Zaporozhye neighborhood
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

The ancient city of Zaporozhye is located in southeast Ukraine. It has been present for over two hundred years already, and is located on the banks of the Dnieper River, which is one of the longest rivers in Europe. Zaporozhye, also, approximately has eight hundred twenty thousand inhabitants. It is an urban city; and about six hundred doctors, as well as, above two hundred journalists and writers make up its residents. Its land area is also about three hundred square kilometers. In addition, this city is a fundamental industrial center that acts as a waterway port and a railway junction.

Zaporozhye city houses several prominent local industrial companies. ZAZ, Ukraine’s largest manufacturer of automobiles is located here. Dnieproges, a huge hydroelectric power plant, and Zaporozhstal, a steel and iron plant, are situated here, as well. But this city is also the home of world-class companies such as Motor-Sitch, which is an airplane engine manufacturer. And even the by-products of Coca Cola are supplied by Zaporozhye’s chemical industry. Nonetheless, major metallurgical, steel, light, and engineering industries are established here, as well. This is precisely why this city is of great help to the economy. Ukraine receives adequate supplies of stainless steel from it. A lot of facilities in Zaporozhye city also produce energy, both non-ferrous and ferrous metallurgy, heavy machinery, and machines for transportation. In fact, over four hundred products are exported each year, thanks to bountiful Zaporozhye.

The growth of Zaporozhye is also more evident through the academic institutions it has. There are numerous teacher-training, machine-building, and pharmaceutical institutes in this city. The Zaporozhye State University, as well as, other well-recognized research centers, medical schools, and technical institutions are found here too. And because of this, Zaporozhye city have produced a large number of students and scholars. However, these are not all the city has to offer.

Zaporozhye is also famous for its restaurants and food. Usually, the foods here are abundant and cheap. A famous floating restaurant is also found on the Dnieper River. Furthermore, this city’s climate is somewhat dry, which makes it perfect for tourism. So, tourists can visit museums, circus shows, clubs, and theatres. They can walk on some of Europe’s longest streets and drive on Zaporozhye’s longest road, Lenin Prospekt. They can also attend Zaporozhye’s Independence Day celebration during August 24. Various hotels such as Hotel Zaporizhzhya are also available to accommodate the tourists.

Red rooftops of Munich
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Munich is Bavaria, Germany’s capital city. It is nestled along the banks of the River Isar, above the Bavarian Alps. In terms of land area, Munich is the third largest German city, next only to Berlin and Hamburg. It derived its name from the German word for “monks,” after the Benedictine monks credited for founding the city.

As a city and a tourist destination, Munich straddles between extremes. You can find historical treasures on Munich streets, and walk past modern influences like automobiles and sleek boutiques. Museums that showcase the rich culture and tradition exist side by side with haunts for fun and entertainment. And while there are a lot of things happening in Munich, there are hidden spots that remain bucolic and rustic, giving visitors a taste of the laidback German life.

The best time to go to Munich is during the Oktoberfest season, when most of the tourists of the world say “cheers!” and toast with the locals. You have to take extra caution though if you plan to celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich. As can be expected from the nature of the celebration, crimes and the proliferation of drunks in Munich’s streets are at a staggering high at this time of the year. As a result, documented cases of assault are also high. It is therefore best to stay sober or leave before the action happens. Be prepared for any medical emergency by requesting for a list of English-speaking doctors from the consulates of the US and UK. You should not worry about buying medicines from local pharmacies either because they are bound to have English-speaking personnel.

But there is much to do here than drink authentic German beer. You can get around by stepping on a bus that takes you from Munich to such cities as Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Rome, Prague and Paris, and back to Munich. You can also hire a car or motorcycles so you can hop from one attraction to the next at your desired pace. Or, if you want a taste of the true-blue European travel adventure, you can take the train from Munich, around Munich, and off to other major German cities and back again.

While walking around, expect the urge to spend either at a local deli or a boutique. There is no need to worry should you need instant access to cash, as there are ATMs located all over the city.

Blönduós
Photo by: Debivort, Creative Commons

If you really want to get a feel of laid-back Icelandic life, and enjoy wondrous scenery at the same time, you should schedule a visit to Blönduós. Blönduós is a seaside town in North Iceland. Since the weather up North is colder, most tours are scheduled in the summer. It is a fact that most hotels aren’t open for business during winter; however, there are some that operates year-round, such as the Hotel Blanda.

A good travel experience doesn’t stop at good accommodations, though, so here are some things that you might want to see (and do) in Blönduós .

What to See

You can take a visit to the Romanesque church in the area. There is also a Textile Museum that showcases wool products, traditional Icelandic costumes and embroideries with historical significance. There are also wool exhibitions that show how wool is gathered from sheep and processed to be a piece of clothing. You can also visit the Sea Ice Exhibition Centre for fun ways to look at and learn about Ice Bergs and the likes.

