World War 2 wreck in one of many bays in Espiritu Santo
Photo by: KirrilyRobert, Creative Commons

The islands of Vanuatu each offer a different kind of adventure. They offer a little piece of paradise for adventure enthusiasts. The archipelago has many islands, its major provinces are: the Torba Province, Sanma Province, Penama Province, Malampa Province, Efate, Tafea Province and Shefa Province, this where Tongoa is located.

Tongoa, also known as Kuwae, is the largest island in the Shefa or Shepherd province of Vanuatu. Nearly 9 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide, it got its name from an eponymous plant that grows on the large island. The island is covered with thick vegetation and is active with geothermal activity. The island is well known for its numerous ancient volcanic craters and black sand beaches.

It has been found that there had been human settlements on the island as early as 500 B.C. Up to the 13th century AD; Tongoa was the center of the empire of Tonga. Vanuatu was founded again by British and French missionaries during the 19th century, where they called the islands ‘the New Hebrides’. After World War II, there was a power struggle between the foreign colonizers and the indigenous islanders, over interests of political and economic matters of the islands. Eventually, the islands were let go and became fully independent by the year 1980.

The islands have a subtropical climate. Most days are warm, humid and wet, especially during the months of November to April. Rainfall is moderate. Tongoa is part of the geologically active archipelago. The island is filled with a playground of colorful reefs, astounding volcanoes and a lush, green jungle. There are plenty of things you can do while in the islands. Go and visit to the crater of Yasur, which is the most accessible active volcano on Earth. Another fun activity while in Tongoa is kayaking around the islands’ coast line. Or maybe hike or bike through their many tropical rainforests and coconut plantations. If you are more interested in the island’s history, try going underwater and explore the underwater World War II relics.

Those who prefer less action and adventure can still enjoy Tongoa! Relax and catch some sun from the islands’ many beautiful beaches. Sample their multi-cultural cuisine. Charter a boat and hop from one island to another. Tourism is mainly centered on Espiritu Santo, Efate and Tanna, although one can still visit and explore the rest of the islands. Who knows, you might discover something new and exciting!

Ulturoa
Photo by: nilsrinaldi, Creative Commons

Ulturoa, or Uturoa, is the northern municipality of the island of Raiatea. The island itself forms part of the Leeway group of Islands, composed of Tahaa in the north, and Bora-Bora in the northeast. These islands, as well as Moorea and Tahiti to the southeast, comprise the Society Islands of French Polynesia.

Raiatea is the second largest island after Tahiti. Yet, it shares a surrounding coral reef with Tahaa, and geologists speculate that both may have been one island some time in the past. The Tahitian name of the island is Ra’iatea, which means “bright sky.” The designation is not too surprising since it has the Pacific summer most of the year, and coral blue ocean around the islands only brighten up the day.

An interesting thing about Raiatea is that the island is widely considered to be the center of Polynesian and Ma’ohi culture. The natives believe that this is where a number of important Polynesian gods were born. Many ethnologists also believe that Raiatea is the “staging ground” for important mass migrations to the islands east of it, and even Hawaii and New Zealand. In fact, the traditional name of the island is havai’i fanau fenua, or “Hawaii bearer of land.” The Maori in New Zealand have a saying which goes, “That your nose may arrive in Raiatea!” an exhortation to personal excellence. Many of these islands’ ancestors brought rocks from Raiatea for remembrance.

Ulturoa is the largest town of Raiatea and where the central administration of the Leeway Islands is based. A majority of the isle’s tour outfits make their camp here. While Bora-Bora’s tourist attractions are entirely focused on its beaches and lagoons, Raiatea’s tourist industry concentrates more on the island’s historical artifacts and sacred sites. These temple sites, known locally as “marae,” were left by ancient Polynesians as they migrated to other islands. They say this is a Polynesian archaeologists’ paradise. Several tours originate in Ulturoa, and make their way towards the most important site of all, Taputapuatea Marae.

Aside from historical places of significance, a visitor can charter a kayaking or outrigger tour up the island’s river, the Faaroa. It is considered the only navigable river in Polynesia. Plus, if one wishes to, he/she can hire a boat to visit Raiatea’s sea turtle sanctuary grounds.

Additionally, one can arrange a sea trip to encircle the island of Tahaa on the north. There, you will see pearl and vanilla farms, and fish sanctuaries, surrounding what the natives call the “Vanilla Island.”

Mele
Photo by: hiddedevries, Creative Commons

Aniwa is a small island in the southernmost point of the Tafea Province. Rising merely 42 meters above sea level, the island is actually a raised coral atoll island. In the northwest, you can find the Itcharo Lagoon that is open to sea.

Aniwa has five main islands: Itamotou, Isavai, Imale, Ikaokao, and Namsafoura. The main village Ikaokao is located in the southern area of the island.

The island is a Polynesian outlier. Its current inhabitants were originally from Samoa, people from the Wallies and Futuna group as compared to Melanesian people from other nearby islands. There is however much inter-marriage with Tanna over several generations. The inhabitants of the islands speak Futunan.

Things to See and Do

Aniwa is a place that offers you a lot of things to do and it’s all up to you. This place is for people who crave adventure.

Diving – the archipelago has one of the most accessible dive sites in the South Pacific. The warm harbor, coral reefs, shipwrecks, drop offs and caves make diving an unforgettable experience. Diving in Vanuatu provides excellent visibility all year round. Snorkelling is also another fun activity to do, since the rich playground of coral reefs and abundant marine life is present all over Vanuatu’s coastal waters.

