Peshawar Museum
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

The Capital of Pashtun Culture and Arts

During the Soviet War in Afghanistan in 1980, Peshawar became the home of Afghan refugees who fled during the conflict. Because of this, Peshawar consequently became the center of Pashtun culture and arts in Pakistan.

The astonishing establishments make Peshawar a great place to visit. When you go to Peshawar, it is important that you visit the landmarks that are unique to this city. These landmarks include the following:

• The Islamic College at the University of Peshawar

• The Peshawar Museum

• The Lady Reading Hospital

• The Sunehri Mosque

• Excavations of the Kanishka Monastery

• Peshawar’s Walled City

• The Mahabat Khan Mosque

Islam is the dominant religion of the area although there is also a relative population of Sikh and Hindu among its people.

Peshawar is connected to the major cities of Pakistan via the Karakorum Highway. The Peshawar International Airport is the main airport in the region. The roads of Peshawar are also linked to China and Afghanistan.

The city hosts its own film industry known as Pollywood where much of the Pashto films have been made. It also serves as the center for literature, political, and media related personalities.

There are also many activities that you can engage on while in Peshawar. During the summer season, you can do hiking tours in the mountains. If you intend to buy goods, you have to prepare yourself to bargain. Better yet, you can take a local with you when shopping for items. You can also start visiting the landmarks of Peshawar and be warmed by their cultural foundations. There are also many restaurants and food stops that you can try in this city. You can try eating on local restaurants to have a taste of Peshawar specialties or visit Western fast food chains.

While in Peshawar, you should also try the Kawa, or green tea which is known for its distinct flavor and sweetness.

Split bayside
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Located in Central Dalmatia, the beautiful city of Split, Croatia is one of the most frequented places by tourists in the country because of the many sites that it has to offer. It is a city rich in art and history and a perfect venue for a laidback vacation of family and friends.

A former Roman city, Split was built around the palace that was intended for Emperor Diocletian of Rome. It used to be a refuge of locals back in the olden days. Today the ancient walls and temples are still visible to local tourists, adding more historical value to the entire city.

Visitors from other countries may reach Split, through the Split Airport, which, incidentally, is the second most important airport in Croatia, only next to the Zagreb Airport. There are flight schedules to and from major cities in Europe as well as charter flights to more countries during summer.

In going around the city, tourists may take the bus or taxis, which are abundant. There is also a train line, whose station is located right at the center of the city. The local boats at the port, on the other hand, will take you to other beautiful locations in Croatia, like Brac, Solta, Hvar, Vis, Lastovo and Korcula.

Split has many museums that showcase the city’s rich history. One of these is the Diocletian Palace, which is right at the heart of the city. Declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site, this palace-museum is adorned with renaissance and gothic structures that are silent witnesses to the events that took place within its walls centuries ago.

Aside from museums, churches and cathedrals in Split also display the high artistic and historical value of the city. St. Duje’s Cathedral, for one, exhibits a nice blend of a Catholic church and a Roman temple. Built in 305 AD, this cathedral was meant to be a mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian. It has a bell tower that will give you a magnificent view of the whole city as well as of adjacent islands and the Mejan hill.

Split is in itself a whole museum of Roman art and history, which tourists, both local and foreign, will definitely enjoy. The next time you plan a trip to Croatia, make sure that you stop by this beautiful city.

Sunset at 11 P.M.
Photo by: moohaha, Creative Commons

On a clear day, Akranes, Iceland can be seen from Reykjavik, across the blue sea. It has a population of around 6, 000, which is considerably higher than other fishing towns in the country – a fact that can be attributed to the recent industrialization which has provided employment options to Icelanders. The thing is, one of the reasons why this town is such a great place is the people who live in it. The people of Akranes are vibrant and sporty.

When you visit Akranes, Iceland, you would be surprised at the wealth of options that the town can offer. You can go to the beach for a relaxing stroll and a breath of sea air. You can also visit the lighthouse and witness an awesome, sweeping vista. You can visit museums such as the Museum of Icelandic Stones, the Folk Museum and the Hvalfjordur bay tunnel museum. If you visited the town for some peace, you can take a walk at the wooded area close to the folk museum. There are also beautiful forests in the vicinity.

You can also go to the nearby Akrafjall Mountain. This mountain is more than just something to look at. While it provides attractive scenery, it is also a great place for someone who likes the outdoors. Take a hiking trip to the top and enjoy the unforgettable view.

In Akranes, Iceland, you can enjoy all the scenic sights that the country has to offer without compromising comfort. There are excellent year-round hotels, restaurants, shops and various services. There is also an 18-hole golf-course for those who want to have non-strenuous fun.

Providing a mix of urban and not-so-urban pleasures, Akranes, Iceland is one great place to visit.

