Stopover at the Thai-Laos border
Photo by: Eustaquio Santimano, Creative Commons

Savannakhet, Laos is the place to go when you want to see some of the best colonial architectures in the world. This quiet town is the second biggest in Laos and is near the Thailand and Vietnam borders where tourists hardly go. If you want an uninterrupted getaway, then you will surely find it here.

It’s hot all year-round in Savannakhet so it doesn’t really matter when you go there in winter, summer, or fall. From the capital Vientiane, you can take a nine-hour bus ride to this town. The other route to go is from the Mekong River of Thailand. It’s a 12-hour brutal and rattling ride and by the time you get there, you would probably be too tired to do any sightseeing for the day. However, the ferry ride is surely colorful and if you are up for the challenge, it’s probably not that bad.

Now, the nice thing about Savannakhet is the whole of it is the best attraction. You will no longer have to make a list of where to go because simply walking along its streets is more like walking in a totally different world which wonder you would love to unravel in every step. This town’s streets are tree-lined and you would enjoy discovering a kind of living which is very different from what you have known all along. Within the same southern area of the country, you may explore a number of remote Khmer ruins and the trail of Ho Chi Min.

Old Town Vilnius
Photo by: Jurijus Azanovas, Creative Commons

Vilnius, Lithuania is an interesting city—not quite Scandinavian, not quite East European, not quite German, not quite Russian. However, the ambiguity and diversity of the city creates a unique character of its own. For this reason, many visitors fall deeply in love with Vilnius, Lithuania, which was dubbed by London’s Sunday Times as ‘the most underrated capital of Eastern Europe’.

The essence of the city is its historical charm. During the Middle Ages, the city was the center of a major Lithuanian monarchy. Vilnius’ past is glorious and the residents of the city will bring it up every chance they could. They are proud locals of the city and have every right to be so.

What are the must visits of this charming city? For magnificent Gothic architecture, head to St. Anne’s Church. The church was built during the 16th century, famous for its intricately designed façade, 3 refined towers and red brick mazes.

Vilnius University is one of the oldest universities of Eastern Europe. Its library has over 180,000 ancient manuscripts, editions and publications.

Check the Upper Castle located on Gediminas Hill. It was build centuries before and was then the city’s main square.

Another must see is the Gates of Dawn, considered a sacred place by the Catholics. The attraction is an icon of Mary. It is located on the edge of Old Town.

Ballooning is a popular tourist attraction in Vilnius, Lithuania. The city offers hot air balloon rides that can accommodate 1-40 passengers with its 10 hot air balloons.

Airplane monument at Tokmok
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Many travelers ought to overlook the beauty of Central Asia. Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, for example, has various undiscovered sceneries that you wouldn’t want to miss. The city of Tokmok is found in the northern part of Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan that has an altitude of 816 meter above sea level. The main spot of Tokmok is instituted in the middle of Chui Valley where three destinations can be witnessed.

The first one is the ruins of Ak-Beshim. This archaeological site has many buried artifacts that consist of Uyghur scripts and Sogdian inscriptions from the Kyrgyz ancestors. Archaeologists will surely get a hold on to this and look for the evocative remnants themselves. Next is the long-standing Burana Tower. The moment you enter this building, you can see an exceptional winding stairway with uneven textured wall. With over 40 meters high, this structure is still mounted by tourist even if it received significant damage from earthquakes. The story behind this tower is like the Rapunzel tale, with a staircase; plus, a little bit of Sleeping Beauty’s chronicle. The king’s daughter was locked in this tower to save her from death by her 18th birthday. However, the witch’s admonition still came true when a poisonous spider bit her despite seclusion.

Kyrgyzstan has never been commercialized nor visited by tourists because of its unfamiliar tourist spots. But right after reading this, you might change your mind and make it known to the world by sharing the beauty you discovered in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan.

Eforie Nord
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Eforie Nord is another town in Romania that boasts of great beaches. It’s a favourite place to visit by most French, German, and Dutch citizens. It is located near the Black Sea, and on the maritime side of the South Dobrogea plateau. The town is divided into north and south. The first settlement of mud baths was arranged in Eforie North. The Techirghiol Lake is in Eforie South. The area is home to some of the famous spa resort among Eastern Europeans, with traditional services such as mud treatments, massages, full-spas, and electro-therapy.

Being home to world-class resorts and beaches, Eforie Nord offers also some of the best Romanian accommodations: Dakkar Resort Hotel, Hotel Cherica, Hotel Europa, Fintia, Villa Colonial, Ten Hotel Union, and Hotel El Stefanino.