What to Do

Practically everywhere in Iceland, you would be treated to an awesome view. Take a relaxing walk in Hutrey while enjoying the scenery. Hutrey is an island in the middle of the river Blanda – the river that runs through the town of Blönduós itself.

One of the activities that Blönduós is well-known for, is fishing. There are excellent fishing spots in the area. The Blanda River is one of those. The average weight of salmon caught in this river is around 4 kg. There are also numerous small lakes in the region where you can fish for char or trout. Fishing season is from June to September.

Blönduós is a haven for the active tourist. Aside from fishing, you can go hiking, kayaking and canoeing. For the less physically-inclined, there is a 9-hole golf course north of the town where you can unwind. If you want to bring home travel memories that you can cherish, you ought to plan to make the 245-km journey to Blönduós. It is worth it.

The village of Nendeln is better known as Eschen-Nendeln. That is because Nendeln is a small village that is linked with Eschen. Back in 842 A.D., the city was established under Ratic territory. The name of the city has a Celtic origin which literally means “by the water side”. The temperature in Nendeln ranges from -2 to 23 degrees Celsius. Nendeln is strategically situated at the foot of the mountains. From there, it is very easy to reach the Alps as well as the village of Planken.

At the top of the list of places to visit is the Keramikwerkstatt Schadler. Nendeln is home of the ancient settlers who have left artifacts in the form of pottery, stone tools, and ceramic shards. The art of creating these items has been passed down from generation to generation. Up until now, the same method of creating them is being used by the villagers. And these can all be seen at the Keramikwerkstatt Schadler. This ceramic factory occupies the south entrance of Nendeln. Unlike most of the companies found in the area, this one is a certified homegrown company.

Walking along Eschnerberg, tourists get to see the history of the village in concrete. Lined up along the path are proofs of ancient human settlement. This village is the home of Liechtenstein’s heritage. It is also where early Roman excavations can be observed. By visiting Eschen-Nendeln, one can freely appreciate the culture and history Liechtenstein. It gives an overview of the history of the whole principality.

Bridge on the River Kwai
Photo by: moohaha, Creative Commons

Home of lead and steam trains, the town of Namfu in Myanmar has a lot of things to offer you. Though their tourist attractions are not that elegant and magnificent as that of the pagodas and temples of the rest of the cities of Burma, Namfu still has something unique for you to experience.

This small town of Namfu holds the headquarters for the Burma Mines Railways. However, this area is restricted to the public. But with a permit from the government, you can see for yourself the wonders of these old railways and trains. In fact, you can still see two-railway locomotives today that are in perfect working condition. If you wish to see the old version of bullet trains, these steam locos can answer your curiosity. Truly, seeing a functional automobile of the past is such a wonderful experience to remember. This is much more if you follow the railways; you can have a picturesque view of pagodas, rural villages, and steep mountains as well.

But, the railway treats of Namfu for you do not just end there. You can still see more to life of well-preserved locomotives in the small museum in town. When you pay a visit, you can understand the evolution of this mode of transportation not only in Myanmar or Burma but as well as to the whole world.

Indeed, if you wish to have a unique experience in Myanmar, it pays to visit the town of Namfu. With the ambiance of the past and the gifts of nature, your trip will undeniably be a worthy one.

Town Hall of Colombo – patterned after the U.S. White House
Photo by: indi.ca, Creative Commons

The capital and the most populous city in Sri Lanka is not only busy in business and trade industry. Colombo is a perfect spot where anyone can witness how the past and present meet at a crossroad. This is the very reason why thousands of tourists flock the place every year.

Situated in the west coast, Colombo boasts of magnificent man-made wonders that will leave visitors at awe. One of this wonders is the Wolvendaal Church built in 1749 that became a center of religious beliefs and practices. Another site is the old Legislative Council Building in Colombo fort that served protection spots against Dutch and British oppressors. The Gargarama temple is another religious hub and tourist destination in the city.

Aside from these man-made glories, nature shares its part of attracting tourists. In a fairly temperate climate, the Beira Lake is a perfect spot to visit. It is where colorful regattas sail and several theatrical events are being held.

A visit to Colombo is also a lifetime opportunity to discover a mixture of culture that existed for many centuries now. One will be able to admire Sinhalese art, Tamil writings and Moor architectures all at once. Aside from these traditions the native delicacies are also a must to discover.

There is so much to witness in a city where life continues to lead towards modernization. Despite of the demanding world today, Colombo definitely has its own culture and wonders to share in the world.