Kean Bridge – over Surma River and on the bank of the river, and a very old clock.
Photo by: ~~ `Nostalgia’ ~~, Creative Commons

Sylhet, Bangladesh is a city with a major influence in Bangladesh. It is located in the northeastern side of Bangladesh, and the main city of the Sylhet District and Sylhet Division. The city is located near the banks of the Surma River and surrounded by Khasi, Jainta and Tripura hills.

Sylhet is known as the ‘City of Saints’, and has a mausoleum of great St. Hazrat Shah Jalal, the saint who brought Islam to Bengal during the 1300s. Sylhet is one of the largest cities in the country. It is also best known for its lush tropical forests, tea gardens, and most recently, its many industries. It is now one of the richest cities in the country, with newly opened shopping malls, hotels and luxury housing estates.

Tourist Sights and Attractions

• Tea Gardens – there are plenty, plenty of tea gardens (some 150 of them) in a small city like Sylhet. Not only that, Sylhet has 3 of the largest tea gardens in the world—both in its area size and production.
• The Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal – After more than 600 years after Shah Jalal, this place still continues to tantalize people from around the world. Legend says that Shah Jalal came from Delhi, defeated Hindu Raja Gour Gobinda and transformed the ‘witchcraft’ followers to righteous Muslims. Here you can still see the shrine swords, the holy Quran as well as the robes owned by the saint displayed in the shrine.
• The Monipuri Dance – this is one very interesting feature in Sylhet. The aborigine tribes including the Khasis, Garos,
• Monipuris and the Tiperas who live on the hills practice their age old rituals and traditions and celebrate their festivals. The Monipuris perform their famed dance, a dance based on allegorical love of ancient mythology.

Climate

Sylhet is predominantly hot and humid during the summers, and relatively cool during the winter. It is within the monsoon climactic zone. It is hottest during months August to October, whereas its coldest temperatures are during months May to September.

Sylhet Forms of Transportation

By air, the Osmani International Airport serves all domestic flights from major airlines such as Royal Bangle Airlines, United Airlines, GMG and Bimam Air.

By land, you can travel via bus or train. There are several bus services such as Shohag Porigahan, Silk Line and Green Line. Their services are available from 7:30AM to 10:30PM. Via train, there are three train lines named Parabat, Upoban and Joyontika that depart every mornings, noontimes and evenings.

Ho Chi Minh – Reunification Palace
Photo by: Esutaquio Santimano, Creative Commons

Vietnam’s rich history has influenced this ancient city, Ho Chi Minh City, in a lot of ways. It is formerly known as Saigon and changed to its present name upon its independence. For many tourists, visiting Ho Chi Minh will primarily mean a trip to their history as its well visited landmarks are reminders of their past. In plans of touring around the city, it is highly recommendable that you visit during the country’s dry season which is from December up to February. Be guided with the following most visited tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Reunification Palace
This is a remarkable palace where time seemed to have stopped. The ambiance will remind of you of the 1960s era as the place is secured to be intact after the city’s fall to the Northern part of Vietnam. Upon entering the palace, a lot of furnishings are well maintained; vintage rare items are also included in those things that are left unmoved until now. After roaming, it’s good to relax at the café located just outside the palace.

• Vietnamese History Museum
It is located between Nguyen Binh Khiem and Le Duan Street. The museum is home for various Vietnamese history memorabilia and antiques. A lot of tourists advise that it is good to read first the facts behind Vietnamese history in order to appreciate the artifacts. Outside the museum, there is a botanical garden where you can enjoy your lunch.

• War Remnants Museum
This is where the items left after the war are kept. Upon touring around the museum, you will feel the terror that has happened during the war. It includes photographs, armories, tanks, jets, helicopters and many more.

Aside from the abovementioned places to visit, there are many other destinations in Ho Chi Minh like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Quan Am Pagoda, Dam Sen Water Park and a lot more. Make sure to visit these important places in Ho Chi Minh City!

Tri Trang Beach in Phuket
Photo by: Eustaquio Santimano, Creative Commons

South of the country’s capital, about 862 km, you can see the largest island of the country identified as Phuket. The Pearl of Andaman is in fact admired by its people for how many years already because of its astonishing attractions and state of the art beaches. In addition, this island alone shares the same range of Singapore’s locale.

This wide-eyed place is home of several beaches of Southeast Asia. One of the most visited places is The Viewpoint wherein three beaches can be observed in a single position. The beaches names are Kata Noi, Kata and Karon. The Viewpoint can actually accommodate you in their different hotels and villas that also offer wide range of cuisines from authentic Thai delicacies to comforting foods.

The Two Heroine’s Monument can also be seen at this exact location. The story behind this monument is based on the two women, Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Soontorn’s heroic act for the city. It is beautifully crafted and made in a marble pedestal with information located in between the plunk.

While cruising around town, you can see the Orchid Garden and Thai Village with an area of 8000 square meters. The roof is carefully erected with thatched roof and bamboo items for a more wonderful experience. It is obviously habituated by thousands of exotic orchids in green pastures and terrains. The national animal of the country, elephant, is also performing here. In the auditorium, dancers usually tap to the sound of traditional folk Thai music.

