Discovery Bay is an attractive natural harbor located in between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. It is believed to have been the place where Christopher Columbus first set foot in Jamaican soil.

Discovery Bay is a calm and quiet beach whose scenic feature is undeniably alluring. With brilliant blue waters and white sand, it is a quiet paradise in Jamaica. It is originally named Puerto Seco which literally means dry harbor.

It is a great tourism area in Jamaica. You can easily find a nice villa to stay in and it is one of the best places to have fun under the sun and snorkel while enjoying the beauty of the undersea.

Discovery Bay is a breathtaking sight and a historic place in the heart of Jamaica.

Attractions

1. Puerto Seco Beach. It is among the most wonderful beaches in Jamaica where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of a vacation while feeling the Jamaican smell and taste in your senses. It is near Columbus Park and is filled with the locals. Most of all, you can enjoy the tasty Jerk cuisine in the area for an authentic Jamaican experience.
2. The Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory. This is a good place to enrich your awareness about the natural water resources and wildlife in Discovery Bay. The marine laboratory is an excellent place for researches, seminars, educational trips, and workshops.
3. Columbus Park. This is an open air park and museum which commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in Jamaica. It features a mural which shows the events during its discovery by the great explorer from whom it was named after.

Narsarsuaq
Photo by: boliston, Creative Commons

Narsarsuaq also became one of the military bases of the United States of America in the mid part of the 50s. You could visit the base since it still stands to date but it was later on converted into a museum. There are a lot for you to see like how the Americans during that time used the different parts of Narsarsuaq and how economy boomed during their time. It is indeed a trip back time when you go through the museum.

One of the must-see tourist spots still is Narsarsuaq since it is very well-known for its marine life which would make your jaws drop at the sight of it. Did you know that you could go fishing near icy waters and catch artic marine life like Cod and the famous Artic Trout?

Well, before you can actually start throwing in your bait, you have to seek a fishing license since you are tourist. Nevertheless, it is quite easy to acquire one since all you have to do is visit the Tourist Office. Local folk make fishing for a living so the proper clothes that you will need can easily be rented at the office or better yet, for your trip to this place, you might as well bring along your fishing gear.

You could also arrange chartered flights if money is not much of a problem for you. Here you would be able to glide across the ice caps and glaciers as you head off to the famous Black River. It is not actually colored black but the way the rocks were formed hence the origin of the name.

There is this mysterious place called the Hole wherein the water in this lake vanishes for a while and then overflows thus flooding the nearby town every two years. When the water subsides, the fish become easy prey to the birds like falcons and bald eagles. Well they would have a party during times like this.

Every thing that you do in Narsarsuaq can be achieved through a guided tour. Schedule your trips during the day so you would appreciate the place all the more. Most tourists would love to experience the night sky during winter months. The northern polar lights or the Aurora Borealis could be witnessed. It is such a wonderful display of colors which you could only view at places such as Greenland.

Fish Trap in Etafe
Photo by: PhillipC, Creative Commons

Luganville is the second largest city of Vanuatu after Port Vila in the south, and is the chief city of Vanuatu’s largest island, Espiritu Santo. The northern islanders, especially the indigenous tribes, call Luganville as “Santo.” Another moniker of the city, the “Kanal,” is used by the residents of Espiritu Santo countryside. Luganville is one of Vanuatu’s busiest ports.

The archipelago of Vanuatu is made up of 82 islands. Of these, only 65 are inhabited by the islands’ populace. Volcanoes regularly dot the islands, and the country itself is rocked by both land and undersea earthquakes every now and then.

Geographically, the islands form very steep profiles, leaving the plains of Etafe and Espiritu Santo suitable for city growth and settlement. Only 9% of the land, it is said, is fit for agriculture, with individual household planting crops for their own consumption. The produce coming from farms compose 65% of the country’s food consumption. The fishing industry is strong in the nation, for obvious reasons.

Another of Vanuatu’s economic sector that is booming nowadays is tourism. This industry has strengthened, with the local government’s programs aiming to increase the influx of tourists mostly from Australia and New Zealand. The filming of a hit reality show definitely helped in attracting tourists to the islands.

Like Port Vila, Luganville is also very ethnically diverse. A local tribal group called the Ni-Vanuatu dominates the populace. The population also has a decent number of British, Australians, French, and even Chinese. Luganville is known for its history: a large number of American forces set-up camp here during World War II. Evidence of this can be seen in the scattered antique military steel huts in various places of the city.

Luganville does not run out of sites and attractions for visitors.

Ammunition Bunkers. As mentioned before, these World War II structures, formally called Quonset huts, are past reminders of the World War era Americans. The local government has apparently turned them into tourist attractions.

Million Dollar Point. This is an antique underwater site, perfect for scuba trips and snorkelers. This place was used by the Americans as a dumping site for military equipment, and now, swimmers and divers can take a glimpse of the past now encrusted with corals and barnacles.

Public Market. This is Luganville’s bustling market square, near Sarakata Bridge, and attended to by shoppers and buyers from all over the archipelago.