The Eforie Sud is the town’s center and is perfect for strolling around or having a quiet tour. Here you can go for cheap eats and do sightseeing of steep hills and cliffs. The good part is, the beaches are still within walking distance. The Europa Yacht Club is one of the best and classiest private beaches in town. It’s a little harbour with a concrete roadway that links the enclosed club area towards the main southern beach and the very nice Hotel Europa.

The Youthful Costinesti is another long beach strip that is a favourite among tourists too. It used to be a fishing village, but now it’s a haven for water addicts and a place where nice hotels and resort villas are erected. Other fun things that Eforie Nord offers are parties, nightlife, and believe it or not, shopping.

Fire in the sky over Puerto Ordaz
Photo by: NeoGaboX, Creative Commons

One of the less popular places in Venezuela in terms of tourist attraction is Puerto Ordaz. Because this place is treated as a transport hub for most people, they do not get to go around and see the amazing sceneries in the city.

There is actually a really locally famous park in Puerto Ordaz called La Llovizna. This place has waterfall that would catch the attention of tourists. This has got to be one of the most breathtaking sceneries you would ever see in Venezuela and it is only just ten minutes from downtown. You can go here after having a wonderful time touring the place and relax underneath the water directly falling from above.

One advantage of this place being a transport hub is the availability of tour organizers. In fact, you would even find a lot of them the moment you arrive to the place. You might think of this as them taking advantage of you but it would be the other way around if you allow them to tour you around the place and you have a great time.

Other than waterfalls, Puerto Ordaz also has a lot of rivers open for tourists. In the tows Salto Angel and La Gran Sabana, you will find rivers Caroni and Orinoco connecting with each other.

There are also museums in this city. Because of the rich history in almost every part of Venezuela, museums are always present. Each museum has different artifacts relating to Venezuelan culture so make sure to visit one in Puerto Ordaz when you get the time.

Goats and paintings near Bayanhongor
Photo by: marissas23, Creative Commons

Bayanhongor is the Mongolian province in the south-western part of the country. It is surrounded by mountain ranges and has a number of flowing rivers like Tui, Zag, and Taatz. It is also a hub for several big lakes like Holboolj, Orog, and Buun Tsagaan. In the winter, temperature is between 18 and 30 degrees while it is between 15 and 27 during the summer.

Bayanhongor, Mongolia is noted for the carcass of giant dinosaurs discovered in its grounds. The extinct creatures are believed to have lived in the land about 80 million years ago. Another thing that Bayanhongor is famous for is its spas– both hot and cold ones. If you wish to visit some of them, include Uheg, Teel, Icheet, Urguot, and Shargaljuut on your list. They will surely relieve your stress from the tiresome journey.

One thirds of the whole Mongolian flora grows in this province so you can imagine how green the surrounding is. There are all sorts of plants used for all sorts of things like oils, papers, nutrients, herbs, dyes, glues, and every other use possible.

Of course, aside from enjoying the greens, no tour will ever be complete without sightseeing. One of the spots you must go to is the Chess Rock Monument. It is in Erdenetsogt soum which is one of the cultural heritages of the Mongolian ancestors who lived in 3000 BC. Findings show that chess was played by the Mongols as early as the time. Another place to visit is the Nomun Khan’s Monastery which was founded in the 1750s. It is said that until the 1930’s, the traditional praise and song of blessings were sung here. These are just some of the things that Bayanhongor has to offer.

Krak des Chevalier’s
Photo by: Charlie Phillips, Creative Commons

During the early Roman Rule, Homs was primarily designated as a place of worship for El – Gabal, the Roman sun god. By the 5th century, when the Byzantine Empire conquered the place, Homs became an ecclesiastic metropolis – where the Christian Religion became the predominant religion in the area. At this time, several structures were commissioned by the church to mainly cater to the city’s Christian population.

After centuries of being known as an Eastern Christian City, Muslim Arabs finally conquered the Homs by 637 CE. This happened when the troops of Heraclius were beaten by the revered Muslim warrior Umar ibn al – Khattab. Throughout the Muslim rule the place had undergone a lot of transformations. Some buildings were altered to suit the needs of both Christian and Muslim worshippers. One notable alteration that was that of St. John’s church where the half of the structure was transformed into a mosque that is now known as The Great Mosque of Al – Nuri.

Several rulers and centuries after, the city still exists today. In fact it is one of Syria’s prime cities that are basically famous for its cultural and religious diversity and a thriving population. In addition, it is also frequented by a lot of tourists due to the following destinations:

Krak des Chevalier’s
This is a massive military castle that is constructed on top of a high hill. It was initially built by the crusaders both for offense and defense against other armies that threatened them. Today, if you visit the castle, you will see that most of its structures are still intact. In fact some of the frescoes created by the Crusaders can still be seen from the walls and ceiling of the structure.
This same castle also happens to be one of the World Heritage Sites that can be found in Syria.

