Saladin Castle
Photo by: Ai@ce, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brasov townsquare
Photo by: cod_gabriel, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

Ibex family
Photo by: PinkMoose, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cathedral of Szeged
Photo by: Gyorgy Kovacs, Creative Commons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lago de Atitlan
Photo by: emilio labrador, Creative Commons

Atitlan is located in Panajachel, Guatemala. The place is popular for its breathtaking Lago de Atitlan or Lake Atitlan which is surrounded by three imposing volcanoes. The view is amazing, and many tourists in Guatemala make it a point to visit the lake.

Visiting the lake by boat or canoe is one of the things that you can do in Atitlan. You can look at the lake’s grandeur closely by riding a boat. You will know how it feels like being surrounded by three volcanoes. The short trip to Lake Atitlan from the main villages is also a trip to remember. You will see clouds covering the view, and you will feel like you are walking in the sky.

You can stay at one of the comfortable hotels in Atitlan like Porta Hotel del Lago. It is very nice and comfy and the food is also great. You can also eat at Pupuseria Cheros where you cane at cheese, beans, and meat-stuffed tortillas locally known as pupusas.

After your trip to the lake, you can also go to the Solola market where you can see Guatemala’s colourful traditional costumes and their locally made handicrafts and ware. You should also visit nearby villages where you will see Guatemala’s ethnic groups that are famous for making colourful woven cloths.

If you want to see monkeys, hundreds of species of butterflies, and different species of wild orchids, you should visit the place called San Buenaventura Nature Reserve. The reserve’s 247-acre land is located along the shores of Lago de Atitlan.

Sweden University in Ostersund
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Ostersund is like a city out of a fantasy novel. Its fascinating history, culture and myths meld together to make Ostersund what it is today: A modern city with a fantastic past.

Ostersund is located next to the river Storsjon the fifth largest lake in Sweden. The myth that surrounds this beautiful lake has been attracting tourists around the world for decades. Just like the Loch Ness Monster, another popular legendary creature is said to be residing under its pristine depths. The Storsjöodjuret is said to have been living in the Storsjon River since the 17th century. People all over the world have been trying to catch a glimpse of this mythical creature. Several look out spots is located all around Ostersund so take out your binoculars and ready your camera. You never know what you might see out in the lake.

If you’re really in the history of Ostersund then visit Froson. There you’ll find the Froso runestone. Froson is known to be the island of the Norse God Freyr. The Runestone was placed there in order to signify the coming of Christianity in the island.

Fishing is also a popular activity in Ostersund. Many fishes can be caught in the lake and the relaxing scenery has a calming and soothing effect. Time seems to stop while you fish in Ostersund.

If you are a fan of nature you can visit zoos and animal reserves such as Froso Park and Moose Garden were you can approach the majestic beasts. It is also the only place where you can buy Elk paper. Don’t worry no Elk’s were harmed in the production of Elk paper; it’s made of one hundred percent pure Elk droppings.

If you come in winter you can participate in the winter hot bath, drop in. After warming yourself up in sauna’s and in hot baths you suddenly run out and jump into ice cold water. The sensation is tingly to the skin and feels delightful.

Uspensky Cathedral in Kharkov
Photo by: Cantabrigensis, Creative Commons

When you travel to places where arts and culture is prevalent, you come home with photos, but travel to a place like Kharkov, Ukraine, you come home with experience and a deeper understanding of how the walls of the Kremlin survived there. Most tourists would include this place in their travel itinerary.

What should you expect to see at Kharkov? Well, this place is more of a scientific journey or anything that talks about the past and existing culture in Ukraine. A city that is led by machines, you will most likely meet a lot of locals who are engineers. This is their means to live and has already garnered a good following for investments.

If you are wondering since Kharkov is a rather industrial place, then what could be the tourist attractions in the place? A spiritual journey would not be complete if you would not visit the Chapel of St. Tatiana. This is such a solemn place of worship in Ukraine’s second to the largest city. So better include this in your travel guide.

Aside from cathedrals and places of worship, there are a lot of museums for you to go to as well as boat trips to the Lopan and Kharkov Rivers. Not only this, you can also visit the Kharkiv Circus where a lot of performers are housed. The experience is so wonderful since you get to be in a big dome to watch animals perform.

As you walk the streets in Kharkov you’ll be able to stumble upon yet another grandiose museum that shows military trucks that were used during World War II. They are on permanent display already so you would not miss them should you arrive at an off-season time.

