This is Khao Takiap (literally Mountain with Chopstick) – Hua Hin Thailand
Photo by: Pix of Stuff, Creative Commons

People have choices where to go for the holidays. This piece may help you make a decision for your next vacation. Hua Hin, Thailand may not be as famous as Bangkok but is famous for something else, and that is for their myriad of exceptional beach resorts. Just south from the country’s capital, you can enjoy the scenery in this district.

Visitors actually crowd the place during the hot months, March to May, just to get a sun-kissed skin. The famous of all beaches is Hat Hua Hin Beach with an overlooking at the legendary Buddhist Temple. Aside from the cool waters of the island and the fresh air you take in, the place is in fact a relaxing haven for vacationers. If you are here in the said month, you are lucky because every other year, 2010 as the next occasion, the city conducts Thailand’s International Kite Festival where kites of different shapes and sizes are seen flying over the atmosphere.

They also have a train station called the Hua Hin Railway Station that is very exceptional and also a must-see attraction. For nature lovers, try to visit Namtok Pa La-u, the two-tier scenic waterfall that is surrounded by different species of birds and vibrant butterflies. Kaeng Krachan National Park, the largest national park of Thailand, comprises Limestone and Granite Mountains bounded by thePhet Buri and Pran Buri River. Species of birds of different kinds can also be seen here as well. Hornbills, peacocks, pheasants, eagles and other forest birds are some of just some of the birds that live here while elephant, deer, bears and tigers co-exist with each other.

At night, you will still be busy shopping around the nightly street market of the city or the market villages where hand-woven printed cotton and silk fabric weaving can be purchased. Wood carvings of different key chains and ornaments are also made by Thai people that can be taken home with you as a souvenir.

Thailand is indeed packed with different areas to be discovered. Just bring your Visa with you and book a flight to Thailand and believe what you have read in here.

Kuching Mosque
Photo by: bingregory, Creative Commons

Kuching is a tourist haven. It is small, safe, warm, and fairly clean. The months from March until October are the best times to visit. Kuching, also, has plenty of interesting sights to offer visitors. Its primary sights are museums such as the Sarawak Museum, Dewan Tun Abdul Razak, Sarawak Islamic Museum, and Fort Margherita. There are also the Cat Museum, Sarawak Timber Museum, and the Sarawak Textile Museum. Nonetheless, other interesting places to visit are the Tua Pek Kong Temple and the Sultan Iskandar Planetarium. Furthermore, the skyscrapers that are built on verdant forests are simply breathtaking.

The Kuching Civic Center is a beautiful three-building complex. The Waterfront is perhaps the most well-known meeting area in Kuching. Then, tourists may also come to the Taman Budaya to jog, walk, and enjoy the surroundings. Plus, they may visit the Astana, Friendship Garden, and the State Library, as well. And if they want to shop for items, they may go to the Main Bazaar. This place consists of shops that sell a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. They may also go to the Boulevard Mall and to The Spring. Green Heights Mall and Sarawak Plaza are two other ideal places for shopping. However, cheaper items such as accessories and clothes may be found at Kenyalang Park and Hock Lee Center.

Then again, food trip will always be a favorite pastime. Sarawak laksa and kolo mee are among the most popular dishes. Mi sapi, manok pansoh, umai, manok kacangma, midin, bubur pedas, and mi jawa are also several other specialties. But the nasik aruk of Kuching is very good, as well. It is not really like the nasi goring because even if it is fried rice, it is not oily. It consists of garlic, anchovies, and onions. Then, visitors may go to the Dayang Café, Bla Bla Bla Restaurant, The Junk, and Restoran Barok to experience luxurious dining. They may also try the White Lady drink at Ah Meng’s stall. But they must also never forget to taste the Sarawak coffee which is very good and abundant in Kuching kopi-tiams.

City of Auckland
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Auckland was the former capital of New Zealand. Considered as the biggest city in the country, Auckland is home to many breathtaking attractions, scenic beaches, and islands worth visiting.

It is referred to as the City of Sails because of the numerous marine craft that visit its harbor. The Maoris, the indigenous people of New Zealand calls it “Tamaki Makau Rau,” which literally means a maiden with a hundred lovers, mainly because it has been fought over for because of its rich natural and water resources.

Auckland experiences warm and coastal weather with no extreme temperatures. It is considered as one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. Rainfall reaches up to four feet during and an average of 137 days throughout the year.

It has many restaurants and cafés and the cuisine is as diverse as its population. There is also wide range of locally produced wines. In the center of the city, you will find ethnic restaurants and shops more particularly, Asian-style eateries.

Sights and Activities

You can experience adventure and fun in Auckland by sailing in the harbor and bungee jumping off Auckland Harbor Bridge. You can also do some horseback riding along the beach shores or play golf. You can also experience the greatest trill by Sky Jump and Skywalk in the Sky Tower of Auckland.

Places to Visit

1. The Sky Tower. An observation and communications tower standing at 328 meters tall. It offers adventure activities such as Sky Jump and Skywalk which will provide you with the greatest heart pounding excitement as you visit Auckland.