Lysepsep Culture Park. The Lysepsep people are to the Vanuatu’s what leprechauns are to the Irish. The city has dedicated a park to these fantastic entities, widely-regarded as the very first dwellers of Luganville (whether one believes it or not).

Tahitian Huts
Photo by: Steven Punter, Creative Commons

Nunue is a district settlement in the island of Bora-Bora, a world famous island resort fringed almost completely by a coral reef. Bora-Bora in turn, belongs to the Society Islands of French Polynesia.

The islands under French Polynesia are politically recognized as an overseas colony of France. The island group’s capital is Papeete, located in Tahiti, also the largest in terms of population. While Tahiti belongs to the Windward Islands administrative division of French Polynesia, Bora-Bora belongs to the Leeward Islands, along with the islands of Raiatea, Tupai, and Tahaa. Like Bora-Bora, these islands are also enclosed within a coral reef, and shine a resplendent aqua blue.

The administrative seat of Bora-Bora lies in Vaitape, a district situated to the island’s west. Just directly south of it lies Nunue, at the receiving end of Pofai Bay. The entire economy of the island is dependent on tourism. Aside from the resorts that dot along the island’s coastline, the local entrepreneurs and the government have set up resorts on the atoll surrounding the island, especially on the northern portion. Most of the resorts feature overwater bungalows, a consistent characteristic in the island ever since Hotel Bora-Bora built it first 10 years ago. These kinds of hotel accommodations are regularly featured in postcards, books, magazines, leisure marketing material all over the world, and make Nunue and Bora-Bora very iconic to remember when it comes to travel destinations.

The widely spoken languages in Bora-Bora are Tahitian and French. The latter is the official language. However, some also speak English, as the tourist clientele are mostly Americans and British, followed by Asians (especially Japanese). Visitors come here mainly for scuba diving and snorkelling in the waters between the island proper and atolls and these activities are so popular in the island that it drowns all other forms of leisure.

It is not only the sea the welcomes visitors. Tourists are given tours to the island’s twin extinct volcanoes, Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. The first peak is simply a sight to behold due to its unusual shape, with an outcropping of rock at the top, just like a castle.

To get around from Vaitape to Nunue, one can ride bicycles, which is the most common form of transportation. To get from island to island, a person can charter an outrigger boat, jet skis, speed boats, and even catamarans, if one wants to experience a Polynesian sunset in the water. Bora-Bora has been heralded as one of nature’s unique wonders of the world.

Bishop Museum
Photo by: cliff1066™, Creative Commons

Vanuatu, formerly called the New Hebrides, is located in the Southwest Pacific Ocean comprised of 82 islands that extend between the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn. Most islands are formed from summits of the volcanic mountain ranges from the ocean floor.

Melanesians were the first human settlers in Vanuatu 3,000 years ago. They were then joined by a group of Polynesians between the 11th to 15th centuries. Europeans discovered and settled in the islands in the 19th century. The official languages are English, French and Bislama, but there are also more than a hundred indigenous languages.
The climate in the archipelago is tropical in the north and subtropical in the south. There is moderate amount of rainfall received annually. Expect warm and humid climate on months between November and April.

Sola is the administrative center of Vanuatu’s Torba Province. You will find a post office National Bank, Police, Immigration and the Torba Provincial Government. You can also find a good number of hospitals, shops and guest houses.

The island of Sola is quite quiet and picturesque, and more of a provincial town rather than a tourist resort. However, there are plenty of activities you can do when in Sola.

There are only three guest houses in Sola where tourists and visitors can stay, namely: the Eliezer Travel Lodge, the Wilkins Guest House and the Leumerous Guest House.

How to Get There?

To get there via air, Air Vanatu has both international and domestic flights to take you in and around the islands.
You can also travel to the different islands by ship. These local ships however have little to recommend. These ships are highly unreliable, the schedules are crazy, and they are quite difficult to track down.

Travel tips when traveling to Sola:

Number one rule is not to worry too much. Remember, you are on vacation. Enjoy yourself! Relax and there’s no need to rush. Sola is opposite of our common day to day lives: living in an overpopulated, highly urbanized and highly polluted environment. It’s time to bask in the rich nature and clean environment only a tropical island like Vanuatu can offer.

Second, allow a little flexibility in your travel plans. Sometimes, spontaneity makes things more fun when traveling.
Another mistake most tourists encounter is overpacking and under packing. Do not however forget to bring some anti-malaria tablets, medicine, spare batteries (no electricity in many Vanuatu islands), mosquito repellent and water purification tablets (if in doubt of the water’s cleanliness, use them).

Al Kot, Iraq or Al-Kūt in Arabic and also Kut-Al-Imara or Kut El Amara is a city in the eastern part of Iraq. It is specifically located on the south east and about 100 miles form Baghdad. It is also in the left bank of the river Tigris. The Tigris River being one of the most known rivers to make up Mesopotamia.