When you think of what clothes to wear, bear in mind that this place is very cold. You need to bring extra thick clothes that would protect you from the chilly breeze. The temperature ranges from -1.8 degrees Celsius during the months of November and even dips lower to around -0.8 degrees Celsius during December. When summer comes and you schedule your trip then, the heat would still be bearable since there still is a cool breeze as compared with really humid places far from Ukraine.

Train station of Hamburg
Photo by: radzfoto, Creative Commons

Hamburg, Germany is where the word “hamburger” originated. To be precise, the port of Hamburg. But more than this invaluable contribution to the fastfood industry, Hamburg is a destination in Germany that is favored by many tourists from all over the world for its busy but beautiful cultural scene.

A noteworthy facet of Hamburg history is its architecture. Although the city does not have as many skyscrapers compared to other German cities, St. Nicholas’ Church in Hamburg is an indispensable part of the city’s rich history, as it used to be the world’s tallest building way back in the 19th century. There are also several other churches in Hamburg that are of signifance to the city’s architectural majesty such as the town hall, the Chilehaus, and St. Michaelis Church. Parks have also added the much-needed green in the city. One of these many parks is the Stadtpark, which boasts of an enormous water tower and is dubbed to be the city’s counterpart to the United States’ Central Park.

The culture in Hamburg is one that is deeply inclined to theater, music, as well as the arts. Some of the more popular theaters in the city are the Thalia Theater and the Deutsches Schauspielhaus that have also earned a reputation in other foreign countries. The music scene of the city is very diverse, with orchestras, musicals, and other modern music genres ruling the city. Of course, one can always catch a musical in Hamburg as there are regular staging of various musicals.

Just like it’s neighboring cities, Hamburg is proud of its museums and art galleries that house some of the country’s most relevant pieces of classical and modern art. Some of the museums that are frequented by visitors are the Kunsthalle Hamburg, the Museum for Art and Industry, and the Deichtorhallen/House of Photography.

Apart from these stunning structures of architectural splendor and cultural richness, Hamburg is also a city that knows how to have fun. Street festivals such as the Christoper Street Day, which is all about gay pride, is a regularly staged festival that’s all about being proud and having fun. There are other festivals and events that have attracted visitors all over such as the Hafengeburtstag, a festival honoring the birthday of Hamburg port, the December Christmas markets, and a music and art festival called Dockville.

Hamburg is indeed a city of culture and celebration.

Victoria Memorial
Photo by: mckaysavage, Creative Commons

Not everyone would put India in their “places to visit this summer” lists, but this former British colony is well worth the trip. India is in South Asia, a land traversed by only a few people. One of the interesting cities to include in your itinerary is Kolkata. Most people know it by its former name, Calcutta.

This is the capital city of the West Bengal state although it is actually situated in the eastern bank of the country. It comprises both the urban and suburban areas that it was it is considered as the third largest metropolitan in India. Central Kolkata hosts the business district and a number of government and private offices like the Post Office, Lalbazar Police Headquarters, High Court and the Maidan.

Best Time to Go:

Like most Asian cities, it has a tropical climate, meaning it has only a wet and a dry season. The hottest month is May while the coldest is January. Temperatures here, on the average, can range from 19 to 30°C. The hot months can easily exceed 40°C and the colder months can get to below 14°C.

How to Get There and How to Get Around:

The easiest way to get there is by air. International flights have stopovers in New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Dubai to name a few. Indian Airline and Air India offer the most flights going to and coming from India. Getting around the city and travelling to nearby cities usually involve the railway system. There are two railway systems that are currently functioning in Kolkata, the Howrah and the Sealdah. They travel to most of the big cities surrounding the area. There is also a Kolkata Metro, trams and buses to help you navigate through the busy streets of the city.

Sights to See and Places to Visit:

Often, Kolkata is referred to as the “Cultural Capital of India” because of how much the people here value arts and culture. Their passion for the arts can be seen in the numerous statues, monuments and buildings they have established. A few are:

• Victoria Memorial: a museum designed after the Taj Majal that features artifacts from the Nawabi and British eras in Bengal; it is also made up entirely of white marble.
• Fort William: named after King William III of England, it served as a protective wall for the city within to prevent the Muslim invaders from coming in.
• Nirmal Hirday (Pure Heart): Mother Theresa’s first home while she was serving the people, now it is the headquarters for the Missionaries of Charity.
• Science City: a host for all the scientific wonders the people of Bengal has to offer; there is a Space flight simulator, Dinosaur and Water animals’ exhibit and even a musical fountain.