Wildlife – go sightseeing and check the country’s beautiful butterflies, exotic birds and other more exotic animals. Go on a nature tour, bird watching or go on a bush adventure.

Volcanoes – You can visit the Mt. Yasur Volcano and walk to the crater to view its multiple vents. You will enjoy visiting it at night when you can see the fountains of erupting ash, glowing bright red against the black and starry sky.

Sea activities – one has almost unlimited possibilities to do when at the Vanuatu sea: go fishing, sailing, sightseeing, snorkelling, swimming, cave tours and more. The beaches are one of the finest found in the South Pacific! They also have magnificent black sand beaches on some volcanic islands, definitely worth a visit.

Culture – Check the islands’ diverse cultures by visiting the Vanuatu Cultural Center & Museum, where they have the interesting Custom Village Tour. Get to know the natives from the different islands as well as their art objects, rituals, dance and more.

Old Buddhist monastery in Raharpur
Photo by: France Voon, Creative Commons

Bogra is a small town found in north-western Bangladesh. It is considered the center for transportation in this area because it connects most part of northern Bangladesh to the rest of the country. Not many people are aware of the tourism potential of this town, but unknown to them; it is bustling with history and a colorful culture.

Most of the places you can visit in this town exude the rich history of this region. The earliest archeological site in Bangladesh, known as Mahasthangarh, can be found here. It was also the site of the first capital of the country. The ruins of the capital as well as remnants of the wall and a few artifacts remain, making it most suitable for archeological digs and studies. About two kilometers south, you can find the Gokul Medh, an excavated mound which seems to imitate the concept of steps.

Tourists also enjoy visiting the Nawab Palace, which also houses the Nawab Bari museum. There you can find pieces of artifacts dating back to the centuries when it was used as a Neelkuthi during the British occupation. There is also a Jaina temple in Saatmathha, Bogra. It serves to showcase a collection of artifacts to signify the importance of the religion of Jainism in Bengal.

About 60 kilometers away from Bogra you may find the Paharpur, where the remains of the largest and the only Buddhist monastery south of the Himalayas may be found. This has also been declared as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and artifacts like coins, potteries, parchments and writing were found. There is also a Paharpur Museum that house these found artifacts. The Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides travel packages for those interested to visit this historical site.

You can also try visiting the ancient city of Arulia, located just 3 miles outside of Bogra. This is another historic destination that includes artifacts and pieces evidencing the parts of history that signified the area. You can also visit the Shahjahanpur, located less than five miles south of Bogra. This is an ancient city founded by Shuja the ruler of Bengal during the 1660s.

Of course part of the trip is the experience one gets from mingling with the locals. You must really get to know the people here and try the famous yoghurt of Bogra known as “dai” which is exceptionally rich and sweet. The main form of transportation in the city is rickshaws since the streets are narrow and often crowded.

Hvar
Photo by: Boris Tylevich, Creative Commons

Hvar is the part of the country famous for its close-to-nature feel and lovely ambiance that is very relaxing. Blessed with beautiful beaches and abundant vineyards found at the foot of the mountains and hills that radiate with fresh flowers, Hvar is the ultimate destination for those seeking tranquility and peace. It is a paradise island of endless possibilities.

The busy months in Hvar are from May to September when tourists flock to this Adriatic town to unwind and explore. Italians love visiting this town as well as young people because of its cheap cost of living. There are many tourist establishments in the area preserving the island’s natural ambiance.

But since it has become quite popular among foreign visitors, the need for more hotels has arose and investors started building five star hotels in the area. This is seen as another added treat to the visitors as they will now have more access to luxurious accommodation while enjoying their stay in the island.

Getting around Hvar is made easier with the car rentals that are readily available. You may explore the whole town riding your rented car and discover the many treasures that this beautiful part of Croatia has to offer.

Aside from the nice view and experience at the pristine beaches, there are also places of historical value around Hvar, which you may tour. Among these is the Town Square that is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, and biggest squares in the country. Measuring about 4,500 square meters, this Town Square has been the center of Hvar since the 13th century.

Beautiful architecture is also among the many reasons why tourists are lured to spend their vacation here in Hvar. An example of its brilliant architecture is the Cathedral of St. Stephen, which stands at one end of the Town Square. It was built between the 16th and 17th centuries and has an elaborately decorated bell tower that is four-stories high.
For the more adventurous type of tourists, there are hiking trails in the nearby archipelago of Pakleni, which you may reach by riding in a water taxi. The southern cliffs of Hvar may also be hiked to get a breathtaking view of the blue sea below.

Hvar is definitely a perfect mix of art, nature and history wrapped in the town’s rich culture. It is a wonderful place to discover while you relax away from the noise of the city.

Johor Bahru – sunset view from Senibong
Photo by: emrank, Creative Commons

Johor Bahru has many interesting landmarks. The Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, for instance, is a combination of Victorian and Moorish architecture. The Sultan Ibrahim Building, on the other hand, is a combination of Renaissance and Anglo-Malay architecture. Another place of interest that tourists may visit is the Johor Bahru Art Gallery. It presents a lot of modern Malaysian paintings. Then, they may also go to several natural attractions such as the Johor Zoo, which offers boat rentals for tourists. A private zoo called the Saleng Zoo is also a great place to visit since it is maintained well. Other interesting attractions are the Orchid Valley, Haji Ali House, and Istana Garden.

