The city of Tehran
Photo by: Hamed Saber, Creative Commons

Iran is a nation that is rich in practically everything. It has a flourishing economy, a strong military system, and most importantly, it has a rich and diverse history. Iran is pretty much one of the cradles of culture. It is a very nice place to visit because there is simply so much to see. And there is no better place to start off an Iranian holiday than in its capital, Tehran.

Tehran is a city you cannot possibly experience in just one day. Tehran is place where you can experience things we read in History books back when you were still studying.

One of the places worth seeing in Tehran is the majestic Azadi Tower. This monument is a witness to Iran’s modern hardships and triumphs. It is a beautiful white tower inside a huge monument complex. Built 1971, the Azadi Tower’s architecture fuses the strong roots of the Iranian people− Persian and Islam. It is made from the highest quality white marble from the Esfahan region. The site of many celebrations and protest, this monument is very meaningful to the Iranian people.

The climate in Tehran is constant, since it is near the mountains and near the Caspian Sea. It would be easy to enjoy the many wonders of the city. Iran has such a rich history and has so many testaments to its greatness across its territory. Tehran definitely the modern face of this culturally rich and powerful nation.

Train Station in Valga
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Are you planning to visit Estonia anytime soon? Sure you would love to visit its capital city of Tallin or go to the spas in Haapsalu. You might also have heard of the famous ski places and the winter capital of Estonia known as the town of Otepaa. And since you already have heard great things about these places, you could enjoy a visit to Valga, Estonia – a town with a rich past and cultural background.

Valga is conveniently located close to junctions and railways. It is also within the borders of Latvia and the country of Estonia. It is located south of the country and is very rich with both Latvian and Estonian cultural background.

The place of Valga is a growing and slowly developing county. It is a small town with many things to offer to its tourist. You can definitely enjoy a peaceful walk around its streets without fear of disturbance. You can walk around and enjoy the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood. You can also visit some of their prominent sights like Central library and their Museum. Because the place is small, you can easily go to the Valga Stadium and the Valga Hospital or visit their schools. You can also enjoy going to the Culture and Hobby Center.

A day trip to Valga wouldn’t be a problem since there is a railway and station nearby the town. You can also stay at the Jaanikese Motel that serves great breakfast food if you feel tired from your journey.

Zakho
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Zakho, Iraq is close to the border of Iraq and Turkey. Back in the day, Zakho was just a tiny island. When you mention Zakho, it is also remembered for its synagogues. There was a big Jewish neighborhood in the area too. However, in 1981, the Jews living in the town was attacked and all their synagogues where put on fire. The Jews fled the city and nowadays, about 600,000 individuals are living on this district. They still however practice some Jewish tradition together with their Muslim culture.

As a tourist, you can go to the Delal Bridge. The bridge is a popular tourist destination because of how beautiful and mysterious the building of it is. You can also go and visit the Zakho castle and the Qubad Pasha castle to learn more about the empires who ruled the country.

Not only is Zakho a good place to visit for tourists but it is also a great place for you to live in or even do business. There is a big market in the Kurdish neighborhood and also the center and northern portion of Iraq. The market place is a good place to sell and buy products and merchandise. It is a good place for trading too. The country is in trading terms mostly with Turkey. The most popular products in the area would be the oil, rice, lentils, sesame, different kinds of fruit and wax. Because of this, there are also many job opportunities in Zakho. A lot of people from Syria, Turkey and other parts of the country go to Zakho to try their luck in finding a job.

Damascus gate in Nablus
Photo by: hoyasmeg, Creative Commons

Nablus, formerly called Shechem by the Canaanites, is the largest Moslem Arab city within Israel. It is claimed by Palestine under the British Mandate of 1923 and 1948 and is now one of the towns under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority albeit surrounded by Israeli cities and security forces. A tour of Nablus is usually coordinated by Palestinian travel agencies whose tour guides inevitably add anti-Israeli sentiments in most of their delivered information. Tours are arranged in such a way that a visit to the Balata refugee camp and martyr’s cemetery is always mixed in with the historical sites to invoke sympathy.