Gokoku Jinja Shrine
Photo by: mdid, Creative Commons

A charming destination, Fukuoka City in Japan is surely one of the country’s assets in terms of tourism and commerce. Recently, Fukuoka established itself as a progressive city, attracting tourists here and there. Among its latest attractions are sky-high infrastructures, museums and shrines. Today, the city not only boasts of its natural wonders, but its modernized facilities as well. Proof of this is the recognition Newsweek magazine gave to the city, naming it as one of the 10 Most Dynamic Cities of 2006. The publication cited Fukuoka’s great shopping districts, wide range of museums, diverse cultural traditions, and extraordinary variety of food as the reasons they chose the city.

Spring in Fukuoka starts around March and lasts through May. This is also the most ideal time to visit the area since the weather is very moderate,-with sunny skies and warm temperature. Also, Japan’s symbol, cherry blossoms flourish at a very abundant rate at this season. It is also ideal to go to the city in autumn as the mild temperature welcomes tourists with dry and sunny weather.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a well-known tourist spot in Fukuoka. It is a water park containing a huge aquarium housing numerous species of dolphins, sharks, fishes and many other rare marine animals. Covering approximately 200 hectares of land, the seaside park also offers carnival rides and facilities for outdoor sports.

Rainbow Plaza
Rainbow Plaza is the center of information and transportation for all tourists visiting the area. The plaza contains offices where maps and other tourist information are available. Foreigners are also provided with legal counseling and other services for free. For souvenirs, the Tenjin Proper is the right place. It is a shopping area complete with department stores and stalls.

Canal City
Dubbed as “the city within the city”, Canal City is the city’s ultimate shopping district, complete with stores and restaurants. Game centers and movie theaters are also present in the area. Canal City’s Fukuoka City Theater is one of the biggest theaters in the country. Fukuoka Joy Polis, an amusement park in the heart of the district, is truly an enjoyable site for all tourists.

Aside from the traditional, but famous Japanese dishes such as sushi and tempura, Fukuoka has its own share of gourmet treats. Hakata ramen, which is the city’s unique version of ramen, is the most popular dish offered in several restaurants and food stalls. It is a noodle dish with the usual ramen noodles, egg and meat but spiced in a unique way.

Pyatigorsk
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Pyatigorsk is a place whose name literally means “five mountains,” so christened because of the Caucasian mountain range that overlooks the city. Its foundation year was in 1780, and because of its mineral springs, it has been considered a health spa since 1803.

On a small plateau located 1680 feet above sea level, the town of Pyatigorsk is a very convenient starting point in heading to a number of tourist routes. It is at the foot of Mount Mashuk, at the bottom of which exists a small lake. If you wish to climb Mount Mashuk, you can take the foot road or go by cable.

Pyatigorsk has a moderate continental climate. Summers are steadily warm and winters, lasting 2 to 3 months, are moderately soft. Springs are early, cool, and quickly transitions to summer, and fall is dry, warm, and long—all perfect conditions for tourists who may want to stay longer in the place. Humidity is between 55 to 80%.

The town obviously is nothing compared to the vastness of Moscow and St. Petersburg, the two largest cities of Russia, but it still has tourist spots to offer. There’s Mikhail Lermontov’s state memorial estate, founded in 1973. It serves to unite all the region’s Lermontov memorial places: the venue of his duel and subsequent death, a necropolis, his small house, Alexander Alyabyev’s house, Verzilin’s houses, and the Lermontov monument and square. There is the Aeolian harp, which is a classical small stone pavilion that was constructed in 1828 by the Bernardicci brothers. You may also drop by Diana’s Grotto, built in honor of the first ever ascent to Mount Elbrus in 1830.

Wonderful restaurants, bars, and clubs teem in Pyatigorsk, so nightlife revelers will not have a dull moment in the town. What is known to the locals as “Broadway” is a major thoroughfare that runs through the town’s center, and this is where most of the attractions are located, one of them being a very large marketplace – a perfect place for people watchers. Hang about at Broadway and you’ll notice the Caucasus region’s influence on the place especially on its music and cuisine.