Then again, plenty of sports are also available in Johor Bahru. Plenty of golf courses are easily accessible. Perhaps, the most lavish club is the Royal Johor Country Club. And among the largest is the Tanjung Puteri Resort. Water sports are popular too. So, places like the Danga Bay and the Stulang Laut are also available. Then, tourists who are very fond of diving will surely like Johor Bahru’s diving spots, as well. The Pulau Sibu PADI Center, Dan’s Nasty Frogmen Dive Base, and Downtown Divers are really popular.

In addition, tourists may also indulge in massages and spas in places like the Massage Gallery Home Spa. They can go to the Mawar Complex or to the Johor Society for the Performing Arts too. They can also shop at the City Square, the Plaza Larkin, and in Holiday Plaza. And when they get hungry, they can go to Banafe Café to try out the nasi ayam penyek. They can also go to Warisan Anjung Seri, which is very popular to the locals. However, they must have a reservation because the place can get really crowded. Even so, they may also go to the New Hong Kong Restaurant for its hot yam paste dessert. And to bars like Bert’s Keller and TGI Fridays for some booze. They may also easily find places to stay, since hotels in Johor Bahru are relatively abundant. There is basically an accommodation for tourists with different budgets.

Rotorua Museum of Art & History
Photo by: Sandy Austin, Creative Commons

Rotorua is a multicultural district in New Zealand. It is located in the central North Island. It is known as the heart of the Maori culture.

It is well renowned for Maori art, craft, and culture. It is also the home of many contemporary artists, craftsmen, performers, and musicians. It is known as a spa town and a major tourist spot since the 1800s. Rotorua is a major tourist spot in New Zealand and is known for geothermal activities as well as geysers and hot mud pools.

One of its main attraction is mountain biking. It is the location of the Whakarewarewa Forest, which is usually coined as the Disneyland of mountain biking.

Weather

Rotorua has long and hot summers that make it a good place to enjoy various water activities. Spring in the area is warm and is usually characterized by stunning flowers that makes for a beautiful city. Autumns are crisp with spectacular rainbow displays. Winters are cold and frosty in the morning and generally bright and clear during the day. Truly, Rotorua is a beautiful city all through out the year.

Food and Dining

Rotorua has a wide range of cuisine to choose from including Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Korean, Mexican, Mediterranean, and European. With more than 50 restaurants to cater to you in both the formal and casual set up, food and dining is generally enjoyable. You should also try the traditional hangi, which is a feast of Maori food, and that, is uniquely New Zealand.

Sight and Activities

Rotorua offers various activities for people of all ages. Mountain biking of course is the main attraction. Aside from this, there are also several water activities that are available like rafting and kayaking. You can also visit several wildlife parks for an enjoyable activity for the family.

Places to visit

1. The Bath House. It is the house of the Rotorua Museum of Art & History Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa. It was originally a spa which offers therapeutic treatments and is known as the symbol of the city.

2. The Old Post Office. A building with a clock tower that is an attraction in its own right in Rotorua.

3. The Prince’s Gate Archway. An archway built in honor of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in 1901. It is now an attraction in the Government Garden after having been moved there after the visit.

4. The Landmark. An old establishment which is one of the few historic homes existing in Rotorua today. The Landmark has served a number of features ever since such as being a family home to being a hotel and restaurant.

5. Te Amorangi Museum. The first house in the area to be connected to electricity. It was donated by Mr. Arthur Sheward to the Diocese of Waiapu and was used as a religious and recreational center in memory of his mother.

Pretty Bay in B’Bugia
Photo by: Glen Bowman, Creative Commons

B’Bugia, or Birzebbuga, is a small locality in the south seaside of Malta. It is the only area with sandy beach in the South of Malta. In order to make it look better, a government project was implemented to create a paved garden next to the beach where families can get together and enjoy.

It is a small, flourishing seaside resort that is approximately 8 miles away from Valetta, the capital city of Malta.

B’Bugia is popular for the important archeological sites that are present in the area. The town is also rich with historical structures and remains.

B’Bugia is rich historical attractions you ought to visit.

• Ghar Dalam. This is an old cave which name literally means the “cave of darkness.” It contains bones of animals that have been extinct in Malta. It was investigated first in 1933 and was used during the Second World War as and air-raid shelter. In 1980, important relics in the museum were stolen. The Ghar Dalam is an important archaeological site in Malta where the evidence of human presence in the earliest times was said to have been discovered.

• Borg-in-Nadur. A megalithic temple located near B’Bugia. It is a tribute to a goddess or a deity and stands in the south of the prehistoric ruins of a temple.

• Pretty Bay. The bay with the enchanting beach. It is a popular sandy beach surrounded by a quaint promenade and various old houses.

• St. George’s Chapel. The only fortified church in Malta that was built in 1683 by the Knights of St. John.

Jeddah building reflections at night
Photo by: عذب الصوت lovely voice, Creative Commons

On the coast of the Red Sea lies the city of Jeddah. The metropolis is considered as Western Saudi Arabia’s major urban center. It is also the largest sea port among the areas surrounding the Red Sea and next to capital city, Riyadh, Jeddah is the second largest city and second profit-making capital. Its industrial district is considered as Saudi Arabia’s largest business cities next to Riyadh, Jubail and Yanbu.

Other major and global organizations are also situated in the city such as the International Association of Islamic Banks, the National Commercial Bank and International Islamic News Agency. The headquarters of the prevailing conglomerates in Saudi Arabia could also be found in King Abdullah Street. This district in Jeddah serves as the main hosts for commercial developments and business opportunities.

In the mid-town of the city, you could find Tahlia Street which, on the other hand, offers a wide array of fashion and shopping establishments. This area is teeming with shoppers who frequent the high-end boutiques like Burberry, Chanel, Gucci and Giorgio Armani.