Lastly are Phuket’s renowned beach resorts. Rawai Beach offers an amazing sea view that can be very romantic when the sun sets in the month of April. Around the shoreline, handicrafts of Thai people are sold in cheap and affordable prices. You can keep it as a souvenir or give it as a gift item. At Surin Beach on the other hand, you can enjoy different freshly cooked seafood while enjoying the sight of swaying palm trees and waving blue waters.

Phuket will surely take your breath away with their spectacular attractions. Go to your nearest Thailand embassy now and fly to the home of Thais.

Empty Street in Toulouse
Photo by: theritters, Creative Commons

Toulouse is a city located in southwestern France, along the banks of the Garonne River. It stands 590 kilometers from Paris and has the distinction of being the hub of France’s aerospace industry. Toulouse is the site of the largest space center in the whole of Europe.

Aside from its aerospace wonders, Toulouse is also referred to as the Ville Rose, or Pink City, of France. It is a melting pot of cultures, a place where people know how to celebrate and eat. The weather in Toulouse is typical and temperate Mediterranean, although the summers can be hot and the winters, mild.

If you are planning to go to Toulouse, take note of the school holidays. You want to avoid these, as well as the holiday months of Christmas and New Year, if you want to have Toulouse all for yourself. Peak seasons in terms of tourist arrivals also include the periods between middle of February up to middle of March, as well as Holy Week, July and August. If you want to go at some other time, you may want to try September, when the annual Piano Jacobins is held, or October, the month for the annual Jazz sur Son 31 International Jazz Festival.

The best way to spend your time while in Toulouse, France, is to see the sights. Places of interest includes the Basilique St-Sernin, an 11th-century church built from brick, tile and stone, and enjoys the distinction of being the largest showcase of Romanesque church architecture in Europe. The church houses the tomb of St-Sernin, who was responsible for bringing Catholicism to Toulouse. The Cathedrale St-Etienne, on the other hand, is a church that took five centuries to build. As such, it follows a combination of architectural styles. Another marvel of religious architecture is the Jacobin Convent, a set of structures built according to the Languedoc Gothic architecture from the 13th century.

Toulouse’s magnificent culture is well preserved in the Musée des Augustins. The museum contains a wide range of 12th-century sculpture showcasing the Romanesque style. This collection is on display along with paintings and sculpture pieces dating back to the medieval ages up to the 20th century. The 18th-century Le Capitole, on the other hand, is also a sight to behold. The Capitole is home to the City Hall and a public theater.

Getting around Toulouse is easy. You can take the subway, the driverless trams, or the extensive network of buses plying different routes. If you feel like driving, you can also rent a car to get around at your own pace.

Walk down a beach in Langkawi
Photo by: Olis Olois, Creative Commons

Langkawi is fairly popular for its nice beaches. Pantai Cenang is the most well-known here. It has fine sand and lots of beachfront bars and restaurants. Pantai Tengah, on the other hand, is much quieter than Pantai Cenang. It is also well-liked by families on vacation. Then, Pantai Kok is for tourists who want seclusion. It is relatively isolated and undisturbed. It is also where the Telaga Harbor, the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, and the cable-cars to Mat Cincang Mountain’s peak are found. Pantai Pasir Hitam is another wonderful beach, as well. Its black sand is very famous. For nature lovers, the Tanjung Rhu with its ancient caves, waterways, and mangroves is ideal. And for those who want to splurge, they can go to the luxurious resorts of Datai Bay.

Nevertheless, tourists can also go island hopping and bird watching in Langkawi. They can even go sailing, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, and trekking. Moreover, they can drink as much as they want, because alcohol in Langkawi is tax-free. They must never drink before driving and cause havocs in bars, though. In addition, there are many good seafood restaurants around. So, tourists may feast on fish, lobsters, prawns, crabs, and squids. But if they want to have a sample of Malay breakfast, they may go to stalls that serve affordable nasi lemak on banana leaves. This food is usually served with chili squid, chicken, or beef curry. It also goes well with hot local coffee or teh tarik, tea with milk.

Tourists may also check out Red Tomato Garden Café that serves homemade breads, cheeses, pizzas, and pastas. Sunsutra, Jalan Teluk Baru is fine, as well. It serves really good and tender lamb shanks. And Breakfast Station has the best omelet in town. Then, for hotel accommodations, tourists can check in The Datai which is a five-star resort hotel and regarded as one of the nicest in the world. They can also check in Bon Ton, which is among the most elegant resorts in Langkawi. It even lodges the Nam Restaurant which is considered as one of the finest in town.

