Dhaka Memorial Park
Photo by: Wonderlane, Creative Commons

Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh and is known for its rich history, culture and its modern architecture. Most people visit this city to get a feel of the real Bangladesh. It is situated in the center of the country and plays hosts to mostly the Muslim belief.

Temperatures in Dhaka can reach up to 37°C in summer time and as low as 10°C during the winter season. The monsoon season also brings about a very heavy rainfall of about 73 inches between the months of May to September. Tourists are highly advised to go here during the winter months of November to March when the temperature is cool and more comfortable.

City Attractions:

• Mosques

You can find several hundreds of Mosques in this city, most of which are open to the public viewing. When in these sacred places, one must remember to show respect because these are very important places to the Muslims. Some of the mosques you might want to visit are Baitull Mukarram-National Mosque, Star Mosque which was built in the 18th Century, and the Chawkbazar Mosque.

There are also a few Hindu Temples in the area to show that all religions are welcome here. For example there is the Dakeshwari temple that was built in the 11th Century and is still functioning now.

• Memorials, Museums and Forts
One important memorial is the National Memorial located just 35 kilometers from Dhaka in Savar. It was specifically built to commemorate the unknown martyr during the war of liberation. The 1857 Memorial on the other hand was for the martyrs of the first liberation war of 1857. The Lalbagh Fort which was the site before of the bloody first war for independence is now a museum to commemorate this event in their history.

The Bangabandhu Memorial Museum showcases the artifacts from the lifetime of the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Mukti Juddha Museum in the Segun Bagicha district shows the documentation of the Liberation war.

The Mausoleum of National Leaders serves as a final resting place for the countries great leaders like Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, and Khaja Nazimuddin. The National Museum holds a great number of artifacts from the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.

There are numerous places to visit in this city and the cities adjacent to it. Through these visits more and more people are becoming aware of the historical treasures that can be found in the center of Bangladesh.

Dubrovnik and its breathtaking scene
Photo by: Bruce Tuten, Creative Commons

Dubrovnik has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is fondly referred to as “Pearl of the Adriatic” for its classic charm and beauty. Located in the southernmost region of Croatia, it among the most visited resorts in the Mediterranean and a favorite destination of tourists for a relaxing vacation.

Reaching Dubrovnik and going around town is easy as transportation systems are well-organized. There are buses and taxis as well as car rental services for your traveling convenience. Also, roaming around the place by foot is possible, although some streets can be challenging to navigate as they are steep.

Getting accommodation in this town is also not a problem even to those who want first class service because 11 out of the 18 known luxury hotels in all of Croatia can be found in Dubrovnik. Try booking in advance to make sure that you will be given your preferred room during your stay.

Among the many things that attract tourists to spend days in Dubrovnik is its magnificent architecture boasting for beautifully-crafted churches and monasteries, fountains and museums.

These churches and monasteries are adorned with both art and history that make each of them a perfect site for educational tours and excursions. Each visitor will be amazed by how much art and history these structures have to offer for a wonderful learning experience. For example, the Franciscan Monastery is where the world’s third oldest pharmacy is located along with Romanesque cloister and a Baroque Church.

Other churches that wow the tourists are the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Church of Saint Blaise, Church of St. Ignatius, the Dominican Monastery, Church of St. Sebastian and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

The museums in Dubrovnik are also must-see places if ever you are on vacation in this majestic country. Some of these museums are located just alongside the churches, so you will never have trouble finding them, like the Franciscan Monastery Museum where you will find interesting pieces from the ancient pharmacy. Other museums worth visiting are the Sigurata Convent Museum, Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Dominican Monastery Museum, the Sponza Palace Museum of Museum of the State Archives, Maritime Museum and the Museum of Icons in the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Dubrovnik is a fascinating town to with many places to visit. You and your kids will definitely enjoy spending time here since you will be both entertained and educated, so remember to included it in your itinerary when you plan your vacation on this side of the planet.

Highway in Khon Kaen
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

After failed colonization by the British and French Army in the early 19th century, Thailand has maintained its independence. Another fact you may want to know is that it is the 50th largest country in the whole planet. Khon Kaen is actually situated in one of the 76 provinces called Isaan. This particular region can help you reminisce about the historic events that happened from the very first day it was discovered until the present day.