Some people regard Al Kot as an island because it is too close to the shore. However, even with a sharp U-shape that bends right on the river, it is not an island. It is however the capital of the province so if you go there, there would be a lot of hotels and restaurants wherein you can stay and eat. The place now is actually called Wasit and there are about 374,000 people living in the area.

One great place in Al Kot would have to be the Baghdad Nuclear Research Facility. You can find this near the Yellow Cake Factory in Tuwaitha. This place is loaded with all the remnants of the nuclear reactors that was used by Israel (1981) and United States of America (1991) to attack Al Kot.

Apart from having a great vacation here, you will also find the carpets in Al Kot interesting. Al Kot is actually known as the regional center if you would want to sell and buy or simply trade carpets. There is also a lush area where cereal grain is grown. Al Kot is definitely one interesting place to visit.

Rangpur Town Hall
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Rangpur, Bangladesh is a major city and the center of northwest Bangladesh. It features the best of rich and exotic Bangladesh, of a storybook charm you can only find in this part of the world. The center is filled with rainbow colored markets and rickshaws that sell all kinds of products. It’s not that difficult to get smitten by the city.

Rangpur is one of the oldest municipalities in Bangladesh, established in 1869. It was declared as a district headquarters in 1769. The city has a current population of 3,200,000, covering an area of some 50 square kilometers. The center of Rangpur is on the northern half of the Rajshahi division. It has busy streets, several public buildings including the Tajhat Palace, Rangpur Medical College and the Carmichael College. It is also known as an important trade center and a cultural heritage gem in Bangladesh. Some of their products include paddy, sugarcane, tobacco, ground nut, oil, ginger, tomato and brinjal.

Getting There and Around

Currently, commercial flights have not been in operation to Rangpur for some time now. You can go there by bus via Bogra and Rajshahi. You can also go by train via Green line and Hanif.

Cars are a rarity, and the main forms of transportation are rickshaws.

Tourist Spots

• Tajhan Rajbari or Rangpur Museum

The museum is located south of the city, and was formerly a rajbari or a zamindar’s palace. Towards the end of the British Raj the building was decaying rapidly and abandoned. It was only during the year 2004 that the building was restored and converted to a museum. It houses magnificent art, coins and ancient inscriptions that are on display to all.

• Begum Rokeya Museum

Begum Rokeya Museum is a women’s training center and museum, located in Pairabondh, the birthplace of the famous Begum Rokeya. It is a half hour drive away from the center of Rangpur.

• Paharphur Buddhist Monastery

The Buddhist Monastery is an ancient monastery dating back from the late 8th century. It was made as a tribute to the Pala Dynasty that ruled the area for 5 centuries. The monastery is now in the World Heritage List.

• Kantanagar Temple
This 18th century temple is most famous for its ornate style of architecture, with adorned terracotta bricks covering the entire exterior of the temple. The art’s subject matter focuses on the stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana, exploits of Krisna, and scenes depicting the favorite pastimes of the ancient royals.

Opatija Oceanfront
Photo by: jimmyharris, Creative Commons

Opatija, Croatia is found at the foot of Mount Ucka in the Gulf of Kvarner within the Istrian peninsula. It has become a famous summer and winter destination for its perfect temperature during the said seasons of the year.

Opatija is located in the midst of the bay laurel and surrounded by scenic views of nature. The sea cost that runs from the north down to the south of Opatija is a relaxing sight to see among both local and foreign tourists. There are also small winter resorts in the area for the visitors’ enjoyment.

Among the beautiful sights to see in Opatija is the Villa Angiolina. This villa was built by Iginio Scarpa in the year 1844. This was eventually turned into a hotel where tourists enjoyed staying, boosting the tourism of the whole town. For a time it was a favorite destination of Austrian imperial family and other nobility of Austria, which further enhanced the business in the area. Soon more luxury villas and hotels have been erected, including the Kvarner Hotel in 1884. Many of these hotels and villas still stand to this day.

Opatija has many pieces of art displayed in its museums. Among these is the Maiden with the seagull, a masterpiece by Zvonko Car that can be found prominently at the Juraj Sporer Art Pavilion. It has become so famous that it eventually became known as one of the symbol of Opatija.

Nature lovers will enjoy a walk in the town park of Angiolina where several plant species from the different parts of the world are being grown. These plants have been protected since 1968 and make the park a sort of botanical garden.
Not very far from the plants is The Fountain – Helios and Selena, which is a creation of Hans Rathautsky, an Austrian sculptor from 1889. It is a beautiful structure that has also become a favorite tourist spot in the city.

Opatija is a place that you will enjoy staying in when vacationing is Croatia. Its laidback ambiance, plus the picturesque sites and artistic finds add up to the perfect getaway.

Bophut Beach, sunset at one of many beaches in Koh Samui
Photo by: moohaha, Creative Commons

Want to spend your vacation in a pristine paradise in Southeast Asia? Then Koh Samui is the solution to your problem. The country which is famous for exporting the tropical and juicy pineapple is actually a very relaxing haven. Here are some of the reasons why visitors never fail to come go to Koh Samui.