Mosque of Khalen Ibn Al – Walid
The whole mosque basically takes pride in its majestic Ottoman Architecture. It was built right after the WWI to honor one of Syria’s generals – Khalen Ibn Al – Walid. He was said to be an accomplished military tactician and leader with 50 battles under his belt.

Of course, those are not the only two sites that you need to see in Homs. If you want to get to know the history and the culture of the city further, you can always visit the city’s museum and the Museum of Tradition.

From the Abha Palace Hotel
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Recognized as the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Asir province, Abha is located 7,200 ft. above sea level in the lush mountains of the south-western region of the country. The structure of the houses in this city could be considered as one of its main attractions. They were built by hand and were made of mud and stone. These houses are built in vertical rows and the minor graduation from one level to another seems to cast an impression of curtailed pyramids.

Abha nestles near the National Park of the region and is gifted with a gentle climate unlike other cities in the country. The area is also frequently visited by rains that are sometimes heavy. The climate, which is comparatively cooler than the rest of districts, made Abha a famous destination spot for Saudis especially during the peak of summer. The Saudi government has even promoted the metropolis and has even designed events for the summer such as the Abha Festival. Other affairs were also organized to attract more visitors not just locally but globally. These include sport events, art exhibitions and musical plays staged by popular singers and poets of the country.

In the Asir region, the city of Abha is also hailed as the administrative capital. Government departments are in this district and it serves as the home to the governor of the region. Extensive facilities that cater educational and medical services are also offered by the city. Two of the famous institutions in the country, namely King Khaled University and Prince Sultan College for Hotel Management, are situated in this city too.

What’s more? The headquarters and printing press of one of the major daily newspapers in the country, Al Watan, could also be found in this region. And if you are on for some cultural and historical experience, you could also visit the old Shadda Palace. The palace was built in the 1800s and has now been converted into a museum. To get a better appreciation of the Abha landscape, you could also try riding the cable cars installed along the city and its neighboring areas.

Ruins in Persepolis
Photo by: Scarto, Creative Commons

Persepolis. It was the great capital of the Persian Empire; an empire that stretched across Europe and West Asia. The city that was established some 2,500 years ago still stands in ruins today. Here, you will Iran’s ancient greatness through their Persian heritage. If you want to visit the ruins of Persepolis, there is no better place to start off than Shiraz.

Shiraz is situated just 70 km southwest of the ancient capital. From there, you could easily travel to the massive site of Persepolis. There, you could see the Gate of All Nations, study the ancient cuneiform writing of the olden days and experience the most majestic Tomb of the Kings. In Persepolis lies the cradle of ancient culture, history and art. Here, you can experience the ancient greatness of Iran.

The climate here is very steady and moderate, as Shiraz and Persepolis are situated in a plain right at the foot of the Zagros Mountains. Aside from the ancient ruins of Persepolis, you can also see other sites found inside Shiraz itself. Examples of those are Karin Khane Zand’s Citadel, built in the 1700s, the Eram Garden, and the many wonderfully designed Mosques.

Shiraz is great place to experience ancient culture and greatness. Here, you can see a wonderful merging of the Persian and Islamic cultures in so many aspects. Here you experience Iran’s diverse roots in their food, architecture and in the people themselves. This is definitely a place worth seeing within your lifetime.

Panama Canal in Colon
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Not happy with your previous vacation? In Colon, both wild and endangered species will merge into one sanctuary. Three of the most visited location in Colon will be discussed here to serve as your comprehensive guide to the diverse locality.

Chagres National Park, located at the east of Panama Canal, covers hundred thousands of hectares of the city. You can see the Lake of Alajuela flowing peacefully up to Cerro Azul. On top of it, you can catch a sight of the entire Panama City in one perpetual gaze. To get here, it will just take you thirty minutes from any highway of Colon and after that, you can enjoy the breathtaking sites of the city.

Bocas Del Toro Grottoes is an island cavern where different species of bats live. This coral rock cave is well explored by tourists all over the world. However, you should wear only light clothing for this expedition and flashlights in your pocket to guide you at night.

Island of Birds or Swan’s key to other people, is a sanctuary for various types of birds in Panama. Pelican, seagulls and frigates are some of the common animals you can see on your trip. To be able to enjoy your stay in the island, don’t forget to hang your binoculars on your neck and bring with you your handy camera to take hold of the exquisite occasion.

