdom. There is also an art center in the area that offers a wide array of events that you can go to. Just make sure to check out what’s going on during your visit with the local tourist office and you won’t be disappointed with the caliber of their local talent.

Since this small town is densely populated by students from the University of Wales, you can choose your own favorite drinking spot from the countless pubs that are scattered throughout the town. And the best part is, beer is quite cheap here compared to other cities and towns in the United Kingdom. To catch a glimpse of the beach and other picturesque views, take a walk in the countryside around Aber all the way to Borth. If you’re looking for more action during your stay, you should try out the different water sports that are available on the beaches. Just be cautious of the famous undertow of the Irish Sea, as it has already claimed numerous lives over the years.

The one thing that probably sets this small town apart from all the other towns and cities in Wales is the fact that Aberystwyth has the most amazing view of the sunset. Come during the summer months and you’ll get a chance to see the stunning view over Cardigan Bay during twilight. Constitution Hill provides the best vantage spots so even though it can take about 15 minutes before you reach the summit, once you get there, you’ll see that it’s worth it.

Although Aberystwyth can be considered as one of the safest towns in the United Kingdom, make sure to take extra precaution during the weekends when a number of drink related violence usually occur.