Chaweng Beach – The most popular beach of tourists and Thais is made up of fine white sand with different umbrella colors and seashells. Jet Skiing, wakeboarding, swimming and all other water sports you can think of are all possible in this area. You can also dine in the famous Starbucks Coffee and Burger King beside the beach whenever you look for comforting foods.

Lamai Beach – The second largest beach of Thailand where Grandfather and Grandmother Rock is situated is quieter than Chaweng. Laid back tourists go here often to have a relaxing ambience rather mingling with other people. However, this place gets busy at night specially when coffee tables are laid out and night bars open until the break of dawn.

Coral Cove Resort – The 200-meter long paradise is actually located at the middle of the two beaches. It is ideal for doing water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving or simply, swimming. This private resorts offer different kinds of accommodations from villas to small bungalows depending on your budget. Nevertheless, you will still have the same landscape even though you invest on the cheapest hotel.

Maenam Beach – Another resort that provides the excellent view for Koh Phangan, where moon festivity are held, is also free from noise every morning. You can also take sight of the 12-meter high Buddha image made with gold materials. You would not get bored here as well since numerous shopping stalls and bars open at night.

Na Muang Waterfall – Yet again, is one of the most visited places in Koh Samui. The purple rock is one of the reasons why this site is treasured by its people. Over 30 meters high, this waterfall is connected by a Safari park where different animals perform.

There are several attractions that were not yet included here. More or less, these are the causes why tourism in the heart of Southeast Asia is rising.

Cameron Highlands Boh Tea Plantation
Photo by: kaeru.my, Creative Commons

Cameron Highlands is an ideal vacation destination. Visitors may walk around it and go to the Robinson Waterfall. They may also see the Rafflesia which is the world’s largest flower. Then, the Cloud Forest and Rose Center & Rose Valley are several good destinations, as well. Cameron Highlands is also a great place to go hiking. You can hike toward Gunung Brinchang. This trek is not really steep, however, being in good physical condition is recommended. And once they reach the top, they may continue walking until they see the boh tea farm. And from here, they may get on the bus back to where they started.

People may also buy cacti, souvenirs, and vegetables at Cactus Point. Or they may go to Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm to purchase fresh, sweet honey. Moreover, they may go to Yung Seng Souvenir Shop and take a look at interesting handicrafts, as well as, Orang Asli utensils. There are also lots of Indian, Malay, and Chinese restaurants available. Even small food stalls are all over Cameron Highlands. These dining places usually offer the steamboat, wherein customers may cook in their own vegetables and meats. Mayflower and Highlands Restaurant are popular spots that offer the steamboat. Zainab Sam offers outstanding local dishes. Bala’s Holiday Chalet serves wonderful scones and tea. And Gerai Opah serves good Kampung Nasi Lemak.

Then, visitors that want to have some good drinking sessions may go to Tanah Rata’s only bar, the Travelers Bistro & Pub. Here, they can meet other tourists, as well as, watch football games on the big screen. And when sleeping time comes, Cameron Highlands also offers nice accommodations. Those on a budget may check in the Father’s Guest House. They may also go to the Hillview Inn, which is the ideal place for visitors. The Kalai Villa Apartment is also an affordable yet good accommodation. But those who have extra money may avail of luxurious accommodations. The Strawberry Park Resort is quite expensive but well worth it. They may also choose the Equatorial Cameron Highlands which is the biggest in the Camerons.

Queenstown, lake and mountain range.
Photo by: timparkinson, Creative Commons

Queenstown is a town where you can easily see spectacular views of the nearby mountains. It is a resort town where you can enjoy lots of adventure and fun doing water sports and viewing amazing scenery.

Queenstown is known locally as the center of wine and cuisine in New Zealand. It is regarded as the adventure capital of the world. It has been the location of the films “Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”

Summer is long and warm. Spring offers a nice relief from winter as the sunshine starts to peek to the town. Autumn is settled and is a nice time to relax and winter is cold and the snow adds to the beauty of Queenstown.

Food and Dining

It offers the ultimate sensation when it comes to food and wines. There are over 150 eateries located in the area which offers fine dining and wonderful ambiance. Cuisines from all over the world are available in the area. Coffee culture is present in Queenstown.

The wines of Central Ontago are world renowned with various wineries serving the many vineyards of Central Ontago including Queenstown and Wanaka.

Sights and Activities

Because Queenstown is known as the World’s adrenaline destination, you can experience the most exhilarating sports in this town.

The activities include skydiving, bungee jumping, jet skiing, canyon swinging, whitewater rafting, parapenting, heli-skiing, walking, sailing, hiking, cycling, fishing, and many other activities and sports that will surely get you pumped up.

Places to visit

1. Skippers Canyon. A historic landmark located in Queenstown where gold was said to have been discovered in 1862. The canyon is a popular tourist spot and is a place frequented by adventure seekers who wants to experience New Zealand’s greatest thrills.

