Tha Khaet Mountain Range
Photo by: SarahDepper, Creative Commons

Muang Khammouan is a province situated in central Laos. It borders Savannakhet and Bolokhamxay provinces. It covers about 16,000 square kilometers and most of this land is dedicated for agriculture. The Annamite Mountain range frames the River Mekong in the west of this province while to the east, the mountain range separates the province from Vietnam. Muang Khammouan’s capital is Tha Khaek.

If you want to spend your vacation enjoying the green scene with all the rice, bananas, cabbage, and sugar cane in abundance, then Muang Khammouan, Laos is absolutely your place to go. It is fresh and serene and the people are warm and friendly. However, since they do not speak English, you would have to do a lot of pointing and nodding during conversations. Greens and warm people are not the only highlights of Muang Khammouan. Here are the other spots you should not miss when you visit it:

• Tham Lot Kong Lo – This is an astounding cavernous tunnel that is 4 kilometers long. The tunnel is made of limestone and you probably haven’t seen any limestone structure as enormous.
• National Biodiversity Conservation area of Nakai-Nam Theun – Located right in the Vietnam border, Nakai-Nam Theun is house to several habitats, cloud forests to evergreen forests, ever-wet forest to a riverine forest. The total forest area covers 3,710 square kilometers of the province.
• Konglor and Natan villages—These two villages are the most famous ones in maintaining the textile weaving tradition. Weaving patterns are very distinct to every ethnic group in Muang Khammouan and they are usually based on cultural icons and natural themes.

Jardin du Luxembourg
Photo by: ricardo.martins, Creative Commons

The city of Luxembourg is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It has served as one of the world’s strongest fortresses as far back as 963. The fortifications are now transformed into parks and gardens that are few of the best places to visit in the city of Luxembourg.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and named European Capital of Culture twice, the whole city boasts its rich culture told through ancient fortresses, underground tunnels, and buildings and churches that are over a millennium old. Other places to visit are the Grand Ducal Palace, the Capuchin’s Theater where major events are held, and the Walls of the Corniche deemed to be the most beautiful balcony in Europe.

The Bock Cliff is a stone structure which serves as an entrance to a stone-hewn underground tunnel known as the Casemates. The Casemates is a 21 kilometer network of passages that served as shelter for some thousands during wars. It also served as housings for equipments, horses, workshops, and for food storage.

At the heart of the city is the Place D’Armes which is a starting place for many tours. It has a tourist information booth to give guides to tourists. The Rathskeller fortress is also nearby and a quick destination after visiting Place D’Armes.

Visiting Luxembourg City isn’t complete without a drink of their wines. Taste dry whites and sweet reds that go perfectly by themselves, or with meals.

The interesting architecture of the city’s bridges attracts many tourists all year round. The city offers a variety of farms and woodland, villages and valleys, and magnificent castles. It never stops to offer new sights and sounds that excite visitors each and every time.

The town of Gusau, which is the capital of Zamfara state, is located on the Sokoto River in the Northern part of Nigeria. It developed after the onset of the railways from Zaria, 169 kilometers (105 miles) south-east, in the year 1927. And now, it has become a major gathering center for peanuts or groundnuts and cotton that was produced in the nearby area.

Though cotton dyeing, weaving, and ginning have long been established as local doings, it was not until the later part of the 1960s that an up-to-date textile plant opened in Gusau town. A soybean-meal processing plant and a seed-oil mill were built as well. Other than cloth, peanuts, and cotton, Gusau is also an exporter of tobacco that is grown in the floodplains of the Sokoto River around the Ralata Mafara as well.

The town of Gusau is situated at 12.1642 (latitude in decimal degrees) and 6.66667 (longitude in decimal degrees) at an elevation or altitude of meters. The standard elevation of the town of Gusau is 420 meters.

The town of Gusau has a small population of 226, 857.

The time zone identification for Gusau is Africa or Lagos.

The top hotel in this city is the City King Hotel and Towers, which is very peaceful and serene.

Colors on the river during a Janakpur Chhath Parva Festival
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Janakpur, which was historically called Mithila, is said to be the birth place of Sita, wife of legendary hero Ram. Janakpur is usually thronged by worhippers and devotees during the Bibah Panchami festival. This festival is held to commemorate their wedding, and the main event is the re-enactment of the exhange of wedding vows of Sita and Ram. Janakpur is located south-east of Kathmandu near the Indian border. This is where the sole operational train of Nepal can be seen.

Temples and numerous ponds with religious significance can be seen here as well. The Janaki Temple dedicated to the goddess, Sita, is the main attraction in Janakpur. Legend has it that the spot where the temple is standing is the same exact spot where Sita and Ram exhanged vows. During the Bibah Panchami festival, the temple is lit by hundreds of oil-lamps. Janakpur is the center of Hindu pilgrimages and many colorful festivals are celebrated here such as the Rama Navami, which is the birthday of Lord Rama.