Open air-art is also another of Jeddah’s features that turns the spotlight on. This started during the oil boom in the late 1970’s that encouraged the people to bring art on the street. As a result of such collective effort, the city now offers the world an enormous number of open-air works of art. These pieces of art form are scattered around the city, thus making Jeddah one of the world’s largest open-air galleries. Aside from this public display of artworks, tourists could also learn more about the city’s culture and history by visiting its museums. There are about a dozen of them that guarantee not just fun but learning at the same time.

Like other Saudi Arabian countries, Jeddah offers an arid climate. Its humid temperature also remains even during winter; the temperature in the afternoons is 25 °C and drops to 15 °C at night. On summer, temperature reaches as high as 40 °C and gradually drops to 30 °C as the nighttime comes. Rain visits the city in small amounts and usually during December. There were also occurrences of hail that were recorded and heavy thunderstorms also mark their winter season.

Arenal Volcano
Photo by: Ardyiii, Creative Commons

While not as renowned as Costa Rica’s other tourist spots, the Arenal region has more than its share of draws for the nature-loving tourist. Chief among these is the Arenal Volcano, the country’s most active volcano. The volcano provides some spectacular vistas, particularly at night, when the dark sky provides a perfect backdrop for the spewing lava.

Another draw for those who love the outdoors is Lake Arenal, where you can go fishing for rainbow trout in the abundantly-stocked lake or, for the more daring, go windsurfing; the lake’s strong winds attract world-class windsurfers from November to April, when they are at their most powerful. The Lake is also a reservoir that provides water for a hydroelectric project that supplies energy for the entire country. If you would like to remain firmly on land, you can take a nature hike around the lake to enjoy the area’s abundant flora and fauna, including Howler Monkeys, Chachalacas and toucans.

Also worth visiting is Nueva Arenal (New Arenal), the small town that lies at the base of the volcano. Nuevo Arenal is quite tourist-friendly, with banks, grocery stores, a clinic, grocery stores and mini-marts as well as souvenir shops. The town’s nightlife is quite active as there are many bars and restaurants. And don’t forget to try out some local delicacies at the German bakery.

The town is also home to the Arenal Botanical Gardens and butterfly farm, where guests can see over 1,200 species of Costa Rican flora, including some which are extremely rare and hard to find in their natural environment, as well as a wide range of butterfly and bird species.

Noria Aqueduct Waterwheels
Photo by: Ai@ce, Creative Commons

Hama is one of the more interesting places that you can find in Syria. This is because the place offers a lot of sites for a wandering tourist to see. So if you want to put this city as a part of your itinerary during your trip in Syria, then here are some information that may come in handy.

If you are coming from Damascus, Aleppo or Tartus, you have two options. You can either ride a bus or a train to Hama. Note however that tourists and locals alike seem to prefer the 1st given option because the buses seem to be more predictable and reliable.

Walking in this city is fine. This is because the tourist sites here are placed near each other. But if you want to cover more ground you can always hire a taxi to take you around.

During the summer – which usually lasts from June to September, Hama or Syria in general can experience a 29°C – 35°C temperature. During winter on the other hand, the scale can go anywhere from 1.85°C to 10°C depending where you are.

River Orontes – this river holds a few of the still existing waterwheels called Norias in Syria. These massive structures were used by the locals to supply water during the Roman Era. What’s more amazing is that even if the Norias are generally made of wood, they are still the same waterwheels that were built hundreds of centuries ago.

Hama Castle – note that when a tour guide brings you here, do not expect to see a real castle structure. Why? This is because according to locals, the castle itself was engulfed by an earthquake a couple of centuries ago. So what’s left of it is a memorial built in the middle of the park where tourist and locals get to relax and enjoy together.

Hama Spring Festival – if you want to experience this, then you better come in April. If you can, try to be present during the opening ceremonies because this is when all the happening activities like street parties, fireworks displays and market bazaars are conducted.

Jubayl church
Photo by: Serge Melki, Creative Commons

A travel to Jubayl can turn into an extraordinary experience. You will find yourself stuck in the past, specifically during the Neolithic times when Phoenicians first ruled this place. You will be amazed with the well-preserve ruins, eye-catching pillars and arches, as well as beautiful temples and churches. Indeed, there is so much to see in this city than you can ever imagine.

As an industrial centre, this city plays an essential role in saving Lebanon’s economy. You can spot several big companies that rule the business world. But more to its industrial function, this city is also a major tourist’s destination in the country. it does not only take pride in its majestic landmarks, but more so on the thrill and excitement that it can deliver to its guests through the series of activities that they can take pleasure in and the delicious cuisine that makes this city truly unforgettable.

Sites to visit

One of the major tourist’s sites is the Byblos, which is an old Phoenician city. You will discover some of the ruins of the people of the past in this place, such as pillars and arches that were built with so much artistry.

The Roman castle separates time in this city. Earlier you visited ruins of one of the earliest groups of people in the world; here you will sense the life of one of the toughest conquerors of the world, the Romans. The castle is walled high in bricks and it was erected at a spot were it complements perfectly a vast landscape.

For nature explorers, the best site to visit when you are in Jubayl is the Coast of Byblos that will astound you with bizarre rock formations. You will also witness big harsh waves that hit the cliffs and the base of the mountains.

The huge rock at the middle of Byblos is also a must-see. It may be considered as a unique sculpture, but it is actually a simple masterpiece of nature. It serves as a landmark, and at the same time, a picture-perfect natural wonder.