2. Lake Wakatipu. An island lake in the South Island of New Zealand. It is renowned for its spectacular beauty. The Remarkables mountain range lies along its edge. Various fun and adventure activities can be enjoyed in the lake like paragliding and bungy jumping.

3. The Skyline Gondola. Offers a distinct view of the Skyline Complex in Queenstown. You can see the beautiful sceneries and enjoy wonderful food and various activities within the area.

4. The Remarkables. The mountain range that is clearly visible in Queenstown. It is a truly remarkable view that is known for skiing and other winter activities as well.

Valletta Harbor
Photo by: John Vavuz Can, Creative Commons

Valletta is the capital city of Malta. It is a fortified town and is considered as having one of the strongest fortifications in the world. It is a living piece of history with a wide collection of historical buildings.

Valletta is considered as a world heritage site and is known widely for Baroque architectural structures in the area.

Food

Here are some of the local restaurants you can visit in Valletta:

• Gianini Restaurant. It gives a perfect view of the city and the sea and excellent Italian and Mediterranean dishes in a contemporary setup.

• Rubino Restaurant. A traditional Maltese restaurant that serves modern Mediterranean cuisine.

• Hibiki Restaurant. This restaurant serves great Japanese cuisine with a great view of the garden.

• Ambrosia. A cozy restaurant in Valletta that serves excellent Maltese food.

Activities

One of the best things to do in Valletta is to shop. It is the main shopping district of Malta. Visiting the many different attractions of Valletta is also recommended.

Attractions

There are many attractions in Valletta that you need to see that have relates to its history and culture. Among these attractions are:

• City Gate. It is the main entrance to the city walls of Valletta.

• National Museum of Archaeology. It has a wide collection of historical artifacts and has replicas of temple sites that you can visit.

• St. John’s Co-Cathedral. One of the examples of baroque architecture in Valletta. It is built by the Knights of Malta and has a very impressive interior which is a common trait of most Maltese churches.

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. A beautiful domed church that has a stunning interior and is often thought of as a cathedral.

• Fort St. Elmo. The location of some of the most intense battles in Valletta.

Image Description
Photo by: Rudolf Stricker, Creative Commons

Next to Mecca, Medina is named as the second holiest city by the Muslims since it served as the home of their prophet Muhammad. The prophet’s burial place or the Tomb of the Prophet Muhammad or the Mosque of the Prophet, known as Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Islam, is also situated in this holy city. Islam followers come to the said tomb to give honor and worship the prophet annually; they believe that praying before the prophet’s tomb is equivalent to 1000 prayers offered in ordinary mosques.

Aside from Muhammad’s tomb, the city also holds the tomb of his daughter, Fatimah, and the first caliph, Abu Bakr, who is also his wife’s father. These tombs are found in Jannat al-Baqi, just across the prophet’s tomb. The tomb of the second caliph, Omar, which has been burned and reconstructed twice, is also found there.

Medina is an oval-shaped city bordered by a strong wall about 9.1 to 12m (30 to 40 ft) high. This structure dates back to the 12 century C.E. and is lined by exquisite towers. There are four gates that enclose the city but the most beautiful of them is the Bab-al-Salam, or the Egyptian gate.
If you are planning on a trip to this holy place, there is a host of fine hotels that are open for you. Take for instance, the oriental-inspired hotel, Hotel Elaf Taibah, located opposite to the Masjid- Nabawi. Internationally-renowned hotels could also be found in the city such as Hilton Medina, which is just a short walk away from the sacred prophet’s mosque. This hotel is also located in the heart of the shopping borough of the city; hence, you could do a little shopping without a sweat.

Another highlight of Medina is the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport which started operating in 1974. The airport is consists of an average of 20-25 flights each day. However, during the Islamic month, this number multiplies to accommodate the millions of devotees and tourists worldwide.

When it comes to the business aspect, Medina has devised a means to encourage more business and job opportunities. This is through Medina Knowledge Economic City project which is keen on developing knowledge-based trade and industries in the city.

Downtown Huaraz
Photo by: funkz, Creative Commons

Some cities in South America are perfect places to go hiking. If you are an avid fan of outdoor sports, a trip to the rustic city of Huaraz will be just right for you.

Known to the world as the “Switzerland of the South”, Huaraz is the capital city of the state of Ancash, which is located in the central-northern part of Peru. This is about 8 hours drive from Lima through bus (via the Pan-American Highway). Huaraz is situated in the fertile valley of Callejón de Huaylas, right at the foot of the great Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Stretching some 200 kilometers long, Callejón de Huaylas Valley is a host to various outdoor sports such as mountain climbing, skiing, rafting, paragliding and mountain biking.

Huaraz is the main starting point for mountaineering buffs. It serves as a base for mountain expeditions, particularly to the snowy Cordillera Blanca. Mountaineers who are planning to conquer this snowy mountain range may hire porters and burro drivers to assist them with their stuffs as they begin their treks. Visitors can also rent hiking gears from some establishments that can be found around the base

Huaraz itself boasts of the abundant fields that are usually carpeted by export-quality flowers aside from the usual agricultural crops. The rich soil of the Callejón de Huaylas valley enables the locals to grow lush greenery, and thus creating a serene and breathtaking landscape.