St. Ann’s Bay was first called Santa Gloria by Christopher Columbus. It is the capital of the parish of Saint Ann.

It is believed to be the first landing site of Columbus although much debate was related to this because of the other belief that it was in Discovery Bay where Columbus first landed.

Today, a statue of Christopher Columbus is erected in this area to commemorate his discovery of the bay.

It is a fair and beautiful place. Visiting St. Ann’s Bay is like traveling back in time mainly because the flourishing Ocho Rios has taken over this beautiful town in terms of tourism and shipping. The buildings and establishments in St. Ann’s Bay’s area have been well preserved to its original luster.

It is a charming town that is known as the birthplace of Jamaica’s national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a pioneer in Black solidarity and Pan-Africanism.

Attractions

St. Ann’s Bay gives you the feel of old time Jamaica. You should not forget to experience a walking tour of St. Ann’s Bay in order to enjoy and inhale the beautiful Jamaican sight.

1. Marcus Garvey Statue. It is a commemorative statue made in honor of Jamaica’s national hero, Marcus Garvey. It is a famous site located outside the St. Ann’s Bay Library which was a worthy tribute because the national hero is known for his passion for reading.
2. The Lady of Perpetual Help Church. It was constructed in 1534 as the Peter Martyr Church and was said to have not been completed when Jamaica was captured by Britain in 1655. It was later donated to the Catholic Church and was built using the original stones of the Peter Martyr Church. It is now considered as a national monument in Jamaica.

Blue Ice near Narsaq, Greenland
Photo by: cortomaltese, Creative Commons

Narsaq, Greenland is such a beautiful place to begin your tour for this year. Situated in the municipality of Kujalleq this quiet town is known for its plains. That is why when you do a direct translation to Greenlandic, Narsaq means plain – a flat surface or terrain of land. It is one of the tourist destinations for thousands of travelers who would want a chance to see up close or even get close the now getting extinct marine life. Get a chance to freely see the different marine animals like seals, walruses and yes, even the great and majestic whales.

When you visit Narsaq, you will be astonished at how much you can do in this place. There is indeed a large room for your excursions and different activities to keep you busy all day long. Since this small town has sheets of ice around it, you will be able to enjoy the cool breeze against your skin when you go sailing. Here, you will be able to delight at the sight of glaciers that float around you.

A lot of tourists who have visited Narsaq would often remark that they had so much fun visiting the Norse Ruins. Here you can hike for half a day and after that you would be elated at the chance to see the mountains as well as the valleys. Are you interested in geology? Well, you would be so happy the moment you’d get to see rare rocks and minerals that are just laying on the soil. You will have a shock of a lifetime when you’d find out that the rocks that you would be holding are just some of the rare finds that you will not see in other parts of the world.

Do not forget to pack real thick clothes and thermal gloves since the temperatures at Narsaq can dip to as low as -14°C. It would be winter all year long so expect to have accommodations at hotels that have fireplaces and heaters. Speaking of hotels, there is an abundance of these here at Narsaq. You can choose from ten of the most visited hotels by fellow tourists. The food is more or less French inspired. This is due to the fact that even though Greenland is considered a place covered in snow, they have vast areas where plants and vegetables are in full bloom.

Sohar Castle
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

If you have read the Adventures of Sinbad and wish to visit the place where the legendary sailor is from, you might want to visit Sohar, Oman. This city was once considered a very important Islamic port in the past and was once the largest town in Oman. These days, with the ever increasing demand in better ports in the region, the Omani government has poured in about RO120 million into the development of a new port in the area.

One of the reasons why tourists flock to this region of Oman is the fact that the area has quite a number of safe and clean beaches for people to enjoy. You will also find that a lot of people come here for the archaeological wonders that are found in the area as well as for the many historical structures that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

If you are in the region on a vacation, you might want to see the many different places of interest that can be found in Sohar. One of the places you might want to take an interest in is the Sohar Castle which was built sometime in the 13th or 14th century and now features a museum that tells a lot about the history of the castle as well as the city. You can also visit the two traditional Souks in the city that can offer you the kind of traditional shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you want to enjoy Omani food, there are a number of coffee shops you can get local favourites from.