Located at Khorat Plateau, this place is teeming with Buddhist temples of all dimensions. Wat Nongwang is a great example. South of the city, at Klangmuang Road, you can see this 9-tiered balcony temple with different artifacts inside. Phrathat Khan Kaen where the city is originated is also a home for numerous monks and Buddha statues.

For an educational trip, you can go to Khon Kaen National Museum that accepted its first visitor for almost four decades ago. You can trace back the history and previous artifacts of Thailand in this very place. Utensils of different kinds and evolution of art of the ancient cities are seen here as well.

For your kids, you can go to Phu Wiang National Park where the first fossil of dinosaurs were discovered that later furnished a theme park. Going here can be made possible by four wheelers or taxis. The Indian-inspired Buddha is also a site to behold. Prehistoric paintings, flower fields and waterfalls brings further splendor to the place. To make it more realistic, they also placed gigantic real-life dinosaurs with long necks. It is quite intriguing how the founder shared the whole area for humongous reptiles and religious figures. Anyway, the next attraction is the Phu Pha Man National Park, a mixed forest where caverns of bats are located. The stone pillars and caves of stalagmites and stalactites invade the whole area together with creeks and 80-meter high waterfall.

When summer is fast approaching you can’t help but to think where to spend your time with it and at a reasonable price. Think no more because Khon Kaen is the place to be.

Genting Highlands night lights
Photo by: ufo34, Creative Commons

Genting Highlands is similar to Las Vegas. It is the sole place in Malaysia where gambling is allowed. There are also amusement parks here where children can enjoy rides. In addition, Genting Highlands is an extremely popular place. It offers several hotels, rides, shows, shopping areas, and other great facilities. And in fact, in 2008, it has attracted almost twenty million visitors.

All the casinos in Genting are open daily for twenty-four hours. However, one must be above twenty-one years old to be able to enter the premises. There is also a dress code that prohibits t-shirts, sandals, and shorts. And drinks can not be bought inside. Photography in casinos is prohibited, as well. Then, table games such as roulette and baccarat, as well as, slot machines are available. The Monte Carlo Casino is the largest casino here. It even offers some video poker machines. And foreign visitors may enter the VIP International Room if they sign up for a WorldCard. Nonetheless, Hollywood Casino and StarWorld Casino are two other Genting favorite spots. Then again, theme parks are the other attractions here. Genting Outdoor Theme Park is the ideal place for children. Numerous rides are also accessible in the First World Indoor Theme Park.

Tourists may also delight the Arena of Stars where shows and concerts are common during weekends. The Genting International Convention Center and the First World Cineplex are great venues, as well. But the visitors may also go to the First World Plaza which is supposed to be Malaysia’s highest mall. Or they can visit other attractions such as Cradle Rock, Chin Swee Caves Temple, The Visitors’ Galleria, and Genting Strawberry Farm. They can shop around the First World Plaza, too, if they want to find the coolest and the greatest items. And as for food, they may try a nasi lemak meal from Marybrown. The lor mee, the fried kway teow, and the hot prawn noodle soup may be tried at Penang Food Village. And the Wagyu steak is a must-try at The Olive. Furthermore, cafés and a few bars may be enjoyed, as well.

Akaroa near Christchurch
Photo by: jonnykeelty, Creative Commons

It is regarded as the garden city of New Zealand. Christchurch is located in Canterbury.
Like most cities in New Zealand, it is a city of contrasts. While known for the beautiful natural environment, it is also a growing sophisticated city.

In 1815, the first European set foot on Canterbury but it was in 1840 when the first Europeans settled on its plains. Christchurch became a city in 1856. It is the oldest established city in New Zealand.

It has a dry and stable climate. In the summer, weather is often characterized by a sea breeze and in the winter, snow falls occur on the average.

You can ride your bike, running, and rock climbing in several Christchurch parks. You can also enjoy its festivals such as the New Zealand Cup and the New Zealand Fashion Week.

You can enjoy shopping in Central City where there are lots of retail shops. Other than this, there are also lots of visitor attractions that you can visit such as the Botanic Gardens and The Arts Center and Art Gallery.

Places to Visit

1. The Cathedral Square Market. It is located in the center of the city where you can find New Zealand handicrafts of different variety.

