Itsukushima jinjya (shrine), Miyajima, Hiroshima, Japan 1241-1602
Photo by: scarletgreen, Creative Commons

Hiroshima gained worldwide prominence because it bore the devastating impact of the first atomic bomb during World War II. The city’s devastation was so tremendous and far-reaching that many people believed it would never recover. But they were proven wrong—Hiroshima in fact has shown to the world that there is life after destruction. Today, this Japanese city stands proudly with its notable landmarks and attractions that are frequented by visitors from across the world.

Peace Memorial Park
The top attraction in the city is the 120,000-square meter Peace Memorial Park, where a ceremony to commemorate the Hiroshima bombing takes place every year. The event is open for foreign visitors.

After the bombing in 1945, all the structures in Hiroshima were totally damaged, except for one—the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The structure that survived the bombing is presently known as the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), which sits within the Peace Memorial Park.

The history of Hiroshima and the stories of the historic bombing are told in the Peace Memorial Museum, the major facility in the park.

Mazda Museum
Hiroshima is the birthplace of renowned Japanese automaker Mazda. Tourists who are interested in learning the history and technology of Mazda can take a tour inside the museum. They can also take a peek at the museum’s facilities and marvel at the various Mazda models, both vintage and modern.

Hiroshima Castle
A former seat of power in Western Japan, the five-story Hiroshima Castle was reconstructed after the war. The castle still has its original grandeur intact with its exterior that looks like a black carp. It houses a small museum that features the castle itself, other castles in Japan, and the history of Hiroshima.

Shukkei-en Garden
This tourist spot is perfect for visitors who want to view natural scenic sights as well as the traditional Japanese gardens. This attraction’s name means “shrunken-scenery garden” in English. Living up to its name, the garden’s landscapes feature forests, mountains and valleys in miniaturized sceneries.

Downtown Hiroshima
Hiroshima has an area bustling with shops, restaurants, and trolley cars. One can enjoy walking along the busy streets in downtown Hiroshima, shopping for gadgets and souvenirs, and dining at various restaurants.

For visitors who are looking for exotic Japanese dishes, Hiroshima is a city to visit. Many restaurants in downtown Okonomi-mura serve Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, a flour crepe fried with seafood and vegetables. Oysters are cultured in Hiroshima, which is why oyster dishes are popular and a must-try in this city.

Dar Es Salaam
Photo by: smagdali, Creative Commons

Dar es Salaam literally translates as “House of Peace” in Arabic. This coastal city of Tanzania has great significance in terms of the country’s trade and commerce. It is a useful port city that links the islands of Tanzania together.

The city is located very close to the equator. Together with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the location causes the tropical climate of Dar es Salaam. Annual temperatures range from 65 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This warm “holiday” climate keeps the beautiful beaches busy. The Oyster Bay beach, in particular, has white sands and clean waters.

Dar es Salaam might be the “House of Peace” but it doesn’t sleep. There are endless fun things that can be done in Tanzania’s largest city. Inside or near the city’s heart are several attractions. These include the Botanical Gardens, the Clock Tower and the popular Kariakoo Market. Residents and tourists enjoy the restaurants’ world class cuisine. People can taste the popular “Mishkaki” or Shish Kabob and the “Nyama Choma” or roasted meat. Nothing beats traditional Tanzanian-barbecue cooking. They also offer Thai, Chinese, Indian and Italian foods.

People may choose from the many first class hotels in Dar. There is the elegant Royal Palm in the city’s center. Another example is the relaxing Oyster Bay Hotel, which faces the beautiful sea.

Besides being a paradise in itself, Dar es Salaam port connects people to other beautiful Tanzanian islands. In less than an hour’s trip, you can reach the beautiful Zanzibar Islands or visit great safari zones.

Cowpet Bay, denizen lizardfish
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

You want to spend quality time with your family on a trip, but you can’t afford to go to foreign countries. You eventually would want to try exploring sights beyond the US, but at this point, you want to stay practical and choose among your options within the country. It is a good thing that there are many places that you can go to within the country and get as much fun and excitement that you want for the whole family to experience. If you love the beaches or any water sport, you may want to check out the various attractions at the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are many great cities and areas that can give you the kind of entertainment and adventure that you are looking for, such as the Cowpet Bay.

There are some good villas and beaches that can be found at the Cowpet Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands. One of the most recommended places to stay at the area is the Beach tops Villa. This is fully-air-conditioned so you won’t have a hard time sleeping at night even if you are far away from home. It now incorporates an Island Style theme and it has all modern appliances that you need. You can choose to do certain activities during the day with the kids at nearby sites like boating, fishing, eating out or experience scuba diving.

There are lots of other places on Cowpet Bay where you can indulge on looking at historical sites and national park, go clubbing or playing sports like tennis and golf.