Yasur Ash Plains
Photo by: PhillipC, Creative Commons

Tanna Island is located in the far south of Vanuatu, in Tafea province. It is only 550 square kilometers in total area, but ironically it has a large population density compared to most islands. There are around 20,000 inhabitants, a vast majority of which are tribal Melanesians. The island is famous for Mount Yasur, a very accessible, active volcano, and its John Frum adherents, a religious cargo cult based on a World War II American soldier John Frum.

Vanuatu owns 82 Melanesian islands. 65 of the islands are inhabited. Most of them are of volcanic origin, with volcanoes regularly dotting the island group. Because of this, the country is rocked periodically by earthquakes. The geographic profile of the island is steep and rocky, and in some places, simply uninhabitable. Only small areas of land are suitable for agriculture and urban development. Despite its modernity, the traditional Melanesian culture still exists, and the natives resort to their own subsistence farming and fishing for their needs.

With the influx of tourism however, the Vanuatuans have something to smile about. The hit reality show series called Survivor was shot at one of its islands, and this triggered a wave of migrants and tourists. Tourism is strongly supported by the government.

Tanna is, more than anything else, famous for the chosen five tribal men who travelled with UK’s Channel 4 crew for the filming of Meet the Natives. The five men, characteristic of their village, worship Prince Philip of the Duke of Edinburg as a god. The group travelled to England to meet with the royalty offscreen. The men also made a series of trips to the United States, courtesy of the Travel Channel.

The native tribes and villages of Tanna are famous tourist destinations in their own right.

Yasur Volcano Trips. Its active status and accessibility made it an attraction to foreign guests. The volcano periodically spews out fire, lava, smoke, and rocks in non-threatening degrees, allowing tourists to conduct trips unharmed. Most of the official island tourism outfits have a day or night tour to the volcano as part of their tour programs.

Cave Trips. Caves also dot the eastern portion of the island, much like Espiritu Santo. A lot of these are nearby lodges and resorts, so the caves are accessible just by walking.

Port Resolution. This eastern scenic port was named after Captain James Cook’s ship the H.M.S. Resolution, after he landed here in 1774. It is only a stone’s throw away from Yasur Volcano.

Diving near Tiputa and Rangiroa
Photo by: tensaibuta, Creative Commons

The great blue waters of the South Pacific as well as its majestic islands are great reasons to pay a visit here. With the white sand beaches and the great atolls, no other place can beat what this place has to offer. Tiputa, in the island of Rangiroa is one of the better destinations for tourists like you.

Who will not wish to experience a complete escapade to bring you closer to nature? Here in Tiputa, it will not be the white sand beaches and the great resorts that will catch your attention. It is the sight of the life of the underwater species. Yes, Tiputa is home to the world’s greatest diving spots.

Tiputa Pass is a busy pass in the island of Rangiroa that separates the two main villages of the island, which are Tiputa and Avatoru. All great divers around the world know this spot as this is a great place to experience a fantastic drift drive. Here, your view will be filled with a generous number of hammerhead sharks as well as mantra rays. This is true especially in the months of December to March. Hence, if you wish to make the best out of your diving experience in the island, make sure to mark your calendars with those months.

This richness of the underwater life in the Tiputa Pass gave way to the birth of dozens of amazing dive sites. One of the best diving sites here is the Angle Dive Site. This is a spot that is open only for certified divers as they need to go down 150 feet to get a good view of the lively marine life. Here, you will find manta rays, stingrays, gray reef sharks, school of yellow ludjans, hammerhead sharks, and even striped barracudas. This diving point starts just near the angle of the Tiputa Pass.

Another equally amazing dive site is the Canyons. The perfect time to be here is every June as this is the reproduction season of the gray reef sharks. During this time, you will get a great view of hundreds of this shark in the canyons.

True enough, there are a lot of great diving experiences that await you here in Tiputa. However, if you are not much of a diver, you can also try snorkeling. If you simply don’t wish to get wet, you can get a ride on a glass-bottomed boat to get a good view of the underwater world. The water is so clear that even the 150-foot mark will still be visible while you are on-board the boat.

Bisotoum glyphs on the cliffs
Photo by: indigoprime, Creative Commons

Kermanshah is a city that borders both Iran and Iraq. This area is mostly mountainous and has a colder climate than most other cities in Iran. This is a very diverse city since it lies near the borders of both Iraq and Iran. Aside from Iranians, many people live here including Muslims, Assyrians, Jews, Yarsan and Armenians. Most of the residents here are Shia Muslims though.