The Mithila culture is also alive and thiving in Janakpur. In fact, it is estimated that two million people still speak in native Maithili. People residing here are renowned for their wildly artistic and colorful paintings. Many of the pilgrims who travel to Janakpur are from India and some of their important festivals are also held here, such as the Diwali and Dhashara.

Janakpur is one of the sacred places for many Hindus. If you would like to bear witness to the devotion of people to their deities as well as join their vibrant, colorful festivals, then travel to Janakpur.

Esztergom
Photo by: Lulie Lyn, Creative Commons

Are you in search for that one tourist destination to go to this year then your answer would have to be Esztergom, Hungary. This is such a wonderful place that speaks so much about a past as early as the 1700s. Who would believe that such architectural landmarks are still standing to date? Even though they are already just ruins, the mere fact that they stood the test of times just to give proof of their existence is indeed one big achievement.

What would you see in Esztergom aside from the ruins scattered all over the place are museums such as the Bálint Balassi and the Christian museum which by the way is a must-see. What you will witness in these places are Esztergom’s paintings, art collections and of course the kind of architectural masterpiece during that time – the Baroque way of designs.

Should you want a spiritual journey when you visit Esztergom the best choices would be Jesuit Church, St. Anne’s, St. Thomas Hill and other old churches near the vicinity. You will be amazed at the collections of statues of different saints and artifacts relating to the start of Christianity in Hungary. It would be great to hear Mass at these churches and have your rosaries blessed by the priests after the Mass.

For the active and sporty side of you, the Danube River says so much of the word fun. You will enjoy the different water activities like boating and even sailing so pack some wet suits for the adventure of a lifetime. If you decided to pack light since you do need more room for your thick clothes due to the chilly weather in Hungary, Esztergom has many stalls that sell products suited for your boat ride. Széchenyi tér is the name of the market place that has been around since the 18th Century. Until now, it is still considered the happening place both locals and tourists as well.

Food and Hotel Accommodations are not a problem when you’re in Hungary, everything is so delicious and comfortable as if you haven’t left home.

Glorieta de Bécquer. Parque María Luisa, Sevilla
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

In the south of Spain, there is a beautiful city filled with art, culture and history. That is the city of Seville. There is an easy to spot trademark around the city from its flag, coat of arms and every possible surface from the government such as the caps of municipal sewers among other things. This is Seville’s motto, NO8DO. Visually, it would be the syllables NO and DO bound by a vertical infinite sign that looks like the number eight. Roughly translated, it means Seville has not abandoned me.

While flamenco is not original to Seville, the music that it uses originated from this place; it is called the Sevillanas. Two of the most popular festivals that Seville is known for is their observance of the Semana Santa or Holy Week. Like many other countries, the local folk observe the annual celebration solemnly. It culminates with majestic processions as part of the celebration. Two weeks after Holy Week, the Sevillans celebrate the colorful La Feria de Sevilla or the April Fair. Here you will find women wearing traditional dresses throughout the celebration and ever home, business and other groups partake in the events that are shared to everyone.

It is also a fact that visiting Seville is not complete without tasting the delicacies prepared locally. This city has become popular for serving tapas. It has been part of their culture where serving small dishes along with drinks are popular. The variety of grilled seafood is always a draw. You will find cuttlefish, swordfish, squid and dogfish along with meat that are prepared with special sauces. They also offer local faire for those with a sweet tooth.

Struga viewed from Ohrid
Photo by: Jacobo Canady, Creative Commons

Struga was previously known as Ehalon. The name translates into the word “eel” and is believed to be connected to local folklore about an eel that found itself enjoying the water in Lake Ohrid. It is a small town in the southwestern part of Macedonia. It is also found near the Roman Via Egnatia so Struga really is an easy to find tourist destination. There are also lots of activities that can be done while staying here at Struga. Among them are scuba diving, swimming, shopping strolling and boating. Scuba diving is one of the most popular because of the beautiful underwater life that can be seen in Strugan waters.

If you want to walk around and get familiarized with the place, you can try visiting churches all over the city. There are many churches in this place and a good deal of them already survived 8 centuries of wear and tear. Taking some time out to visit these churches will give you a one o f a kind experience of stepping foot in an old structure. And speaking of old, Struga becomes the site of an International Festival of Poetry held in the honor of Konstantin Miladinov.

If you are one of those people who want to experience activities such as boating or scuba diving in the deep rivers of Crn Drin, then a trip to Struga is all you will ever ask for. Find out why tourists from other parts of the world are excited to visit Struga again and again.

Cumana
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Venezuela is divided into 23 states, takes pride in a town filled with so much history. Cumana, Venezuela is the capital of Sucre State and is even the hometown of South American hero, Antonio Jose de Sucre. Andres Eloy Blanco, one of the largest contributors in South American literature also graced the said town, playing a part in its rich history.