Gharial (crocodile cousins) along the Karanali River
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

The Royal Bardia National Park, located in far western Terai, is the largest and most undisturbed park in the area. It was initially a hunting game reserve where people from the ruling class would shoot several animals for game. Recently, it was demarcated for the protection of the dwindling rare ecosystem as well as the flora and fauna.

If you wish to travel to Royal Bardia National Park, one can opt to be picked up from the Nepalgunj airport which is the nearest one in the area. It is a two-hour drive from the airport to the park. The best time to go here is between October and March where the days are warm and the nights are cool. The Royal Bardia National Park is home to several species of animals including the Bengal tiger and the endangered one-horned rhinos. It is estimated that the park has about forty Bengal Tigers and one-hundred one-horned rhinos.

There are also over thirty species of mammals and over four-hundred species of birds. Amphibians and reptiles are also numerous here. The park is also home to the last known herd of elephants in South Asia. The largest oxen, Gaur, as well as wild boars can be sighted in Royal Bardia National Park. The park also boasts of the greatest number of deer species in Nepal. About six different species of deers can be seen here.

A rare special experience that this park boasts of is the close-up view of elephants frolicking in their natural habitat. Here, tourists travel on the back of a well-trained elephant which is guided by a driver. The well-trained elephant mingles with other wild elephants and here you can see them in all their natural, unrestrained glory.

The Kano City is the capital of the state of Kano and the second biggest city in Nigeria following Lagos. Kano is situated in the northern part of Nigeria and its principal residents are the Hausa people. Just like in most areas of Northern Nigeria, Hausa language is largely verbalized in Kano.

Demographics
The city is principally Muslim. Most of the Kano Muslims are Sunni, although a minority remains with the Shia branch. Christians and adherents of other non Muslim religions make a small area of the populace.

Economy
Kano has been the core for the export and production of groundnuts and the economic hub of Northern Nigeria. Once walled, majority of the gates toward the Old City endure. The Old City is where you will find the large Kurmi Market, which is popular for its craftworks. Also found in the Old City of Kano are the Great Mosque, the Gidan Makama Mosque, and the Emir’s Palace.

Durbar Festival
A leader of Kano holds a Durbar Festival in order to mark and commemorate the two yearly Muslim fiestas, Eid ul-Fitr which marks the ending of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and the Eid al-Adha which marks the start of the Hajj Holy Pilgrimage. The festival ends in a parade of highly and ornately clothed horsemen who go through Kano city to Emir’s palace. When gathered close to the palace, the crowds of horsemen take turns to go towards Emir Palace, stopping just a few feet facing the seated public figures to show their allegiance and respect.

Ocho Rios from atop
Photo by: Mangrove Mike, Creative Commons

Ocho Rios is originally a fishing village in the northern coast of Jamaica. Its name literally means eight rivers in Spanish but there are no eight rivers in this area. It is located in the Parish of Saint Ann.

It is now a major tourist destination in Jamaica with wonderful scenic and historic places to offer.

Food and Dining

In Ocho Rios, you can find several restaurants and cafés that will suit your taste buds’ need for the tastiest food. Its hottest attraction is the Jamaican Jerk Trail. Because Jamaica is the home of the Jerk cuisine which is characterized the by spiciest food, it has launched the Jamaican Jerk Trail which is a trail that goes in the whole of Jamaica including Ocho Rios and which marks the places where this original Jamaican cuisine is offered. You can find a variety of restaurants to satisfy every palate.

Activities

Outdoor activities are the most common attractions of Ocho Rios like scuba diving and other water sports. You can also enjoy horseback riding in the fields of the rural areas of Ocho Rios.

Attractions

There are several destinations in Ocho Rios. Mostly historical marks and natural attractions can be found in the area which offers a glimpse of its history and the beauty of its natural resources.

The Firefly. The home and burial site of the playwright Noel Coward.

Green Grotto Caves. The shelter of the runaway slaves during the 18th century. It was well known for the rock formations and the miniature grotto located in its interior.

Dunns River Falls and Park. One of the national treasures of Jamaica which offers spectacular waterfalls and beautiful scenery that is truly a pleasing natural wonder.

Glaciers in Greenland
Photo by: basheertome, Creative Commons

With nearly 3,000 residents, Qaqortoq is the biggest town in South Greenland and probably the most attractive and charming town in the entire of Greenland. The municipality possesses a lovely centre with a tiny square with Greenland’s most ancient fountain. There are strikingly attractive colonial edifices dating back to year 1775 when the municipality was discovered, as well. The chief industries in the municipality are administration, service and fishing. As the core of education in South Greenland, the streets of Qaqortoq are typified by the several students that live there.