Colon is named after Christopher Columbus’ last name. The bright voyager truly deserves this honor and will carry on his legacy to other explorers. Even you can witness this great expedition once you decided to pay a visit to the wondrous city of Colon.

Paihia beach
Photo by: Le Grand Portage, Creative Commons

A complete getaway to a totally unique place will always include adventure, leisure, nature, and culture. Indeed, it will always be hard to find a place that will give you this full package. There always seems to be great places to visit but not all of them will offer what you are looking for. Well, now, your search is over. The place is the town of Paihia in the country of New Zealand.

Starting off with adventure, there are a lot of exciting new things this town has to offer you. Are you more interested in water adventures? Why not visit the Bay and learn how to parasail, kayak, or scuba dive? Upon trying these out, you will always remember Paihia for teaching you or letting you experience such great water adventures. Other adventures here include Hole in the Rock’s catching fast boats, chartering a yacht, and Zane Grey’s hooking a marlin adventures. You can also try an off-road trail either by horse or a four-wheel motorbike.

When speaking of leisure, there seems to be no end for various treats. You can swim and even snorkel in the town’s beautiful beaches. You can also take a tour of the town using a coach, a horse, or a buggy. There are also a lot of magnificent golf courses and fine restaurants in town. Saving the best for last is the magnificent cruise in the 144 islands of the Bay.

Now, you are up to your environment experience here in Paihia. You can go on a nature trip and swim with the dolphins in the town’s clear waters. There are also great chances of bird watching and mangrove tree spotting here.

To complete your getaway, you can always drop by in the historic place of Treaty House. This is the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. This is a document that is of great importance to New Zealand’s foundation. You can always be guided through a heritage tour in this place. Much more, you can also get to experience here in Paihia the traditional feast called the Maori Hangi. This is a showcase of the country’s traditional way of cooking over heated rocks that are buried in pit ovens. Witnessing this tradition will open ways for you to taste the greatness of the country’s cuisine.

So, what else can you be looking for in a travel experience? Everything that you ought to experience is already offered by the town of Paihia. Indeed, it is no wonder why this place is called the Jewel of the Bay of islands here in New Zealand.

Temple entrance in Mandalay
Photo by: dulk, Creative Commons

Palaces, kings, and queens are not only in movies. If you pay a visit to Mandalay, Myanmar, you will understand why. As the last standing royal capital of Burma, you can feel and experience the royalty that you thought can only be experienced in movies.

To start your trip in this magnificent city, you need to visit the Mandalay Palace. Though this great place has been ruined by fire during the Second World War, you can still see its remnants such as the walls, city gates, pavilion, and the moat. Having a view of this complex will make you one step closer to utmost royalty.

Besides this palace, Mandalay houses and various landmarks that speak of the culture of Burma can also be seen in this city. With a simple visit in this place, you can perfectly understand the rest of the country. For instance, the city houses several attractions that honor their great religion, which is Buddhism.

There are the holy Buddhist Mountain Mandalay Hill, Maha Muni Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Buddha’s Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda, and a lot more. With these many treats to the tourists, you can see for yourself how their religion affects the life of all the people in the country.

Moreover, you can have a unique experience in Mandalay’s Yadanabon Zoological Garden. Though this is a small zoo, it holds the record of being the only zoo that houses Burmese roofed turtles. So, there is no reason to miss this garden when you get here after exploring the religious and royal background of Burma. Mandalay is definitely a city that can offer you a one of a kind experience.

Tangail Mosque
Photo by: John Pavelka, Creative Commons

Tangail is located in the central region of Bangladesh, part of the Dhaka division. Tangail, Bangladesh has a total population of 3,200,000. The city is surrounded with several districts: the Jamalpur district on the north, Dhaka and Manikgani on the south, Gazipur and Mymensingh on the east and Sirajganj on the west. Several rivers also cross Tangail, a total of 10 rivers all in all: Dhaleshwari, Jamuna, Bangshi, Jhenai, Turag, Fotikjani, Jugni, Elongjani, Lohajang and Langulia.

Agriculture is Tangail’s main source of livelihood, with main agricultural products including jute, wheat, sugarcane, pulse, pineapple, banana, mustard seed and rice. Tangail is rich in history and artistic heritage.¬ It has quite a few prominent archaeological relics and monuments, which are main tourist attractions in Tangail.

