Visegrad – Danube bend from Castle
Photo by: David Spender, Creative Commons

What does Visegrad, Hungary remind you of? Aside from a picture perfect sight of the Danube River, you will be able to visit places you only thought happened in storybooks. Yes, castles and palaces that is so magnificent to look at especially at night.

When you visit Visegrad this year, you will have to arrange you itinerary since it is not enough that you stay here for just a day. There are so many things to do and see while you are at this place. For starters, wonder why more and more tourists happen to visit Visegrad and keep on coming back for more? Their food is great as well as that homey feeling even though you are freezing a little. Do take note that the weather conditions in this place is quite challenging.

If you live in a humid area or a tropical place, you will get a shock of your life since the temperature is quite low here — around 4 degrees Celsius. So better bring along your ear muffs and mittens to make you feel comfortable and warm. Your boots should be durable and thick too so that you would not have blisters due to the weather.

There are towers and observation decks at the Citadel. This is one of the tourist spots in Visegrad. Since more and more tourists are attracted to the old ways in a particular country, the Citadel was built in the late 1700s and just by the thought of it, the ruins must be cordoned off to the public but a surprising note brightens any tourist’s smile since it is open for everyone everyday.

What most tourists love about Visegrad is the way their architectural designs are presented to the public. Not all countries allow tourists to peek in archeological finds but this place? Tourists have the freedom to witness the masterpiece of people who lived in the 1800s. One example would be the Solomon Tower. It is now a historical museum but just by looking at its exterior and interior designs you will see a Romanesque disciple of Art.

Fruit stall at central market in the centre of Valencia
Photo by: heatheronhertravels, Creative Commons

Paella (pa-e-ya) is a delicious rice dish that is prepared with a variety of seafood and meat. It is world-renowned, and the recipe has been passed from one generation to the next. Where can you find the best tasting paella. Go to the place where it all started, the city of Valencia in Spain. It has been said that experiencing Valencia is giving yourself a gastronomic experience you won’t forget.

Apart from food, the city of Valencia is known for its colorful and exciting festivities. Each August, they hold the La Tomatina. This festival is better known as the tomato fight festival. People from all over the city enjoy and participate in this event, young and old. Another festival held each March is the Las Fallas. This festival is popular around the globe as this is where every traditional thing about Valencia comes out. It is shared with everyone who enjoy celebrations. You will find traditional ceramics, intricately made traditional dresses worn by the citizens and of course, the food that highlights it all. If you enjoy the nightlife, Valencia offers a variety of places to go to.

Museums are everywhere in Valencia. Museums are full of unique collections and era-specific exhibits. The Museu d’Historia de Valencia archives the history of the city. This is where you will find all you need to know about Valencia. To go back in time, you can visit the Museu de Prehistoria de Valencia – the Valencian Museum of Prehistory. Other interesting sites to visit would be the Museu Faller or the Falles Museum and the Museu Tauri de Valencia or the Bullfighting Museum.

Düden Falls – a waterfall in Antalya, Turkey
Photo by: mdid, Creative Commons

Antalya is a city in the southwest part of Turkey in the Mediterranean coast. It consists of long sunny beaches, historical sites, narrow winding streets, palm-lined boulevards, and Turkey’s finest restaurants. Antalya is also called Adalia or Attalia in the previous times. Its terrain is quite unique for being in the coastal cliffs and surrounded by mountains. It’s also known as the gateway of ‘Turkish Riviera’ since 1960s. The Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast is a famous area for archaeological sites.

Antalya has obviously a Mediterranean climate. Most months consist of sunny days and winters are usually rainy. Getting to Antalya is best done through air and land travel. Antalya has a small but busy airport which is10km from the east of the city center. It is located along the Alanya highway. Bus terminals located 4km north of the city center, and are also available for getting to and from the city.

Kaleiçi is its famous historical center. It is also called the Old Antalya. This place is a reflection of an influenced transition by its Roman, Byzantine, Turkish, and then Ottoman inhabitants. It’s the best place to experience Antalya’s culture. It has inns, inexpensive pension houses, boutiques, historical landmarks, and dining places with an old-time ambiance. Its historical restoration has won the Golden Apple Tourism Prize.