The culture venture called “Stone & Man” can be regarded as an open call to survey the municipality in order to look for thirty varying patterns that are carved into stones and rocks by the Scandinavian and local artists. The Vor Fresler Kirke built in 1832, which is known as the Church of Our Saviour, and Qaqortoq’s two other museums are worth visiting, as well. Among the municipality’s most significant sites of work is the Great Greenland Furhouse, which is frequently open to guests. Brief walks around Qaqortoq are possible as well, for instance around the huge lake.

From the town of Qaqortoq, you can stop by on settlements via boat, for instance the North Episcopal house at Igaliku or Eqalugaarsuit. A couple of hours northeast of the municipality via boat, you will discover the best preserved Norse ruin in all of Greenland called Hvalsey Church. Further south on the island of Uunartoq, you will find hot springs. The town also provides kayak sailing, sports fishing excursions, overnight stays and a lot of other trips.

You can arrive at the town of Qaqortoq from the most essential gateway of South Greenland, which is the Narsarsuaq airport, via both ship and helicopter. The municipalities in South Greenland are situated near to each other. There is an excellent helicopter route system and ship and boat connections at regular basis. However, these can be interrupted by reserved quantities of fjord ice in winter seasons and floating field ice in summer seasons.

Qaqortoq has the ability to provide a blend of modern Greenland, history and culture, as well as lush scenery that gives a variety of walks and icebergs. After over one hour of sailing through a fjord with scenery of green mountain sides, Hvalsey Church ruins will come into view.

Muscat police on their camels
Photo by: moaksey, Creative Commons

Muscat is the largest city in Oman and is actually the capital of the country. Also called the walled city, Muscat houses numerous royal palaces in its rather small area. Muscat is conveniently located near the coast, making it a major port in the region as well as an area where numerous international hotel chains have resorts in.
To get to Muscat, you will find that a lot of International Carriers conveniently fly into their international airport. International carriers like KLM, Swiss Air, Emirates Air and Lufthansa, among others, have international flights coming into this country’s capital daily from many destinations worldwide while regional carriers like Oman Air, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air and Jet Airways, to name but a few, connects this city with cities in India and around the Gulf.

Some of the places of interest you might want to visit when you are in Muscat include the many palaces and mosques that dot the city. Palaces like the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace and mosques like the Sultan Qaboos Mosque are but a couple of the prime examples of such buildings that will leave you in awe.

Other structures that you might also find interesting in Muscat include the Al Jalai and the Al Mirani Fort, the Nakhal Fort and the Bait as-Zubair Museum. Since Oman is called the perfume capital of the world, you might want to visit the Amouage Perfume factory where the most valuable perfume in the world is found. For your jewelry shopping, handicraft shopping and a taste of the best food that Muscat has to offer, you might want to stop by the Mutrah Souk where all of these can be found at reasonable prices.

View on Mount Kilimanjaro from Honeybadger Lodge, Moshi, Tanzania
Photo by: Koen Muurling, Creative Commons

Moshi, Tanzania is at the foot of the tallest mountain of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. It is an ideal place for people seeking oneness with nature. It is a town worthy indeed of the title, “mountain-slope paradise.”

Being in the Kilimanjaro Region and beside a mountain, Moshi has a stable climate. Despite the hot-tropical climate of entire Tanzania, the town enjoys a relatively cooler temperature. This is due to the town’s elevation. Rain is not a trouble for tourists. The highest rainfall is at April, only around 4.3 inches.

People around the world are amazed by Mt. Kilimanjaro. Despite being in the equatorial region, the peaks are ice capped. This mountain is the best attraction for residents and tourists alike. There are professional guides that are hired for climbing parties. The sceneries and greens of the mountain slopes are very refreshing to the eyes. The air is cool and soothing.

The town yearly holds the world famous Kilimanjaro Marathon. This is a race around the slopes of the mountain. Both residents and tourists participate in the race, not only for the cash price but also for the mountain experience. It is also a place to explore the cultures of the Maasai and Chagga tribes. At the end of the day, one can enjoy drinking their special coffee, the main product of Moshi.

Moshi serves as base for these mountain climbers. Within the town, there are very accessible hotels like the Marangu Hotel, Parkview Inn and the Lutheran Uhuru Hotel. These top rated lodges also offer first class cuisines. They serve the traditional Tanzanian dishes which usually consist of well barbecued meats.

Museum in Gedaref
Photo by: KingOfHiking: want more reunion with excolleagues, Creative Commons

As people often expect nothing but dusty desert lands in Africa, including Sudan, in Gedaref it’s quite different. Dominated by a lush green environment, Gedaref is another African wonder to explore. Parts of it are still surrounded by plain but healthy deserts. Though not many luxurious hotels can be found, its environment is perfect for adventurous tourists who are always willing to camp out. But there are also plain accommodations such as the Amir hotel which can house tourists safely. It has 24 rooms and has been running since 1974. The Elmotwakil Hotel is a 3-star hotel and has a total of 66 rooms.