2. Centre of Contemporary Art. It contains the largest collection of contemporary art in downtown Christchurch. It is considered as the oldest art institution in the region.

3. Christchurch Art Gallery. The city’s public art museum which contains the public collections as well international and local historical and contemporary pieces.

4. Christchurch Gondola. It offers the spectacular view of Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, and the Lyletton Harbor. You can see the whole landscape at 360° as you move towards Christchurch’s extinct volcano.

5. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. A premiere wildlife park showing the native and introduced wildlife in New Zealand.

6. Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science. A hidden gem which offers an exhibit of one hundred vehicles which shows various modes of transportation from horse to buggy to classic cars to fire engines.

7. Science Alive! A good place to have fun and enjoy with the kids. It offers fun and entertainment for the whole family and has a climbing wall and gyroscope as well New Zealand’s highest vertical slide.

8. Riccarton Market. It is the biggest market in Christchurch. If you are looking for the best place to shop in the city, the Riccarton Market is a great place to shop and offers various goods to choose from.

Popeye Village in Mellieha
Photo by: luigi53, Creative Commons

Mellieha is a village located at the northwestern side of Malta. It is located atop a picturesque hill and has the largest beach in the Maltese Islands. Mellieha is also a favorite a family vacation spot in Malta because of its breathtaking view and safe environment. It offers a great atmosphere for families because of the safety feel of the place.

The people for Mellieha are extremely hospitable and the place is undeniably quaint and spectacular.

Food

Dining in Mellieha is diverse and fun. Here are some restaurants you can visit in Mellieha:

L’Amigo Restaurant. A pizzeria and a restaurant in one. It has a nice view of the Main Street. It offers pizzas and Maltese specialties that will really suit your liking.

Guiseppe’s Restaurant and Wine Bar. A small, intimate restaurant in Main Street, it serves Maltese and Italian cuisine. There is a wide variety of dishes offered and is by far the best restaurant in Mellieha.

Ta’ Peter Bar and Restaurant. Again another restaurant in the Main Street. It has a bar and has a wide variety of dishes served in Maltese, Italian, and English cuisines. It has a very nice atmosphere and has a very impressive menu.

Beaches

The Mellieha Bay has the longest beaches in Malta. It is also one of the safest because of the areas of shallow water minus the dangerous undercurrents.

Activities

Swimming and family vacations are most recommended in Mellieha. Sightseeing is also a must because of the picturesque view of the location.

Attractions

You can also visit these attractions while in Mellieha:

The Church of Our Lady of Victories. A majestic church located at the edge of the Mellieha Ridge. It was built in the late 19th Century.

The Mellieha Bay. One of the best sandy beaches in Malta.

Popeye Village. The set of a 1980 Musical Production that shows beautiful view of the wooden houses.

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.

Mecca pilgrimmage
Photo by: *Muhammad*, Creative Commons

Mecca, officially spelled Makkah, is a city found on the western part of Saudi Arabia. This city is considered as the center of the Muslims’ spiritual activities as they believe that Muhammad appointed it as the holy city of Islam. It is also said to be the city where the followers of Islam should offer their prayers. Hence, on the Islamic month of Dhu’l-Hijja each year, Muslims coming from different parts of the globe gather for a pilgrimage to this holy city.

So if you are in a spiritual quest and are on for a holy trip, this city offers tourist attractions that could cater to all your religious needs. In the heart of the sacred city lies Al-Masjid al-Haram which is named as the world’s holiest mosque. Its 7th-centry form was expanded that it can now lodge more than 800,000 parishioners. The mosque has also been transformed into an air-conditioned area for added comfort. The Well of Zamzam, which in Muslim belief is a source of water miraculously provided by God, is located in the said mosque too. Pilgrims visit this sacred well to drink its water just as Abraham’s infant son, Ishmael, did thousands of years back.

Another religious attraction visited by millions of pilgrims each year is The Ka’ba, which enshrines a sacred stone and where Muslim prayers are directed. This is also considered sacred as it is believed that the shrine was built by Ishmael and his father.