Hawksnest Bay
Photo by: Skellig2008, Creative Commons

During your stay at the U.S. Virgin Islands, you may want to spend some time at St. John’s National Park. This place has a long story and history about how it became what it is at the moment. Such story can be rooted way back in 1956 when Lawrence Rockefeller made a donation of 5000 acres of land to the National Park Service of Saint John. This was done though the Jackson Hole Inc, which is a non-profit organization. On August of the same year, the Virgin Islands National Park was established through a legislation that was passed on the US Congress. Part of this move declared that the Park’s holdings on St. John cannot go beyond 9,485 acres and St. John has the land measurement totaling to 12,500 acres. Through its humble beginnings, the place is now very famous because it has been developed for the enjoyment of both tourists and locals.

The St. John’s National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands is ideal for people who want to explore historical sites. You will really learn a lot from merely looking around. You can also take your time to enjoy its beaches and other trails. You can spend worthwhile time with your families and loved ones while camping, kayaking, hiking, scuba diving, swimming, bird watching and a lot more. You may also want to include on your trip certain places such as the Cinnamon Bay, Annaberg Plantation, Truck Bay and the ruins of the Cinnamon Bay Plantation. You will surely find lots of activities that all your companions will love to make this trip a truly memorable experience.

Queenstown to Te Anau
Photo by: digika, Creative Commons

Thinking about a great nature getaway? Well, why don’t you try and experience a trip to the “Walking Capital of the World.” Here in Te Anau, New Zealand, feel free to experience the works of nature in slow motion.

So, what’s with walking, anyway? To start with, the walking tracks offered by Te Anau will give you a sense of freedom in your travel. You get to experience nature as fast or as slow as you wish it to be. Here, you will come face to face with your discoveries of snowcapped mountain peaks, rain forests, tussok clad alpine plateaus, and all the other offers of nature. You can choose to get a tour guide or grab a paper guide for you and your own team to discover yourself any walking track in Te Anau.

On these walking tracks, you can find along the way some of the most magnificent parks of Te Anau. You can see Wildlife Park, Ivon Wilson Park, and Dock Bay. In both parks you will find a variety of birds, like the parakeet, the kea, tui, kaka, takahe, and waterfowl within the mountains and a lake in the background. On the other hand, you can pack up a great picnic or swimming trip once you are at the Dock Bay.

Aside from the great walking adventures, Te Anau also offers one unique cave for tourists like you. You can visit the Te Anau Glowworm Cave, which is one of a kind in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere. The journey to this cave alone is already exciting. You must ride a boat for thirty minutes on a lake to get there.

More than pleasing your eyes with the various sights here in Te Anau, you can have more adventures here other than walking. You can experience scenic flights, sea kayaking, boat cruises, underwater diving, fishing, and cycling as well. Indeed, there will always be one activity here that will suit your personality and adventure level.

Here’s an added treat for you here in Te Anau. Just like any other cities in New Zealand, the place is also home to a lot of fine restaurants where large selections of the country’s best wines are housed. You can always relax from the sightseeing and physical adventures this place has to offer in exchange for a good sip of some of the world’s best wines. Indeed, Te Anau is more than just the “Walking Capital of the World.”

The city of Hit
Photo by: nukeit1, Creative Commons

Hit, Iraq is a well-known city in the province of al-Anbar in Iraq and is northwest of Ramadi. The province of Anbar covers the Syrian Dessert. If you are going to Hit and would want to go to the Syrian Dessert, be prepared for the climate. Syrian dessert is actually a plain and at the same time is also a real dessert. The climate is of course like any dessert with a little rainfall here and there (around 115 mm). There is also an array of hot weather during the day, the night and in between. During summer season, the temperature will boost up to 42 degrees in Celsius. While come winter time, the weather will only be as low as 9 degrees in Celsius. Since this is a dessert, you might also experience strong winds from the northwestern and south-west which will travel at approximately 21 m per second.

They say that Hit was actually a tiny town that is walled back in the day. They say that Hit is actually situated in two mountains on the portion where the ancient city is. This is actually in the Euphrates River. The Euphrates River is actually one of the most popular and important rivers in the history of Southwest Asia. The Euphrates River is the longest river and makes up the Mesopotamia together with the Tigris River. According to history, there were bitumen wells where there is an abundant amount of sulfur that naturally comes out of it. These wells were also used in the construction of Babylon.

Hit is so full of historical stories and was once invaded by US. Hit was also the first city within its province to be returned to the Iraq control.

Busy Can Tho downtown street for “Moto Drivers.”
Photo by: Joe Gatling, Creative Commons

Can Tho is the capital of Mekong Delta as it is one of the largest city in Vietnam. Vietnamese locals often regard it as a colorful city painted in the canvas of Vietnam because of its colorful market and establishments. Although it has its trademark city landscape, Can Tho City is a major center of rice, fruits, vegetables and fish production. Despite the urban landscape, the city has a complex system of rivers and canals which attracts a lot of tourists every year. Most tourists love its floating markets where different foods and delicacies can be purchased. Furthermore, take note of the following tourist destinations that must be visited upon touring around Can Tho:

• Can Tho Museum
It houses the achievements of Can Tho locals. You will learn a lot of Can Tho historical facts upon visiting this museum.