Things to See and Do

• Atia Mosque

The mosque is a perfect example of Bangladeshi artistic heritage. It was built by Khan Panee in 1609, which blends pre-Mughal design elements and imperial Mughal architectural features. The mosque has been restored several times. There is real beauty in this mosque, for it is nestled among fields and trees, right by a deep pond on the side. This really pretty pink mosque can be seen on the TK 10 note.

• Dhanbari Royal Resort

The heritage resort is a sprawling complex belonging to the famed Danbury Nawabs, the first Muslim king during British rule. It is more than 700 years old.

• Madhupur National Park

The park is home to the langur monkey, barking deer, wild boar, and a wide array of bird species including some rare species such as dusky owl, spotted eagle owl, brown fish owl and the famous brown wood owl. The National Park covers some 8,500 hectares, one of the last remaining patches of forest in the country. In addition to its abundant wild life, it is home to the Mandi tribe.

• Kumudini College

The college was built in 1943, first established to promote women’s education. It was built by philanthropist Rai Bahadur, named in honor of his mother.

Tangail Weather and Climate

Tangail has a favorable climate all year round. It has a minimum weather of 12 degrees C and is hottest at 33 degrees C. There is high amount of rainfall every year, which is why there is good fertility of the Tangail ground.

While in Tangail, you can ride horse carriages, bullock carts, luxurious boats and passengers boat to get around.

A view from afar of Vaitape
Photo by: jimg944, Creative Commons

The island of Bora Bora in the South Pacific could indeed be the most popular island in the whole world. With its clear waters, white sand coasts, and great tourist attractions, it is no wonder why the island has become so famous among a lot of travelers already. If you know about this island, you cannot miss Vaitape, which is the usual tourist hub of the whole island.

Aside from being the gateway to Bora Bora, Vaitape has a lot of great things to give tourists like you. One such great attraction in Vaitape is the Hotel Bora Bora. This hotel has gained its popularity because of its overwater occupancy such as great bungalows and rooms. Tourists can enjoy a great experience here as these bungalows can give total privacy and a good view of the sunset. Even the meals here are served via a delivery boat to each room.

Aside from this famous hotel of Vaitape, the place also features various retail shops perfect for your getaway shopping spree. You can visit Boutique Bora Bora and Boutique Gaugin. The first store offers a good selection of T-shirts, books, woodcarvings, and black pearls. The latter, on the other hand, is a souvenir shop where you can find seashells, tapa cloth, pareus, and batiks. Moreover, there is the Sibani Perles where you can shop for the black pearl collections of the famous designer Didier Sibani. There is also the Artisanal de Bora Bora where you can find a huge display of traditional objects, as well as souvenirs.

More than these treats, Vaitape is also a home for Topdive Bora Bora. This is a dive center company that gives total convenience to all sizes of dive groups. The Vaitape site is equipped with two 30-feet boats and one 45-feet boat. With Topdive, you can always find a great experience in any of the diving sites not only around the island of Bora Bora but as well as sites from other islands. Much more, the company can pick up customers from any hotels in the island.

Truly, your Bora Bora getaway will not be such a perfect escapade without the taste of Vaitape. The white sand beaches and crystal clear waters are just two of the scenes you must not miss here. Add to this the adventures of diving and the fun of shopping; Vaitape is definitely a great tourist hub for a great Bora Bora getaway.

Abary River running through Guyana
Photo by: madmack66, Creative Commons

Madewini Creek, located less than an hour from Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, is notable for the white sand beach that runs seven hundred feet along the creek’s length and has led many beachfront resorts to open there.

One of the most popular of these beachfront resorts is Emerald Towers. The resort consists of thirteen one-bedroom cabins, and is a popular spot for day and overnight outings by both residents and tourists who would like to enjoy the rich variety of flora and fauna that can be found in the 167 acres of dense jungle surrounding the resort, or who would simply like to swim or go sailing. The rustic ambiance of the area is sure to appeal to the more adventurous tourists seeking to have a vacation that’s off the beaten path. But for those who would prefer to remain at the resort, Emerald Towers offers facilities for a wide variety of sports, including miniature golf, volleyball, cricket and table tennis.

Also notable is the Madewini Gardens Resort, where guests can rent benabs (thatched huts) for picnicking and overnight camping, and enjoy the many leisure activities the resort offers. Nature lovers can go bird watching or take hikes in the jungle around the resort. They can also go fishing in the resort’s man-made lake, go swimming in the black water creek or take a canoe trip up the Madewini. There are also two swimming pools and a large enclosed area that can serve as an improved field for either cricket or football.

City of Maun developing.
Photo by: jonrawlinson, Creative Commons

You cannot have a complete getaway in the safaris of Botswana without getting to its tourist capital, Maun. With the countless numbers of safaris and a lot of other great places found within, it can start and end your safari adventure perfectly.