Old Antalya charms are seen by its cobbled streets lined with Greek and Turkish houses. Inside Kaleçi is a well preserved Ottoman quarters. This area provides a beautiful view of the Bey Mountains and the Roman harbour. There are many entrances in going to Kaleçi but Kalekapisi is the most convenient way. If you prefer a more scenic and historical entrance, use the Hadrian’s Gate.

The Hadrian Gate is another point of interest in Antalya. This is the remaining structure of the defensive stonewall. It’s a monumental triple-arched entrance, detailed with decorative marble columns and coffered ceiling arches. It was patterned on the Roman Triumphal Arch.

The beaches of Antalya are famous for the blue flag lined shores. These beaches provide a picturesque view of the sea and the pine filled mountain of Taurus. Other nature highlights are also to be enjoyed in Antalya. There’s the Lower Düden Waterfalls that goes straight into the sea. The National Park provides camping grounds and a nature and wildlife museum.

Antalya is also famous for its signature cuisine. It’s a typical Mediterranean dish with olive oil mixed with Piyaz, spicy hibeş, cumin & tahini, and other special ingredients. Grida or Mediterranean white grouper is a common fish found in their local dishes.

Mazoon Mosque
Photo by: Japokskee, Creative Commons

Farther south and considered the second largest city of Oman is the city of Salalah which is also the capital of the Dhofar and Zufar region. One of the things that Salalah is famous for is its Khareef Festival or the Monsoon festival that happens every year and brings in loads of tourists from all over the region and from other countries as well. This area of Oman has quite a number of international hotels dotting its coast with resorts and tourists as well as personnel from many different navies are often seen here at different times of the year.

To get to Salalah, you will first need to get to the capital city of Muscat where you will get a connecting flight to Salalah via Oman Air. If you go by Dubai, you can also get a connecting flight direct to Salalah from there. There are also flights that go direct to Salalah from a few Indian cities like Delhi, Kochi and Kozhikode. If you go by car or by bus, expect to be on the road for 12 hours if you are coming from Muscat. There are a number of pit stops along the way where you can answer the call of nature, have a bite to eat and to stretch your legs on such a long journey.

Some of the sights that you should not miss when you are in Salalah include the Palace of Sultan Qaboos and the al-Hisn Souq which has quite a number of items of interest for you to purchase. Frankincense, handicrafts, dates, gold and silver are but a few of these items you can get for reasonably low prices here.

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.

On the way to the market
Photo by: Adal-Honduras, Creative Commons

If you want something that will appeal to your senses, you should visit the colourful markets of Chichicastenango, Guatemala. Chichicastenango is a town located in the highlands. It has the most colourful and interesting market in the whole Americas. The market usually opens on Thursdays and Sundays and it is both a place for vendors and buyers and also for tourists. It is not only a market but also a tourist spot.

The marketplace is huge and sellers come from different places and ethic groups. There are Indians and ethnic groups in Guatemala that sell different products. The place is so colourful because most of the products for sale are colourful weaved cloths, textiles, handicrafts, and costumes. The people speak different languages. When you go to the market, be prepared for an exciting medley of different colours, sounds, textures, and smells. You should not miss the ChiChi market and you should buy at least one item from it as a souvenir.

Aside from the market, you should also visit the 400+-year-old church—La Iglesia de Santo Tomas. It was built in 1540 and it is the main church of Chichicastenango. The church is almost bare and empty, but the atmosphere will take you back to another time more ancient than now.

Another interesting place in Chichicastenango is the colourful cemetery. You might find it a bit weird to visit a local cemetery during a travel or tour but this cemetery is different. The Cementario General has colourful graves that look great in pictures.

Stockholm
Photo by: jimg944, Creative Commons

The capital of Sweden remains one of the most visited places in the world. Stockholm’s reputation as being the finest city on earth is only exceeded by its beauty. Rich in culture Stockholm boasts some of the most popular museums and art collections in the world. Tourists also flock to Stockholm to see its pristine waters and large nature parks. Stockholm is truly one of the finest places in the world.

Stockholm’s archipelago is made up of fourteen islands connected by several different bridges. The Royal Palace of Stockholm is the Buckingham palace of Sweden and is the official home to the Swedish Monarchy.