• Can Tho Tourist Gardens
These gardens are located at the riverside. In order to appreciate it, you must ride a boat in touring along the river. Vietnamese floras and faunas can be found in these gardens as well.

• Ninh Kieu Wharf
It is home to various floating restaurants. The restaurants offer authentic Vietnamese cuisines and tourists often enjoy it as the restaurant floats in the river.

• Ong Pagoda
It was built and financed by a wealthy Chinese in the late nineteenth century. It presents a Chinese style of architecture as well as Chinese culture and traditions.

Upon visiting Can Tho, spend some time in the floating market of the city. This is what most tourists enjoy as they can purchase a lot of items here in an unusual manner: through the floating boats. Getting into the city is also relatively easy as it is connected in the other cities in Vietnam. You can reach it through bus or taxi rides from Ho Chi Minh City, making it an easy to reach city above all.

Bugibba Seafront
Photo by: UweF, Creative Commons

Bugibba is another popular tourist destination in Malta. It also has the liveliest evening crowds in the country and its greatest advantage is positioning. Bugibba is located in the North East Coast of Malta and is near to most tourist destinations in the country.

Bugibba is home of the friendly locals and provides an atmosphere that is truly, tourist-friendly.

For your dining pleasure in Bugibba, you may include…

Garra Trattoria. A bar and restaurant that serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes. You could dine outside in its courtyard area or inside the quaint and decorated bar.

Chez Gaetane. This is a restaurant located right on Bugibba Square and offers one of the biggest menus in the island.

The Venus Restaurant. It specializes in both European and Mediterranean cuisine. It takes these words to best to describe it: good food, good wine, good service.

Bugibba is surrounded by beaches which makes it a good place to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing.

These are the other attractions to see when you visit Bugibba:

The Bugibba Temple. This is a sanctuary erected for the worship of a deity. It is enclosed by the New Dolmen Hotel and was discovered in 1928.

Bugibba Empire Cinema Complex. The first entertainment center in Malta. It has four cinema theaters, a café, and a sweet shop.

Bugibba Square. This is the best place to enjoy the evenings because of the various pubs and clubs located in the area.

Bugibba Promenade. Offers a good view of the sea where you can enjoy a peaceful walk.

Sanya Harbor
Photo by: Bruce Tuten, Creative Commons

Traveling to a fairyland or tropical paradise across the world can be an unforgettable experience. Sanya comes to mind, a lovely island that offers a splendid collection of sandy beaches, stunning mountains, rain forests and mangrove reserves.

Recognized as a resort island with international appeal, Sanya in recent years has become home to the most prestigious luxury hotels and other global businesses. If you’re traveling to conduct business, take time to relax at one of Sanya’s beaches or explore some of the places of interest and soak in the unique oriental culture in China’s tropical Hainan island province.

Found on the southern coast of Hainan Island, Sanya is a perfect place to enjoy water sports or just bask under the sun. Considered as the best among the tropical resorts in China, Sanya offers year-round sunshine and may be regarded as an oasis that’s distinct from other cities in that part of the world. The perfect time to visit Hainan Island is from September to March. Discerning luxury travelers can stay in one of the renowned hotel chains in the area and marvel at the magnificent coastline. For the budget-conscious, there are great accommodations that may be found in the town proper. Anyone can enjoy the sun and sea, in places like Yalong Bay where beaches abound. Other bays (they total 19) include Dadonghai Bay and Sanya Bay.

Hainan Island is an accessible trading port, with a rich history dating back to the late Qing Dynasty. It’s ironic that the breezy island paradise used to be a place for exile. Sanya used to be known as Yazhou during the Ming Dynasty. Hainan Island long ago served as penal colony for officials who found themselves out of favor with rulers. Outcasts were brought from brought from the mainland to Sanya. From being called Zhuya during the Han Dynasty, then Zhenzhou during the Tang Dynasty Sanya after the Qing Dynasty became known as Yaxian County and it was not until 1984 that it got its current name.

Masjid Al-Nabawi
Photo by: omar chatriwala, Creative Commons

The second holiest place considered by the Islamic pilgrims is also located in Saudi Arabia. This is a city is in the Hejaz region which also happens to be the capital of the Al-Madinah Province. This district is known as Madinah or Al-Madinah al-Munawarah. Madinah is also called by other names such as Dar Al-Higra, Yathrib and the City of Messenger.

Al-Munawarah is a beautiful walled city shaped like an oval. The walls surrounding its borders are strong and around 30 to 40 ft tall. The city is surrounded by four exquisite gates; the most beautiful of these four, however, is the Egyptian gate, or the Bab-al-Salam. This district also rests on the most fertile part of the Hejaz region; hence, any tourists will enjoy the picturesque view of hills and mountains. Beyond Al-Munawarah’s walls, you could also see the beautiful suburbs lined with beautiful gardens on both its western and southern parts.