2. Auckland Botanic Gardens. It offers beautiful garden paths and various plant species from all around the world.

3. Auckland Museum. The cultural and spiritual reference point for New Zealanders. If you wish to take a look at the rich culture and history of the people, this is an amazing place to get a glimpse of their amazing natural history and cultural performances.

4. Stardome Observatory. Reach the universe in five minutes by visiting the Stardome Observatory. This is a 360° planetarium where you can lie back and experience the universe in comfort.

5. Great Barrier Island. A remote island that is a perfect vacation spot where you can spend the day on the beach: diving, fishing, surfing, and sailing. You can also relax with the beautiful and spectacular landscape.

6. Butterfly Creek. It is considered as one of New Zealand’s most colorful attractions. It houses exotic butterflies and several species of birds, fishes, and reptiles.

Harbour View at Sliema under a full moon
Photo by: mescon, Creative Commons

Sliema is a major commercial and residential area in Malta. It is the neighboring city of St. Julian’s and houses some of Malta’s most modern hotels.

Sliema means peace or comfort and is once a fishing village. During the British period, it became a popular summer destination for the wealthier people of Valletta.

Food

Travelling is much more enjoyable with fine dining. Here are the restaurants that you can visit in Sliema:

1. Ristorante Fumia This restaurant is regarded as the best in Sliema. It offers the finest Italian seafood cuisines and is guaranteed to satisfy your palette.

2. The Peak Oriental Restaurant It offers Oriental foods with much emphasis on Cantonese dishes. The place has a lovely view of the harbor that you will surely appreciate while dining.

3. Giorgio’s Restaurant and Café Located across the waterfront in Sliema, this restaurant can give you a nice treat and a great view. It specializes in Maltese foods and pastries and is notable for its cleanliness and coziness.

4. T.G.I. Friday’s Restaurant Western cuisine at its finest. Offers great service and good view. If you are wanted to taste something familiar and experience the view of the waterfront, then you should visit this one.

Activities

Snorkeling and scuba diving is the most usual activity that you can engage in. Shopping is also a good idea since there are many trendy shops and boutiques in this city.

Attractions

You can also visit the following places in Sliema:

1. Palazzo Capua A recently restored palace that seats in the quiet residential area of Sliema.

2. The Stella Maris Church The mother parish in the town of Sliema. It was dedicated to Our Lady Star of the Sea and is considered as the oldest Catholic Church.

Juliasdale is a town located in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. The town is most famous for being the place where the first ever casino in the country was opened. However, that is not the only reason for people to visit Juliasdale. The mountainous Eastern Highland around the area provides tourists some lovely places to visit.

Places to visit:

• Ziwa Ruins – Among the ruins located near Juliasdale, the Ziwa ruins are the most popular and the most impressive. In 1946, it was declared as a National Monument; discussion is still going on whether the Ziwa Ruins will be listed as a World Heritage. It contains numerous ancient stone structures as well as pottery.

• The Eastern Highland – It is a mountain range located on the eastern side of Zimbabwe. The highland itself is a wondrous sight to behold but there are many places inside the area that attracts tourists. There’s the Mutarazi Falls, Africa’s second longest waterfall. The Honde Valley where the Pungwe and Honde River are located; it is quite steep. There are an abundance of tea and coffee growing in the Honde Valley due to its climate and topography. The famous Mutarazi Falls is also located in the Honde Valley which constantly attracts tourists.

• Nyanga National Park – Though it is located in Nyanga, a separate town, Juliasdale is really close and it is the last town tourists pass through to get to the park. There are many activities in the National Park such as hiking, camping, fishing, horse riding and boating. There are also numerous rivers and dams located in the park.

The landscape of Innsbruck, Austria is never the same depending on the time of year tourists visit this place. It changes from an almost all white winter wonderland scene to a contrast of brightly colored meadows against snowy mountain peaks during spring, summer and autumn. This makes the city a requisite starting point for those who would like to engage in either winter sports or summer hiking adventures in the surrounding Tirol mountain region.

Although this particular area of Austria is breathtakingly scenic in its entirety, it would be a waste not to further explore a city such as Innsbruck even for just a day. However, some people might find that one day is simply not sufficient to get to know the city in depth. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Even just concentrating on the three top spots within the city will be more than enough for anyone to leave with memories of Innsbruck, Austria that will last for a very long time. The three landmarks in the city that most tourists flock to are:

• Hofburg Palace area – This neighborhood is home to the historical, architectural and artistic heritage of the city. Hofburg is the royal residence built for Emperor Maximilian in the 14th century. The palace itself is oftentimes compared to Versailles in France, because of its lavishly designed interiors, buildings, and gardens close by. The Hofkirche or Court Church that contains a resting place of royals, such as Maximilian’s and Archduke Ferdinand II, as well as the remains of local hero Andreas Hofer.
• Tyrolean Folkloric Museum – In contrast to the royal opulence of the Hofburg Palace vicinity, this museum contains numerous artifacts that illustrate the more mundane lifestyle of city residents. Items here date back to the Middle Ages.
• Olympia Museum – This more modern facility showcases pictures, memorabilia and souvenir items commemorating the city’s role as the host of the 1976 and 1964 Winter Olympics.