Nevertheless, a visit of the city’s famous loud and colorful Palestinian market is not an experience to be missed. Despite their expressed difficulties in their present condition, the city of Nablus is still a charming place alive with numerous shops selling all sorts of trinkets and clothes. One of the popular Nablus treat is the Kunafa, a local delicacy made of rich pastry and goat’s milk. No visit to this city is complete without the taste of Kunafa, baklava and/ or wallaby. Another highly recommended product here is olive oil, but visitors are advised to bring their own bottles because it could be difficult to find small containers in the city due to the siege-like security done by the Israeli army.

Famous historical sites in Nablus are: Jacob’s Well – where a Samaritan offered Jesus a drink of water; a Greek Orthodox Church located near the well (tourists are advised not to stray too far because of the nearby “rough neighborhood”); Joseph’s Tomb – where one of the Bible’s popular characters is said to be buried and one of the last Samaritan village temples atop Mt. Grasim.

Although anti-Israeli sentiment is very high here, tourists are advised to keep a clear head and to remember that there are always two sides to the coin.

Southern Tyre
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Sur is more than just another city. It was built on a rock, which makes it a popular city because of its so-called “tough foundation”. It was mentioned in different works of literature, specifically in Roman Mythology. Moreover, this place has a well-known reputation in the pages of the bible, because it was frequently mentioned in the Old Testament.

The city is very much preoccupied with trade industry. On its narrow streets, you can find several merchants selling various kinds of goods, such as carpets, gold jewelries, potteries, and textiles. There are also some stores that sell Arab paintings and small souvenir items.

The city is also overflowing with delectable Lebanese dishes. Some of these include the Baba Ghanouj, which is a char-grilled eggplant; Kunafi, a pastry that looks like a shoelace and it is stuffed with white cheese and nuts; Labneh, which is a strained yogurt and it taste best when garnished with sea salt.

Aside from these appetizers and main courses, Sur is proud of its beverages. Arak, Jayab, and Almaza beer are some of the best tasting beverages to name a few.

Must-see places

If you are planning a trip to this culturally-rich city, one of the best sites to include in your itinerary is the Al Mina excavation site. There you will be amazed with the ruins of an ancient theatre and the Palaestra columns.

The Tyre Harbour is also a tourist spot that offers a breathtaking view of the urban side of the city. At the south, you can enjoy a clear view of the sunset at the bay while enjoying your time with your family or a loved one.

The Roman Hippodrome is a magnificent ancient arc that welcomes visitors with glee. It is a UNESCO world heritage site that the city of Sur is truly proud of.

Sur is one spot that you can truly spend some quality time, and getting lost in this marvellous city will definitely be a valuable memory to treasure.

Pretoria
Photo by: girolame, Creative Commons

Unlike most cities in the world, South Africa has more than one capital city. This is because its three branches of government are located in three different cities. One of these capital cities is Pretoria. Pretoria is the executive capital of the country. This means this is the home of the whole executive branch, including the president and deputy president. This makes Pretoria a very important city to the South Africans.

The climate in this South African city is moderately dry sub-tropical. The weather here is very humid and is relatively hot. Pretoria’s climate is exceptional, considering the city is elevated 4,500 ft above sea level. Summers here are hot and rainy, while winters are cold and dry. As rain comes in the summer only, there are chances of drought in the wintertime since there is practically no precipitation. Also, snow is a rare thing in Pretoria.

Pretoria is definitely a place worth visiting. The city is a living documentation of South African history. A lot of events that affected the history of South Africa took place here. Two great events that took place here are the Pretoria Convention and the place of Nelson Mandela’s Inauguration. There are a lot of monuments to commemorate theses events all across the city.

An example of a place worth seeing in Pretoria is the Mahlamba Ndlopfu, or the Presidential House. This building was formerly the residence of the Prime Minister of the country. But after the position was abolished in 1984, it became the presidential residence. The name of the building is Xitsonga for “The New Dawn.” Voortrekker Monument is another site worth seeing in Pretoria. It’s a massive granite monument built to honor the pioneers who left the Cape Colony. This structure is situated on top of a hill and can be seen from anywhere in Pretoria. From afar, the monument looks like an altar.

Pretoria is a city that can tell you about South African history in great detail. If you want to learn about South Africa, all you have to do is come here.

Ivalo Ice Gallery
Photo by: arcticroute.com, Creative Commons

For tourists looking for a total Finnish experience, one of the best options is the small town called Ivalo.