Those who prefer light activities may opt for a trip to the Chavin de Huantar temple. This archaeological site is only hours away from Huaraz. It is regarded as the seat of one of the most significant cultures in the Peruvian Andes. The fertile valley of Callejón de Huaylas gave rise to this great Chavin civilization. On the way to the temple, the visitors can have the chance to visit the spectacular Querococha lagoon, one of the biggest lagoons in Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Visitors can also have an unobstructed view of the glaciers and mountain sequence. The Lake Llanganuco that is located inside the Huascaran National Park is another great place to behold.

The local residents of Huaraz are generally kind and hospitable. Their native products such as sweaters and carpets made from alpaca textiles are very popular to tourists. These are colorful garments are officially used by the natives of the Callejón de Huaylas. Travelers buy them as souvenirs, along with the delicacies such as cuarteados and manjarblancos. These are just some of the wonderful offers awaiting the travelers in Huaraz.

Tel Aviv Coastline from Jaffa
Photo by: upyernoz, Creative Commons

Tel Aviv is one of the best Mediterranean destinations for people who like the beach and night life mixed in with the history of the country. It may not be Israel’s capital city, but it is often thought to be because of its progressive and cosmopolitan nature. Due to the fact that it is very accessible by train, car, sea and air travel, the number of travelers arriving and departing here makes for many businesses. There are pubs, night clubs, fast food places and restaurants almost everywhere so the city is said to never sleep. The city has wide beautiful beaches for surfing and kayaking, beaches for religious purposes and beaches even for the down-to-Earth fishermen with old seaports and fish markets. A range of water sport activities is available to all from waterskiing, surfing kite-surfing and sailing. Other water activities include snorkeling and scuba diving. There are diving lessons for neophytes and beginner-type divers and diving areas for advanced divers, like a sunken Israeli Navy boat beneath the Jaffa Port; which is a popular diving destination. Yachts abound and yacht charters are constantly moving in and out of Tel Aviv marina which is located in a beach front constantly patrolled by joggers, strollers, vendors and musicians.

Known as the country’s Culture and Art Center, Tel Aviv boasts of modern museums and of old Bauhaus residential buildings built by the immigrants who escaped the Holocaust of Germany. Other favorite tourist destinations in the city are: the shopping centers and the Friday live street shows on Nachlat Binyamin Promenade, the Greek Orthodox Church, the multi-media Bet Hatfusot Museum, the Golda Meir Center for the Performing Arts, a professional matkot game on the beach and the Flea Market.

Hotels in this bustling city abound – from the expensive 5-star hotels to the $20 economy hotels for the shoe-string tourists. They are almost always fully booked, so tourists are advised to book at least a month ahead of time. Visit Tel Aviv and experience what it’s like to really live the good life.

Beach at Jaco
Photo by: wytze, Creative Commons

Tourists who have become weary of the generally laid-back vibe of many of Costa Rica’s beaches should find Jaco more to their liking. While Jaco is as relaxed and casual as any other place in Costa Rica, the town boasts of a large number of dive bars, casinos, discos and nightclubs that ensure it has a boisterous nightlife and have helped it to earn a reputation as the country’s rowdiest party beach.

Still, it’s all about the surfing for the majority of foreign tourists who flock to Jaco. Jaco Beach boasts of some big waves and excellent breaks. Jaco is also adjacent to two other popular surfing mecca – Playa Hermosa, where an international surfing contest is held every year, and Playa Herradura, a refuge for those seeking to get away from Jaco’s busyness.

Of course, there are things to do in Jaco other than surf. Non-surfers can go kayaking or try their hand at off-shore sport fishing. While Jaco Beach itself is generally too dangerous for swimmers, beaches north and south of the town are safer and more scenic. Landlocked nature lovers can take hikes through the jungles that border the town, enjoy horseback rides on the beach or visit the nearby Carara Biological Reserve, which is a significant nesting ground for the scarlet macaw. And there is plenty of good food to be had from the many restaurants in town.

The best time to visit Jaco is from January to April, when the weather is at its driest, while tourists should avoid coming in September and October, which is the area’s rainy season.

St Simeon ruins in Syria
Photo by: Ai@ce, Creative Commons

Are you fascinated with Syria? Is your interest strong enough to make you visit the place? If you just answered yes to both of the questions, then here are a few suggestions when you visit Syria’s more interesting towns.

Ready? If you are, then let us start discovering Deir Ezzor.

This city is 450 kilometers away from Damascus, 300 kilometers from Aleppo and almost 200 kilometers from Palmyra. The traveling distance may seem quite long but it is not really hard to get there because you can find buses that take daily trips from the key cities to Deir Ezzor.

Walk! The city is not really that big, so if you do not mind getting some morning or afternoon work – out just do the exploring by foot. But if you plan to do this, just make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes that would not give you blisters at the end of the day. However, if you think that walking does not agree well with you, you can always take a cab.