In just three easy trips to these locations and to other equally interesting sites, tourists can truly enjoy their vacation in Innsbruck to the fullest.

The Huatajata Island in Bolivia is a scenic town located on the southeastern shores of Lake Titicaca. Consequently, Lake Titicaca is considered the highest navigable fresh water lake across the globe.

The climate in Huatajata is pleasant and cool because it has a high altitude of 3,954ft above sea level. The nights in the island are generally chilly. It rains the whole year round. The population in the island is approximately 3,700. Most of the inhabitants are Amerindians descents. The prominent tribes include Aymaras, Gurani, Quechuas, and Chiquitano.

The Huatajata Island is a good place for exploration near the Lake Titacaca. More often than not, tourists and visitors watch the abundance of waterbirds in the area. The island is less than 2 hours away from La Paz, Bolivia, which makes it good to go exploring on.

You can reach the island either by public transportation or package tour; however, if you can bring your own vehicle, it is much better. This is because you can stop at different focal places. Depending on the water levels of the lake, you can stop at bird conservations and other interesting places. Most tourists prepare their plan as follows: Take the paved road to Lake Titicaca as you leave El Alto. You can also take the road to Copacabana to explore great views of the town.

Due to diversity, the culture of Huatajata Island is already a major attraction for tourists. The Amerindian descents have preserved their culture, living and working in the island in the same way they did more than a hundred years ago.

If you want to experience the ultimate beach vacation getaway in the Caribbean, you should head to Cane Garden Bay, British Virgin Islands. This is a must-visit place in the Caribbean. It is probably the most popular beach in the area.

First, the location is a perfect tropical paradise. You can find tropical palms swaying in the wind, crystal blue water, gleaming white sand, and a bright and sunny weather. The place is picture perfect and you can’t help but wonder if the background is the one usually used in post cards.

The view of the beach is breathtaking enough, but the numerous activities that you can do in the water will also take your breath away—literally. You can go sailing, wind surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and jet skiing. A week-long visit will not be enough to do all the things that you want to do in Cane Garden Bay, British Virgin Islands.

Aside from water sports, you can also go horseback riding and jogging along the beach. This is a fun way to tour the island. You will see the different shops and people that inhabit Cane Garden Bay.

Cane Garden Bay, British Virgin Islands has many restaurants and bars that serve great food and rinks. If you want to try the favorite food in Cane Garden Bay, you should eat at Myett’s, Elm, and Quito’s. If you are craving for home-style food, you can go to Stanley’s which serves “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Just the name will make your mouth water.

The Bahamas capital Nassau may be a combo of old and new, but Freeport, Bahamas is an ultra-modernistic planned city. Also called Lucaya, Freeport is located on the Grand Bahamas Island—the island they call the Hong Kong of the Americas.

The greatest distinction of Freeport among the other islands in the Bahamas is its location. It is only 50 miles east of Miami Florida so you can imagine how strategic it is for business and tourism. Tourists and entrepreneurs flock to this island all year round, although it’s not only favored due to its location but its magnificent beaches as well. White sand, water sports, and deep-sea fishing—What can more can you ask for when in Freeport?

The history of Freeport goes back to more than five decades ago when a small group of entrepreneurs established a deep-water harbor and an economic zone on the island of Grand Bahamas. The businessmen’s vision was to make it a core shipping hub and an international business centre. Today, Freeport is all that and much more. Wonder how much pride these businessmen had the moment they saw their vision converted into reality.

Anyway, there’s just so much action in Lucaya that you will never find yourself bored. There are pristine white beaches, great hotels, magnificent casino, lively nightlife, and world-class scuba diving facilities. If you feel like playing golf, Freeport offers two large golf courses in the area. Shopping is also great here, especially at the Port Lucaya Marketplace.

Sandstorm over Riyadh
Photo by: Pedronet, Creative Commons

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia. What used to be a small-walled city is now known as the largest metropolis in the said country and one of the most successful and fastest growing cities worldwide. The commercial changes in the city transpired when the oil boom started in the 1950s; older buildings which used to swarm the city were then demolished and replaced by commercial hubs. Being the largest and the capital city, Riyadh is composed of 17 municipalities. Each municipality has its own story of colorful past and history that make it different from the other ones. Each distinctive story defines the vibrant character that the city has as a whole.

Along with Riyadh’s commercial evolution, culture has also shifted gear over the years. The city has also become the heart of trade and travel just like its neighboring areas— Dhahran and Alkobar. The city is also made alive by the different kinds of organizations that cater a myriad of services be it in culture, education, finance and agriculture.