The city is indeed considered as the second holiest city next to Mecca or Makkah as it served as a home to the Prophet Muhammad when he emigrated from Mecca. Another factor that makes it sacred is the fact that the prophet’s resting ground lies on this city. Just like Mecca, this city is also visited by millions of Muslims each year who pray before the Tomb or the Mosque of the Prophet, also known in Islam as Al-Masjid al-Nabawi. For the Islam followers, they believe that one prayer offered before the sacred tomb is equals to almost a thousand prayers uttered in regular mosques.

Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is like a smaller version of the mosque at Mecca. The courtyard is wide and the dome is so high with embellishments of breathtaking minarets. Aside from this sacred tomb, there lay three other tombs in the city— the tombs of his daughter, Fatima; the first caliph and father of his wife, Abu Bakr; and the second caliph, Omar, which had been burned and reconstructed twice.

If you plan to go on a spiritual journey, Al-Munawarah seems to be a perfect spot. Lodging is not a problem as well in this city since more and more hotels, even high-end ones like Hilton Madinah, are made available for tourists.

House of Parliament in Gaborone, capital of Botswana
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

A trip to Africa always means a trip with nature. This is true with almost all corners of the continent and especially with Gaborone, Botswana’s capital.. Even with the vibrant and colorful lights in the city, there are a lot of ecological trips that you can experience in this great destination.

For one, there is the Gaborone Game Reserve. This is perfect if you wish to meet a wide variety of animals including ostriches, zebras, kudu, warthogs, and a lot more. However, this place is most famous for bird watching, where snake eagles, kingfishers, hornbills, and many more are always in the picture. With a trip to this place, you can surely convince yourself that Africa’s wildlife is the best. Similar kinds of attractions are the Mokolodi Nature Reserve and Somarelang Tikologo Ecological Park.

If you want a closer trip in the waters, the Gaborone Dam is a good destination. You can experience yacht, fishing, and other recreations here. On the other hand, if you are more inclined with the mountains, you can hike to the summit of Kgale Hill or the Sleeping Giant. You can choose from three two-hour paths to reach the top.

In the end, no matter what nature adventure trip you wish to experience in Africa, you can always find it here in Gaborone. Therefore, get ready for a great encounter with the wildlife and the nature only here in the country’s capital. As a travel tip, expect hot summer days and cold summer nights here.

Ruwi Mosque
Photo by: Sudheer S, Creative Commons

If you are in Muscat in Oman, you might want to pay a visit to one of the three towns that makes up this city and this is the town or district of Ruwi. This district is considered the diplomatic and commercial center of Muscat and is also the main business area of the city. People who come to Muscat and wish to get a complete feel of the place often come to Ruwi to check out the many old structures that can be found there as well.

One of the more popular areas in Ruwi that people visit is the narrow streets where a lot of old buildings still stand, although most of these were demolished sometime in the 70s to make way for the new commercial buildings that were being put up there. These places are considered to be some of the oldest parts of the city as well as the district.

If you want to experience the old world charm of Oman and find a lot of bargains that you can find in a number of small shops, Ruwi is the place to visit. A mere 4 miles from Muscat, you can choose to stay at one of the few hotels in the area to help give you enough time to explore the many small streets and the numerous old shops that can be found here or you can make a day trip out of it and return to the place the next day from your hotel in Muscat. There are a number of cheap hotels that you can stay at in Ruwi if you do decide to explore the district further.

Quepos mountainside
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Like many other tourist spots in Costa Rica, Puerto Quepos is defined by its many natural attractions. Fishermen from all over the world come to challenge themselves with big game sport fishing as Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Sailfish, among other fish species, are abundantly found in Quepos’ waters. Naturalists and scientists also flock to Quepos to immerse themselves in the area’s rich variety of flora and fauna.

Beach lovers should make it a point to visit the Miguel Antonio National Park, which is just seven km south of Quepos. The Park boasts of four secluded beaches where visitors can swim in the warm waters, walk along the shore or simply sit and luxuriate in the lush surroundings. There are also other leisure activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and mountain biking. And guests should not forget to take advantage of the network of hiking trails, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the area’s natural biodiversity; some 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds call the park home.
Quepos itself boasts of many leisure activities for visitors, including several fine lounges, bars and restaurants. The town center, which is located along the beach front, is a square filled with art galleries, shops, hotels and eateries. And during the town’s festival, open-air concerts, street parties and parades are held.

While the climate in Quepos is generally temperate, the best times to visit are from January to April, when the weather is dry. September is rainy season, while March and April may prove to be too hot for many tourists.

Miraflores Huaca Pucllana
Photo by: quinet, Creative Commons

If you have been so used to the old town and heritage charms of Lima and is looking for a new ‘flavor’, Miraflores offers a new, upscale and urban Peru environment at its finest. Miraflores is best known for its shops, gardens, hotels and beaches, offering the country’s most luxurious accommodations. Miraflores is a very busy neighborhood—try crossing a street without encountering a new adventure.