Though Maun still reflects a life far from an urban setting, there is already a wide selection of hotels, shopping centers, and lodges. Even if you can still see folks with their cattle across town, you can find cars for hire in town. You can visit the Maun Game Reserve and experience up to eight kilometers of woodland just along the famous Thamalakene River. Moreover, since this town is located perfectly in Botswana, you can be given easy access to more popular and great places in the country. This includes the Chobe-Zambezi Area and the Moremi Game Reserve.

However, before you pack your things and get ready to experience Maun, keep in mind that it is best to visit this town during the winter months from May to October. This is because November to April can bring you too much sweat here and a lot of rainfall can welcome you from December to February.

So if you are dreaming of a great safari adventure, Botswana is your best choice. However, don’t forget to take a look at the wonders of Maun. If you do, your adventure will never be as perfect as you have imagined it to be. But, make sure you visit this place with perfect timing for the good weather.

Annaba Bay
Photo by: Sandervalya, Creative Commons

Among Algeria’s cities, this is the one that’s often visited by French and Italian tourists. Annaba, Algeria is the fourth largest city of the country, located on the northeastern area of the state and is well known for its fine beaches and great family nightlife. Annaba, formerly known as Hippo Regius, is easy to visit as it has its own international airport, the Rabah Bitat Airport, and also rail links towards Algiers, the country’s capital. Lodging is great here no matter how much you can afford.

Annaba offers a European atmosphere, as it was a favourite among the French colonialist. And that explains the erection of the basilica of St. Augustine, one of the finest attractions to travellers in this city. The very picturesque church is in honour of Augustine who was a bishop in the region from 396 to 430 A.D. Annaba’s sizeable educational institution which is also a must see is the Annaba University, with about 50,000 students enrolled. Annaba is also a center for industry and commerce as it main port for mineral export in Algeria and it also exports iron, zinc and steel.

You cannot leave Annaba without walking on the Green Main Street, also known as Cours de la Revolution, as it represents French influence on Annaba city. The Green Main Street has a vibrant afternoon as well as an active nightlife. If you’re here for the food too, Annaba city offers delectable cuisine with a combination of both Arabian and European taste to tease you palate and satisfy your hunger. In Annaba, Algeria, you’ll surely enjoy a multi-cultured tour.

Moselle Valley
Photo by: Michael Gwyther-Jones, Creative Commons

Ehnen is a small commune in Wormeldange, one of the 116 municipalities in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and is in the Canton Grevenmacher region. The town of Ehnen has a population of a little over 500.

The best offering of the municipality is their varied selection of wines from the Moselle Valley. Since it is connected to Wincheringen, Germany via a bridge, Germans frequent the place for their wines. Not only Germans but with the rest of Europe and the world, visit Ehnen for a taste of their wines. Much of Ehnen’s economy is based on wine production. Ehnen has gained a reputation for the majestic fragrance of its vineyards and exquisite flavor of their wines.

Ehnen also houses the “The Wine Museum” which displays their treasury of wines. It was opened 1987 and its collection continues to grow. The museum contains pictures of the whole wine making process, starting from tilling vineyards to fighting grape disease to bottling. A bottle collection is also available in the museum.

The town is also famous for its medieval alleys and pathways. River fishing and other aquatic sports are also main attractions in the areas. And as usual, the bank of the river Moselle is a top destination for anyone who visits Ehnen.

The continental climate of the area is also relaxing. The town manifests mild winters and hot summers. More than this, the town of Ehnen offers majestic natural sceneries that you can admire. Their rich culture and exquisite wines are definitely few of the many reasons to visit Ehnen, Luxembourg.

Gede Ruins in Malindi
Photo by: afromusing, Creative Commons

Malindi, Kenya is 120 kilometers north of Mombasa, slightly below the earth’s equator. This district is another proof that Kenya packs a lot of beauty that’s worth seeing.

It has one of Africa’s longest coastlines, about 155 kilometers long. This provides a scenic swimming and picnic site for tourists. People just can’t help but notice how clean the waters of Malindi are. The length of the coast provides unobstructed and panoramic view of the sea and the setting sun. The region has a warm tropical climate. Temperatures range from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Aside from swimming, people can go snorkeling and diving too. There is the Watamu National Marine Park. It has white sand beaches with stunningly beautiful reefs for divers. It is also perfect for windsurfing. The warm waters in their beaches are perfectly soothing for everyone.

For those close to history, they may enjoy visiting the ruins in Gede. It is a seven-century-old town, which was abandoned in the 1700s. Another historical monument is Vasco de Gama’s pillar. This was built in 1498 by the Portuguese explorers.