Note that Deir Ezzor is not exactly scattered with ancient ruins. But regardless, people still occasionally visit to just enjoy the easy – going town that is not bothered with too many ogling tourists.

Euphrates River
This river is significant to Syria because its entire civilization basically started from the banks of this same body of water. If you want, to appreciate the full beauty of the river, you can catch a tour that starts at the Al – Assad Reservoir.

The Market Place
Like in other places, the marketplace is where you’ll get a glimpse of the town’s culture. Here, you can try the local delicacies offered on the streets and you can shop for nice souvenirs that are made and sold by Syrian women that are often clad in colorful clothes.

Museum
Of course, this is the place where you should go if you want to take a deeper trip to Deir Ezzor and Syrian history as a whole. This museum is different from those you are bound to see because it’s rather well kept. It is not dusty and it has an interesting collection of artifacts that you just have to see.

Citadel of Raymond de St. Gilles in Tripoli
Photo by: martijn.munneke, Creative Commons

Three cities in one. This is quite an odd depiction of a great city that had played a very important part in world history. Tripoli may have gotten its name since several empires at the past have ruled this place all at the same time and established their own metropolitan area. But more to its bizarre name, this city takes pride in its tourist’s destinations that will make anyone enjoy his or her stay here.

A visit in this ancient city will leave anyone in total admiration. The scenic view of the historical district and the ruins of the great empires are all but beautiful reminders of the rich past of this city. Through the uncomplicated ways of the local folks, one can discern that the cultural values were well-preserved. While the distinctive dining experience in this place with some of the most delectable dishes in the world will leave anyone craving for more. Truly, this city is a haven where ancient and contemporary lifestyle meets halfway.

There are hundreds of sites to behold in Tripoli. Some are huge edifices, while others are products of modern-day creativity. Some of these tourist’s spots include the following:

The Mansouri Great Mosque. This wonderful piece of architecture stands proud with its unique exterior design and colorful stone pieces in the interior. It is home to religious activities of the local folks, as well as one of the key destinations of pilgrims around the world.

Abu Ali River. This small body of water is not only an invigorating site, especially when the city is blazing at high temperature during the summer season. A stroll along the river banks will give anyone a chance to take a clear and scenic view of the town.

El Ma’rad. For many tourists, it is a breathtaking park that combines modern-day architecture with natural flavors. The place is covered with green grass and there are many fig trees and palm trees that provide shade. Moreover, there is a historical landmark erected at the center.

Tripoli Ruins. This is the site that reminds tourists of the struggles and the triumphs of this city from its rulers in the past. For centuries, Tripoli has been under different empires, such as the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and the Arabs.

Museum in Bacau
Photo by: Andrei Lilian, Creative Commons

Bacau is located northeast of Bucharest city and near the confluence of Bistrita and Siret rivers. It was formerly a trade route of certain industries such as paper mill, footwear, cloth and textile, as well as building materials. Bacau today is one of the cultural centers is all of Romania, with a state theatre, museums and a symphony orchestra. The Bacau theatre in particular exudes Northern Italian architectural elements, with balcony, arches and mini-towers.

Bacau is generally a quiet city in a quiet ambience. It’s a good place for tourists who travel for relaxation. The Princely Court and the Precista Church are very important historical attractions in Bacau, erected and constructed by the prince Stephen the Great, and the latter by his son the prince Alexandru Voda. The Statue of the Stephen the Great is also a well known attraction. The city boasts of both old and classic buildings, as well as bold new edifices. Elegant boulevards surround the city and are very scenic at night.

Other great sites include the New Cathedral in Bacau, and other standing churches and those being constructed. The Ethnographic Museum and the International Painting Camp at Tescani are also lovely sites to see. The History Museum especially is wonderful, as it houses important antique collections from Ancient Dacia. What tourists also look forward to is the Festival of Moldovian Winter Traditions, where folk artists are all gathered during Christmas season every year.

Tourists can expect world-class accommodations in Bacau from hotels such as Decebal, Hotel Dumbrava, Hotel Moldova, and President Hotel Bacau. Bacau’s well visited restaurants, Corso and Restaurant Vila Royal, offer fine international cuisine.

Some of the domesticated animals in Mongolia
Photo by: yeowatzup, Creative Commons

Arkhangai aimag is one of the 21 aimags of Mongolia. It is surrounded by other aimags namely Bulgan, Bayankhongor, Khövsgöl, Övörkhangai, and Zavkhan. A small town situated in the northern part of Arkhangai province is Erdenenmandal near Tsetserleg.

Because this aimag is surrounded by different aimags, you can travel and go sightseeing from one place to another. Their main economy is agriculture and raising domesticated animals such as goats, horses, sheep, and cattle.

While in Erdenenmandal, you can go to the small market just around the area for your basic needs and supplies. Fuel for vehicles such as diesel and gas are hardly available. Because of this, there are times that vehicles and public transport is not available. A small central post office with a phone line can also be found within the area.