Situated on the Ivalojoki River, Ivalo is ideal for water activities like canoeing. A famous route for canoeing enthusiasts starts from Kuttura and goes all the way to Ivalo. Tourists in Ivalo typically spend their summer holidays through mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Winter also proves to be a busy season for both Ivalo and its visitors, as the latter can have a good time with activities such as reindeer sledge riding, skiing, and snowmobiling.

Ivalo has a variety of services and shops where tourists can get items that will remind them of their Ivalo vacation. The most famous souvenir item in Ivalo is wine, so if you want to take home some booze, there are shops in the city where you can buy cognac and fernet to your heart’s desire.

A unique and interesting subculture you should never miss in Ivalo is gold panning. A good number of people in Ivalo pan the Ivalojoki River for gold and then trade it for beverages in Hotel Kultahippu.

Have you planned your Ivalo trip yet? One of the things you have to think about is how to get there. In Helsinki, there are daily flights to Ivalo. In Rovaniemi, all daily buses stop in Ivalo. Going to different parts of Ivalo is made easy because of the many companies that offer car rental services to tourists in Finland. So make your reservations and pack your things now to start enjoying your Ivalo trip!

Side’s Roman amphitheatre
Photo by: Nick Irvine-Fortescue, Creative Commons

Side (see-deh) is an ancient town in the southern coast of Turkey. Its name is of Anatolian origin and pronounced as ‘see-day’. The name means pomegranate. It is located in the region of Pamphylia. Its area stretches around 1km long and 400 meters across. Originally, it was an ancient harbour city of Greece. Today, it is a famous classical city and resort town. Side is an important archaeological site that has preserved great ruins of ancient times. It is considered the most notable in Asia Minor. In March 29, 2006 Side became a popular spot for watching the solar eclipse.

Weather in Side is constant. The lowest day time temperatures are during the months of December to March. Rainy days are also to be expected during these months. The best way to get to Side is from Antalya International airport which is just 45km away. There are direct flights and all-year round flights from European countries.

The history of Side are very colorful and turbulent. But its most influential inhabitants were the Romans. Their ruins are the main attraction of Side and the most timeless. The Old town is filled with shops of many kinds. The Roman Amphitheatre still survives and is still used for various performances. In the summer months there’s an annual arts festival being held in this area. The Temple of Apollo and other ruins surround the resort area – a feature you can only see in Side.

Side is also known for its golf courses. There are six at Belek and two other courses are in the planning stages. Horse riding along the sandy trails is another resort feature. The sandy beaches are clean and boast of picturesque views of the sea and its classic surroundings.

The Museum of Side is located at the other side of the road near the amphitheatre. It’s a small museum that showcases rare artifacts of burial remains and structural ruins. It has four halls namely Frigidarium, Sudatorium, Caldarium, and Tepidarium. These actually are old Roman baths converted into exhibit rooms. From the entrance, the left side leads to a work area where restorations are conducted.

Ivano-Frankovsk along the Carpathian mountains
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

The city of Ivano-Frankovsk is located in West Ukraine. It is a famous historical center with more than two hundred thousand residents. It is also a well-known tourist destination because of its beautiful architecture, museums, restaurants, theatres, cafés, and nearness to the Carpathian mountain region. Hoverla, Ukraine’s highest mountain is located just one hundred and twenty kilometers from Ivano-Frankovsk. That is why plenty of tourists go here every year. Additionally, this city has warm summer seasons and quite cold winter seasons. So, it is really a great place to develop tourism. Nevertheless, tourists can get to it either by airplanes or by trains.

The Baroque city center of Ivano-Frankovsk can be toured by foot. Tourists will see the Cathedral, the old brewery, and the Armenian Church as they walk along. Then, they can also visit museums such as the Regional Museum and the Museum of Art if they want to find out about the local art and the lifestyles of Ukrainians. Another popular tourist spot is the Market Square. This is where the old city hall, known as Ratusha, and the Armenian Church are located. A couple more churches are also found here. These are the Church of the Holy Resurrection and the Church of Virgin Mary. Jesuit Kostel and the monument of the Battle of Grunwald are other interesting sights, as well.