Things to do

In any vacation, you will always crave for a siesta time. You can do this all you want in some of the fine-looking resorts and hotels in the city. In winter days, when the climate becomes cool and humid, you can go skiing at some of the private mountain ski resorts. While during summer days, when the climate is mostly hot and dry, shopping is the best thing to do, but you should also watch out for some sand storm that hits Jubayl during this time of the year.

Peles’ Castle
Photo by: jtriefen, Creative Commons

Home to bears and great castles, Sinaia Romania is one of the most popular and beautiful tourist resorts and small towns on the Prahova Valley. As it is the town where the Romanian Royal Family spent a lot of time, it’s no surprise why it’s a place of several important landmarks with the Peles Castle being the most well-known, and also great hiking zones, tall mountains, rich forests, very elegant houses, hotels, casino, shops and monasteries. Sinaia has a memorial house of George Enescu, a very important composer from Romania.

The Railway Station of Sinaia is a great tourist attraction. Done in Romanian style, it is considered by many as a real work of art. Being the first ever built in the town, inside you can see a great mural painting of a boar hunt.

The Sinaia Monastery is another popular attraction in the town, originally from the name Mount of Sinai, which inspired its construction. It is a grand and beautiful place of worship that practically resembles a Cathedral. It started out with only 12 monks inside and it wasn’t just a sacred place then but also a fortress that protected the trading route nearby.

The Peles Castle is something to behold as it is the symbol of Sinaia itself. It’s the property of the Royal Family and one of the most popular objectives of treasure not just in Romania but in all of Europe.

It’s fun to tour in Sinaia because it has a sub-Alpine climate and well-preserved nature. Other tourist destinations to be visited include the George Enescu Museum, the Monte Carlo Casino, and the Bucegi Museum, which displays a complete image of flora and fauna from the great Bucegi Mountains.

Festivals such as the classic guitar contest, the Autumn Festival, and the International Violin Competition, are also to look out for.

Bogdkhan Uul Strictly Protected Area, Mongolia
Photo by: yeowatzup, Creative Commons

Dzuunmod, Mongolia or Zuunmod is found in the province of Tov and is located at the southern part of Bogd Khan Uul and Ulan Bator. The 19.18 square kilometer town was established in 1942 to be the center Tov aimag with different natives and ethnic tribe inhabitants with Khalks as the majority.

Though the main traffic is located in Ulan Bator using the railways which include the Trans-Mongolian largest railway station and the international airport, an unpaved small airport can be used to travel going to Dzuunmod.

What can be seen from the west side of this aimag are Khentii Mountains and Tuul River. Sights to visit include the nearby Manzushir Monastery in the national park of Bogd Khan Uul. Before the monastery was destroyed by communists, it was home to 300 monks and 20 temples since its establishment in 1733. After the time of democratization, the people managed to restore the last temple which now holds a small museum.

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park covers the side of Khentii Mountains which is popular because of its rock formations including a formation that resembles a giant turtle on the right angle.

Situated at the south west side of Ulan Bator is Khustayn Nuruu National Park. It is where the wild horses or Przewalski horses are found. Their project of releasing these horses into this park has attracted tourists and foreigners.

Another protected sight to visit is Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve which homes different species of animals that are usually found in Mongolia.

Entering Choluteca
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

The fourth largest city of Honduras, although less visited compared to the prime cities as it is located in the southern area, Choluteca boasts of undiscovered but very beautiful tourist sites. It is the birthplace of Cecilio del Valle, the founder of Central America, and is home to great beaches and forests too.

Golfo de Fonseca is the prime spot of Choluteca, which boasts of fine beaches, islands and forest life, easily accessible from the Choluteca Hotels Honduras. The Riviera Choluteca Hotel is also another great place to stay as it is close to the city’s Parque Central. Close to the park is the city’s public library. Another great place to visit is the Ojocal Wildlife Preserve. This is where you’ll find healthy tropical forests and great wildlife including white-faced monkeys. The city’s surrounding towns also provide fine beaches. An inexpensive hotel called the Santa Rosa Choluteca provides budget friendly accommodations and gives easy access to Choluteca’s best shopping area – the old market of Mercado Viejo San Antonio. It is a large market located in the center of the town, which sells food, souvenirs and other merchandise.

Choluteca is also a haven for historical sites, starting with its old colonial center, as well as the 17th century cathedral and the Bibliotheca Municipal building. Great place to eat include the Comedor central and the Café colonial. Both places are located in the Parque Central and offer good-value meals.

Choluteca it beats many other cities with its charm.

Eger Monument at dusk
Photo by: ** Maurice **, Creative Commons

Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane when you visit Eger, Hungary. It has one of the sites that have several museums and old restored places for all visitors to see. What is in Eger that most tourists adore? The first one would be the Istvan Dobo Castle Museum. In this place you would see waxworks being displayed all year long. If you are a fan of these waxworks then you will enjoy other attractions within the confines of the museum. An underground fortress has all the Baroque art as well as a cemetery too.

It would be best if you check the dates and time when it is open since there are days when you cannot see the entire museum. Well, not all kinds of museums house paintings and artifacts so better take a peek at the National Wine Museum to take advantage of the rich produce of Hungary – wine.

Eger is also a place known to be North Hungary’s Spa place. So for that much deserved R&R you could thank your lucky stars that you shall soon book a plane to this wonderful place. Known as a medical place, the waters of Eger are so clean and hot at the same time that you will enjoy being pampered to your heart’s delight.