The African natives of Gedaref are friendly, as most of the Sudanese citizens. Tourists enjoy the market place for some thrifty shopping and a taste of Gedaref’s best snack items and native delicacies. A famous specialty is the spicy grilled goat meat, a bit tough but very tasty. For those who enjoy beer, most Sudanese ride to the border between Gedaref and Ethiopia to get a taste of beer. Ethiopia is very close to this city.

Gedaref, because of its green grounds, attract many nomadic people who purchase sorghum, peanuts, vegetables and sesame planted by its dwellers. Unlike other Sudanese cities with hot, desert climates, Gedaref is marked by green areas and hills around it, with a rainy season that extends up to four months.

The best and well-designed infrastructure to see here is the Grains Silo built by Russians in the late 1960’s. You will enjoy Gedaref’s museum, dervish tombs and its fun and satisfying qawha cafés.

Bora Bora
Photo by: tensaibuta, Creative Commons

The words magnificent, mythical, magical, awesome, and breathtaking are not enough to describe the world’s most famous and romantic island, which is Bora-Bora in Tahiti. Indeed, you ought to go there yourself to see how great this place is.

Though a small tropical island in the Pacific, there are a lot of great things that this place can offer you. Indeed, it is like fantasy if you describe how white the sands in the beaches are, how emerald and clear the waters are, and how colorful the fishes swimming in the waters are. Indeed, this is the perfect place to spend a romantic occasion with your special someone.

One of the best attractions in this small island is the Coral Garden. This is a natural underwater park where you can see a variety of fishes and corals. There is also Point Matira where you can be face-to-face with huge manta rays. You can even join excursions to experience feeding the rays yourself. Point Matira’s entry pass will also give you a view of a parade of barracudas and gray sharks.

Moreover, there are also great activities that you can try here. Even if you have done such things before, it will surely be different here in Bora-Bora. For instance, snorkeling and diving have never been so majestic in other waters but the clearest and the warmest water in the whole world, which is Bora-Bora.

On the other hand, there is just about the same enchantment in above water activities. This includes exploration of the waters by canoes, Hobie Cats, parasail, and wave runners. And for the more romantic water sailing activity, there will be nothing to exceed the ambiance that can be given by the nightly sunset sails.

Moreover, aside from the wonders that the waters of this island have to offer, there are a lot of other things that are unique and great in Bora-Bora. You can explore the panoramic view of the whole island in just an hour in a 4×4 safari. Also, you can shop for the world’s best pearls, original arts, and handcrafts in the markets of this island.

Indeed, there seems to be no word that can describe the wonders of nature in this island. So if you want to witness this grandeur, it is best for you to pay a visit. From the aerial view alone, you will surely fall in love with the island already. But wait until you step on it and experience first-hand the wonders of Bora-Bora.

Take your travel bags and head off to Bogue, Mauritania. It is one of the places that you must visit at this time of the year or perhaps any time! What you will see in this place is mostly all sand dunes but what makes it so exciting is that you will be able to work up on your tan.

Tourists from different parts of the world usually go to the Sahara Desert but they completely forget that Bogue is a good place to visit. You will see cemeteries of ships, different kinds of species of birds that you thought were only present in books or even at the zoo. They freely fly around and become the center of attention since they come in flocks.

Bogue, Mauritania is one of the places where you can also visit just to admire the vast area which was a sea of water before. Yes, the world changes its look every now and then so bring your camera to capture the changing world.

This is a tropical area so you have to lug along a lot of water, cooling systems like a portable fan so you would not faint in the heat. Light clothes are perfect for this place since you would sweat a bucketful if you’d wear clothes aside from cotton and linen. Speaking of potable water, it would be best for you to just drink bottled beverages like beer and soda to make sure you would not get an upset stomach.

Sigiriya – Lion Entrance to the stairs
Photo by: mckaysavage, Creative Commons

When you are looking for some unique vacation experience, the best place you can visit is Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. This quiet but amazing place offers double wonders of nature and man-made sceneries. You can never go wrong when you are in this place, because you will not only discover a colorful culture, but also calmness to take your stress away.

The first spot for you to visit in Sigiriya is the ancient Rock Fortress and Palace. This is where you can discover the glories of this city against foreign oppressors of the past. You will be amazed with the architectural designs on the walls and the carvings on the rocks.

The next stop is in the Sigiriya Rock Garden. It is considered as the oldest landscapes in the world. Here, you will discover different natural and man-made rock shelters that past inhabitants used to protect themselves against heavy rain and the blazing heat of the sun. It is also where you will find the three types of gardens – the terraced garden, the water garden, and the boulder garden. Each of these offers a unique beauty to the compliment the place.