The very center of Stockholm is the Gamla Stan (Old Town). It is the oldest city of Stockholm. You will feel as if you’ve gone back in time as the streets still have its original medieval set up. There you will find famous landmarks such as the Riddarhuset, which is the house of nobility and the Bonde Palace which still stands today despite being built during the era of the Swedish Empire.

The Riddarholmen Church can be found on the island of Riddarholmen. It is one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm. Some of its parts date back to the 13th century. The beautiful spires that sit atop of the church can be seen from a distance.

True to being a city rich in culture and the arts, even the train station is used to exhibit the archipelago’s beauty and grandeur. The Stockholm Metro Station is one of kind boasting 110 kilometers of art. The destination is hardly as fun as the journey when the station itself is turned into a museum. Everything from murals, to sculptures, to paintings is plastered all over the place.

If you’re tired of the man made wonders then you can indulge yourself in the wonders of the clear lakes that surround the islands. Lake Malaren is one of such lakes where you can fish or swim. Its fresh water is reminiscent of the beautiful lakes found in fantasy films.

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.

Yalta under a mountain range
Photo by: MeRyan, Creative Commons

Yalta is called the Jewel of the Crimean and this should be one of your travel destinations for this year. You will be amazed at the vast land it has even though it has a small population of around 80 thousand inhabitants. This is a destination for tourists since it attracts them to visit several places like museums and botanical gardens.

Did you know that their botanical gardens have at least 2000 varieties of roses? It does bloom well in this cool weather so better pack some heavy clothes since the temperature here dips quite low during the winter. Aside from these flowers, you can also visit a castle that is erected on the edge of a cliff that overlooks the sea. This was built by an architect who lives in the United States of America. So just from this, you would know the first-class appearance that it has.

After going to these landmarks and attractions, don’t forget a ferryboat ride to the popular resorts in Yalta. Even though there are no airports to transport you directly to this place, Yalta could be reach through water which is their means of transportation. During your transfer from one place to another, you can marvel at the different orchards and vineyards that are also accessible by land. Cars are allowed to travel here so it would be best to secure a car that you can rent once you have reached the city of Yalta.

One thing to take note of is their electricity. They use 220 volts for their outlets. So better keep this in mind should you lug along your trusted hairdryer or anything that needs to be plugged. You may want to get an adapter or converter.

The weather in Yalta ranges from winter and summer, should you plan to visit it in cold months, do pack heavy clothes but unlike in the US where you should pack around 4 bags, you can travel lightly here. Just keep in mind that the clothes you should bring could be mixed and matched so you won’t have a hard time re-arranging your wardrobe.

When you travel to Yalta you are supposed to bring small gifts as tokens of appreciation for a nice stay. Just keep them simple yet worth remembering you by.

The Old Bridge leading to Heidelberg Castle
Photo by: AbhijeetRane, Creative Commons

With cool summers and warm winters, Heidelberg, Germany makes for a great destination whatever month it is. But what sets Heidelberg apart from other German cities is its link with the Romanticism period. In fact, the city has been dubbed as a romantic town. But despite this label, it’s not just couples or lovers who troop to this magnificent city of lush greens and mountains, beautiful castle ruins, and Baroque architecture.

When you visit the city, at your disposal are countless of historical sites that serve as memoirs to the glorious past of this city. The Heidelberg Castle is one of them, which is basically the landmark of the city. This is in fact considered to be one of the most important structures in the city during the Renaissance period. Now, more than just being a tangible memory of the past, it’s now being used as for dinner banquets, balls, theater productions, musicals, and concerts. Even the park surrounding the castle is just as important because Johann von Goethe once trudged that park.Other historical structures in Heidelberg that plays an important role in the city’s history and culture full of character are the University of Heidelberg which is the oldest university in Germany, the Church of the Holy Spirit, and the Palatinate Museum.