There is the steam bath, the well-know Turkish bath and even a huge pool wherein hundreds of people would fit in one time. Well aside from the calming waters of Eger, you would be able to see their flowers and plants all a bloom too. Hungary is on fertile ground so basically any kind of plant would be able to grow there. Just keep in mind that it is deemed rude to just go picking the flowers without asking your tour guide if you could do it. Otherwise, you might get some frowns when they see that you have a flower tucked behind your ear.

It might shock you at first and leave you with sniffles but once your body adjusts to the water’s temperature, you will love it at first or second soak.

Fethiye Bay
Photo by: akk rus, Creative Commons

Fethiye is a city in the southwest area of Turkey. It’s within the district of Mügla Province. It is also referred to as Telmessos. Telmessos is the ancient city situated in that place. Today only its ruins remain in that area. Fethiye is an old city that boasts of its beaches and resorts. It has few old structures and ancient structures remaining due to the 1958 earthquake.
It has a natural inner harbour that is strategically located thus making the area protected from storms. Because of this, it is considered as a perfect spot for sailing. The area has steady winds, clear waters, and a very scenic view. The city is a blend of ethnic and urbane lifestyle. The Paspatur area is a bazaar that caters most of the visitors’ shopping needs and the town center provides a bustling market for fish, fruit, and vegetables.

The ruins of Telmessos provide viewing of remaining rock tombs and burial sites. Other archaeological sites are tomb of Amythas, the numerous Lycian-type sarcophagi, and fortress remains. Amythas is said to be the king of Telmessos during the Hellenistic era. Its facade is an iconic temple. The remains of Lycian-type sarcophagi can be seen throughout the city. A sarcophagus near the government house is very noticeable; Ruins of the fortress stand and remaining walls were built in the 11th century.

Weather in Fethiye is Mediterranean. It’s hot and dry during the long summer and rainy during winter. Getting around the city is through buses, cars, and by foot.
The Fethiye Archaeological Museum is filled with a variety of ancient artifacts. Its collection includes remnants from the various civilizations that had graced its land. Among its highlights are the artifacts from the Lycian times. The museum was originally a Byzantine Monastery church. It is open daily except for Mondays.

Another recent attraction in Fethiye is the Kayaköy or Karmylassos. It is an extraordinary ghost village located just a few kilometres away from the town. It has houses, churches, streets, and fountains all in good shape. Its upper church courtyard has a fine mosaic work and the village center has a well-preserved fountain area. It was an abandoned village in 1923 because of a shift in population. Since then it hasn’t been occupied and has quite an eerie character.

Isla de Flores
Photo by: Rafael Amado Deras, Creative Commons

If you are planning to visit Tikal National Park, a famous UNESCO World Heritage in Guatemala, you have to pass Flores, Guatemala. Many people visit Tikal National Park because of the amazing ruins from an ancient metropolis. The park is also surrounded by lush foliage and interesting animals.

But before and after your visit to Tikal National Park, you have to go to the island of Flores where you can eat in restaurants and bars, communicate with your friends in internet cafes, buy souvenirs from handicraft stores, and stay and relax at the numerous hotels and guesthouses. This island is considered as the gateway to the national park of Tikal.

Flores, Guatemala also has the Lago Peten Itza, a famous lake which stretches from the island of Flores to El Remate. The lake is shaped like a crescent moon. You can ride a boat to check out the lake. As you ride on the boat, you will see small villages that have tiny ramshackle huts where local people live.

The streets of Flores are also interesting because of their colourful designs and cobbled stoned roads. You will feel as if you are in a different era while walking along the streets of Flores. The island also has a tall cathedral, which is considered as the highest point in Flores.

You should also visit ARCA, a place where smuggled animals are rescued and prepared for their life back in the wilds. You will not see the animals because the animals are not supposed to see humans but you will learn a lot from the place.

Oldest fire station in Umea since 1888
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

The capital Vasterbotten County and the largest city of Norrland is quickly becoming more and more popular to tourists around the world. This is not surprising since Umea is known as one of the more popular cultural centers in Europe. It is known as a university town as it is the center of education in Sweden. It is becoming one of the fastest growing cities in all of Sweden.

Umea puts much value in education and the arts. It has numerous annual music and film festivals. Umea Jazz festival is a popular event celebrating contemporary Jazz. If you’re not into that kind of music then you’d be thrilled to know that Umea has a broad selection of musical acts including the highly popular heavy metal band Meshugah. The cultural events in Umea will bring out your love for the arts.

The Umea City Library offers a wide selection of books, music and films both from Umea and from around the world. Bibliophiles will be in awe at the large collection the Umea City Library has to offer.

The Umevatoriet is Umea’s observatory. Learning about the universe becomes a hundred times more enjoyable when you’re in the Umevatoriet. Kids will definitely enjoy their stay here.

Visiting Umea can be fun for the whole family. One of the more unique parks offered by Umea is the Elk house. These magnificent beasts are as big as a cow and as gentle as a rabbit. Normally you cannot approach an Elk in the wild but in the Elk house these beautiful creatures can be approached and even touched. Animal lovers will enjoy being so close to these gentle giants.

Go to Umea and indulge your senses in the arts and sciences. Revel in the modernity of the city and enjoy your stay. Umea is truly one of the most cultured cities in the world.

Inside of the churches of Gevgelija with their icons.
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Lying on the south eastern part of the country and a couple of kilometers from the Greek border, the city of Gevgelija is a famed tourist destination because of its agricultural activity and cultural performances. Many people in this city are in fact depending on agriculture for their daily needs and planting many different fruits and vegetables make their city a place where you could find the best farm fresh produce in the whole of Macedonia.