On the other hand, Miraflores offers a peaceful view amidst all the bedlam. This ironic charm sets it apart from the rest of Latin America. The magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean will relax your senses greatly. Miraflores means ‘look at the flowers’ in Spanish, because of its colorful flower filled parks that will rejuvenate you when you’re touring about the town.

Getting There

By air, the Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima will take you to most national and foreign cities.

By land, one can access Pan American Highway, which links all cities along the coastline, starting with Ecuador to the north and ends with Chile to the south. Many major bus lines will also take you to Miraflores.

By sea, the El Callao is the major seaport of Peru that includes large ships and cruise ships. They can take you to any major port in the south Pacific.

While in Miraflores…

Miraflores is a modern district, having the best hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, malls, and their banking and commercial system. It’s definitely the most ‘Americanized’ part of Peru, and most tourists feel very safe here. Shopping and dining in Miraflores is simply heaven, and the best part is, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Astrid y Gaston

It is rated year after year as one of Lima’s best restaurants. Astrid y Gaston is situated on the little side street near Parque, Miraflores. It is an upscale restaurant, and the food is the best that you can expect. Make sure to make reservations or you’ll never get a seat. Wear appropriate attire: formal dress and suit.

La Castellana

La Castellana was formerly a manor house during the 1912 and transformed into a cozy hotel. This hotel is strategically located near malls, restaurants, cinemas, cafes and pubs, easily making it a favorite among tourists.

Criollo Restaurant
His is a unique setting and a unique restaurant—located in the ruins of an archaeological compound that was built by the early inhabitants during the Primitive era. The restaurant has excellent views, great cuisine, the best wine and pisco list.

Triesen
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

The third largest municipality in the principality of Liechtenstein is Triesen. It has a population of 4,701 and an altitude of 648 meters. The municipality lies south of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. It is positioned between the mountains of Liechtenstein and the Rhine River. Thus, a tour of Triesen will never be complete without taking a look at the beautiful mountains that surround the municipality.

The village has improved a lot over the past few years. It now has expanded primary schools and secondary schools as well as a school of music. They have also accepted different types of sports such as swimming and tennis. Moreover, this is where some of the country’s best sporting facilities can be seen. Although it is not as industrialized as Vaduz, the village also has its fair share of manufacturing companies. Swarovski mainly operates in Triesen. It also generates a lot of employment for the villagers.

Although Triesen is one of the most modern municipalities of Liechtenstein, it has a long list of history. Most of the tourist attractions in this area are historical landmarks. This includes churches which date back from the 15th century. Triesen has a historical weaving mill that has already passed the test of time.

Aside from visiting historical landmarks, tourists enjoy Cross – country skiing in Triesen. Looking for adventure? Camping Mittagsspitz is the place to visit! Riding a bike is a good way of exploring the beauty of the place. It is also the best place to take a mountain trip.

Nazareth and Galilee
Photo by: lyng883, Creative Commons

Ironically, although Christians claim Nazareth to be the childhood home town of Jesus, the city is in fact, the largest Arab city in Israel, half of which are Moslems. Furthermore, many Nazareth tour guides are actually Christian Americans who chose to live and work there. Located 1300 ft above sea level, Nazareth offers its inhabitants a beautiful view of the Bet Netofa Valley, Mt Tabor, the Hill of Moreh, and Mt. Gilboa. Modern Nazareth however is now said by many Westerners to resemble San Francisco with its steep, narrow and winding streets. Its height and elevation also provides for a climate that is ideal for planting and other agricultural practices. An agricultural city, Nazareth is famous for the traditional Arabic markets that draw Israelis from all over the country seeking traditional Arabic produce. For many Israeli newcomers who grew up visiting big shopping malls in the cities, coming to the Nazareth market alone is an experience in itself.

Ancient Nazareth has a rich history that involves wholesale Christian massacre and wars, but the past world of Mary, Joseph and young Jesus is now steeped with important Christian sites that include the Church of the Annunciation – one of the more important Catholic churches in the country. Unlike Bethlehem, however, not many vendors sell religious icons and souvenirs in Nazareth. Samples of communion cups and various religious potteries are given away for free to remind the visitor of his tour.

Experienced tourists advice visitors to keep souvenirs within easy reach when exiting the country because, although there is no tax charge for the gifts one receives in Israel, one is obliged to declare them at the airport. Stuffing gift items inside the luggage bags only make it difficult to remove them when one is asked to show it.

Lalibela Stone Churches
Photo by: ctsnow, Creative Commons

Since recorded history, Lalibela has been renowned for its rock churches that adorn the mountainous side of the valley. The huge rock formations are unbelievably entirely man made and was dubbed as the “New Jerusalem” by travellers that have witnessed the majestic mountains of Lalibela. This is a legend that has inspired various artists and amazed countless people who are able to conjure the implications of the stone churches.