Ruins in Mary, Turkmenistan
Photo by: yaluker, Creative Commons

Most people seldom consider Turkmenistan as a travel destination especially during the summer season, the problem is; they may just not know where to go. The bone-dry climate of this country in Central Asia can be attributed to the many deserts therein, specially the Karakum Desert. But did you know that there is a real life “oasis” in this region?

An oasis is usually depicted in movies and novels as a hallucination a person sees when he is the desert and suffering from heatstroke, to the Turks, that is exactly what the city of Mary is like. This city is known by the names Merv, Meru and Margiana and is the capital of district. It is located along the Murghab River in the Karatum desert that is why it is a literal oasis.

Visitors that come here often visit the Regional Museum that hosts the artifacts of the ancient city that once stood in its place. It provides some sort of sanctuary for travelers who are not accustomed to the hot weather and dry winds.

As a part of Turkmenistan, Mary’s cultural diversity proves just how rich a region it is. The areas of the city also cater to farm land for cotton and cereals. There is a reserve for natural gas which helps the country’s economic stability.

The travel getting to Mary may be a tiring and hot one, considering it is located in the desert, but it will certainly be worth it once you get to experience a true modern oasis.

Chamonix down below from up high
Photo by: Rob Alter, Creative Commons

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, more popularly known as Chamonix, is an icy paradise located in southeastern France, particularly in Rhône-Alpes’ Haite-Savoie Department. Its oldest claim to fame is its being the venue for the Winter Games of the Olympics in 1924. At present, Chamonix is home to less than 10,000 people, making it the 856th commune in France in terms of population. Its 245-square-kilometer area, on the other hand, makes it the fourth biggest commune in the whole of the French mainland.

Chamonix is the perfect place for anyone looking for some Alpine action. Tourists who come to France to ski, board or mountain-climb typically converge in Chamonix, which is touted as France’s mountaineering hub and center for extreme sports. Think the ski chase in the James Bond movie, The World is Not Enough and you will have an idea on the type of skiing adventure that is in store for you at Chamonix.

Aside from the action, Chamonix is also a place that fills the senses. The breathtaking scenery is filled with snow-capped peaks and glaciers, and a view of the majestic Mont Blanc (White Mountain, in translated English), the highest peak in Western Europe. The best way to drink in the Chamonix view is via a cable car. Or you can also try riding the mountain train that takes you an ice cave that they bore through a glacier. Another way to get around is to take the tram around town.

The highlight of Chamonix, France, is the base of the Haute Route—which is every skiers dream vacation. The Haute Route goes through the core of the Alps, beginning in Mont Blanc, before heading east to the glaciers of Italy and Switzerland, all the way to Zermatt.

If you want to experience the challenge that is Haute Route, the best time to go there is between middle of March and middle of May. You can go to Chamonix from Geneva, which is the airport nearest the commune. When you get off the plane, you can take the bus to Chamonix, which takes one and a half hours. There is a convenient hotel in Chamonix right across the train station, called Hotel Gustavia, where you can stay before negotiating the Alps. Along the Haute Route, however, you can board dorm-style in one of the huts up in the mountains.

You have the option of going alone with your group or with a hired guide. We recommend managing your risks by hiring a guide, especially if you are unsure about how to navigate and get past whiteouts or mountain faces that require rappelling. Besides, it is always a pleasure to hear the local stories about the place from a local guide.

Street in Bangalore
Photo by: jaybergesen, Creative Commons

People who already visited Bangalore and its spectacular landmarks cannot wait to go back to the place and spend more time knowing more about it. This makes Bangalore one of the most sought-after places in India, not to mention that it is also one of the places with the most number of attractive spots, particularly the popular Palace & Fort.

Kempe Gowda is responsible for building the Bangalore Fort. Tippu Sultan further improved and expanded this tourist spot. Besides its enormous size, what makes this fort a must-see for tourists is the Ganapathi temple, the structure that is built within the high walls of the fort. Until now, the temple still looks good as new, as it was preserved by the temple’s caretakers since the 16th century.

The Bangalore Palace, on the other hand, was influenced by the Windsor Castle. Built by a Wodeyar ruler, this structure was laid on a large space estimated to be around 400 acres. Bearing the Tudor style of architecture, the building was completed in 1887. Windows are also built from Gothic inspirations which displayed windows of large foiled materials. Also in the palace are war weapons like battlements and defensive turrets. The palace is heavily compared to Srirangapatanam’s Daria Daulat’s palace. Inside are paintings and carving that says a lot about the history of Bangalore and the people who dwelled in the place.

It is only in June, 2005 when the palace has been opened for public viewing. Srikandatta Wodeyar decided to do this in order for the caretakers to keep up with the cost of the maintenance of the palace, particularly the walls and the windows that make up the building.