The main attraction of the city is its architecture as it includes a pulsating mixture of the old and contemporary art— modern high-rise buildings towering over traditional establishments. Saudi Arabia’s tallest skyscraper and the world’s 36th tallest building called Burj Al Mamlakah is found in this city. Riyadh also houses over 50 embassies; twenty-two of which are the countries that belong to the Arab League.

If you want to experience Riyadh’s commercial aspect, the best city to go to is the Olaya District, which is considered as the heart and soul of city. They are bustling with all the entertainment, shopping and dining stuff that you need. If you want to experience its rich culture, however, you could pay its oldest part— Al-Bathaa— a visit. In this city lies the breathtaking 19th Century Masmak Castle which is one of the city’s best spots. The Riyadh Museum of History and Archaeology could also be found on its west.

Riyadh’s overall climate is dry as it receives little amount of rainfall in a year. Summers are usually very hot as the temperature hikes up to 50 °C. In July, the average temperature is 45 °C. Dust storms also frequent the city; they are characterized by thick dust visible less than 10 meters. Riyadh also experiences winter but only milder compared to other countries. Tourists should not expect snowfall too as the winter seasons in the city are just marked by windy and cold nights.

Coffee drinkers from all over the world – from North America to Europe – will readily associate good coffee with Colombia. However, only a select number of those millions of coffee connoisseurs are aware that the best Colombian coffee originates from the region around the city of Pereira, Colombia. The city’s strategic location in the center of the coffee growing region is more familiar among locals who have always been aware of how the fertile volcanic soil of the Andes Mountains contributes to the top quality of coffee originating from Pereira.

Because of this reputation, the initial settlers of Pereira, Colombia in the 1800s organized an annual Fiestas de la Cosecha or Harvest Fest in order to reinforce the region’s coffee producing reputation to the rest of he country. This long history of this festival has given rise to different idiomatic expressions in Colombian Spanish that refer to the coffee merchandising lifestyle of the Pereirans.

This mercantile spirit is very much alive in the downtown area of Pereira, Colombia which proliferates with modern shopping malls that can rival the liveliest malls found in North America. These malls are strategically located near interesting landmarks around the city such as the Naked Bolivar or Bolivar Desnudo Monument and the Viaduct built in honor of former president Cesar Gaviria who was born in Pereira. Furthermore, visitors can drop by the Matecana City Zoo which is the largest city zoo in the country.

Soccer season is a good way to mix with the locals who are ardent supporters of the home team, Deportivo Pereira. Regular matches are held at the massive Hernan Ramirez Villegas Stadium that can accommodate more than thirty five thousand spectators.

Those who are looking for a quick glimpse of the archaeological and cultural treasures the city’s pre-Hispanic native population has left behind, a visit to the Museo del Oro Quimbaya is a worthwhile endeavor. The museum houses excellent artifacts, pottery and gold treasures of the Quimbaya people.

Tourists going around the city will surely notice the presence of oversized green buses. Locals call these El Megabus. This El Megabus system of transportation was launched on August 2006 which resulted in the easier mass transit between Pereira and the neighboring cities of Dosquebradas, Cartago and Santa Rosa de Caba.

There is truly more to Pereira, Colombia than its reputation for excellent coffee. The city is alive with different social activities and points of interests that tourists from all over the world have appreciated and will continue to appreciate.

Colombia had been plagued by civil conflict for many decades. The country’s tourism industry suffered significantly during the lengthy war-ravaged times, but all those are things of the past now. Today, Colombia stands proudly in the Caribbean region as one of Latin America’s most prosperous, most promising, and most beautiful nations. Its tourism has greatly improved since the republic’s restoration; many people from all over the world come and visit Colombia and the different wonders it offers.

One of the infinite things that astonish tourists once they are on Colombian soil is the highly noticeable diversity of the country’s very vivid culture. With a past that’s as rich as their coffee plantations, it is not hard to understand why many tourists fall in love with the country and extend their vacations for an indefinite period of time. There are just so many places to see in Colombia, so many things to do and try, that it could get quite difficult to leave. This explains the continuous building of upscale hotels, quaint inns and hostels all over – indeed, the country’s tourism industry is enjoying significant improvement.

One of the places that must be visited when traveling in this lovely country is Baranquilla, Colombia. Baranquilla is lovingly known throughout the Caribbean as Curramba, La Bella – and rightly so. Music is one of the city’s greatest offerings, and notable musicians hail from here, including the Billboard award-winning rock band The Monas and Grammy award-winning solo act Shakira. There are several music festivals worth attending, including the Baranquijazz (for jazz enthusiasts) and the Miche Rock Festival (for lovers of all things rock and roll, including punk, pop, and metal), both of which have enjoyed stellar audience clamor for the past years. Back in the day, Baranquilla, Colombia was greatly responsible for spreading salsa in the Caribbean region. Today, it is an amazing mecca of traditional Caribbean rhythms and the birthplace of new sounds, including raspacanilla, mecumbre, and porro.