Theatrical performances are also held in this city. Orchestra is also a common favorite of earlier residents and many different forms of art soon sprouted. Training people who have the talent to perform these forms of art constantly bring in a plethora of tourists who appreciate the talent of the Gevgelija natives. Nowadays, however, there are less people who are willing to practice the native cultural performances of the Gevlijians because of the popularity of ballet and other contemporary forms of art.

After a whole day of watching performances, touring the city and finding out what interesting activities the city has to offer, tourists might want to rest their tired bodies at Negorci Spa. This is one of the few modern facilities dedicated to providing spa services to tourists and natives alike. It features 2 indoor pools and a center for physical therapy. Another establishment called Smrdliva Voda offers sulphur baths with known therapeutic effects to the body.

The small city of Gevgelija really is a place worthy to be revisited again and again. Make room for another trip to Macedonia because you will surely enjoy this trip.

Uzhgorod
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Uzhgorod is a large city located at the border of Slovakia and Western Ukraine. Its history tells that the city has changed its name several times. But it finally settled with its present name, which is actually from the Uzh River that divides it into two parts. Uzhgorod is also home to multiethnic people. It has around one hundred and twenty-five thousand inhabitants. Most of these are pure Ukrainians while others are Russian immigrants, Hungarians, Germans, Slovaks, Gypsies, and Jews. Such mixed cultures make the city a more attractive place for tourists and vacationers.

To get to the city, one has to take the plane, the train, the bus, or his car. And when he arrives, he could check into one of the city’s finest hotels. Hotel Ungvarskiy and the International Youth Wellness Hotel Ungvarskiy are two of Uzhgorod’s popular accommodations. Tourists may like to see the Uzhgorod Castle. This famous tourist attraction was built in the ninth century and is the oldest military art monument, as well as, the oldest architecture. St. Nicolas Church may also interest the tourists. It is one of the city’s finest churches. The Greek-Catholic Cathedral and St. Michael Church are other beautiful churches too.

The Museum of Folk Architecture and Tradition is, in fact, the smallest in Uzhgorod; and tourists may visit it, as well. It has twenty-four structures that represent the traditions of Transcarpathian folk building. Then, they may also visit restaurants and bars to try out their specialties. A lot of foods are reasonably priced. In fact, most of them are actually very cheap yet good-tasting. Uzhgorod also produces good wine aside from good food. And a native beer called Obolon is frequently served in restaurants. Plenty of extraordinary dining places are found in
Uzhgorod, as well. An example is the Karpat Art, which is a restaurant with magnificent paintings all around. Then, Restaurant Budapest has a wonderful atmosphere and cool music. And a restaurant called Katus has an interior that looks like an old country house. The Dezja i Notari, on the other hand, is a museum-like restaurant. However, simpler places such as the Pizzeria Resta and the Kashtan Terrasse are also available.

And as for the sports enthusiast, Uzhgorod has a very good soccer stadium. The city is also near Carpathian, which is the major ski location of Ukraine. So, tourists and locals could go to Sczerbyn, a popular ski resort.

City of Nuremberg and the University
Photo by: lyng883, Creative Commons

Nuremberg, Germany is a city that has gone through so much from the middle ages to the WWII era. The old fortifications scattered across the city speaks so much of the city’s Renaissance influence. The marvelous structures that survived centuries and even wars, now serves as primary tourist attractions for those who want to indulge into the rich culture of Nuremberg. Aside from that, the city was also the center of humanism, science, printing, and mechanical invention with notable figures coming from Nuremberg.

Throughout the city, remnants of architectural marvels adorn the cobblestone streets. The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)is a sight to behold with its glorious and intricate facade that is the perfect backdrop for a lazy afternoon walk by yourself or with someone special. Like the Church of Our Lady, another majestic structure is the Nuremberg Castle. Its location alone, set on top of a sandstone rock is a breathtaking view from afar. The Nuremberg castle is composed of three segments, there’s the Emperor’s buildings or the Kaiserburg, the buildings on the eastern side or the städtische Burganlage, and the buildings of the rulers of Nuremberg or the Burggrafenburg.

Within the walls of the city, countless churches can also be found, reminiscent of the old culture of the city. The St. Sebaldus Church, Saint Klara, Saint Martha, and Saint Elisabeth among others are the churches that have been a favorite among globetrotters. Because of the city’s heavy medieval influences in architecture, there is also a medieval market within the city walls that sells handcrafted goods and other knickknacks, ideal for souvenir items to bring home to family or friends.

Another interesting site in Nuremberg is called the Nuremberg Ring that is secured by an iron fence. It is believed to bring good luck to those who touches it. Visitors from all corners of the country and the globe, never miss the chance to touch the Nuremberg Ring, in hopes of bringing Lady Luck to their side.

While most would be quick to assume that Nuremberg is just all about the history and medieval architecture, it is also in fact a busy, lively, and hip part of Germany that deserves to be visited once, twice, or maybe even thrice in your lifetime. The city is the perfect avenue for people looking to dig up the history and culture of Nuremberg without leaving the conveniences that modernization brings.

Jaipur Palace, red bricks inside
Photo by: mckaysavage, Creative Commons

Jaipur remains to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. It is also regarded as the Pink City simply because of the dyes applied to the buildings to make these appear pinkish. Besides that, Jaipur has a lot of things to offer to the tourists.