The expansion of the sacred city is ongoing; hence, aside from these religious mosques, pilgrims will soon see the 577 meters (1893 ft) Abraj Al Bait Towers across the holy mosque. It will be launched in 2010 and is set to be one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Unlike other cities in Saudi Arabia, Mecca remains warm even during winter; at night, the temperature is around 17 °C while in the afternoons, you can experience a temperature of 25 °C. Summers are described as hot and dry as the temperature breaks up to 40 degrees Celsius. If you do not want to witness the dry season of Mecca, you could visit some time between November and January since rain usually comes in this period.

Urubamba
Photo by: madpai, Creative Commons

Some people often confuse “Urubamba” with “Urubamba Valley” and “Urubamba River”. To make it clear, Urubamba is the name of the largest town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas that is situated near the river that has the same name. Urubamba is also called “Peral of the Vilcanota”. Located at the foot of two great mountains, the Chicón and Pumahuanga, the town of Urubamba is often visited by tourists as they make their way to the famous Machu Picchu.

Urubamba itself is a home to some remarkable ancient ruins of the once powerful Inca Empire. Most visitors to Urubamba are coming from the nearby city of Cusco. As part of the Sacred Valley tour, they should pass through this rustic Andean town. The middle part of this Sacred Valley (also known as “El Valle Sagrado delos Incas”) belongs to the towns of Urubamba and Yucay. This mid-valley has the most number of lodges. Unlike the neighboring town of Pisac, Urubamba has dedicated its vast land to the native Andeans, thus preserving the rich culture of these people.

There are so many things to do while in Urubamba. This town is an ideal startup point for touring further to the Southern Andes. Visitors may opt to explore the ancient fortress in Ollantaytambo, as well as the ruins in Chinchero from here. By the way, Urubamba is one of the only two towns that have a train service to the Machu Picchu.

With several restaurants that can be found around the Urubamba town, visitors can have a taste of Andean cuisine. These restaurants serve real good food. Arroz con pollo and lomo saltado are best for starters. They also offer comfort foods such as burgers and ice creams.

Andean market is also an attraction in Urubamba. Although not as vibrant as the Sunday Pica market, visitors can still have a chance to buy some alpaca textile garments from the native vendors. Aside from alpaca garments, the town of Urubamba produces quality ceramics that are manufactured at the workshop that was built by Pablo Seminario. Hence, Urubamba has become an alternative place to look for local products.

Amidst the expanding tourism industry, Andean festivities are still preserved. One of the most celebrated events in Urubamba is the festival of El Señor de Torrechayoc.

These are just some of the colorful Urubama attractions that visitors may avail. This town does not only serve as a transit hub. Urabama is indeed a tourist destination at its own right.

Eilat beachside view
Photo by: Saul Adereth, Creative Commons

If you’re looking for a different beach resort in Israel, come to Eilat. Here, the city offers little more than the best hotels, beaches and water activities the whole year round. Sunshine, the desert, beautiful beaches and the warm waters are Eilat’s greatest natural resources. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here and pack the beaches every year to take advantage of the warm climate and awesome view of wide beaches with huge granite walls guarding the background. Unlike Tel Aviv, Haifa and Akko on the Mediterranean, Eilat is the only city in Israel that provides access to the Red Sea through the Gulf of Eilat.

The most popular activities are those that have to do anything with seawater. There are scuba diving clubs, water skiing facilities, sailing charters, cruises, and underwater tours that include an underwater marine park and observatory. Eilat even offers special dolphin tours that are not only for the benefit of tourists but for the preservation of dolphins as well.

Since there is nothing much left of Eilat aside from great beaches, several tour agencies offer camel rides and historical tours through the desert behind the city. There in the Arava region, one may see archeological sites, desert wildlife and beautiful oases hidden in the desert between the mountains. One popular attraction in the desert is Timna Park, where one can observe people recreate life in the Ancient times and view The Tabernacle, an Egyptian Temple and Solomon’s Pillars.

For those who prefer technological wonders over what Mother Nature and the Bible has to offer, Haifa has just opened the new King’s City – a theme park based on the Bible featuring the latest interactive technology – and an amusement park. There are also numerous bazaars in the area for the bargain hunters and a vibrant nightlife for the night owl. Eilat is technologically advanced enough to provide WiFi areas for the travelers who need connectivity to the world as well. Traveling from the US to the Mediterranean could entail some heavy expenses, but at the present exchange rate of 1 Israel Shekel to 0.26 US Dollars, just being there should b a good bargain already.