As previously mentioned, the romance in Heidelberg doesn’t seem to end because it was the center of Romanticism both in philosophy and literature in Germany before. And with this, the city has embraced this and has established numerous events and festivals to lure even more people to visit this “romantic” city. There’s the “Heidelberger Frühling” Classic Music Festival, Heidelberger Castle Festival, and more events spread throughout the year. There is also one festival that is uniquely different from the usual, the Ball of the Vampires, which is held every February. This event is attended by locals who wear vampire costumes and party at the city hall or sometimes, the local castle. Although it appears to be a complete turnaround from the city’s romantic title, it is a celebrated event in Heidelberg.

Simply walking around the city will evoke memories of the city’s past, evident in its splendid Renaissance-like town hall and castles and streets of cobblestones and oudoor cafes. This 109 square kilometer-city, kown for bringing out the romantic side of its visitors, is without a doubt, a worthwhile and memorable city for everybody.

Golconda Fort in Hyderabad
Photo by: mckaysavage, Creative Commons

Visitors who would like to experience the best of India should visit Hyderabad more than anywhere else. Otherwise, they’ll be missing half of their sojourn.

Being the fifth largest city in India, Hyderabad is a mix of a city that is still under its colorful and ancient culture and history as well as a city that is gradually becoming modernized. Moreover, it is popular since it is called the “City of Pearls” not because it is a source of pearls, but it is because they have a variety of tourist spots.

Despite being a 400 hundred year-old city, the people in Hyderabad were still able to preserve their culture through different attractions.

For one, visitors can take a walk in the streets of Hyderabad and witness different festivities that are indicative of their preserved culture and traditions. Some people might also sell souvenirs such as glass embedded bangles, intricately-designed clothes and other accessories for a small price.

There are a lot of significant structures in Hyderabad. Charminar, a brilliant structure notable for its unique yet breathtaking architecture, is one of the most visited areas in Jaipur. Visitors can take pictures or even record videos of the spot. Souvenirs are also available upon purchase.

Another famous spot is the Golconda Fort. This place is old, dating back to the 16th century when it was still used as a fortress for many Indian civilizations. It has a strategic location – built on the outskirts of the city, making it an advantageous place during the ancient wars. Moreover, the fort is also a known source of the most lustrous diamonds in the world. Diamond mines are still intact and available for private viewing in the area.

The Hussain Sagar Lake is also one of the places worth visiting in Hyderabad. It is one of the few man-made lakes in the world. Besides, it is a large one in comparison, located within the city.

Visitors can reach Hyderabad easily. If they decide to travel by air, they can ride the plane from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and other cities. Hyderabad has two airports – one for international flights, and another for domestic flights, making Hyderabad a good place to either to start or to end with.

Visitors can also travel by rail since Hyderabad is connected to other cities in a long railway network. Travelling by road and local transport is also easy and quick since there are no major or heavy traffic problems in the area.

Volgograd monuments
Photo by: svonog, Creative Commons

Russia, being a very large land mass you can almost call a continent when you see in the map, is a magnificent place to visit. Apart from the beautiful people and sceneries, the language, food, and culture are unique and equally worth noting as well. If you’re going to make a visit to the nation, you might try visiting Volgograd.

Volgograd, formerly known as Tsaritsyn and Stalingrad, is the heart of the administration of Volgograd Oblast. Situated on the Volga River’s western bank, it stretches 50 miles (80 kilometers) from north to south and is home to over a million people. If the city was never known before, it was made popular for resisting despite the extensive damage it received during the Battle of Stalingrad of World War II.

The foundation of the Tsaritsyn fortress in 1589 at the convergence of the Volga and Tsaritsa Rivers brought about the beginnings of Volgograd. Initially named after its fortress, the city became a very important commercial center and river port in the 19th century. The city’s name was changed to Stalingrad on April 10, 1925, and then to Volgograd (which means “Volga City”) in 1961.

Places worth seeing in Volgograd are a memorial complex in Mamayev Kurgan dominated by Mother Russia’s gi-normous allegorical sculpture, and the Panorama Museum on the Volga, which contains World War II artifacts (such as a panoramic Mamayev Kurgan battlefield painting and one of the rifles of famous sniper Vasily Zaytsev). Having been witness to the more intense wartime battles, the Mamayev Kurgan hill is actually one of the more famous tourist spots in the city.