Jaipur resembles a vast house that extends towards a large boulevard surrounded by mesmerizing gardens. Sawai Jaisingh II found the city way back in 1727 AD. During that time, the authorities have been trying its best to preserve the wonders of the area, mainly through its attractive spots. Tourists will definitely enjoy going around the city as they discover many things that they might have not known from reading the history in books alone. The people in the town are really hospitable and welcoming, so talking with them and asking them for more details will surely help.

While traversing the lively streets of Jaipur, they can also look for the Rajasthani jewelry, paintings and clothes that are sold in the market. You won’t be able to resist the products that you will see. These accessories are able to maintain the culture that makes Jaipur an interesting city.

Three famous attractions are built here in Jaipur. One of these would be The Hawa Mahal, which is also popularly known as the Palace of Winds simply because tourists will feel the fresh air upon reaching the peak of the palace. It is arguably the most popular monument of Jaipan.

The City Palace is another must-visit attraction in Jaipur. Placed in the middlemost part of Jaipur, the City Palace gets almost the majority of town, covering one-seventh of its area. It looks like a city within a city.

Jaigarh Fort, on the other hand, is situated at the top of Chilh Ka Tola or known as the Hill of Eagles. Its unique feature would be its biggest wheeled cannon, which is considered the crowning glory of the fort.

Jaipur can be easily reached since it connects with other popular cities like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai and Chennai. There are numerous hotels in the area which has the best hotel services in India. There are also tour packages that tourists can avail of, as well as discounts and promos upon staying in one of the sponsored hotels in Jaipur.

Tourists who plan to roam in India should put Jaipur in either the first or the last. As they say, always put the best one in extremes.

Yokohama at night.
Photo by: Guwashi999, Creative Commons

Yokohama, Japan, is the ultimate tourist destination for those who love tranquility. Located just south of the country’s capital Tokyo, Yokohama is surrounded by bodies of water that provide the serene ambience in the city. Aside from the picturesque natural wonders the city has to offer, a fusion of historical sites and modern tourist attractions are also a feast for any traveler’s eye. Vibrant, yet peaceful, that’s a cool way of describing a cool city.

Planning for a trip to Yokohama? Check out these places of interest to make your travel to this beautiful city an enjoyable and unforgettable one.

• Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa Bunko Museum
A good way of learning a lot about Japan’s colorful history and tradition is to pay a visit to their various museums. In Yokohama alone, tourists are provided with a number of museums to choose from. One of them is the famous Kanagawa Museum which contains the Kamakura sculpture, numerous philosophical writings of the Buddhist religion and Song period celadon. In addition, this museum houses an extensive collection of the works of the Hojo family, who contributed a lot to Japan’s history. Another aspect that would surely draw the attention of tourists is the exterior of the museum which was in classic Japanese design. It is described by many as anything but ordinary.

• Silk Museum and Yokohama Museum of Art
Exhibiting the rich silk industry in Japan, the Silk Museum is one tourist spot many visitors would not forget. Also inside the city is Yokohama Doll Museum, which houses a wide array of ancient to modern paintings and other artworks.

• Minato Mirai 21 Yokohama Pavilion and Yokohama Sky Walk
If you’re a tourist who enjoys scenic views from perfect edifices, then, a visit to Minato Mirai 21 and Yokohama Sky Walk is something you wouldn’t want to miss! Take a trip to these exciting landmarks and you are sure to be satisfied by the tranquility and beauty you’ll find. Minato Mirai 21 is a stunning complex displaying modern structures which has a great view of the seas below. Yokohama Sky Walk is definitely a must-see, since its view of the clear blue Yokohama sky is just as breathtaking.

• Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers
More than just a place to stay in, Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers, promises its customers a relaxing atmosphere, and most of all, a welcoming staff. And visitors experience that exactly! Feel like you’re traveling back in time as the ambience brought by the awesome structure and room designs of this hotel pleases your eye.

Waterfront at Vladivostok
Photo by: watchsmart, Creative Commons

Russia is a magnificent country, and you can almost consider it a continent by its sheer size. It is the world’s largest country with a giant name in history, having emerged as a world power during Peter the Great’s reign. It has many beautiful cities you can visit as a tourist, many of them historical, with battlefield relics and artifacts from the time of the Russian Civil War and World War II, but it is not only the big cities such as St. Petersburg and Moscow that are worth seeing. If you’re going to drop by the Russian Federation, why not make a stop at Vladivostok while you’re at it?

Vladivostok is the nation’s largest port city on the world’s biggest ocean, the Pacific. It is also an important scientific research center and the heart of the administration of Primorsky Krai, located at the Golden Horn Bay’s head, not very far from the nation’s border with North Korea and China. The Russian Pacific Fleet has the city as its home port. The harbor serves as fishing and whaling base.

The population of Vladivostok is around 600,000, composed mostly of ethnic Russians and Ukrainians. Only Soviet citizens were permitted to live in the city or even make a visit from 1958 to 1991. Before this happened, Vladivostok had a large number of Korean and Chinese people residing in it; they were deported during the regime of Stalin, but have since returned.

The territory of Vladivostok has become part of many nations in the past, nations such as Jurchen, Balhae, China, and the Mongol Empire. And as aforementioned, Koreans and Chinese reside in the area due to the nation’s proximity to North Korea and China. These account for the slightly more diverse culture present in the city, as compared to the cities located farther from the Russian border and nearer to the north.

You may visit the universities, which are numerous in the city, one of them being the Far Eastern State University, which was founded in 1899. There is also the naval outpost that was founded by Count Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky in 1859. It was named after the model of a Russian stronghold in the Caucasus, the Vladikavkaz fortress. Following the erection of the naval outpost, a complex system of fortifications was constructed between the 1870s and 1890s.