The admission fee’s differ. The fort and the palace can only be visited from 10 Am to 6 Pm from Mondays to Saturdays. Despite the price, tourists are sure to enjoy every second that they are inside the fort and palace.

Bangalore is truly blessed to have such an attractive spot like the Bangalore Fort & Palace. Tourists should never pass up the chance to visit the place.

Ninomaru Palace, Nijo Castle
Photo by: jimg944, Creative Commons

Kyoto has been the home of various events that shaped the Japanese history. The city was once the capital of Japan, therefore sheltering the imperial family. It has gone through so many wars that almost demolished its structures. Also, the city contains 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and 20% of Japan’s national treasures reside in Kyoto, making it a must-see place indeed. To top it all, the industrialization the area underwent made it more tourist-friendly, as parks and museums were opened all over the city. Many would say that Kyoto is less attractive than other famous cities in Japan; however, this is quite untrue.

Kyoto’s beauty is within the city walls. If you know where to go and what destinations to see, you would definitely love the perfect combination of ancient culture and modern architecture that is Kyoto.

Of the vast number of tourist destinations present in Kyoto, here are some of the places and events that will make you feel genuinely attached to Kyoto.

Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower is one of the most modern edifices in the city. A beautiful landmark that could match even the world famous Tokyo Tower, Kyoto Tower is the symbol of the city.

Nijo Castle
A proof of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage, Nijo castle was built even before the well-known Meiji era. It was the same castle where the emperor released a decision of abolishing the Shogunate in the beginning of the era. That’s quite an interesting piece of history! Aside from its historical value, the castle will certainly amaze every tourist with its elaborate architecture and beautifully-crafted metal carvings.

Kiyomizudera Temple
A visit to the Kiyomizudera Temple might be one of the most unforgettable moments of your life! Go to this temple and witness the stunning view of the city of Kyoto. Kiyomizudera means “pure water temple”, which describes the spring that surrounds the spot. This spring is believed to have healing powers.

As promised, Kyoto has its own share of natural wonders that deserve renown. Some of them are the Heian Shrine, the Philosopher’s Walk, a trail adorned with cherry blossoms, the Ohara, and many other valleys and mountains.

Nightlife in Kyoto is as cool and vivacious as other urban areas in Japan. Pontocho, located in the Gion district, is full of restaurants and other night-out spots that will make your stay in Kyoto a colorful one.

Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri are two events to watch out for in the city. Gion Matsuri is considered as the most popular festival in Japan, while the latter is a parade depicting historical scenes from the Heian period.

Kyoto Famous Landmarks

Castle by the river in Narva
Photo by: Sjors Provoost, Creative Commons

Are you thinking of visiting Estonia? If you are, then you should visit Narva, Estonia to experience a whole new world different from their summer and winter capitals. Narva is located in the eastern border of the country and is only a stone’s throw away from Russia. It is no wonder that there are many Russian-speaking citizens of this place. They have only a bridge to cross to go from Russia to Narva.

This place has indeed a rich history because of its closeness to the Russian Federation. One of its defining landmarks is the Narva Castle and Museum. It is a 14th century castle located along the banks of the Narva River. The Museum provides and extensive account of the town’s history. After discovering the rich background of the place through their museum, why not climb to the top of the tower for a major view of the Ivangorod castle which is located just across the river.

If you are fond of taking a quiet stroll, then the Dark Garden is the place for you. It is the city’s main park that sits at the top of the Victoria and Pax Bastions giving you a good view of the river. You will be exposed to a whole new world that shows off Narva’s medieval defense system, transporting you to the day back in history when many Russian soldiers were killed in the Great Northern War. In fact, an iron cross monument stands in their honor, also seen at the grounds of the park.

Experience all these great treats and more when you visit Narva.

Streets of Arusha
Photo by: Noel Feans, Creative Commons

Located in North Tanzania, Arusha is the city closest to the masterpieces of Nature. It is situated just at the foot of Mount Meru, which is at the east side of the Great Rift Valley. This city is very near to Tanzania’s major geographical and wildlife attractions.

Though it is very near the equator, Arusha enjoys a cool and dry climate. This is because of its 1400 meter average elevation from sea level. The average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius all year. The region has a distinct rainy season which is usually at April and May.

The city has a very beautiful, mountain side landscape. With Mt. Meru on the north, Arusha has a smooth down hill slope as one goes south. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the place per year. It has its own Arusha National Park located on the mountain.

The city also serves as the base for people wanting to visit Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. These places are inhabited by plenty of game species like lions, birds, gazelles, rhinos and zebras. People who enjoy the sight of rich flora and fauna consider Arusha as their primary destination.

For less than an hours ride, people can also visit the anthropologically rich Olduvai Gorge. There are museums displaying recovered artifacts from early humans and hominids.