All throughout the city are bohemian hangouts where artists meet, converse, and create masterpieces. Nobel recipient Gabriel Garcia Marquez once lived in Baranquilla (early on during his career as a journalist) and has confessed the city’s substantial role in his literary production. His old hive, La Cueva, has been properly restored and is now open to the public as a charming art bar. Meanwhile, the Museo de Arte Moderno de Baranquilla has artworks by contemporary artists. The city also attracts more tourists during April with the Carnaval International de las Artes, an international arts festival. Indeed, to this day, Baranquilla, Colombia offers beauty that inspires.

Afternoon traffic in Iquitos
Photo by: Shazari, Creative Commons

Vacation in the jungle is one of the tour packages that an adventurous will never fail to miss out. Through this exhilarating escapade, the visitors are likely to experience an intimate contact with nature and the wildlife. If you are planning to explore more of the nature’s vast resources, a trip to Iquitos is a good idea.

Iquitos, Peru is a city in the Peruvian Rain forest that is hardly accesible to the outside world. However, this capital city of Loreto Region and Maynas Province is a haven for the adventurous and nature lovers. Strategically located on the Amazon River, tourists from different parts of the world come to this city via plane or boats to seek for an exciting jungle adventure.

The city of Iquitos benefits largely from eco-tourism. The inherent beauty of the Amazon jungle is one of its main attractions. Tourists and researchers arrive to this city to witness biodiversity right before their eyes. The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, which is located 150 kilometers from Iquitos, is the largest reserve in Peru that offers a great diversity of living species. There are atleast 2000 known species thriving in this flooded forest, including the endangered ones.

Aside from the lush rainforest and reserves, Iquitos also offers picturesque shantytowns. One good example is the Belén neighborhood. Belén is actually one of the main tourist attractions in Iquitos. Cruising through the clear river, Belén’s floating houses and local boats gives visitors some ideas about the culture of the local residents in Iquitos. Some people refer to this town as the Venice of the Amazon, which is simply an appropriate title. There is also an open-air market in Belén where tourists can try on some of the local medicinal plants. In case you did not know, the natives of Iquitos have an undying faith in these curative plants, which came as part of their folklore. They believe that all illnesses can be cured through these natural remedies.

To have a better understanding of the city and its rich tradition, tourists are encouraged to visit the Amazon Museum, where most exhibits about the diverse culture of Iquitos can be found. There are also boatrides that allow the tourists to visit indigenous communities such as Boras and Yaguas.

There are plenty of activities to do in Iquitos. Visitors may opt for a canopy walk or bird watching. Slowly traversing the river to get into some key roads is a pleasure trip in itself. Iquitos is such an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of nature while appreciating the abundance of life.

Haifa view from Carmel
Photo by: david55king, Creative Commons

Haifa is not a city for the quick, mad-dash-through-the-sites tour. It is better savored as a getaway and leisurely vacation for the weary and a chance to absorb a little culture while doing so. Another of Israel’s cities by the sea, Haifa has great historical value among the Israeli for its role in harboring German refugees during World War II. Before then, it was just another seaport of little significance. Today, Haifa offers great beaches for surfing, sailing, Mediterranean cruises and other water sport activities. Unlike the bustle of Tel Aviv, the pace in Haifa is slower and more serene. A favorite activity during the day is a leisurely stroll through the Bat Galin Promenade, visiting the numerous diving and surfing clubs. From there, visitors can choose to sit and relax by the beach in one of the many coffee houses, restaurant and straw huts or take a cable car ride up the Carmel for a breath-taking view of the beach and the Ridge of the Carmel. From there the tourist has the option to ride the cable car down again or take the scenic route through several routes down to the sea.

One such route will take the visitor through the Baha’i Gardens of Haifa to the Shrine of the Bab – the final resting place of the Prophet and Herald of the Baha’i faith. The Garden itself consists of a staircase of nineteen terraces that extend up the Northern face of the Carmel, over-looking Haifa Bay towards its sister – the Baha’i Gardens of Akko. It is a tribute to the loving labor of several generations sharing a common faith.

Other routes down Mount Carmel will go through historical ethnic towns and the Old German Colony where many immigrants from Germany landed and took refuge. The routes are clearly marked so one will know which route will take him through his chosen site.

Other activities in Haifa include taking the Carmelite cruise round Haifa Bay and visiting the Haifa Museum of the Performing Arts and the Haifa Municipal Theater for some culture and art. If you’re looking for some relaxation and quality time, visit Haifa and absorb the ambience.

Fishing Boats at Jacmel
Photo by: Lee Cohen, Creative Commons

People may now be aware of Haiti because of the recent earthquake that hit the country. But perhaps it would also be good to take note of the other towns in this country that happen to be amazing tourist attractions should one be in the area for a visit. And one such amazing town is Jacmel. Jacmel is one of the port cities of Haiti and is depicted as a laidback coastal town. It is a three hour drive from the city of Port-au-Prince and can also be reached via air.

The people are very charming as the town they live in. Majority of the people are coffee merchants whose mansions have greatly influenced the architectural style of the building of New Orleans. Nothing much has changed in Jacmel since the 1900s.