Another site to behold in Sigiriya is the Mirror wall built by a king on a huge piece of rock in the eight century. Aside from this, you can also enjoy a colorful collection of ancient paintings in the caves.

To learn more about the place, you can have a tour in the Sigiriya Museum where ancient artifacts are being kept safe.

Bayside in Juan Griego
Photo by: neil alejandro, Creative Commons

Juan Griego got its name from its founder, Juan the Greek from the 1500s. As a navigator, he traveled to different island and soon landed on this one. In Juan Griego, he started his business of transporting captive Indians to Santo Domingo. During his stay, he became the most prominent citizen in the island, earning him the right for it to be named after him.

This island played a big role in the War of Independence of Venezuela. In 1881, this city played the role of a battle port and served as a place for battery construction for the military. Being a major part of the biggest war in the country, tourists would surely see a large collection of war artifacts. If you are interested of learning more about Venezuelan history and seeing a real battle port for yourself, you should definitely pay Juan Griego a visit.

Other than being a former battle port, this place also has beautiful churches that would be worth your attention. One of which is the Parish of San Juan Evangelista. With its gothic styling, this church still remains the city’s symbol up to this day.

Juan Griego is of course, not only filled with war artifacts and beautifully-constructed churches but also beaches. It is also famous for its bay where you can see probably one of the most striking views of the sunsets ever. You can enjoy the beach and have a great time shopping for souvenirs that can only be found in South America.

Lake Urmia Salt Crystals
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Nir is a small city. It lies in the northwestern most tip of the country. It lies near the Caspian Seas and Lake Urmia. And although this city is small, it was cradle of culture back when East-West trade was done by land. Nir is actually in the middle of the old Silk Road. Along with Ardabil, this was one of Persia’s merchant hubs. This is was one of the reasons why Persia flourished in the olden days.

Nir has humble and ancient sites to showcase. If you want to know what the olden route looked like, Nir can show you that. Nir has pretty much remained humble through the years. Being near the Caspian Sea and the salty Lake Urmia, Nir developed a decent salt industry.

If you want to see more after experiencing Nir, Ardabil is just a stone throws away. This city is practically made the Persian carpet business famous around the world. Here, you can find the best genuine Persian carpets. Ardabil is so good at making Persian rugs that the best kind of Persian rug is named after the city− the Ardabil Carpet.

In Ardabil, you can see both Islamic and Zoroastrian influences. A great place to experience this diffusion is to visit the Ardabil Museum, a place that contains both Islamic and Zoroastrian documents. Nir and Ardabil are real testaments of Persian ingenuity and know-how when it comes to trade. These two Iranian cities are definitely worth the long trip.

PANAMA CITY
Photo by: Ken Mayer, Creative Commons

Panama City, the central hub where all the important activities in the country is being held and packed with lots of pre-historic and contemporary tourist destinations. Being the busiest place in the country, Panama City, Panama will give you a vacation to remember for a lifetime.

Right before you enter this city, you can see the famous Panama Canal that connects two of the largest oceans of our world, the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. It is considered as one of The Eight Wonders of the World for being an exceptional inland waterway for mankind.

Another is the Amador Causeway. It somewhat resembles the race track in your famous racing game – the one with smooth roads bordered by the swaying palm trees. It essentially serves as the main road for connecting four small islands in Panama. At the Old Quarter of Panama City lies the old chapel of Santo Domingo de Guzman. Inside, you can see ancient items that belonged to the previous families of the district.

Metropolitan National Park is best for nature lovers. Wearing light clothes and comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bug repellant is kind of required to keep you safe all throughout the journey. Birds, reptiles, mammals and the only one of its kind, titi monkey can be seen here as well. The setting is in fact a tourist destination for the whole family.

You don’t need to look for a nice hotel to stay or what restaurants to eat because once you get here, people will welcome you like their own relatives. There are more to Panama that you could ever imagine. So take your vacation in this immaculate tourist destination.

Rupunini Savannah
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Lethem is the largest town in the Rupununi region of Guyana, and is the main commercial center of the Rupununi Savannah, where many of the country’s cattle ranches are located, which are manned by vaqueros or Spanish cowboys. With the influx of tourists to the area, Lethem has become tourist-friendly, with restaurants, stores and a telecommunications station set up to serve the needs of visitors. The ranches have also opened their doors to guests, and you can book accommodations at many of them.