At the end of the day, there are several top-rated lodges to choose from: the Impala Hotel, Mount Meru Hotel, Onsea House and more. There is also the famous Dik Dik Hotel which organizes mountain climbing parties to Kilimanjaro.

Christiansted
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

If you happen to pass by at the U.S. Virgin Islands, you may want to explore one of its great cities, Christiansted in Saint Croix, which is one of the main islands of this US territory. This used to be the capital of the Danish West Indies. This is where you will find the Christiansted National Historic Site. As of 2004, this city has a record of 3000 population. This is very ideal for people who are searching for traces of the past because its people and government were able to preserve Danish-style buildings created in the 18th century that were built by African slaves. You will be amazed at the pastel colors of the buildings, which were made from solid stone and have tile roofs with bright red colors.

The town itself is elegant to observe because of its symmetry. The Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands has streets that run at right angles up to the waterfront. This is among the many reasons why people love taking a walk while enjoying the view and clicking their cameras for souvenirs as they go about their tour. The centers of the town’s commercial area can be found at the King and Company streets that are near the Christiansted National Historic Site. There are several hotels, restaurants and scuba shops that will make your stay more enjoyable and worthwhile. There are also many beaches where you can indulge on your favorite water sports or go nature-tripping at various spots such as the ones that can be found near the Buck Island.

Smith Bay
Photo by: Joe Shlabotnik, Creative Commons

There may not be much information about Smith Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands, but it makes it more exciting to explore the area and be among the pioneers of those who would provide travel information for people who want to check it out. You are on the right track because there are many sights that you will certainly enjoy in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The latter is a group of islands that can be found in the Caribbean. This US state is composed of its main islands such as Saint John, Saint Croix and Saint Thomas.

On the Smith Bay, you will surely find many attractions where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling or even scuba diving. You just have to find the right beaches where you will have a great time without going beyond the budget that you have allotted on this trip. These activities can be enjoyed alone or in the company of friends or the whole family.

You should also pack your cameras with fully loaded batteries because the place is known for historical sights that you will love to take pictures of. It is also ideal to take a walk at various spots while enjoying the view and taking in all the sceneries. Ask the locals about the safety of the area so that you will know which spots to avoid, especially at nighttime. By talking to people that live in the place, you will find out more about where to go that will make the vacation more fun, enjoyable and worthwhile.

Irkutsk – a walk downtown
Photo by: Honza Soukup, Creative Commons

Irkutsk is one of Siberia’s largest cities. It is the heart of the administration of Irkutsk Oblast, located 3,222 miles by rail from the Russian capital, Moscow. It grew out of Yakov Pokhabov’s established winter quarters for gold trading and fur tax collecting in 1652, and became an official city in 1686. Its population is around 600,000.

Being a Siberian city, Irkutsk has a sub arctic climate. The temperatures between seasons fluctuates to and from extremes; summers can be very warm while winters brutally cold. If the temperatures aren’t as extreme in other parts of Siberia, it’s because of Lake Baikal.

Irkutsk offers many sights to see, such as the Epiphany Cathedral, the crown factories, and the governor’s palace. There’s also the Alexander Kolchak monument, which was designed by Vyacheslav Klykov and unveiled in 2004. If museums are your thing, you can step into the Taltsy Museum, an open-air museum to where a number of old wooden buildings from Angara valley’s villages have been transported and reassembled after the post-construction flooding of the Ust-Ilimsk and Bratsk Dams. Also nice to know, although you may not be able to visit the place, is that Valentin Rasputin, well-known Russian writer, resides in Irkutsk.

As with most, if not all cities, transportation to and around Irkutsk is convenient. The Trans-Siberian Railway and other important roads and rails connect the city to other Russian and Mongolian regions. There are also the Irkutsk International Airport and Irkutsk Northwest Airports to serve your flying needs.

A nation that’s not only big in territory but also in name due to its being a major world power is not a place as romanticized, as say, France or England. You might be lured to Paris, France for its beautiful cafes whose exteriors give you a view of the magnificent Eiffel Tower; or London, England for its foggy nights through which the beautiful city lights pierce; or Venice, Italy for its pizzerias and wonderful cuisine and the exciting boat rides via its canals. But you might never think, “Hey, I’d like to visit Russia one day and sit on a park bench appreciating the view of my surroundings.” Maybe it’s their language; maybe it’s the potentially grueling cross-country journey you might have to take should you be the type that wants to see entirety of a place you’re visiting. Either way, give Russia a chance. And maybe you can start with Irkutsk.

Cliffs at Negril
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A large beach resort town located in the Parish of Westmoreland, Negril is known as the capital of the casual because business and pleasure are treated with an equal amount of informality. The carefree ambiance and the relaxing atmosphere make it a good place to meet Jamaican friends and recreate in this heavenly place.