Currently, this town has a population of over 35,000 and positioned just about 402km east of Caracas’s capital. Because this place is Europe’s first colony in South American land, this place will look not like any other modern cities. Though this town had to face several reconstructions due to attacks, evidences of colonialism in terms of architecture would still be seen. Earthquakes also contributed to the destruction of some of the original buildings, leaving only buildings made in the 17th and 18th century standing. Those that were built in the 15th century when the town was first colonized and during the 16th century all crumbled because of the attacks caused both by man and nature.

Even with this, there are still wonderful sites to visit in Cumana. The Iglesia de Santa Ines, though, built in the 1920s has artifacts dating back to the 1600s. One of which is the 16th century statue of their Patron Saint.

Old homes of legendary South American artists are also being displayed. Apart from this, some of the most important collections of these artists can also be seen in several museums in the town.

Parque Central
Photo by: jsbarrie, Creative Commons

Guatemala has its own share of colonial towns and one of them is Quetzaltenango. The place was colonized by the Spanish Conquistadores and you will see the influence of the colonization in the town’s structures, traditions and culture, language, and also food.

Quetzaltenango might be mouthful to pronounce. Fortunately, it has a nickname which the local people use. They fondly call their place Xela which is pronounced as shay-lay. This is the name used by the original Quiche Maya settlers of Quetzaltenango before the Conquistadores started their own city in the area.

You can find awe inspiring natural sights in Quetzaltenangco such as the mountains covered with mist and the volcanoes of Santa Maria and Santiaguito. Imagine living in a place filled with nature’s gifts. Visiting the place will be an amazing experience.

Since the place is surrounded by volcanoes, you will also enjoy going to hot springs of Fuentes Georginas to relax after a long day of hiking and riding. Before you reach the natural hot springs, you will pass small villages where you can see large fields with farmers and cliffs and valleys. The trip to the hot springs is enjoyable and the hot springs that await you are some of the things that will make you want to go back to Quetzaltenango.

Since Quetzaltenango is a commercial center, you can enjoy eating at restaurants and shopping at different stores after your nature trips. You can also choose form the many groups and organizations that offer hiking and camping tours to the high mountains of Quetzaltenango.

Lake Vättern, Sweden
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Jonkoping is another beautiful place in Sweden. It is one of the cleanest cities in the world and is home to many different musicians. It is Sweden’s center of forestry and agriculture. Jonkoping is rich in history and culture and has a large number of museums and parks for citizens and tourists alike. It is located in Smaland.

Visit the ruins of Visingborg which was once the most beautiful castle in all of Sweden. It was built by Lord Brahe during the 16th century. Most of the castle has been destroyed by the fire. What is left of this magnificent structure is the south wing. Visitors are allowed to explore this side of the castle. There are many other castle ruins around the area of Jonkoping.

Jonkoping is a very sporty group of people with over six golfing ranges and numerous other outdoor facilities such as nature tracks and paths.

The city is also home to dozens of restaurants and hotels ready to care for your every whim. The cuisine in Jonkoping is absolutely delicious.

Jonkoping’s county museum is filled with Swedish art dating back to the early 20th century. It has some of the most beautiful artwork from Sweden’s finest painters

If you’re looking for a different kind of museum then you can opt to go to .Jonkoping’s Match Museum. This everyday household commodity’s history is documented in this museum. The most interesting detail was how matches were once hand made. A very wide collection of matchboxes can also be found there. This museum is homage to Jonkoping’s long standing Matchmaking industry.

You’ll never run out of things to do and see here in Jonkoping. From the beautiful man made structures from yesterday and today to the natural beauty that nature has to give, Jonkoping is truly a breathtaking place.

Isla Farallón del Chirú, Pacific coast of Panama
Photo by: WorldIslandInfo.com, Creative Commons

The country with two-colored flag is also a destination for resort hoppers. Farallon, Panama is just one and a half hour drive from the country’s capital, Panama City. Because it’s home to different beaches, most of the attractions are outsized hotels. You don’t need to be bothered because world class amenities are guaranteed with these lodges.

The frequently toured resort is the Royal Decameron Resort Hotel. Located in Playa Blanca, this white-sanded silvery beach has a complete package for all your activities whether riding a horse or playing golf. Eight restaurants are commercially available for its visitors. When you want to pamper yourself by mid-afternoon, just go to the nearest massage parlor of the inn and enjoy a comforting massage from first-rate masseuses. Renting motorbikes, jet skis and cars are also possible for touring the whole resort.

Standing at the edge of Arco Sea, Farallon has another resort for you and that is Barceló Playa Blanca Beach Resort. Same as Decameron, this hotel has lots of facilities to relieve your tired way of life in your workplace. Casinos are offered for you to enjoy your nightlife at Farallon. This 225-roomed hotel also hosts some shows in their amphitheater.