The majority of visitors who come to Lethem take nature safaris across the savannah to enjoy the area’s abundant animal and plant species. Bicycle rentals are available, as are horseback rides. Locals can also be hired as guides to lead tours into the interior. Other popular attractions are the Kanuku Mountains which bisect the Savannah, and Mt. Roraima, the highest point in Guyana, which lies on the country’s border with Brazil and Venezuela. Of course, the world-renowned Kaieteur Falls is just a short ride away. Guests can also do some souvenir hunting at St. Ignatius, a former Jesuit mission that now serves as a place where you can buy indigenous Amerindian crafts, as well as being the site of a cashew processing plant.

Lethem is readily accessible to tourists as it has an airport with regular air service on most weekdays between the town and Georgetown. There are, however, strict weight restrictions for luggage, typically less than 20 pounds. A good time to visit would be around Easter, when a rodeo is staged that draws locals, as well as visitors from Brazil.

An Alleyway in downtown Porec
Photo by: Dieter Karner, Creative Commons

Porec, Croatia is accessible via sailing from Venice through the Venezia Lines. It is advisable to travel here during the months of April to September, which the preferred months for vacation of many tourist from different parts of the world.
Considered as one of the humble yet beautiful places in the country, it is very easy to roam around Porec. The town is so small and you can never get lost wandering the streets and admiring the panoramic sceneries. There are bus stations, which you can easily access for a cheaper means of transportation, as well as taxis that you may ride in to explore the entirety of the place. Taxi stands are also situated near hotels, so you will have no trouble at all finding them when you need one.

The food is really good in Porec. The restaurants here are definitely world class and the crew members are very friendly and accommodating. There are even restaurants that specialize in serving foreigners, with personnel speaking various languages for easier and clearer communication with the customers.

Croatian culture, art and history are abundant in Porec. There are parts of the town that exhibit these aspects, which are among the reasons why tourists are flocking here for vacation and trips. Among these is the Euphrasian basilica, which is an important cultural and historical place.

Porec also has very interesting Archaeological finds that tell of the great history behind each structure. These include the ruins of Roman forums and temples that clearly speak of the important presence of Romans in the area centuries ago.
Aside from ancient artifacts, modern treasures can also be found in Porec to the delight of every tourist. There are shopping hubs where you can buy souvenir items and other stuff. Cafes and other essential establishments are also located all around for the tourist’s convenience.

Although it is small in area, Porec is large in historical value and artistic importance. Additionally, there are also beaches where you may spend the afternoon getting a tan or getting some healthy exercise by swimming. These beaches are also a venue for meeting fellow tourists as well as getting to know locals of the place.

Countryside of Clervaux
Photo by: tarchamps, Creative Commons

Clervaux is located in northern Luxembourg and serves as the capital of the Canton of Clervaux. In 2005, the town only had a population of 1037. It maintains close relationships with nearby towns.

The numerous sights to visit in Clervaux begin in the Castle of Clervaux. The castle permanently houses the display of a famous exhibit by Edward Steichen: The Family of Man. Countless tourists crowd the castles all year round to view the exhibit and admire the beauty of the photo collection.

A place of interest in Clervaux is the Saint-Maurice and Saint Maur Abbey. For many years the Abbey has been maintained as the base for Roman Catholic missions to Scandinavia. Halldor Laxness, a Nobel Prize winner, is also noted to have been converted to Roman Catholicism while visiting the Abbey.

The history of Clervaux is best depicted in more places. Aside from the Castle of Cleveraux, The Church of Cleveraux also offers the same majesty. An important religious center of the town, the church was center to catechetical missions to nearby areas.

The National Museum of War in Clervaux must also be visited. It houses the remnants of the countless war Luxembourg has been into. It holds great historical importance as machines, cannons, and other weapons are exhibited in the museum. It depicts the hard-won battle that led to the country’s freedom.

Clervaux has a total land area of 9.84 square miles. But in this small area, the town boasts not only of splendid attractions but also buildings dedicated to the history of the whole country.

Cattle bringing in the harvest in Rajshahi
Photo by: IRRI Images, Creative Commons

Rajshahi, Bangladesh is the capital city in the Rajshahi District, located in northwestern Bangladesh. It is located in the northern banks of river Padma or Ganges. The city has a total population of about 700,000 only.

It is said that Rajshahi is one of the most peaceful areas in Bangladesh and the happiest city in the world. It is also referred to as ‘education city’, because of its many educational establishments. Aside from that, it is also known for its pure silk, lichi and mango. Aside from its famous mango orchards and river beaches, its silk products are known for their unique designs and affordability. In fact, the city is often referred to as ‘silk city’.

Rajshahi is formerly known as Rampur Boalia. The town was of great importance during the 1800s when the East India Company established its administrative headquarters. The city was one of the first municipalities in Bangladesh, established in the year 1876.