Erdenemandal is a migratory place for nomads living in the farthest parts of aimags and other provinces during the harsh winter conditions. They set up their gears and yurts to protect them from fierce winds and snow which can go down from −30 to −38 degree Celcius.

Rivers you can visit nearby include Chuluut, Tamir, and Khanui rivers which are all tributaries of the Selenge watershed. A lake is found on the west part of the town, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur. Legends say that the lake was created when a giant threw a huge rock on a water passage which eventually formed the lake and they called the rock that was said to have landed on the farther east of the aimag Taikhar Chuluu.

Bloemfontein
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Bloemfontein is one of South Africa’s three capital cities. This is home of the South African judiciary branch and is home to roughly 369,000 residents. It lies just west of Lesotho, the country surrounded by South African territory. Bloemfontein has a lot of nicknames. Its indigenous name is Mangaung, which means “the place of cheetahs.” And poetically, it is know as “the city of roses,” due to the abundance of flowers in the area and the rose festival that’s also held here.

Bloemfontein is elevated 4,600 ft. above sea level and is bordered by the semi-arid area of Karoo. Since Bloemfontein is seated in Central South Africa, the climate here is different than that of other main cities that are closer to the coast. Bloemfontein has a continental climate. This means summers are hot with frequent thunderstorms, while winters are cool and dry, with a big chance of frost.

There are many sights worth seeing in Bloemfontein. One of them is the old Raadsaal. There, you can see a statue of Christian de Wet, hero of the Boer War. This monument is made with modern European architecture and is a testament of the taste South Africans inherited from their colonizers. Monuments like these make sure that the people of South Africa never forget their colonial past and how they got their freedom.

One other site to see in Bloemfontein is their stadium, the Free State Stadium. South Africans love sports, especially football. The Free State Stadium is Bloemfontein’s local sports venue. This stadium plays host to most football, rugby and cricket games of the local team. This will also host several games for the 2010 South Africa FIFA World Cup.

You can also interact with African wildlife here. There are several game reserves that can give you face-to-face encounters big cats, like the lion and the cheetah. Examples of these are the Franklin Game Reserve and the Bloemfontein Zoo.

There is something for everyone here in Bloemfontein. This city is really a great place to go to if you want to experience South Africa.

National Hero – Manas
Photo by: neiljs, Creative Commons

Do you want to drain your digital camera’s battery during a vacation? You might as well go to Talas, Kyrgyzstan. Talas is a small town in the northwest area of the country located near the Talas River. It offers a lot of wonderful sites in every place you go.

For one, the mountainous setting and consigned valley can uphold a very exhilarating experience once you get to see it. South of this town is the famous five-rocks Besh-Tash valley and Besh-Tash National Park. These attractions are a site to behold especially when men in horses gallop their way home. The free-flowing river with treeless surroundings in sandy ridges is simply stunning.

Manas, also a famous character, is another reason why tourist visits this place. His tomb and museum are two of the most admired destinations in Talas. If you are a sports enthusiast, then you are lucky since the Kyrgyz bandy group also stays here. In addition, the conventional Kyrgyz horsemanship games are being held in the main grounds of Manas every summer.

When you make a decision to come in this place, you might want to check if you should prepare a letter that can be easily furnished in one day. Together with your baggage, don’t forget to always bring with you your passport and other important documents for verification.

Prepare to take a shot at these sites as your once in a lifetime experience is about to happen. Don’t miss any single spot you will encounter and treasure your stay in Talas, Kyrgyzstan forever.

Heiroglyphic stairway in Copan Ruinas
Photo by: Adal-Honduras, Creative Commons

Copan Ruinas is another interesting city in Honduras. It’s beautiful and historically rich. It is a beautiful village paved in cobblestone and surrounded by white adobe buildings with well-shaped red tile roofs, Copan Ruinas is a serene and a relaxing oasis to many. Besides is ancient culture, the place also boasts of an untouched environment within the Copan Ruinas’ foothills.

Copan Ruinas is especially recognized for the Maya Ruins. It is considered by many archaeologists as the cultural center of the Maya World and is designated as a World Heritage Site. Copan Ruinas is one of the least explored cities that have so much to offer. Coffee and spa tours are very common in Copan. Numerous activities await the excited tourists, such as hiking to the hidden waterfalls, bird watching, horseback riding, canopy tours, kayaking and tubing on the Copan river, mountain biking, soaking in the Thermal and therapeutic hot springs and camping in the remote national parks.

Other fun site seeing activities include visits to the aquatic park, museums, the Indigenous Maya communities, the only Maya children’s museum, colonial towns in the mountains and a tour of course to the famous Maya and Los Sapos Ruins.

The Sculpture Museum is a very unforgettable cultural building of Copan Ruinas. It is located at the archaeological park. Its accompanying museum, the Copan museum, exhibits a wide array of artefacts from ruins. For those who search for fine Central American cuisine, the restaurants to visit are the Café Welchez, the Cafeteria Rosalila, Carnitas Nia Lola, and Casa de Todo. Most restaurants are either located in the town’s center on in any of Copan’s great hotels.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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