Panama might not be a home for skyscraping buildings but surely, it will take you to a whole new level of having your retreat. It is the safest country in Latin America that knows how to speak English so you don’t have to take classes on Spanish just to mingle and communicate with the people at this place.

Veles City View
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Titov Veles is a city that is important in history because it became a trading center in the earlier decades. Back when River Vardar was still used by traders to reach Veles, the city became very active in the trading industry. But now, even though the river is not anymore used for trading purposes, the place is still surrounded by lush green trees growing abundantly on the forests surrounding the city. Its eco tourism promotions are gaining popularity among foreigners which generates a big portion of the annual income of the tourism sector of Veles.

But the city is also depending on other means of livelihood such as in manufacturing. Primarily, Titov Veles is an industrial town where there are different factories producing items such as silk, lead and porcelain. Thus, many tourists who come over here find many different items made from silk and porcelain as perfect souvenir items for their loved ones.

Being surrounded by a flourishing flora and fauna and the towering height of the mountains, the city enjoys cool winds all throughout the year, except during summer when the temperature is warmer. But compared to other cities, Veles is still a cooler place. Tourists often arrive in summer outfits but it is also advised that they bring along extra clothing incase the temperature gets lower. And when it does, you can conveniently slip on a sweater or jacket to make yourself comfortable.
Titov Veles is a very beautiful city and if you want to feel the cool mountain winds yourself, a trip to Veles is all you will ever need.

Kaieteur Falls
Photo by: sorenriise, Creative Commons

Potaro Landing is one of the main communities in Guyana’s Potaro-Siparuni Region, and consists mainly of forested highland with some areas of hilly sand and clay. The main tourist attraction in the region in the Potaro River, which runs for some 225 km before flowing into the Essequibo, the largest river in Guyana. Nine waterfalls can be found along the Potaro, the most notable of which is the Kaieteur Falls.

The Kaieteur Falls is well-known for its total height of 251 meters and average water volume of 663 cu. m. per second, which makes it one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. While it is by no means the highest waterfall in the world, it is actually higher than some better-known waterfalls such as the Niagara Falls (five times higher) and Victoria Falls (twice as high). Located within the Kaieteur National Park, the Falls have become a major draw for eco-tourism in Guyana. The Park was established, in part, to preserve the Kaieteur Falls and the area’s other natural attractions. Other popular waterfalls along the Potaro are the Orinduik Falls and Tumatumari Falls.

Another popular spot for eco-tourism is the Iwokrama Forest and the Rapununi Wetlands. The two jointly encompass a wide range of habitats, including lowland tropical rain forests, palm forests, mountains and volcanic dykes. The area is also home to over 90 species of bats, 400 species of fish and over 475 species of birds. The indigenous Makushi people also continue to call the area home as they still use the wetland and forest resources to sustain their way of life.

City of Dnepropetrovsk
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

The city of Dnepropetrovsk is in east-central Ukraine. It is a huge steel and iron city, and its population is about one million. It also maintains its aerospace industry, as well as, its machine building industry since the Soviet Union era. Dnepropetrovsk was also among the major centers of arms, space, and nuclear industries during that time. But today, not much of the past can be seen in this city. Most of its nineteenth century architectures have been destroyed. A lot of ancient churches and notable buildings are now gone. Good thing, there are still several remnants that have survived; and they are now visited by tourists.

Central Avenue, for instance, still retains its historical atmosphere. Even some parts in close proximity to Shevchenka and Global parks remain unscathed.

Dnepropetrovsk is also among Ukraine’s significant industrial centers. It has long boulevards, nice walkways, and open parks, as well. In addition, tourists may explore the city via its first-rate transportation systems. Public and private buses, as well as, electric trolley buses are widely available. Plenty of taxis, bicycles, and motorbikes may be used too. Tourists may even bring their private cars if they want. Moreover, the Dnepropetrovsk Metro is also accessible to the public.

Then, there are various museums and theaters, as well as an Opera house that tourists may want to visit. Most of these may only be appreciated by Russian speakers. Nonetheless, a number of parks, beaches, and restaurants are also great recreational areas. And they may be enjoyed by everyone, even non-Russian speakers. The main streets in this city might also piqué the curiosity of tourists because they are named after Marxist heroes. Karla Marksa Prospekt, for example, is a long and wide boulevard with beautiful buildings. Some years ago, Dnepropetrovsk ran out of funds to continue working on the stations of the city’s Metro. And two of such unfinished stations are in Karla Marksa Prospekt. But now, these stations have resumed completion.