The town of Jacmel or Yaquimel, is famous for its handcrafted face masks and paper mache’ animals. The adventurous traveler will have a great time touring the different colonial and impressive structures of the town that dates back to the 1800s. You may also want to visit the beaches of Raymond Les Bains and Congo Black Sand Beach while you are in the town. There is also a tourist attraction somewhere in the mountains where a clear pool of waterfalls will invite you to take a dip. In order to get to this area however, you will need to take a guide with you as they are the only ones who can show you the route.

Many people visit the town of Jacmel for its tranquility and safe distance from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Limon Harbor
Photo by: gailf548, Creative Commons

Due to its remote location that is set apart from the rest of Costa Rica, tourists may find Limon different from other places they have visited in the country. This is likely due to the cultural diversity of its residents, who mainly consist of Costa Ricans of Caribbean descent as well as indigenous Indians from tribes such as the Talamanca Cabecarv, Cocles and Bribri. This is particularly apparent in Puerto Limon, the provincial capital, which is heavily influenced by Afro-Caribbean culture.

The major attractions of Limon are its many natural wonders. The province has inland rainforests which reach up to the coastline and swampy lagoons in the north. Limon is also home to the Parque Nacional Tortuguero, a major sea turtle nesting site, where tourists can watch loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles nesting, and the Parque Nacional Cahuita, where the country’s biggest coral reef can be found.

Of course, like other tourist spots in Puerto Rico, the beaches remain the major draw; the province boasts of some of the most beautiful white sand beaches to be found anywhere in the world. Visitors can avail of diving opportunities, surf breaks and sport fishing. Vacationers, however, should avoid visiting between December and January and May and August, since these are the times when rainfall in the province is heaviest.

It is also worth visiting Limon during Carnival, an eagerly-anticipated event which is celebrated in mid-October. During Carnival, activities such as parades, street parties and outdoor concerts featuring national and international concert groups are held, and a Carnival Queen is chosen. The city comes to life as the entire community participates in the event.

Resafa Ruins
Photo by: Ai@ce, Creative Commons

Maskanah is not really a town that is likely to appear in travel guides. Why? This is mainly because the town actually lacks the ruins that are present in the other places in Syria. To the locals’ eyes and perhaps to the tourists as well, it is just a small, unpretentious and quiet neighborhood.

But regardless of the seemingly “boring” façade of this place, some people still decide to go here because in a way Maskanah is like a hub to other popular destinations in Syria. Some of which have a few of the historical sites that you absolutely have to see. To give you a better idea, here is a list of the nearby tourist attractions that you can go to if you are staying in Maskanah.

• Otniel – situated 5 kilometers away from Maskanah. This city is a Jewish Orthodox settlement for the Israelis in the area. The place is famous for Hesder Yeshiva – an institution that integrates the teachings of the Talmud with military tactics.
• Ashdod – Sea – this is an archaeological site off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The artifacts that were uncovered here were dated as far back as the Iron Age. People also frequent this place to see the fortress of Kal’at Al Mina and the lighthouse that may have been constructed during the Byzantine Period.
• Tel – Es Safi – this landmark is often referred to as the “White Hill”. The place got its name from the white precipices that cover the hills in the area. Centuries ago, this was a Palestinian settlement where great houses and brick – made mosques were once built. According to some historians, the old city thrived from trading cereals and fruits from their own orchard.
• Ness Ziona Stadium – this is a recent addition to the tourist destinations in Syria. It was built and used to hold football games that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Those are some of the places that you need to see next time you decide to visit Maskanah. Yes, you may spend a few of your hours travelling but the sights that you are bound to behold makes your every minute worthwhile.

Jounieh Bay
Photo by: Serge Melki, Creative Commons

An escape to Jounieh, Lebanon may just one of the most wonderful journeys in your life. The ancient civilization that blends well with modern-day living will daze anyone who will come and visit the place. There are chains of adventure and breathtaking sights to explore, making your vacation a superb memory to treasure.

A Haven for Entrepreneurship

If you have a passion for business, then this is a perfect city for you to visit. Trade and commerce is almost everywhere, and people would love to sell anything from food to souvenir items. The center of the city is congested with restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, and clubs. The night-time is not totally different from the day, because the streets remain active and crammed with merchants and party people. Moreover, a lot of tourists enjoy barbeque parties at the streets with some beers.

Attractions

The Statue of Our Lady of Harissa. This towering figure soars high at the port of Jounieh and greets visitors as they enter the port. Anyone who wishes to go near this statue will have to take a cable car.

The Jounieh Bay Area. This is a very beautiful and romantic place, especially during sunset. It overlooks the magnificent view of the other side of the city from afar, and it is a perfect spot for lovers.

Dog River. It is a small body of water that adds beauty to the city’s natural landscape. A stroll along this river will lead you to a huge rock where faces of the great rulers of Egypt and the Arab world were carved.

