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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mazoon Mosque
Photo by: Japokskee, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golconda Fort in Hyderabad
Photo by: mckaysavage, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volgograd monuments
Photo by: svonog, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Activities

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

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

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

Attractions

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

Scenery
Photo by: kaet44, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pearl Farm in Rangiroa
Photo by: clesenne, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lakensua
Photo by: PhillipC, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dhaka Memorial Park
Photo by: Wonderlane, Creative Commons

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

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

City Attractions:

• Mosques

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highway in Khon Kaen
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

Genting Highlands night lights
Photo by: ufo34, Creative Commons

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

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

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

Akaroa near Christchurch
Photo by: jonnykeelty, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

Places to Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Popeye Village in Mellieha
Photo by: luigi53, Creative Commons

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

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

Food

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

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

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

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

Beaches

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

Activities

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

Attractions

You can also visit these attractions while in Mellieha:

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

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

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

Mecca pilgrimmage
Photo by: *Muhammad*, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

Urubamba
Photo by: madpai, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eilat beachside view
Photo by: Saul Adereth, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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