New Years eve in downtown Liberia
Photo by: H Dragon, Creative Commons

Liberia is fast developing a reputation as a gateway to some of the best attractions Costa Rica has to offer. Although essentially a quiet city where traces of the country’s colonial past are still evident, Liberia has recently seen the opening of a new international airport which has driven tourist traffic into the city. From Liberia, tourists can have easy access to the many beaches in Guanacaste province, and are less than an hour’s drive from the beaches in Tamarindo and the newly-opened resorts in the Papagayo Gulf. National parks such as the Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieha and Parque Nacional Santa Rosa are also just to the north of the city.

Because of Liberia’s new status, there are moves underway to renovate the city’s downtown area and expand the local pedestrian mall. Tourists stopping over in Liberia can enjoy some of the local delicacies such as sugar cane juice (Juego de Cana) and snow cones (Copez Ricos) while taking a leisurely walk around the city and enjoying the spectacular sunsets.

Surfers from all over the world make pilgrimages to Sta. Rosa National Park to try their skills at Witches’ Rock, a surf spot that has earned a reputation for being not only the best in Costa Rica, but possibly the world as well. For Costa Ricans, the park has historical importance because it was in this spot where residents resisted an invasion by the American William Walker in 1856.

Tourists avoiding the crowds at the more prominent Guanacaste beaches flock instead to Rincon de la Vieha, where the still active Rincon Volcano provides a spectacular show. The park also boasts of bubbling mud-pots and natural hot springs.

Saladin Castle
Photo by: Ai@ce, Creative Commons

Latakia is recognized by the locals as the main port city of Syria. It is where commercial boats and cruises often dock from travelling the Mediterranean Sea. But apart from just being a regular port, this city also happens to be one of the thriving industrial and manufacturing sites in Syria. And because of the influx of people brought about the cruises and the trade in the place, the city decided to convert some of the cleaner beaches to resorts and their shores to hot shopping spots. While the sceneries on the beach are a sight to behold, one should not be led into thinking that those are the only things that the place can offer.

Like its neighboring towns and cities in Syria, it also has some historical sites that you may want to see. What exactly are those sites? Here are some of them.

Saladin Castle
This castle was built by the Knights of Templar during the Crusades held in the early 1100’s. Situated on top of a hill, in the middle of two steep and equally dangerous ravines, this fortress used to protect the Crusaders from possible Arab invasions. In 1188 however, the stronghold fell in the hands of Saladin – a fierce ruler with whom the structure was eventually named after.

Ugarit or Ras Shamra
Now this is where you should be heading if you are the type of person who absolutely digs anything and everything that has to do with ancient civilizations. Why? This is because the place is in fact the oldest and largest port in the history of the world! Some archaeologists even say that the city has thrived as far back as 2,500 years before Christ.
During its prime it was even believed to have held great libraries, complexes, water systems and several castles. Unfortunately, almost all those were destroyed when the Philistines invaded the city.

Museum
This is a haven for every scholar who wants to study ancient language. This is because the museum holds some of the huge stone tablets that showcase the alphabet of the old Syrian language.

Blue domed mosque in Mount Lebanon
Photo by: stevendamron, Creative Commons

Sometimes, life becomes simple when you find yourself on a spot in the map, where there are less demanding tasks and luxury is found on majestic landscapes and a relaxing slumber at a beautiful garden. That is life at Broummana, Lebanon, a city that is proud of how it can make life trouble-free and cushy.

This city is best recommended to visit for those who appreciate little things in life, and for those who find relaxation with nature. There are scenic sites, where one can truly feel the wonders that the natural world has given a long time ago.

Moreover, the simplicity of life here boils down to the food that people are eating and consider as their best-tasting cuisine. There is a bountiful harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year despite the hot climate the region endures throughout the year.

But regardless of the simple ways, the city continues to boast of some of its major tourist’s attractions. Known as a flower city, Broummana is home to some of the world’s most beautiful flowers. Moreover, you will also experience the wonderful natural sceneries that the city included in its ecotourism project. You will discover cliffs, mountains, rivers, huge rock formations, and hills that you will not see elsewhere. You can go trekking and hiking in mountain ranges and experience life at the wild.