Getting around Volgograd is no problem at all. The city is a major railway junction linked to Moscow, Astrakhan, Saratov, Ukraine’s Donbas region, Siberia, and the Caucasus. Through the city passes European route E40, which is the longest European route that connects Calais, France with Ridder, Kazakhstan. Local public transportation includes buses, trams, trolley buses, and the Volgograd Metrotram, a light rail service. Flying to and from the city is easy via the Volgograd International Airport which provides air links to the major Russian cities, and even Antalya, Aktau, and Yerevan.

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.

Runaway Bay was said to have been the site that was first seen by Columbus. It was once a subordinate town of Ocho Rios. It is now a tourist destination in its own right featuring white sand beaches that are more intimate and with fewer crowds.

If you are looking for an area where you can enjoy the solitude and the fun of the beaches and the white sand, Runaway Bay gives you this option. You can enjoy the beautiful waters and stroll in the white sand beaches while feeling the intimacy of the area.

Runaway Bay is especially recommended for people who want a quiet vacation without the hordes of tourists to spoil their solitude.

Activities

Runaway Bay offers various activities that will surely be a fun experience for your ultimate thrill and relaxation. You can do a lot of water sports. Snorkeling is one of the best water activities to engage in because of the many areas that are suited for this activity in Runaway Bay.

There is also the SuperClubs Runaway Golf Club where you can have some fun playing golf.

Horseback riding can also be fun. Simply visit the Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Saint Ann less than 6kms from Runaway Bay. Aside from horseback riding, you can also engage in hiking, biking, kayaking, and an ocean safari adventure in Chukka.

Attractions

The Bob Marley Centre & Mausoleum. It is located in Nine Mile Beach, the birthplace of the reggae artist, Bob Marley. It is also operated by the Marley family. Here, you will be able to see the former home of one of the most famous personalities from Jamaica.

Scenery
Photo by: kaet44, Creative Commons

More and more tourists have wandered off to a splendid getaway at Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. This place used to be an airbase for the United States of America around the early part of the 90s. So you will be relieved in finding an international airport with at par standards with what you have at home. What tourists love in this place is the wildlife which could only be found a few miles off the airport. In some areas, you have to travel far just to get a look at their wild animals.

Here are Kangerlussuaq you will be able to see falcons, eagles and even ravens flying above you. Good thing that they do not wander off near the airports since they could get sucked in the airplane’s engines. Their wildlife happens to be one of the things that attract thousand of tourists to this place and aside from that, you could also see reindeers, musk ox and even artic foxes that you cannot see at your place.

Kangerlussuaq can be accessed by bicycle since you can visit the other places by this means of transportation. If you are not much of a biker, you can easily use a car, ride a horse or even hike by foot.

What lure tourists to Kangerlussuaq are the icebergs that seem to endlessly float there. There are wonderful glaciers and ice caps which you could ride a boat to come closer to them. Did you know that you could also rent a kayak and do the paddling yourself as you inch closer to these huge ice boulders? Do pack your camera for this unforgettable experience but make sure they are water-proof or they are encased in waterproof bags just in case your camera takes a dip in the waters.

Aside from their magnificent view, the air is so clear and clean that you could breathe deeply in this place without having second thoughts if the ozone layer has pollutants that would make you sick. So better get a chance to go dog-sledging! You will be amazed at how efficient these snow dogs are to make your trip all the more worthwhile.

Hotel accommodation is not a problem since there are numerous lodges for you to choose from depending on your budget. Indeed, this beautiful place where the sun never sets during the summer season is a must see for your trip.

Birds eye-view of Port Vila
Photo by: PhillipC, Creative Commons

Port Vila is the capital, commercial and economic centre of the island nation of Vanuatu, situated in the island of Efate. The majority of the country’s population resides in Port Vila. The main industries in the region are agriculture, fishing, and recently, tourism. It is also a veritable tax haven for businesses that have made their home here.

Vanuatu itself is an archipelago. Made up of 82 islands, the country is primarily volcanic in origin, yet 65 of the islands are inhabited. Threats of earthquakes and volcanic activity do occur. The islands have a very rough geographic profile, a majority of them too steep for human settlement. It was once estimated that only 9% of Vanuatu’s total land area is suitable for agriculture. Agricultural produce feeds 65% of the country’s population. However, the country is quite rich in marine resources, with fishing making up a large portion of the economy.