Mount Lebanon. If want to see some natural masterpieces, then this is a perfect spot for you. You will explore different landscapes, as well as wild flowers. On a cave located near the base of this mountain, you will find colorful rock formations of stalagmites.

The Municipal Hall. This very important building at the center of the city is also a tourist attraction. Apart from the council meeting being held inside, this building takes pride in its impressive structural design.

The Lebanese Heritage Museum. One of the biggest houses of art in the country, this museum is home to thousands of painting, sculpture, literature, and other artefacts that are considered proofs to the existence of Phoenician culture and the glories of empires that once ruled in the city.

Casino Du Liban. This is an entertainment hub located at the northern part of Jounieh. Casino games and concerts are held here.

Cişmigiu Garden / Park, Bucharest, Romania
Photo by: cod_gabriel, Creative Commons

Economically the most prosperous and the capital of Romania, Bucharest is the sixth largest city in the European Union and its country’s industrial, cultural, and financial center. With elegant architecture and very sophisticated elite, Bucharest is called the Little Paris of the East. The city has a broad range of cultural venues, educational facilities, convention facilities, shopping arcades and recreational areas.

The city of Bucharest is culturally and historically rich, with a temperate continental climate. Believe it or not practically everything in Bucharest is a tourist attraction, from railway stations to churches, sports arenas, private and public infrastructures, political buildings and monuments.

Its historical attractions include the remains of the Curtea Veche, the royal court in Bucharest during the Middle Ages, and the CEC Palace, Bucharest’s History Museum. The Bucharest City Hall, the Palace of Justice, and the Palace of the Parliament are the city’s grand political buildings. The Palace of the Parliament in particular houses not just the Romanian Parliament but also the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Other cultural buildings sought after by tourists include the Museum of the Romanian Peasant, the I.L. Caragiale National Theater, and the Zambaccian Museum. Even the National Bank of Romania is a place to visit, as it exhibits bank notes, coins, documents, silver and gold bullion, dies, molds, maps and photographs.

Bucharest also boasts of gigantic sceneries such as the National Stadium, the Cretulescu Palace which is a historic structure, the very wide Alba Lulia Square, and the United Nations Square.

There are more places in Bucharest for site seeing, but other than that tourists will surely enjoy live music and night life at clubs, a stroll at its famous parks and gardens, and great shopping and feasting at Bucharest’s great malls and restaurants.

Landscape in Western Mongolia
Photo by: tiarescott, Creative Commons

Khovd is a unique ethnic city in the town of Hovd, Mongolia. The place was almost fully developed acquiring an airport, a theater, a cinema, kindergartens, University of Western Mongolia, and a huge hospital. You can get there by plane or by bus while you can ride a taxi to take you around Khovd.

Hovd is made up of 17 large towns where some of the ethnic tribes reside including the Kazakhs and the other seven Mongolian tribes. Some of the tribes that represent their own town have their own culture, dialect, clothes, dances, songs, ceremonies, and musical instruments. This is a once in a lifetime experience for every tourists to learn and know the different customs and traditions in every town.

The sights to visit in Khovd include Baatar Khairhan Mountain which is about six kilometers south of Khovd city and airport. This mountain is a famous historical site because it symbolizes the freedom of Hovd city when Mongolian soldiers attacked the troops of Manchu in 1912. Ancient carvings are found on mostly the south parts of the mountain.

Another interesting sight you should not fail to see is one of Khovd’s famous aimag attractions – the cave paintings inside Tsenkheriin Agui located in Mankhan soum. The red-ochre drawings and masterpieces found inside are believed to be from ancient times and existed 15,000 years which could date back from the late Stone Age era.

Pictures were taken and preserved in the two-storey Khovd Museum where it also highlights the displays of orthodox costumes of the ten indigenous tribes of Khovd.

Fortaleza, Brazil is known to the whole world as a bustling city with roughly 2 million or more residents. And just to accommodate these inhabitants and some tourists who occasionally visit the place, you will find that Fortaleza is practically lined with hundreds of apartment complexes, first class hotels and motels.

But hotels, motels, apartments and office blocks do not really define what Fortaleza is. There are so many places to see and so many things to experience in this place. If you want to know what exactly they are, then read on as we provide you 3 of the places that you should visit when you are in the city.

1. Mercado Central or The Central Market

This place is not only perfect for people who are lovers of flea markets but it is also the spot you have to visit if you want to experience true Brazilian culture. This is because in the marketplace you will find true blue Brazilian food, crafts and products that are practically lined up in colorful stalls on the street.

2. Beira Mar

If you did not have enough shopping in Mercado Central, you can continue your shopping spree in Beira Mar. Beira Mar is open to the public from 6AM to 10PM everyday. Here you can again find food, arts, crafts and some fine linen. What’s more is that the prices of goods in this area are simply unbelievable. But if you want to save more then remember this – haggling in Beira Mar is always a good idea.