Another breath taking spot is the Arabuko-Sokoke forest. It is large, at 420 square kilometers. It is home to green trees, clean rivers and several species of birds, elephants, monkeys etc. There are more than 260 kinds of butterfly here too.

Due to Malindi’s rich history, their culture and cuisines are products of long foreign settlements. Their hotels and restaurants offer world-class food with a taste from Italian, British and French recipes. Above all, they have warm and accommodating people that make tourists return.

Rarotonga’s coastline
Photo by: g-hat, Creative Commons

Rarotonga Cook Island’s name comes from Tonga and ‘raro’ meaning down south. Its most popular version of origin is the famous Tahitian Navigator, Iro. The climate is also equable. It enjoys a very sizzling temperature between 18C and 28C during winter and 21C to 29C during summer which spans from November to April.

Rarotonga Cook Island is the youngest island in the Cook Islands. It stands 14,750ft above the sea ground and has 20 miles in circumference. A very attractive island that has a net of 15 islands located in the heart of the pacific, Raratonga Island offers a very unique and friendly character and a diverse and vigorous culture. Despite its heavy tourist visits every year, the island of Raratonga remains largely unspoiled by its tourism industry. Visiting Rarotonga offers tourist a very rare opportunity to experience a different kind of vacation. Rarotonga may not have high rise hotels, but its four beach buggies are guaranteed to give visitors the hype.

An island that is ideal for travelers who are seeking for more than typical clichés, each of the islands located in Raratonga Cook Island offers unique characters and a special experience. There are actually many things you can do when you are in Rarotonga which includes sightseeing trips, boating diving, fishing and adventure activities. If you love sea sports then you can try scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling and fishing trips. Currently, this island serves as the entry point for Cook Islands which can be travelled through air. The Air Rarotonga offer regular flies to most of Cook Island.

Tela Mountainside
Photo by: b3nscott, Creative Commons

Tela is another city bay in Honduras that is one of the favourite vacation alternatives among visitors. What used to be the local headquarters of the Tela Railroad Company is now a prime beach destination in Honduras. The coastal town situated between San Pedro Sula city and La Ceiba city, encompasses three national parks, Garifuna villages and outstanding beaches which have dynamically propelled the city’s tourism for the past few years. Although a quiet place, Tela is perfect for eco-tourism enthusiasts searching for adventure tours.

Punta Sal is also a favourite among tourists. It is a Honduran National Park filled with a healthy and diverse eco-system where you can find rocky and sandy beaches, rivers, lagoons, rocky land formations, coral reefs, unexploited jungle and a hefty wildlife. All you’ll need there is a bottle of sunscreen and water, and maybe some insect repellent cream. Dolphins, monkeys, iguanas, crabs, sea gulls, unusual birds and trees are just a few of what you get to see in the Park. Punta Sal also boasts of the beautiful golden silk spider, a unique species of its kind.

The island city offers elegant accommodations through its extravagant yet budget friendly hotels such as the Tela Mar, the Cesar Mariscos, and the Maya Vista. But the Caribbean Coral Inn Bed & Breakfast is the place to stay if you’re looking for comfortable and cozy cabins, and also delicious Garifuna cuisine.

When in Tela, swimming and touring is not all that you do. Visitors may also embark on river rafting, tropical rainforest hiking and great boat excursions.

Quito Scenic View
Photo by: waldopics, Creative Commons

Tourists visit the country of Ecuador mainly to explore its rugged terrain and to marvel at the sheer natural wonders of this diverse country. It is a common sight for a casual observer to note the dozens of young European or North American tourists who roam around the city of Quito, Ecuador on their way to distant expeditions. Many of them just stay in the city for short periods before embarking on more extensive journeys.

However, the city of Quito, Ecuador can be a destination by itself. It is nestled in the Ecuadorian highlands give it a constantly pleasant and spring-like temperature throughout most of the year in spite of its location right on the equator. The city can offer a diverse experience to first-time visitors who can quickly take a glimpse of the city whether from a pre-Hispanic, colonial or modern point of view.

The El Panecillo Hill in the middle of the city is an example of the interesting layers of pre-Colombian era culture and colonial heritage that permeates the city. The hill has ruins left from the original Ecuadorian Indians who had placed a ceremonial significance to the area due to its strategic location within the Inca Empire. These days it is more commonly associated with the city’s most famous landmark – a monument of the Madonna which was built in 1976.