Zhovtneva Square is another place with several astonishing buildings, such as the Museum of History. And if a tourist walks toward the Dnieper River from any of the three hills in the city, he will arrive on the Monastyrsky Island and to the Taras Shevchenko Park. Dnepropetrovsk is the home of Ukraine’s Premier League football club, as well. So, sports enthusiasts may go to the Dnipro Arena if they want to watch some football games.

Courtyard of Zwinger
Photo by: Alaskan Dude, Creative Commons

Dresden is located near the Czech Republic border, nestled in a valley along the River Elbe. It is the capital of the Free State of Saxony. Dresden boasts of a glorious past, the city being the capital and residence of the Electors and the line of Saxony’s royalty before it was razed to the ground during World War II.

Dresden is often referred to as the “Florence of the North” because of its dynamic art scene in the 18th century. The structures have long been destroyed but this 800-year city has resurrected itself to become a modern hub for culture and the arts, where the line of museums intersects with the bustling nightlife. At any given day, Dresden’s Mediterranean air can charm even the most stringent visitor.

To get to Dresden, you can travel by air and touch down at the Dresden Airport which carries domestic and charter flights during the holiday season. In case you are somewhere else in Germany, you can also take the trains from Berlin, Leipzig, Frankfurt or Prague. Once there, you can get around Dresden using the public transport. If you need help locating your next stops, you can inquire from the many information kiosks dotting the city. Take the train, the tram or the bus, armed with a map of the city. Or you can also hail a taxi from the airport or the stations. Velotaxi pedicabs are also available to get you to short trips. Finally, there are also bicycles for hire at daily rates.

From World War II ruins, to botanical parks, to architectural and artistic wonders, there is so much to see in Dresden. While there, don’t forget to check out the Dresdner Elbtal, located at the core of the Saxony. The Dresdner Elbtal winds with the Elbe River beginning from Schloss Pillnitz all the way to Schloss Übigau, passing through a line majestic of Baroque structures. In 2004, the Dresdner Elbtal was conferred the UNESCO World Heritage Site honor. But the title was taken back by the UNESCO in 2006, when Dresden allowed the construction of a major highway going through the site, in violation of the UNESCO restrictions.

Another Dresden symbol that you need to see is the Frauenkirche, the dome building that stands at the heart of the city. The original structure existed for two centuries before it succumbed to the Allied Forces’ carpet bombing in 1945. After which, the ruins were left as they were to serve as a reminder of the destructive war. In 2005, however, its rebuilding was completed and it was opened to the public as Dresden’s new landmark.

Dommeldange Station in the winter
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Dommeldange is a member of the twenty four quarters in Luxembourg. It is located in the southern part of the country. The town has a relatively small with a population. But despite the few numbers of inhabitants, the area has some surprises in store for every visitor.

The town is surrounded by unending lines of greenery filled with orchards and woodlands. Small villages are also found in the town which has changed a little over the decades. The quiet network of roads that criss-cross along the town allows tourists to explore the whole town on foot. Exploring by foot allows more interaction with the surroundings, making visitors appreciate the town and all that it has to offer.

The town is characterized by low rainfall and a relatively warm climate. Winters are mild and summers are warm, reaching to 35 degrees Celsius at the highest. The town also enjoys a sunny atmosphere during most parts of the year.

The Luxembourg Railway Station also has a station in Dommeldange, making it very accessible. Transport to nearby places is also an ease through the train. Aside from transportation, the railway is also known for its magnificent architecture employing Baroque style. The railway is being quickly modernized, but its medieval look is expected to be maintained.

Dommeldange is one of the many places to discover Luxembourg; its people, culture, and history. The town is easily reachable by air since it is near major airports. Excite yourself in a whole new experience offered by Dommeldange.

Kandy
Photo by: mckaysavage, Creative Commons

Kandy, Sri Lanka is considered as the hill capital of a country that continues to rise into fame. But more to this tag is a rich story of diversity that attracts many tourists across the globe. There is so much to discover in this place that will definitely define the true essence of the word, “wonder.”

Tea plantation

Kandy, Sri Lanka is also known for its rich plantation of teas. It is proud to become one of the largest producers and suppliers of teas to big countries, such as the United States, Great Britain, and Australia.

Temple of the tooth

This is the major tourist spot of the city and it was named such because it houses the relic of Buddha’s tooth. Locales have also fashioned a festival to honor the relic, and they called it Esala Parehera.

Lankatilaka Temple

This Sinhalese temple is built on a rock and it boasts striking architectural designs and colorful art works.

The Royal Palace

This is a magnificent building that serves as a reminder of the great rulers of the city. It is well-preserved and tourists will definitely admire the arcs and pillars that were creatively built.

Paradeniya Botanical Garden

For flora lovers, this is a perfect site to visit when in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is home to some of the most unique plants in the world, such as palms, orchids, and money plants. A tour in this place will leave a relaxing and rejuvenating feeling.