3. The Beaches

These pristine beaches can be especially beautiful at night. So if you are comfortable in boats, then you may want to take a 2 – hour cruise that starts in Beira Mar. In the cruise, you can expect to see the city’s skylines and the bars in all the happening beaches out there. If you want to, you can also go down the boat and take a short swim in one of the calmer beaches in the area.

But if you think that taking a cruise is not really a good idea, then you can take the city bus or rent a taxi to take you to two of the most visited beaches in the area which is Praia do Futuro and Praia de Iracema. At daytime, the sun on those beaches can give you a good tan and at night, the shores are especially famous for their great parties and happening bars.

Johannesburg – Sandtown Mall
Photo by: attawayjl, Creative Commons

Johannesburg is a very diverse and renowned city. It is the largest city in South Africa and is the capital of the Gauteng provinces, the wealthiest province in the country. Johannesburg became developed after the African gold rush came to be. In 1886, gold was discovered in Langlaagte, Johannesburg. This even drove countless European and American hopefuls to venture to the continent and look for gold, this prompting the city’s immediate development. Johannesburg is one of the richest cities in South Africa and the whole African continent today.

The climate in Johannesburg is sub-tropical highland. This means that the weather is relatively sunny with mild to moderate rain showers in the winter months. The city has warm days and cold nights. Snow isn’t common, but frost does occur, especially on winter evenings. The air the city is very fresh and clean. That is because Johannesburg is home of the world’s largest man-made forest. Thanks to these trees, the air and pollution are regularly cleaned up.

Johannesburg is a very metropolitan city because it is a business hub for South Africa. Most of the sights here are man-made, but all of them will surely impress you. One very important place to go to in Johannesburg is the Apartheid Museum. Here, you will learn about the hardships and trials the indigenous South Africans went through at the time of the Apartheid. The Apartheid is an important part of South African history. This was a time when indigenous Black South Africans’ rights were curtailed and undermined by the government itself. You will surely appreciate South Africa more after going here.

Here, you will also find South Africa’s version of “The Two Towers.” The Sentech and the Hillbrow Towers dominate the Johannesburg skyline day and night. They are utilitarian telecommunications towers, but do add much to the overall aesthetic of Johannesburg.

There are so many places to go to in Johannesburg. There are so many museums and other educational institutions. After visiting Johannesburg, surely your knowledge of South African culture will be as rich as the city itself.

Tash Rabat Valley at Naryn
Photo by: Gusjer, Creative Commons

Kyrgyzstan is a country located at Central Asia. It is surrounded by other countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. Naryn is at the center of Naryn Province with five districts.

In the first district, Ak-Talaa, is the capital Baetov where you can travel towards the famous Torugart Pass going to China. The path here is sandy, almost like a desert, with lots of snow-coated mountain tops setting. Red, rusty orange, brown, light brown are the hues that cover the mountain’s body. At-Bashi, the second district, can be found on the southwestern town of Naryn. The site to see here is At-Bashi River that serves as a border from two countries. Jumgal and Kochkor districts on the other hand, also have bodies of water that connects to the main river. Tian-Shan, the last district, is the most populated district of all since 98% of Kyrgyz lives here.

The Tian-Shan Mountains are highly appreciated by writers and producers because of its incredible look especially right after winter season. Video games such as Indiana Jones and The Infernal Machine and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 used this scenic spot as a field goal for their completing a quest. Son-Kul Lake is also an awe-inspiring view that can only be accessed from June to September through Sary-Bulak road. You might not want to stay here since accommodations are not available. But if you really want to spend a night here, you can just rent a private space from the neighborhood.
Now that you know this, get your visa and go to Naryn, Kyrgyzstan.

Aerial of Guanaja Island
Photo by: NASA, Creative Commons

Although people take vacations to have fun, it cannot be denied that most of them go on a tour to escape a hectic life and enjoy the seclusion and mystery of great tourist destinations. This is why Guanaja island of Honduras, is a hit among tourists who come to visit Central America. Located in the eastern most part of the Bay Islands, Guanaja boasts of spectacular and wide-open beaches filled with quirky and friendly English-speaking islanders. It is known as the island of pines as Guanaja is the only island where conifers dominate the vegetation. The Michael Rock Peak makes Guanaja island the tallest of the Bay Islands and it offers great scenic views of the Caribbean Sea as well as hiking opportunities.

The island boasts of secluded up-scale resorts accessible by boat. Such resorts provide privately lush and relaxing vacation opportunities. Adventurous people will especially enjoy Guanaja Island as it offers a lot of fun activities for its visitors such as diving, reef explorations, a site of pinnacles and volcanic caverns, and also island wrecks. When it comes to diving tourists are likely to be excited and confused as Guanaja has about 45 amazing diver spots. A new dive spot is in the Mestizo Reef. Believe it or not it is named as such because the 65-foot water includes statues of Christopher Columbus and an Indian chief, part and parcel of a shipwreck and many artifacts including Spanish cannons.

Other great activities you can do while in Guanaja Island include hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, visits to waterfalls, swimming, and discovering ancient Mayan artifacts.