For avid sightseeing fanatics, there are picture-perfect sites that are just right for you to discover. The church of the Prophet Isaiah is one of these sites, and it is a beautiful work of art because it was built in huge pieces of red and yellow lime stones.

The Deir Al Kalaa is an attraction to behold. There are temples and convents built in this area, and the ancient ruins continue to serve as a perfect reminder of the Phoenician people of the past.

Another place to visit is the Druze Sanctuary. It is a small structure built in bricks. It became a religious hub of the people in the middle age. Today, it is a must-see site that tourists will surely adore.

You shouldn’t leave Broummana without tasting some of their local dishes. Most of these are lamb or seafood cooking oozing with a different kind of zest. One famous dish is the Kafta Meshwiyye or spiced lamb sausage. It goes well with a vegetable salad and other main course. After every dinner, don’t forget to order coffee, because this is one important beverage among Lebanese.

Brasov townsquare
Photo by: cod_gabriel, Creative Commons

Brasov is the 8th largest city in Romania and located only 166 km from Bucharest, the country’s capital. Brasov is part of the Transylvania region and is famous to the world for hosting the annual Golden Stag International Music Festival. Its flag unveils a coat of arms and a crown as the city was originally name Corona by the German colonists.

Brasov is a good starting point for trips to different cities and places in Romania, including the Black Sea resorts. Brasov is the largest city in a mountain resorts area. Tourists often come to ride a cable car to the top of the Tampa Mountain, from which you have a beautiful lookout of the city. Cheap accommodations are very much available in the city.

Beautiful tourist attractions include The Black Church, which is a celebrated gothic site named as such because of the black smoke it produced during a great fire. The First Romanian School is another great destination as it is now a museum of the first Romanian printing press.

The St. Nicholas Church, the Art Museum of Brasov, the Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, and the Rope street (narrowest in the city) are also great places to go to. An interesting tourist destination is the nearby Bran castle, claimed to be the home of Vlad the Impaler, actually attracts many Dracula fans.

To complete a Sanian tour and make one’s visit more dynamic and exciting, a trip to Poiana Brasov would do all that. It’s a sightseeing spot that is also a great ski resort.

Ibex family
Photo by: PinkMoose, Creative Commons

Buyant-Uhaa is situated in the province of Dornogovi. It is found in the East Gobi which is the first spot visited by tourists via the train line from Beijing, China going to Ulaanbaatar. The sight viewed from the window of the train is a vast, flat, arid desert land of emptiness. Local trading between these two is supported using the railway transport while the rest of the locals rely on mining copper and small-scale business of oil extraction.

You can get to Buyant-Uhaa, Mongolia via plane directly to Buyant-Uhaa airport. From there cars, taxis, and buses are available going to your preferred hotel. Nearby popular hotels are found one kilometer away from the railway station and 50 minutes drive from the tomb of Genghis Khan.

A popular monastery nearby often visited by tourists is Khamaryn Khiid. Poet-monk Danzan Ravjaa first established the monastery which was once deserted by monks. Later on it became an important pilgrimage point among Mongolians and by tourists and researchers of Buddhism.

Main attractions that you can visit before your railway travel back to China are Ergeliin Zuu and Ikh Nart Natural Reserve. Ergeliin Zuu is a small obscured area in the region that has amazing rock formations. Paleontologists often visit this site as this include fossils of mammals that are believed and studied to be about 30 million years old.

Ikh Nart Natural Reserve is home to many wildlife animals including the mountain goats or ibex and black vultures. A natural spring across Khalzan Uul is believed to remedy different health ailments.

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.

Durban beachfront
Photo by: Bug-a-Lug (“,), Creative Commons

Durban is a beautiful coastal city that boasts of fabulous beaches. The city is nested along the coast, facing the southeast section of the Indian Ocean. Durban is the largest city in the KwaZulu-Natal territory and is the third largest city in South Africa. Beaches aren’t the only things they are famous for. Since Durban is a coastal city, it is a hub for maritime travel. Durban is known as the busiest port in South Africa.

Like most of South Africa, Durban has a mild sub-tropic climate. Summers here are wet and warm, while winters are dry and moist. Rain is very common in this area of the country as it is at the coast. Average precipitation in a year here is 39 inches. Durban offers great weather for a summer getaway, as summers are kept cool with a bit of rainfall. It will be warm, but not too hot.