This landmark is a testimony of the deep spirituality of its people. The villagers have formed these rock-hewn churches from hook-plough. The churches are numerous, including various shrines that are grouped into two categories. The architecture and building of these monuments shows a fairly high standard of engineering and architectural knowledge possessed by the people of Lalibela. The heavy rains the region experiences have forced the engineers to design an ingenious system of trenches that drain rainwater to the Jordan River.

The outside is only the beginning, however. The interior of these churches are adorned with spectacular stone structures of crucifixes and carefully carved pillars. Pilgrimages are regularly done to these churches by devout Christians. Others visit these monuments just to admire and relinquish the beauty that have resulted from the ingenuity of the people of Lalibela.

The rock churches are a composite of early eastern Mediterranean Christianity and Axumite tradition. But for those to see firsthand these rock churches would believe that this is a unique new creation of early Christian art in Ethiopian soil. Treat yourself and your family to a relaxing getaway to the valley of Lalibela for an extraordinary religious experience.

Dabou is one of the small cities of Cote d’Ivoire that’s located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. It’s famous for its friendly residents and native handicrafts, including small manmade boats. Though simple and partly rural in nature, Dabou has wide roads and is pretty much liveable.

The temperatures here are hot and humid. But that’s not really a problem because rainfall is abundant as well. And for those who want to look for cooler areas in the city, Dabou has vast forests filled with great and notable African animal species. There are also highlands and rounded hills. There are also clean rivers that flow toward south.

Dabou is generally dependent on agriculture when it comes to economy. As they are not as urbane, most people live on personal agriculture. They eat what they plant or what they take care of (for animals). Like other cities, the farmers here grow maize, bananas, yams, rice, pineapples, coffee and cacao.

When in Dabou, most tourists can find simple accommodations, most of them, small native huts. There are also wooden lodges and luxury cottages with great views over lakes and vast land; and their guaranteed to be malaria-free. Dabou is not really for those seeking the city life, but for the nature trippers and the lovers of culture. It’s perfect for those who like to go strolling and site-seeing, especially when it comes to safaris. The nearest airport from Dabou is that from Abidjan, the country’s de facto capital and commercial and banking center.

Hithadhoo Scrubland
Photo by: Rudolf Stricker, Creative Commons

Hithadhoo is the capital of the Maldivian Atoll Seenu as well as of the Dhekunu Province. Hithadhoo is in the westernmost part of the atoll. It is noted for the lush vegetation in the south and scrubland in the north. The town is characterized by its dusty roads, dense vegetation, and leaning houses. People here are often referred to as the Addu people (other name for Seenu).

If you want to experience a simple kind of living and become closer to nature, going to Hithadhoo, Maldives is a great idea. Although a group travel could be nice, this destination is notably good for independent travelers. One of the reasons is because communication is easier in this part of the archipelago.

Hitadhoo’s biggest influence had been the British bases which started in 1956 when the Royal Air Force base was established on the Seenu Atoll. There were around 600 soldiers stationed in the base permanently and employed a lot of people around the same area. This is the reason why people from this atoll speak good English and a lot of them landed on hotel jobs even in the capital Male when the British left. To this day, Maldivian resorts are manned by Addu people who speak good English.

Like other Maldivian islands, Hithadhoo also takes pride in its beautiful beaches. However, it is more known to its other distinguishing characteristics such as people who speak good English, garment factories, fish processing industry, asphalt roads, and good telecommunications facilities.

Sibiu-Romania’s “Small Platza” under reconstruction
Photo by: CamilG, Creative Commons

Sibiu is the capital of the principality of Transylvania. It is the major transportation hub of Romania and was once designated as the European Capital of Culture. Its primary nearby natural wonder is the Cibin River. It has two main industrial areas, each with exits towards other cities. The Eastern industrial zone is alongside the railway towards Brasov city, and the Western industrial zone close to the airport and near the exit towards Sebes. The southern part of the city is where the ASTRA National Museum Complex and the zoo are located.

Sibiu is also divided into two distinct entities: the Upper Town and the Lower Town, with numerous town squares that boast of great scenery and are perfect for city tours and strolling around. The Grand Square, the Lesser Square and the Huet Square encompass the town’s main areas.

Sibius primary tourist attractions include the Evangelical Cathedral from the Lower City, the Piata Mare in Grand Square, Sibiu’s historical fortifications, Lucian Blaga University, and the Burkenthal National Museum. Even historic homes in this town are quite lovely to look at.

For your leisure time, it would be great to have a hearty Romanian meal at one of Sibiu’s oldest and fine restaurants, the Butoiul de Aur or the La Mielul Alb. Poultry, veal and goulash soups are a favourite among tourists here. Sibiu also has great skating rings, bicycle paths and skateboard parks perfect for the sports enthusiasts. Sibiu is also famous for the Complex Neptune Bath. Located in the center of the city, it has a 21 meter long pool, with Roman-Irish sauna, massage areas and a state-of-the-art salon.