Since Kermanshah is very diverse, the sites here vary from Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, Zoroastrian and Islamic origins. Here are a few examples of these:

The Behistun is the ultimate symbol of Kermanshah’s diversity. The Behistun, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a large limestone wall that has multi-lingual inscriptions in it. These inscriptions are Babylonian, Elamite and Old Persian. It is 15 meters high and 25 meter wide. It also has a bas relief image with Darius the Great, Persian Emperor. Another example a Persian monument here is the Taq-e Bostan. The Taq-e Bostan is a large grotto of an equestrian figure of King Khosrau II in his stallion Shadbiz.

A Muslim monument found in Kermanshah is the Mo’acenalmolk Mosque. This mosque is beautifully crafted and features unique Persian touches. In its wall, you will see the Shahnameh, the National Iranian epic, depicted in art. It also contains Islamic images. The Khaja Barookh House is a Jewish monument here. It is a house in the Jewish neighborhood of Kermanshah, built by Barookh, a Jewish merchant.

Kermanshah is a culturally-diverse Iranian destination that’s definitely worth visiting.

Taboga Island
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Taboga Island is one of Panama’s treasured islands because of its sparkling crystal waters, balmy weather, and its flora and fauna. Getting here is made possible by ferries in less than an hour. You can also view its whole panorama when you stay in Panama City. At night, the romantic moonlight illuminates the diffused sea that will definitely captivate your heart and soul.

Twelve miles away from mainland is the exact distance you have to travel before reaching Taboga Island. You will eventually know that you are near the island when fresh air hits your face. In the north side, you can see the town of San Pedro where most businesses are convened. While heading south, leads you to a protected habitat of migrating brown pelicans.

Bathing in white sand beaches are mainly the habit of tourists. In Taboga Island, you can roll over the sand, pick come seashells by the seashore and even spend your entire day under the sun, just don’t forget to put on sun block and you will be a-ok. Among the places to stay are inns, hotels, guest rooms and sometimes, small cottages. All of these accommodations are relaxing with beautiful overlooking landscapes.

Since the location is beside the sea, people are sometimes threatened for hurricane possibilities. But do not be alarmed because the country haven’t experienced and hopefully won’t experience a dreadful thing like this. So, go on and explore Taboga Island, Panama and reflect on its history by taking long walks at its beaches and other destinations.

Nguna from across
Photo by: Rudolf Stricker, Creative Commons

During the 19th century, the archipelago of lush, green islands was founded by British and French colonies and made it into a ponderous Anglo-French ‘New Hebrides’. It wasn’t until the year 1980 that it became the independent Republic Belong Vanuatu.
The country is a colorful land of many cultures. It is interesting in the way that it surprises visitors and capable of capturing anybody’s hearts. The charm of Panggi lies in its general beauty as well as its relaxed way of life.

Nature Tripping at Panggi

Are you into nature tripping? Then Panggi is the perfect place to enjoy your next vacation. The islands contain a diverse botanical and animal curiosity. They have giant banyan trees, which is the setting of village meetings and dancing places. The banyan trees begin by growing around another a tree and strangling it out of existence. It is a multi-rooted tree, with massive twisting mazes of trunks and branches, making it one of the planet’s largest living organisms.

Marine life is also very rich in Vanuatu. Its vast colorful reefs cover several miles. It holds the greatest store of life, from the potentially dangerous tiger sharks to the tiniest and most colorful fish you have ever seen. Snorkelling, diving and swimming are must-do activities while you are in the islands.

Visit the islands’ many volcanoes. You can even walk up to the crater of Mt. Yasur Volcano, the most accessible volcano in the world.

Vanuatu is tropical in the north, and subtropical in the south—thus, expect a hot and rainy climate. Rainy season comes on months November to April but rain can occur at any time. The perfect time to go hiking is between months May to July. During these months, the weather is cooler and drier. Come June to September, the evenings are brisk.

All year round, southeast trade winds blow steadily in the islands. The winds become stronger on the months April to October. During the wet season, the north or west winds occur because of the influence of hurricanes & tropical lows.

Vanuatu is a very hurricane prone country, and is the most hurricane prone one in the South Pacific. No fewer than 29 hurricanes have hit Vanuatu, between years 1970 to 1985 (a span of only 15 years). The southernmost islands of Vanuatu are less vulnerable to hurricanes and they also get less rain as compared to hotter islands up north.