Durban is big on tourism. Thus, they have a lot of tourist spots and entertainment areas. One good place to visit when on holiday here is the Golden Mile. The Golden Mile is a popular stretch of beach within the city limits. The name of the place was derived from the gold-like color of the sand when under the sun. This beach is famous among foreigners and locals alike. This is also a haven for surfing aficionados. The waves here come directly from the open sea. South African waters are famous for being shark-infested so beach authorities make sure to put nets around the area. You can also find the famous Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World here.

If you’re not much of beach fan, you can opt for an adventure that is less wet. You can visit the Umgeni River Bird Park and see all the indigenous birds of South Africa in one go. Here, you will get to see Africa’s majestic tropics in miniature.

Durban is a great place to visit for practically anyone. From casinos to sports events to bargain shopping, Durban can provide you all the entertainment and enjoyment you want.

Osh amidst the mountain range
Photo by: Oleg1975, Creative Commons

After touring different countries, where will you go next? Osh, Kyrgyzstan is definitely recommended for everyone. Being the second largest city in the country, this town is thought to be discovered by Alexander the Great and King Solomon because its age.

The main attraction that can be found in Osh is the Silk Road. This road has played a very important role in the trading system of several countries in Europe and Asia. The length is approximately 7000 miles with alternating land and water routes. Three respected mosques, each with different location and composition, can also be spotted within the municipality.

Aside from the famous Silk Road, you can also see loads of monuments by different renowned leaders of Kyrgyz. Kurmanjan Datka is one. She was known for standing firm to her belief and defended her country with her courage as an honorable politician. Her face can be closely seen at the 50 som’s currency. Lenin’s statues are also found in several cities of Kyrgyzstan including the city’s capital and Osh.

Last but not the least is the Kyrgyzstan’s pride, Sulayman Mountain. Out of 689 cultural sites of UNESCO, they chose this as one of their respected heritage simply because of the excellent spot for worship. On top of the mountain, you will climb a staircase going up to mosques, shrines and the museum. Baptisms are held here in belief of immense blessings it grants.

Make no mistake about it and be sure of your next destination by booking a flight to Osh, Kyrgyzstan.

Puerto Cortes – seafood right by the shore.
Photo by: madmack66, Creative Commons

Puerto Cortes is an awe-inspiring tourist destination in Honduras. The city for the residents is what the French Riviera is to the Parisians, and what Long Island is to the people of New York. Despite the presence of many fine beaches in many places in Honduras, many of the locals from different cities flock to Puerto Cortes for fun and unforgettable weekend getaways and a chance to relax and bask under the sun on the city beach. Puerto Cortes is situated on the Atlantic coast and is nearest to the city of San Pedro Sula. Like La Ceiba city, Puerto Cortes is also a busy port in the Caribbean. It is in the heart of the Garufina country, and it holds unique and vibrant Honduran events and festivals such as that held in Baja Mar.

Many hotels in Puerto Cortes provide great accommodations and access to the lovely beach. The Hotel Playa is said to have the best beach. Mr. Geers Hotel and El Centro are also good hotels. These residencies are more or less easy to find and get reservations for except during the holy week, known as Semana Santa, another Honduran holiday celebrated by all its cities. The Caribbean Cliffs Marine Club is another very lucrative hotel in the Puerto Cortes.

The city also boasts of a very fun and sexy nightlife, especially on the Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun. It’s an all inclusive adult’s only resort that is located Cancun’s tropical paradise. It provides world-class spa, exquisite suites, numerous gourmet restaurants and a very unique ambiance. It’s perfect for adults who want extra romance and privacy.

Cathedral of Szeged
Photo by: Gyorgy Kovacs, Creative Commons

Szeged, Hungary is one of the places to go to since you will be left with your jaws and eyes open at the sights and activities waiting for you. There are several places to go to within the walls of the city and this has led thousands of tourists to Szeged. They all promise to return each year if their budget would permit.

What is in store for you in Szeged? The right way to go about this city is by means of a guided tour. You could begin by visiting the Castle Garden. This is one of the archeological sites in the city and the garden boasts of splendid botanical varieties. Basically, if you would check your tour map, what you will see in Szeged will be a showcase of their magnificent architectural designs.