Volleyball and Cricket

The national sport, volleyball, is widely played by natives of this place. A fair game of cricket is also a must to try when visiting this city.

Mosque under construction
Photo by: jensimon7, Creative Commons

Darganata is one of towns in the Birata District of Turkmenistan, and this also happens to be its capital town. It is inside the Lebap Province that can be found in the northeastern region of the country bordering Uzbekistan.

Although Turkmenistan, as a country in Central Asia, is regarded as one of hottest countries in the world, a lot of tourists still visit this region and get attracted to the natural wonders there. The Lepab Province and Darganata are mostly proud of the environmental preservation sites found in the area. Examples of these are the Repetek Nature Reserve and the Köýtendag Nature Reserve which can be found along the Aýrybaba Mountain, the highest mountain in Turkmenistan.

There are also structures and architectural marvels offered by this region, most of them related to religion such as the mosques and statues. Cultural heritage is also preserved in this area by means of museum and also in the artifacts that are sold in souvenir shops. The rugs and carpets mostly associated with this region are usually designed in intricate manners that show shoe rich the culture of this country is.

Because the region where Darganata is located borders along Uzbekistan, travelers are not allowed to cross this boundary without the proper documents and travel visa. Most tourists are not aware of this and mostly have trouble dealing with authorities of both countries.

Although the weather is often hot and dry, most people would advise you to visit this country during the colder times of September to November so you could make the most out of your Turkmenistan experience.

Calangute Beach in Goa – busy with locals and visitors
Photo by: Paul Mannix, Creative Commons

Among all places in the beautiful country of India, Goa is among the standouts. If all the other cities offer historical sights for the tourists, Goa offers something new that tourists cannot resist trying – having a vacation at their resorts.

People who come to India have this thought of spending their time there joining the festivities and walking in the streets, looking at every structure and trying to analyze its symbolism or historical background. Goa, on the other hand, will try to deviate from this way of thinking and instead let tourists imagine themselves relaxing in their resorts and enjoying the beaches with white sand and clear water under the bright, blue skies. No other place can be as beautiful as this paradise in India.

What makes Goa worth visiting, besides its enchanting beaches, would have to be the people the lives in the area. They are very welcoming and they consider the tourists as one of them. A lot of them are knowledgeable in the English language, so talking with them to know more about the area would be something that the tourists should look out for.

The beaches in Goa are best viewed during the monsoon, according to the caretakers of the resorts in the place. They often compare it to the postcards that people send to their loved ones – the ecstatic and serene view of the sea during sunrise or sunset resembles so much of the beaches’ view.

The area is covered by palm trees resting in the white sands that connect to the Arabian Sea. Besides swimming, tourists can do many other things like taking photos of the fantastic scenery, soaking up the sun while reading a novel, talking with other tourists that enjoy staying the area, and taste the popular beverage called Feni. Moreover, tourists can also partake in sports like volleyball, water rafting, canoeing and other water-related sports that will surely drain the energy out of the tourists.

There are also spas and casinos in the area, making the tourists’ stay very worthwhile. Carnivals, bars and clubs are also prominent in the area, making Goa’s nightlife a busy and exciting escapade. For people who would also like to take a look at Goa’s cultural aspect, they can visit the churches and parks in the area.

If ever tourists stop by India and its cities, they should never forget to include Goa in their list.

Eastern view of downtown from Nagoya Station
Photo by: Paul Davidson, Creative Commons

Nagoya is one of the most visited cities in Japan. After hearing rave reviews about the city, more foreigners, and even locals are attracted by the city’s promise of an enjoyable vacation haven. Why not visit this captivating city now? Experience the unique Japanese lifestyle and indulge in its lavish cultural heritage as you read this article further. This will provide you some travel tips for your dream vacation.

Nagoya has received prestigious recognitions for its environmental programs which aim to eradicate mounts of garbage in the city. Among its awards are Environmental Minister’s Award 2006 and the Grand Prix award. It was also honored as the eco-capital of Japan due to the local government’s efforts to lead a green lifestyle and reduce the city’s carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, you are guaranteed of a clean and green vacation spot!

A tour around these lovely destinations will certainly take your breath away:

Fujimae Tidal Flat
An ultimate spot for bird sightseeing, Fujimae Tidal Flat is an intersection of the rivers Nikko, Shinkawa, and Shonai. The site not only attracts tourists, but migratory birds as well. The Fujimae tidal flat is a habitat for approximately 60 species of birds. If you’ll check out this spot, you will be delighted at the crystal clear waters and colorful birds present in the area.

Higashiyama Park
Higashiyama Park is composed of the Higashiyama Zoo, Sky Tower and Botanical Gardens. The park is considered to be one of the biggest animal shelters in Asia. Don’t forget to see the Higashiyama Sky Tower, the skyscraper that provides a clear view of the entire city. Try going at the tower at night, since Nagoya is prettiest at dark, due to its streaming lights.