Quito, Ecuador is also recognized by UNESCO for having the biggest historic center in Latin America, dating back to the earliest years of the country’s colonial history and measuring more than 3.2 square kilometers. It is so well preserved that it became the very first city to be included in the initial list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can easily spend an entire day or two admiring the colonial structures and houses within this area which is located right in the middle of the city.

For those who would like a taste of modern Ecuadorian flair, a visit to the northern area of the city will not disappoint. It is home to upscale residential neighborhoods, the financial district, and high end shopping centers. The area has a great selection of bars, clubs and restaurants that showcase the cosmopolitan flair of Quito residents.

From the ancient to the modern, the city of Quito, Ecuador can offer a quiet respite for backpackers tired from exploring the country’s diverse landscape and for tourists who want to taste a slice of the highland city lifestyle of urban Ecuadorians.

Port de Paix suburb
Photo by: carrotmadman6, Creative Commons

If you want to get out of and want to be able to relax and enjoy with some peace and quiet, visit Port-de-Paix in Haiti. This major seaport was once named Valparaiso or Vallee du Paradis by Christopher Columbus and the Spaniards. The people of Port-du-Paix are very much friendly, and exude that famous Creole hospitality. They do not join the political unrests and are very much business-minded people. Majority of the population is into entrepreneurship, and they have a sense of leadership and independence as well. Their culture is very much strong and the people are very proud of what they have achieved as a community. Majority of the famous artists, intellectuals, writers and poets come from the city of Port-du-Paix, so do not miss the chance of checking this area out when you are in Haiti.

While it is seldom visited, this town boasts of many buildings that have wonderful architecture that can compete with those of the other cities in the country. You can reach Les Cayes via air or boat depending on what suits you best. Flights to this area normally come from Port-au-Prince. One of the best hotels in the country can be found here in Port-de-Paix which is the Rival Hotel. The rooms are very spacious and can give you a fantastic view of the Caribbean ocean. The weather in Les Cates is perfect for any outdoor activity such as walk tours, swimming at the beach or windsurfing with friends.

If you have your heart set on a Caribbean getaway for the summer, do head on to Port-de-Paix for a one of a kind experience that you will surely treasure and share with your friends when you come back home.

Sunset at Puntarenas
Photo by: stevendepolo, Creative Commons

Tourists who would like to enjoy a laid-back, stress-free vacation in Costa Rica should consider making Puntarenas their main destination. Located 75 miles west of the capital city of San José, Puntarenas is the country’s largest province. The provincial capital, Puntarenas City, was once a major shipping port. Today, it has embraced eco-tourism as a major industry in the province, although the city still remains a vital fishing port and a stopover for the many cruise ships that sail the Pacific Ocean.

As with many tourist destinations in Costa Rica, the main attractions of Puntarenas are its beautiful beaches, such as Playa Mal País, San Lucas and Playa Naranjo, and its many national parks and nature reserves such as the Santa Elena Forest Reserve, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Parque Nacional Carara.

Tourists staying in Puntarenas City should not forget to visit the Paseo de los Turistas, where many of the city’s restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels are located. On weekends, the area springs to vibrant life as visitors and residents flock to the Paseo to enjoy its many leisure activities and active nightlife. The city also boasts of many sites of historical value such as its church and the many antique homes that remain in their original state.

If you would like to enjoy Puntarenas City at its liveliest, however, the best time to visit is during the city’s fiesta and carnival seasons. The Fiesta del Virgin del Mar is held in July and the Festejos Populares in November, while carnival season is in February and March.

St Elijah’s Monastery
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Mosul, Iraq is located in the northern part of Iraq and it is about 400km from Baghdad. It is also a city and to be exact, it is the second largest city in Iraq after Baghdad. Most of the people who live in Mosul are Arabs. However, there is a good mixture of nationalities in Mosul from Kurds, Turkmen, Assyrians, Yazidis, Shabaks, Mandeans and Armenians. As of press time, there are about 1.8 million people living in Mosul.

There are several popular and one of a kind places in Mosul. The place is setting so many records for Iraq being the second largest city in the country. Mosul is the residence to the major learning and research center in Iraq and the Middle East which is the University of Mosul. It is also the home to the Church of the East Christianity which is the historic place for Assyrians. It is said that this place is full of tombs all the way from the prophets Nahum and Jonah of the Old Testament.

Going to Mosul, you will be treated to history from ancient buildings and architectural designs. There are several different mosques, churches, castles, schools and monasteries. The designs of the buildings are not simply designs but they hold some significance.

Going to the market is also one of the things you should do if you are in Mosul. You need to walk down the streets too and be amazed and captured with the beauty of the 19th century houses.