Head off to the Church of St. Nicolas – it is made in a Baroque design that you seldom see in your place. It is indeed a start of your spiritual journey so do include the Votive Church too. There are still synagogues for you to visit and pay homage to your creator. You could go to Jewish sites like the Old and New Synagogue which was made with Neo-Classical time of Architecture.

If you listen to the music in each and every place you go to, better head to Szegedi Nemzeti Színház. This is the National Theatre that has several activities like concerts that have made all tourists so happy. If you want to be seen, the place to be at is of course the Tisza Szálló or the Hotel Tisza. Even though it was built sometime in the 1800s, this place is bursting with tourists during their special concerts.

The weather condition is quite chilly and it would be best if you packed warm clothes during your entire stay. The temperature dips to as low as 4 degrees Celsius. With this in mind, when you visit the beautiful places in Hungary, the weather is the same so pack real heavy winter clothes to make sure you won’t get sick in the process.

Bilbao steps in a quiet neighborhood
Photo by: anaru, Creative Commons

The city of Bilbao is known for its success and focus in on commerce, it is a great place to visit and unwind. Bilbao is rich with history and culture that it is very proud of. Especially in recent years, the city has undergone some restorations and renovations for it to be able to preserve the best of the structures that it can offer.

Among the most special sites that the city of Bilbao has to offer are those that are relevant to their heritage and history. It is a great place to marvel fine architecture of old structures that was made in the past as it stood to witness history as it was made. These would include the Teatro Arriaga opera house, La Ribera market, Bilbao’s Cathedral of Santiago and Saint Anton Bridge and church. These are especially easy to find in the medieval neighborhood of Bilbao. The recent addition of the magnificent Guggenheim Museum has brought much attention to the city.

Soccer is the leading sport that many of the citizens of Bilbao supports. This is played at the San Mames Stadium. On the other hand, the main highlight of the city is the Semana Grande Festival. It is a 9-day festival that is held beginning the third Saturday of August. They hold strongman games that are participated by locals and foreigners alike. There are also free musical performances and other forms of street entertainment. There are also bullfights that are held during the festivities. Each night is ended with an extensive fireworks display that is truly marvelous. It is also said that each year’s program changes where some highlights are added or the schedule of activities are altered. It is easy to get a copy of the programmes as these are distributed and are made available throughout the city.

Anit Kabir Mausoleum – Ankara
Photo by: Alaskan Dude, Creative Commons

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey. It is located at the upper northwest area of the country. It is the second largest city next to Istanbul. It houses the Turkish Government and is an important center of commercial and industrial activities. It’s an ever-changing city in terms of the most favoured hotspots. It’s a modern historical city with a blend of everyday activities.
The city is situated in a steep rocky hill in the center of Anatolia. It rises 850 above sea level. Despite its location its land is quite fertile. Historically it was noted to be an important trading in the caravan route until the 19th century. Because of its strategic location during the war, it was declared as the new Turkish republic on 1932.

Ankara is a bustling city. Getting around is much easier and worry-free if you take the local transportation. There are available city buses that stop at major areas. There are two lines of underground train that run from 6:15am to 11:45pm daily. Taxis are also an option for easier travel. Climate in the city is continental. It has hot to dry summers and cold, snowy winters.

The landscape of Ankara is very interesting with the existence of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilization ruins. These archaeological sites are interesting places to visit too, when in Ankara.

The Ankara Citadel is the oldest area in the city. Inside the citadel are several restored Turkish houses that were transformed into restaurants. They serve local cuisine and provide a traditional ambiance. There’s also the Roman Theatre that still exists where its seating area is being renovated. The Roman Bath is also an interesting area where there are different rooms for baths. Today, its basement and first floor remain.

Mosques are also dominant in Ankara. They are beautiful religious structures that were mostly constructed during the 12th to 18th centuries. Some of these are the Aladdin mosque, Ahi Evlan & Haci Bayram mosques in the Ulus quarter, and Kocatepe mosque which are the largest and notable mosque in the city.
Ankara also has a variety of interesting museums and parks within the city.

Favourite shopping areas are found in the old shops in the Weavers Road near Ulus. Cafe culture is well known in Ankara and provides most of the life within the streets.