Shirotori Garden and Ran no Yakata Orchid Gardens
A romantic place where flowers and trees thrive abundantly, Shirotori Garden and Orchid Gardens are nature at its best. Shirotori Garden features a wide area for strolling situated around a pond complete with water flowers and plants. One of Japan’s most famous traditions, tea ceremony is also offered in the place. Seiutei, a swan-like house located inside the garden, has authentic tea which tourists can try out. Ran no Yakata Orchid Gardens, on the other hand, is a collection of almost 250 different types of orchids available for purchase and flower arrangement services.

Hotels in Nagoya provide excellent accommodations to their customers through the years. There are a large number of hotels to choose from. If you’re on a tight budget, consider looking at inexpensive but superb hotels such as Hilton Hotel, Nagoya Tokyu Hotel and Castle plaza Hotel. Enjoy!

Bwejuu Beach
Photo by: Explorer Travel, Creative Commons

The Zanzibar Archipelago is about 15 miles away from Tanzania’s Mainland. These islands are perfect for holidays and honeymoons. After all, it is a tropical paradise near the earth’s center.

If you are looking for fresh air and clean beaches, Zanzibar, Tanzania is the place for you. It is rich in natural resources and greens. The main products of the archipelago, Pemba Island in particular, are cloves, cinnamon and other spices. Since it is near the equator, the climate is summer for the entire year. But worry not; the tropical winds are cool and refreshing. The weather is always perfect for beach picnics and water sports. One should not worry about rain too. The wettest months are April and May, but the rain does not last long.

Zanzibar’s main island is Unguja which is known simply as “Zanzibar Island” internationally. The island’s long stretches of coastline attracts thousands of tourists every year. People can go kayaking, water skiing and wind surfing. The corals of Indian Ocean are at their best in this archipelago. They are worthy of scuba diving and snorkeling.

Transferring location in the islands is made easy by minibuses and cheap taxis. One may wish to visit the Stone Town, which is Zanzibar’s old quarter. This is a World Heritage Site with magnificent architecture and infrastructures.

One may visit the forests of Unguja too. It has a rich fauna with many species endemic to the land. In Jozani Forest, there are plenty of the endemic red colobus. There are rare primates too and plenty of bird species.

Having a place to stay is not a problem too. There are several first class hotels in Unguja’s heart. There are hotels near the beaches too, like the Pongwe Beach Hotel and the Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge.

Ekaterinburg, busy city
Photo by: andrijbulba, Creative Commons

Russia is truly a beautiful place to live in, and you will gain quite a lot of knowledge living in it, from its exquisite language and culture, to the wealth of historical accounts regarding the nation. The smaller towns are just as beautiful as the bigger cities, but it will all depend on your preference as a tourist (or, who knows, a resident).

Ekaterinburg is a major city in central Russia. Formerly known as Sverdlovsk (after Yakov Sverdlov, Bolshevik party leader) and also referred to as Yekaterinburg, it is the heart of the administration of Sverdlovsk Oblast. It is 1,036 miles east of the Russian capital, Moscow, sits at the Ural mountain range’s eastern side, and is Urals Federal District’s the main cultural and industrial center. It is Russia’s fifth largest city with a population of around 1,300,000.

Partially woody plains and small lakes surround Ekaterinburg. Winter occurs from November till mid-April, the temperature falling to as low as minus 49 degrees F (45 degrees C). Summer is short, only lasting an average of 67 days, the average temperature being 64 degrees F (18 degrees C). Differing winds and its location behind the Ural mountain range contribute to its unpredictable day-to-day and year-to-year weather.

Getting to and around Ekaterinburg is easy via the Koltsovo International Airport (SVX) and the smaller Yekaterinburg Aramil Airport. The city is an important Trans-Siberian Railway junction. Its public transportation includes the Yekaterinburg Metro, trams, buses, trolleybuses, and Marshrutka routes.

The city teems with museums and libraries. More than 30 museums exist therein, several of them showcasing Ural jewelry and minerals, art galleries, one of the biggest Kasli molding collections, and the Shigir collection which includes the world’s oldest wood sculpture, the Shigir Idol, estimated to be around 9,000 years old already. Its libraries include Sverdlovsk Oblast’s largest public library, the V. G. Belinsky Scientific Library. The city also has a circus building, and on it also stands one of the world’s tallest incomplete architectural structures, the Yekaterinburg TV Tower. Theaters also abound in the city so theater-loving tourists need not be gloomy.

Awe is one of the thirteen Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State in Nigeria. Its head office is located in the small town of Awe.

Awe has an area of 2, 557 square kilometers and a population count of 112, 574 at the 2006 census.