Tourist Spots and Attractions

• The River Side – take things easy and enjoy some sight seeing by the banks of the River Padma. During rainy season, the water comes up and will look just wonderful.
• Chhoto Sona Mosque – built during the Sultanate period, the Chhoto Sona Mosque or Small Golden Mosque was built by Wali Muhammad during Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah’s reign. It includes 15 gold gilded domes plus 3 Chauchala domes.
• Ghoramara – the oldest part of Rajshahi. Most of the buildings are 70 to 100 years old!
• Rajshahi University – a beautiful and green campus, within a few kilometers from the city.
• Varendra Research Museum – contains a rich collection of ancient artifacts of Mohenjo-Daro as well as those of the 16th to 19th century.
• Santal Para – where you can visit the Santal tribes, interact with them, and have a look into their everyday tribal life.
• Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum – here is where the grave of the first Islam preacher in Rajshahi region. Legend has it that Hazrat Shah Mokhdum came to Rajshahi through the Padma River whilst riding two crocodiles.
• Shahid Zia Park – an amusement park which has a monorail, bumping cars, and other fun rides and entertainment.
• Bagha Mosque – historical mosque that is illustrated in the 50 TK note. The mosque is situated in Bagha, Rajshahi.
• Kashia Danga – a massive mango tree garden. Better check this place to catch a glimpse of the famous mango trees of Rajshahi.

Nuwara Eliya Tea Fields
Photo by: 3Neus, Creative Commons

The little England of Sri Lanka offers big wonders and opportunities. Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka is not only a great place to spend a romantic and blissful time, but it is where you can explore unique discoveries that you will not find elsewhere in the world.

It is considered as the tea capital of a country that lies silently on the southern part of Asia. But more to the product it boasts, it is also a picturesque view since it lies where perfectly shaped hills are found. The cool weather that everyone can enjoy is just perfect for a romantic moment with a loved one. But hot seasons from March to May give more opportunities for simple sports, like cricket, to take place.

Aside from playing the sport, Nuwara Eliya is also a perfect spot for playing golf, horse back riding, hiking, and boating at Gregory Lake. For those who want some respite, a simple walk on the lake or some shopping in the bazaars can be a fulfilling experience.

Nature has its own fair share of wonders. You can enjoy majestic landscapes, especially during sunsets. You can also spend happy moments in Ramboda falls, Devon Falls, or Laksapana Falls. If you want to welcome the new day, you can enjoy the golden sunrise at Sri Pada Hills.

Surely, Nuwara Eliya gives you more than just a taste of its culture and scenic spots. Here you can refresh your self, rejuvenate your feeling, and find a heart-warming retreat.

Krabi boat ride
Photo by: Argenberg, Creative Commons

Krabi is not a home for crabs or other crustaceans, rather it is an abode for breath-taking coastlines. This small city can give you a wide range of sandy beaches which is definitely recommended for the whole family. Different activities can be done here including swimming, snorkeling, diving and many more.

Newlyweds can actually spend their honeymoon at Ao Nang Beach, the cleanest and most private resort of Krabi. This limestone beach is very tranquil that walking in the sand is more pleasurable than diving in to the waters. You can also do island hopping to hundreds of undiscovered island in the city. Ten minutes from Ao Nang is the Klai Wang Water Garden where nature is really safe and sound. For relaxation, the place also offers Thai massage for your aching and stressed body.

Next to the beach is Koh Lanta Island. This long white beach holds the address of the old Lanta Town where most of the government and private businesses are seen. The Sea-Gypsy Village exotic rituals and beliefs will take you to another dimension. For flower enthusiasts, try to visit the Orchid Nursery Farm on this island.

If you get tired of island hopping and swimming, you can walk on the trails of Kho Phi Phi National Park. This park contains the primary rain forest with trees that are hundreds of decades older than you. Well-known mangroves are also protected within this vicinity. Although the place was devastated by a tsunami few years ago; it is already reconstructed and refurbished to get the attention it once deserved. You can learn to climb rocks or dive deep into the island to its hired instructors.

January to April is the range of months you will experience the hot summer season of the place. You can wear any swimwear in the island from comfortable one-pieces or fearless bikinis. You can even get naked under the heat of the sun to get an even tan. Eight more beaches are still on the verge of exploration. Visit Krabi and be let your imagination run wild with it’s out of this world beauty.

Kuala Lumpur Skyline at Night
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. It is a really great place to visit because there are lots of shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and affordable hotels. Tourists may go to the City Center wherein the best attractions in Kuala Lumpur are found. The Dataran Merdeka is located here. This is the place where Malaysians usually celebrate their Independence Day. Plenty of museums such as the National Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum are located here, as well. Kuala Lumpur is also a nice place for walking. Street signs are vastly prominent and city maps are in all places. And Sunday afternoons are surprisingly quiet for a huge city like this.