Tourism also contributes a lot to the economy. Many tourists come from first-world countries, most notably from Australia and New Zealand. Since the filming of the Survivor series reality shows, the government increased their efforts to promote tourism.

Port Vila has an interesting mix of culture and ethnicities, with Melanesians making up the majority, and the minority groups composed of Westerners, Polynesians, and Asians. Bislama is widely spoken, although English and French are also commonly used.

The University of the South Pacific, a public university co-owned by several Oceania nations, also makes it home here. More importantly, there are many tourist outfits that offer every outdoor fun. There are some things that are a “must-do” in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

Zorbing. Visitors can go inside a wet, transparent ball and launch themselves into steep ground for intense fun and excitement.

Small Nambas Tribe Tour. Tourists are given the opportunity to go to a local tribe wearing Kastom dresses, learn about the cultural and mingle with the inhabitants. Guests can also swim in a crystal clear lagoon afterwards.

Nafonu Tatoka Tribe Tour. Another indigenous tribe in the main island of Efate has welcomed visitors for years. As well as learning the culture, guests are allowed to trek to the rainforests somewhere along the tour.

Buggy Rides. There are several buggy rental shops in the city that allow you to drive buggies into the urban area and the surrounding forests.

Kayaking. Of course, what is Vanuatu without its coral reefs? Aside from the many scuba shops in the city, there are some services that offer kayaking for the tourists. If you don’t swim, you can take a kayak and still see the open water.

Pearl Farm in Rangiroa
Photo by: clesenne, Creative Commons

Experiencing marine life can never be as exciting as being in one of the world’s best dive destinations, which is the island of Rangiroa. The aerial view alone of this atoll gives out a breathtaking scene already. With 240 tiny motu or islets scattered in the ocean, Rangiroa’s atoll shines like a giant pearl necklace in the beautiful ocean. And, there are more surprises waiting for you just under the turquoise waters of the island.

This magnificent island of the South Pacific boasts of its world-class underwater adventures such as diving and snorkeling. There are millions of varieties of fishes including large species such as sharks, tuna, and eagle rays. If you are not much of a diver or snorkeler, don’t worry. You can still experience the magnificence of the island’s underwater world through riding a glass-bottomed boat. This boat sails all throughout the lagoon, which will give you a great view of the marine life of the island. In fact, there is a 150-foot visibility in the waters that can make your boat adventure much like diving or snorkeling.

Aside from the breathtaking experience of the marine life of Rangiroa, you can also see more of some sort of fantasy and luxury in one here. Yes, this island is home to the most fantastic Tahitian Pearls. You can have the chance to visit pearl farms here and witness how these magnificent gems are harvested and cultivated.

Moreover, the island has a lot more to offer you. If you are just craving for a good time in the sand, Rangiroa also offers sugary white sand beaches. There is the Blue Lagoon Motu, which is one of the most popular beaches here. Tiputa Point is a good vista point and a picnic area, too. Another known beach is the L’ile Aux Recifs that can give you a view of unique fossilized coral formations.

Other than all these attractions, there are a lot of other great activities that can be done here in Rangiroa. This includes deep sea fishing, parasailing, water skiing, kayaking, and a lot more kinds of water sports.

When speaking of transportation all throughout Rangiroa, there is not much of a difficulty here. Since there are only a few roads, scooters, open-air cars, and bicycles can be rented. Meanwhile, for exploring the lagoon, there are motorboats, sailboats, and canoes that you can use. Going in and out of the island is easy as well since Rangiroa is served by Air Haiti.

Indeed, there can be no experience as complete and enchanting as what is offered by Rangiroa. With the beauty of its oceans, beaches, and pearl farms, there can be nothing more you can ask for in a getaway with the waters.

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.

Inside an ancient mosque in Isphahan
Photo by: rahuldlucca, Creative Commons

If you are quite the fan of religious architecture, then Isphahan is the place for you. This province is a great place to experience Islamic-Iranian architecture. Unlike in Persepolis or other ancient cities in Iran, the architecture is Isphahan is strictly Islamic. But even if it was made with religion strictly in mind, the place remains to be one of the grandest sites to visit for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

The beauty and taste of Islamic architecture is renowned and unquestioned across the modern world. No other type of architecture devotes so much thought and effort to architecture. In Isphahan, everything is inspired by Islamic architecture. The greatest example is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Naqsh-e Jahan Square. This is a great complex that contains countless beautifully-crafted mosques and palaces.