It is known as a place where the beach never ends and the nights are ultimately active.

Food and Dining

There are many restaurants in Negril. There is a wide choice of eateries that will suit your budget and cravings at the same time like the Margaritaville Negril (American and Jamaican cuisine), Negril Yacht Club (Jamaican and North American cuisine), and Robinson Crusoe (Jamaican and International cuisine)

Attractions

Although there are not many activities to do in Negril except enjoy the active evenings and tour the neighboring towns, there are still a lot of attractions that you can visit in the area.

The Belvedere Estate. A family owned estate which is one of the first sugar cane plantations in Jamaica. It is open to visitors and shares the spectacular view of its rivers and waterfalls as well as its ruins and wildlife.

Negril Lighthouse. It was built in 1894 and was operated by a gas lamp until 1956. In 1956, it was replaced by acetylene gas lamp and in 1985; it was powered by solar energy.

Ja-ja Originals. A studio and art gallery at Coco La Palm Resort with a great collection of paintings and other artistic items crafted by talented Jamaican artists.

Nuuk at 1:00 A.M.
Photo by: lovstromp, Creative Commons

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, where the old and new meet in their inimitable Greenlandic style. A brief hike from the majestic harbour with its attractive dated buildings takes you to the board, wherein the fish, birds and seal catches of the day are sold. More tourist spots in Nuuk include the National Museum, wherein you can spend a long period of time just learning about the history of Greenland; a cathedral from the year 1849; Greenland’s University; and Katuaq, which is an award-winning cultural site.

Nuuk, which means the headland, is located at the top pf a big peninsula at the opening of the massive fjord complex. The town is also the most dated one in Greenland. Nuuk was founded in 1728 by the Hans Egede missionary after he left his initial settlement all the way out in the Davis Strait, in the Isle of Hope. In Greenlandic terms, Nuuk is a frantic city at present. However, this is hardly ever the impression that tourists get of the tiniest capital city of the world with only 15,000 residents.

Greenland’s capital city Nuuk possesses a variety of cultural and historical sites, as well as a lot of incredible landscape on its doorstep. Nuuk City is an Arctic metropolitan area with a totally different everyday rhythm compared to other Greenland towns. Examples of fun activities are:

Ruins of Norse and Ice Sheet
At the Ice Sheet’s edge, both the opportunity to hike on the Ice Sheet itself and probably to drink something mixed with ice that’s several thousand years old are offered. Luckily, there is no sell-by-date on the ice cap of Greenland.

Greenland’s cultural and historical attractions
A visit to Nuuk at any time of the year offers an opportunity to experience a thrilling insight into the culture and history of Greenland. Greenland’s National Museum is pleasingly located in the city’s old district down to the fjord, possesses a wide collection of artefacts from Greenland’s umiaks, kayaks, past and a huge assortment of attires, as well as standard special displays.

Wildlife safari via boat
From the city of Nuuk, you will frequently be able to witness whales that are frolicking near to the coast. However, it is a totally unique experience to actually be out along with the whales in a comfy boat. The most frequent kinds of whales are humpback whales and minke whales. However, you just might see a killer whale from time to time.

Fishing boats of Sur
Photo by: J.Elliott, Creative Commons

People who love hand-made wooden boats may find a visit to Sur, Oman worthwhile. This city in Oman is one of the few places in the world where traditional hand-made dhows are still being made. Located in the Central Coast of Oman, this city is actually one of the less popular places for people to go to when in Oman but is one that is well worth a visit due to the wealth of history that can be found here.

Once an established trade center that dealt with traders from East Africa, the area saw quite a number of economic upturns and downturns due to foreign occupations and Omani liberations that went on in the area over the centuries. The trading industry of this city saw a major downturn when slave trade was outlawed by the British in the area in the 19th century and further slid down when the Suez Canal was built, cutting off its trade prospects in India.

If you are looking to visit an area in Oman that has quite a lot of history in its region, Sur is the place for you to visit. Some of the places of interest that you may want to visit here include the Wadi Shab and the turtle hatchery at Ras-Al Jinz. If you want to see the hatchery though, you may need to book a tour in advance and you can see turtles laying eggs here or eggs being hatched. The city is a three hour drive from Muscat and you will find that while it is considered a rather quiet and sleepy town, you can still find quite a bit to do here and a lot of places to explore.

Khartoum by night
Photo by: wikipedia, Creative Commons

The country of Sudan has been magnified for the past few years due to the genocide in Darfur. Surprising as it may seem, this war torn region still attracts tourists in many areas, particularly Khartoum. The state capital is located at a conjunction between the Blue Nile and the White Nile, the first flowing from Lake Victoria, and the latter from Ethiopia. When both Niles meet it is often called the al-Mogran. Founded by the ruler of Egypt, Ibrahim Pasha, Khartoum was once just an outpost for the army. Then eventually it grew into a centre of trade, that including slave trade.