Tourists may also get interested in the Golden Triangle. This is where party sites, luxury hotels, and shopping malls are found. The Petronas Twin Towers, which used to be the tallest building in the world, is located in this part of Kuala Lumpur too. Then, tourists may also want to visit the Aquaria KLCC, if they want to view about five thousand species of tropical fishes. There is also the KL Bird Park, which houses various species of birds. Or if they want to engage in some sports, they could also golf, run, jog, and rock climb. The Batu Caves, especially, is the perfect spot for rock climbers. But of course, shopping is among the best activities to do in Kuala Lumpur.

Bukit Bintang is the main shopping district here. It is where a variety of stores that cater to every shopper’s budget are situated. For instance, Low Yat Plaza is where people who are tech savvy flock. This is the place to acquire the latest electronic gadgets. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, on the other hand, is a fairly new shopping mall of items with international brands. Then, shopaholics may also check out malls at Bangsar and Midvalley. The Midvalley Megamall is a well-known shopping center. Plenty of clubs and restaurants are found in Bangsar, as well. Jalan Telawi, for instance, is the definite place to go partying. And before hitting their beds, tourists may go to Mamak stalls and drink some teh tarik.

Farafra Oasis
Photo by: RuckSackKruemel, Creative Commons

If you wish to see a lot of travelling camels, then it’s time to visit the important transportation hub of Sudan: Al Ubayyid. It’s the capital of the North Kurdufan State of Central Sudan and it’s the terminus of a rail line. As a transportation hub it’s a also a junction of various roads and camel caravan routes, and the end of a pilgrim course from Nigeria.

This city is occupied with more Muslims than Christian citizens and is also a market for cattle, gum Arabic, oilseed and Dura (Indian millet), a famous crop among agricultural regions in all of Sudan. Al Ubayyid lies on a sandy, scrub-covered plateau at an elevation of 570 meters. So you can only imagine the view from there. It’s encircled with a forest reserve that alleviates dust storms. Although geographically challenged, Al Ubayyid has interesting tourist attractions and grand infrastructures such as the University of Kordofan, a Logistics Base of United Missions in Sudan, and a Sudanese oil refinery. Other fine attractions include the Al-Ubayyid Cathedral and the old Al Ubayyid Cinema.

Tourists will enjoy trekking and doing bust tours around the city to see desert areas or visit the famous Wadi Al-Ubayyid Cave. The city also boasts of wonderful oases that are awe-inspiring and will catch the attention of those with cameras. The Farafra Oasis in particular is a favourite among tourists. For an even more extensive tour, you should visit the Kordofan Museum, The Souq, Victory Park (for night life), and El Ain. El Ain is where the city’s great reservoirs are.

The Funduq Al-Lubnaan (Lebanon Hotel) offers great accommodations like most of the Al-Ubayyid Hotels. And as it shouldn’t be forgotten, Asida, the local specialty, should be tasted before leaving the city.

Bay of Plenty
Photo by: kriskaer, Creative Commons

New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty has a lot of great getaway experiences to offer you. However, you will not fully enjoy what these islands have to offer without paying a visit to the port city of Tauranga. You can bet that this city alone will leave you a thousand of memories that will linger forever.

If you are a surfing enthusiast, you will always enjoy the great waves in Tauranga. One of the best places here in Tauranga is Mt. Maunganui. You will surely see your fellow wave enthusiasts catching great waves in the waters. However, for those who do not love the waves, it does not mean that you have nothing else to do here. Come and take a look at what more you can do in this great city of the Bay of Plenty.

For one, there are the great stretches of beaches here with a scattered shimmer of cream-colored sand. Fifteen minutes to the south, you can experience Papamoa Beach and the Pukehina. The latter is one of the usual favorites of a lot of tourists because of the ambiance of serenity of the place. The population here is not that crowded as that of other locations in the Bay of Plenty. You can even find a good deal of holiday houses here.

Aside from the adventures of surfing and serenity of lazing in the sand, there are a lot of other activities you can experience here in Tauranga. The place houses great regional cafes that do not only offer aromatic coffees but also great-tasting ones indeed. This is also the home for the best fish’n chips.

And of course, a trip to any place in New Zealand will not be complete without an encounter with the dolphins. You can always go watch dolphins in the great waters of Tauranga. Also, you can enjoy a helicopter flight not only for a view of the city but as well as the whole Bay of Plenty. Truly, you will be astonished by the breathtaking view of the islands sprinkled generously in the blue waters of New Zealand.

So now, don’t ever miss the great city of Tauranga in one of your travels to New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. The city houses first class hotels and accommodations that will even make your trip a more memorable one. So have your taste of the freshness of the waters of New Zealand with a getaway to this port city of Tauranga.