Aside from the great square, other things worth seeing would be the province’s bridges. Some of the bridges, which are still used today, were constructed centuries ago. Khaju Bridge is an example. It is amazing how these practical infrastructures were made so beautifully. So much thought was put into making them. Even the smallest and simplest parts of the bridges are intricately detailed.

It is obvious that the people of Isphahan love their god. They love him so much that they made sure to praise him in every aspect of life possible. Surely, he is proud of their effort and handiwork.

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.

Lakensua
Photo by: PhillipC, Creative Commons

Epi, Vanuatu, formerly called Tasiko or Volcano Island, is located in the northernmost end of the Shepherd Islands. The island is part of the Shefa Province. Epi is actually of volcanic origin. Its highest point, Mt. Pomare is a quaternary volcano. Nearby is another (and more prominent) volcano, the Lopevi volcano. To the east you can find another volcano, albeit underwater, the East Epi Volcano.

Epi is a fascinating island, where one can feel free and literally go back to basics. Stay in a rustic lodge, relax and maybe see whales and dolphins cross the bay. Go to the nearby Lamen Bay where one can do a bunch of water activities, such as snorkelling, swimming, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing and diving. You can even see the gregarious dugong here. Interact with the natives, for they are very friendly. Drink the ‘kava’ in the dusky ‘nakamal’, chat with the young ladies as they prepare their ovens or wrap ‘laplap’ in banana leaves. See them dance and talk to each other. Or how about take a stroll along their black sandy beaches.

As for the climate, the island is tropical, getting a moderate amount of rainfall every year. Generally hot, rainy and humid throughout the year, but cools and dries down a bit during months May to July.

Vanuatu holds a rich culture, and the first human settlement here is recorded to be way back in 3,000 BC. Epi locals speak a variety of languages. In the south, Bieria is spoken. In the southwest, is Maii, Baki is spoken in the west, Bierbo is the mother tongue of the northwest, and Lewo in the east. All these languages are a part of the Austronesian languages of Vanuatu.

Epi Denissen is the king and the supreme ruler of the island.

VanAir flies from Vila to Valesdir every Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays. It also flies to Lamen Bay on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Other flights stop to Tongoa. The best way to get to Epi, however, is via Lamen Bay, which makes a stunning introduction to Epi and you can see the colorful reefs and turquoise waters from up above!
By ship, there are several anchorages that will land in north Epi. Some good anchorages include Mapuna Bay, Lamen Bay, Rovo Bay, Cape Foreland and Walavea.

Once you arrive to Epi, you can get around the west coast by taxi truck,. The eastern side of the islands has no roads, only walking tracks.

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.

Baqubah, Iraq is in northeast Baghdad (the biggest city in Iraq) specifically found in the river of Diyala. Baqubah is basically outside the Sunni Triangle of Iraq. You can also spell Baqubah as Baqouba or Baquba. The name of this place is actually from an Aramaic language which simply means “Jacob’s house”.

Baqubah is the capital city of Diyala Governorate. The Diyala Governorate is home to the tallest TV and radio stations in the Middle East with its Diyala Media Center at about 1,047 feet in height. This center was actually built in 1989 by Japanese architectural firm thus you can be sure that this is really world-class. It is an independent station and it is known to feed the country with local news.

There are about 467,900 individuals living in Baqubah and it is still growing due to many people trying to inhabit the place. Many individuals like this place because it is actually the center of farming and business. This is because this place is actually the mediator or the bridge between Baghdad and Khorasan via the Silk Road. It is no secret that Baghdad is the largest city in Iraq and also the capital of the country. Together with Cairo, Baghdad is the largest in the Arab World. Khorasan, on the other hand, is called as the cultural capital of Persia wherein a lot of philosophers and scientists come from.

If you are going to Baqubah, don’t miss the fruit and date orchards and also the orange groves.