Khartoum is perfect for those who want to escape the cold weather and enjoy hot arid climate. Precipitation here occurs only in July and August. Khartoum is not laid back at all. It’s currently gone through huge development projects including the Al-Mogran Development Project, two five-star hotels, a new airport and two new bridges: MacNimir and Tuti. Khartoum has so many magnificent bridges that connect to Khartoum north, Omdurman and three other cities. These bridges include the Blue Nile Road and Railway Bridge, White Nile Bridge, Shambat Bridge, Kobat Bridge, and eight more, some of which are still under construction.

Khartoum is haven for tourists who love site-seeing and shopping. The National Museum of Sudan displays great epochs of Sudanese history including exhibits of historic Egyptian temples. Other sites include the Palace Museum and the Presidential Palace that is just adjacent to it.

You will enjoy shopping for cheap but incredible stuff in Khartoum. They have open markets called souqs. The Souq Arabi is the largest in the region and it is located south of the Great Mosque. There are many sections of merchandise here including one that sells gold. The Afra Mall is also a great shopping place with movie theatres, children’s playground, retail outlets, a supermarket, coffee shops and also a bowling alley.

But what a tourist shouldn’t miss is seeing Khartoum at night, as it is very scenic. Khartoum is indeed a beauty amidst the all the wrath.

Downtown Papeete
Photo by: ReservasdeCoches.com, Creative Commons

Papeete is the welcome hub of Tahiti with the international airport housed in this capital city. Indeed, most of the foreign guests make this city a stopover for their most awaited experience of the magical and magnificent smaller islands of French Polynesia. However, what most of them do not know is that this place is worth their time for a visit as well. There are a lot of unique experiences and scenes that are offered here. In fact, this place is tagged as the unique city in the South Pacific.

Unlike any of its neighboring islands, Papeete is a place that offers its tourists a coastline that has both white and black sand. Meaning, you can get a good view of two different kinds of beaches in just one place. This will definitely make out a very unique travel experience for you.

Another great thing that you can do here is to visit the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. You will discover that Papeete houses an abundance of black pearls and other great Tahitian pearls.

Aside from this, there are other great places to see in this city. You can devote a day to check out other museums, churches, cathedrals, art galleries, and even tattoo shops. The Marche Papeete or the municipal market has also a lot of great deals to offer you. You can see great handicrafts and souvenir items from this vast daily market. Other known sites in the city include the Waterfront Esplanade, Bougainville Park, Cathedral of Notre Dame of Papeete, Temple de Paofai, Territorial Assembly, Gaston Flosse’s Presidential palace, and a lot more.

Indeed, all of these great attractions are one of a kind here in the South Pacific. With its neighbors displaying all the wonders of their beaches and marine life, Papeete has more to offer other than such normal French Polynesian escapades.

However, don’t ruin your getaway by being here on a bad timing. It is better to visit the city during the dry season, which is from May to October. Otherwise, you cannot enjoy the sun because of possible, frequent, and unpredictable storms.

Indeed, when you are on your way to experience the beauty of the magical islands of the South Pacific, feel free to experience what this unique city has to offer. Truly, Papeete gives a different taste among all your other getaways.

Road to Cansado
Photo by: 300td.org, Creative Commons

The best way to start or end the year right is to have a wonderful vacation at Cansado, Mauritania. Here you will be able to unwind and relax those stiff muscles that slowed you down due to too much work. Since Mauritania is located at the north western part of Africa and bordered by Western Sahara, Morocco and Algeria, Tan would be the best word to describe this trip.

Bathe under the glorious sun on your trip to Cansado, Mauritania. Here, they have beaches as well as wonderfully secluded coves for you to be able to work on your tan. Before you turn into a lobster, did you know that aside from their beaches, you could also visit the Ship Cemetery? This place is a little ghoulish since at the first sight of the word Cemetery, little would you know that it is actually a place where ships wash upon the shore. They could not be visited since it could sink lower but these pirate ships surely attract tourists who do snapshots of the past – the view is so dramatic you could also see several flocks of birds nestling on it.

Speaking of birds, only in Cansado, Mauritania could you see thrushes, pigeons, swallows and nightingales in one place aside from visiting the Aviary. They fly from Europe to Africa together with other feathery friends like pelicans, herons and even cormorants. If you want to see them all in one place, better check out the Banc d’Arguin National Park.