Nasarawa State is a state located in central Nigeria. Nasarawa was established on the 1st of October 1996. Nasarawa State is bordered in the east by Plateau States and Taraba, in the north by the Kaduna State, in the south by Benue States and Kogi, and in the west by the Abuja Federal Capital Territory.

A system of roads can be found in Nasarawa, connecting all the major towns and rural areas.

The state of Nasarawa has agriculture as the foundation of its good economy with the making of assortments of cash crops all throughout the year. It contains minerals like bauxite and salt as well.

The state of Nasarawa has the Federal Polytechnic and College of Education. It also possesses other vocational learning schools as well.

Awe is one of the 774 Local Government Areas or LGAs of Nigeria. Awe is responsible for Local Government Area functions such as:
· Economic commendations to the state
· Founding and preservation of burial ground, cemeteries and homes for the infirm or destitute
· Construction and preservation of streets, open spaces, parks, roads, drains and other community highways.
· Naming of streets and roads and assigning of numbers to houses.
· Collection of fees and taxes.
· And more

Sandals at Montego Bay
Photo by: BluEyedA73, Creative Commons

Montego Bay is known as the tourism capital of Jamaica. The second biggest city in the country, it is also recognized as the most hospitable of them all. It is also the capital of the Parish of St. James.

It boasts of a wide variety of amenities that includes hotels and transportation means that sustains its tourist’s needs for good accommodation and traveling medium in the area.

Its streets are normally lively and vibrant which is the trademark of the Montego Bay. It is currently undergoing modernization in terms of infrastructure which aims to make it a top attraction in the Caribbean.

Food and Dining

Montego Bay offers a wide variety of restaurants and eateries in all different set ups that will suit your needs as a tourist. Ranging from fast food to gourmet, it offers various cuisines including Chinese, English, American, Italian, and of course, Jamaican.

Activities

Montego Bay is known for water sports such as diving, sailing, snorkeling, sport fishing, rafting, and kayaking. You can also go on a tour of the city, equestrian activities (in Rocky Point Stables,) and dolphin shows (in Dolphin Cove.)

Shopping can also be part of your itinerary as Montego Bay is one of the best places to splurge on what you want and buy souvenirs.

Attractions

Lester Art Gallery. The former home and studio of the Polish sea captain and painter, Michael Leszczynski.

Aquasol Theme Park. It is located in Walter Fletcher beach and showcases recreational activities of the widest choices including kayaking, parasailing, banana boating, even pool and many other games.

Rose Hall Great House. This is the home of Annie Palmer, the notorious white witch whose history and wickedness has been famous for the murder of three husbands and the terror of slaves. It was a celebrated great house which has been restored to its original form by two US entrepreneurs. Experience a thrilling and chilling journey colored by the tales of the evil witch, Annie.

Bob Marley Experience and Theatre. A documentary of Bob Marley. Located in the Half Moon Shopping Village, it presents an hourly tribute to the Reggae icon himself, Bob Marley.

Aasiaat
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Aasiaat is located in the southern area of Disko Bay on an island at the border of an incredibly attractive archipelago that is frequently known as “the land of a thousand islands”. Several of these islands in the vicinity are conservation sites and supply excellent chances to examine the whales or the unique birdlife that were the main reason why the town of Aasiaat was founded in mid-18th century.

When talking about culture, the town of Aasiaat provides a dated quarter that is abode to both a community centre and a museum that is adorned by twenty-four paintings by the world-famous painter named Per Kirkeby. Throughout the summer season, the sea is commonly frequented by the humpback whales and the archipelagos of Aasiaat are chiefly well-known destinations for ventures via kayak or by boat. Throughout the winter season, daring visitors can attempt their hand with cross-country skiing on ready trips or slopes by dogsled or snowmobile.

With its spot at the border of a huge archipelago, the town of Aasiaat chiefly offers tourist spots on the water. On top of this, the region is popular for its prosperous wildlife over and in the sea. Examples of fun activities to do in Aasiaat are:

Between islands and icebergs in a kayak
You can go on kayak excursions for both newbie and skilled paddlers, along with a tour guide who is knowledgeable about every thing there is to know in relation to the weather conditions and the area. Every trip begins with a route that introduces Arctic kayaking to you, subsequent to when you will head out for 2, 5, 8 or 12 days. Overnight housing is in hunting huts or tents. Of course, there is a lot of time to take pleasure in the amazing landscape. Safety is important and the archipelago’s sea is calm most of the time.

Wildlife safari
Traditionally, Aasiaat has been popular for its big populace of whales. A skilled skipper will perform his best to locate the appropriate spot where individuals can come up close to the whales on this whale safari.

Skis, dogsleds, or snowmobiles
When the scenery is covered with ice, it is definitely the winter activities that take over in Aasiaat. You can stop by at the settlement via dogsled or snowmobile and if you are interested with cross-country skiing, you can make use of the well-readied ski runs of the local skiing club.