Camels awaiting in Boutilimit
Photo by: Luis Jiminez, Creative Commons

The weather is just right at Boutilimit, Mauritania so no need to worry of suffering from a heat stroke. The typical climate is sunny with little episodes of rainfall. With this in mind, why not leave your iced-cap place and head to where there is sexy heat and glorious sand? Sure enough, this place is one of the tourist’s destinations when they’re currently experiencing extreme weather. Summer forever is the most often comment of the locals who live in Boutilimit.

Who can blame them for being in the best place in town to market handicrafts that they themselves have made? You could go crazy over the array of rugs that were made by using camel hair or even goat hair! It does not smell bad at all since you will be amazed as to how perfect these rugs are and of course how soft. You could also avail of silver bangles, chains and other forms of souvenir items that are made in silver.

Don’t get shocked at the means of transportation. Here in Boutilimit, locals and tourists as well, share taxi cabs. They are not like the trusted yellow cab that you could get for your personal use. They treat their cabs like buses wherein they can load up as much as five passengers at a time. Although worry not that you would be traveling for days just to get your turn to be driven for. There is a common route to be followed for that specific ride.

Mérida – countryside

Because of the spring-like climate in Merida all year round, this makes it a popular choice for members of the youth to go camping at. This place in Venezuela has a lot of valleys filled with trees that are indeed perfect as a camping spot. In these valleys, not only the young campers can participate for as long as the older campers have sufficient energy, they can freely explore the forests in Merida and have a great time.

Campers can do a bunch of sports including paragliding, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking and fishing. There are even horseback tours provided by some of the settlers in the mountains. There are also beautifully-constructed churches that can wow any one who passes by. Construction of some of the churches in the city began in 1800s and was completed after more than a century. This gave the churches a different feel as the styles from 2 centuries are strikingly unalike.

If you are not a fan of churches, there are also other places for you to go to. You can try this city’s ice cream since it has been famous for holding the most number of ice cream flavors around the world. Go to this place and try out the weirdest ice cream flavors you never thought would be possible to be made. You can also enjoy your stay in the hotel and lodging facilities and experience natural South American living.

What is so great about Merida is it can provide almost every tourist needs. It can be a mixture of both traditional and modern living.

Ferdowsi’s Tomb
Photo by: martianboy2005, Creative Commons

In the ancient times, many cities were populated because of significant religious events that took place in them. Mashhad is one of those cities. This was formerly a humble town near the Afghanistan and Turkmenistan borders. But when Imam Ali Reza, the eighth of the twelve Shia Imam, was laid to rest here at the Imam Ridha Mosque, the population boomed.

Every year 12 to 15 million Muslims pilgrims flock to Mashhad and pay tribute to the holy Imam Ali Reza. Even if you are not a Muslim, you will surely appreciate Mashhad. There many structures and architectural wonders here that will leave you speechless. Moreover, this city is also culturally rich as it houses the Tous Museum and was the home of Ferdowsi, writer of the national epic, the Shahnameh.

The Shrine of Imam Ali Reza really is the pinnacle of Mashhad. It is the reason why so many people moved here. Pilgrims bring business in so that the locals have a flourishing income. For both Muslims and non-Muslims, the Shrine of Imam Ali Reza is a great place to get in touch with your spirituality.

The climate is also good in Mashhad, which makes it an easy place to go around in. Other sites to see are the Tous Museum, which contain ancient Persian artifacts and modern Iranian art. Here, you can find relief carvings that depict scenes from the epic Shahnameh. Mashhad is great place to visit, regardless of your personal religious beliefs.

Quiet town of Boquete
Photo by: Ken Mayer, Creative Commons

Panama, the southernmost country of Central America explored by Columbus in the 15th century, is now a tourist destination. Boquete, the mountainous haven of the country, has been receiving remarkable reviews from tourists all over the world. With its tropical climate that has an average temperature of 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to take with you a nice pair of jeans, jacket or coat, hats and comfortable pair of sneakers to be able to take pleasure in your journey.

After New Year celebration, this city celebrates a festival which they call as Boquete’s Flower and Coffee Fair. All types of flowers and coffee producers are gathered in one area to give a colorful showcase to its visitors. You can seize the moment by taking endless pictures of the event. Roses, carnations, dandelions, orchids and some other flowers will absolutely captivate your senses.

When you want to do activities like climbing, nature tripping, bird-watching or hiking, then you must visit the Los Quetzales trail. With every step you take here, this enchanting path will gently unfold itself right in front of you. Although six kilometers long, you won’t feel tired even if you need to spend three hours of walking because the effect of viewing its charismatic landscape is fantastic. You may not notice it but more than 200 multicolored bird species are flying around the track heading for el Respingo.

Boquete is indeed a perfect destination for leisure. No wonder people from this district lived greater than hundred years of age.