Tourists may also delight in wandering around the large Shevchenko Park and the Market Place. They could also shop in stores situated at the Stometrivka of the Halytska Street. Or they could go to the White House with monuments of Shevchenko and Franko. And when they get tired, they could check out the good dining places around. Ivano-Frankovsk dishes are good and inexpensive. So, one could have a full meal that is very reasonably priced. Even local pubs sell really cheap beers and snacks. This is really the place to get the most out of one’s money. But when shopping at supermarkets, the prices of goods vary. Local goods are significantly less expensive that the Western-labeled goods.

Also, there are quite a lot of sports clubs around Ivano-Frankovsk. Football clubs are copious here. But there are also basketball, hockey, and rugby clubs. So, tourists who are really into sports will surely like this place. Moreover, numerous folk and national festivals are held here. Among them are Hutsul Festival, Precarpathian Spring Theater Festival, International Blacksmiths’ Festival, Carpathian Vernisage, and Verteps’ Festival.

Fort on Hill in Khasab
Photo by: octal, Creative Commons

Located in the Musandam Peninsula is the city of Khasab, which is considered to be the Norway of Arabia. This city is around 500 kilometers away from Muscat and was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century due to the sheltered nature that the natural harbor had. This fort city was built by the Portuguese as their supply point for water and dates in those days.

These days, Khasab is considered a popular weekend destination by those living in the Emirates area. This began when a modern coastal road was built to make the city more accessible by land. Today, there are a number of hotels that local and foreign tourists can stay in when they visit the place.

Visitors to the area will love the old village of Tawi which features a number of prehistoric drawings that are made on the rock faces found in the area. You will find age old drawings of animals, boats and warriors on these rock faces. You will also find that the mixture of the old with the new is present here with the numerous modern shopping areas that you can go to in the city which sell items like local pottery and Irani goods.

Some of the things you can enjoy doing in Khasab include the day tours or excursions that some tour companies can help you with and the Dhow cruises that takes you from Dubai to Khasab. You will need to arrange this with certain cruise companies in Dubai and these often include lunch and dolphin sightings, if you are lucky.

Cerro Punta
Photo by: Rictor Norton & David Allen, Creative Commons

Cerro Punta, Panama is the pride of Chiriquí Province. The place is surrounded by mountains where natives get their main source of income. Fields are planted with different kinds of flowers, fruits and vegetables for export. The weather is tropically humid with slight rainfalls in the morning. Clouds sometimes cover the whole village since its two kilometers above sea level.

Situated at the suburbs of Guadalupe, are numerous stunning orchids waiting to be discovered inside Finca Dracula Orchids Farm. You might not see Edward and Bella here but over 2000 kinds of orchids can be spotted in a 22-acre land that will leave you wondering whilst these plants existed – with in an incredibly unique variety. The best time to go here is between the months March and April where all vegetations are in full bloom.

La Amistad International Park is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Albeit shared by Panama and Costa Rica, it is still considered as the largest natural reserve in Central America. For about 45 minutes of driving from Concepcion, one of David’s districts, you can enjoy the humid climate of Cerro Punta. A superb fusion of plants and animals can be witnessed while trailing along the park. Insects and bugs that haven’t been discovered yet are hiding beneath the green pastures of the highland.

Being bounded by unlimited species, you must wear a bug repellant onto your skin for additional protection. Slipping on a jacket at night is inevitable as it gets cold by the minute. Meet flora and fauna at its best in Cerro Punta.

Masai Mara Tribesmen
Photo by: The Dilly Lama, Creative Commons

“I am one with the Wild.” Anyone can rightfully claim this upon visiting the Masai Mara. The Masai Mara Reserve is a very large game reserve in Kenya. It seems to continue the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania northward.

The region shares a warm climate with north-western Kenya. Temperature’s lowest drop is at 15 degrees Centigrade and the peak is at 30 degrees. Because it is a higher from sea level, 1500 meters at least, it experiences milder and wet climate.

Bus and caravan trips in the savannahs will let you see the zebras, gazelles, lions, hyenas, impalas, cheetahs, foxes, leopards, giraffes and a wild variety of games. The best part is that you see them outside cages. Everyone can witness natural interaction and biodiversity here. From a distance, you can spot Nile crocodiles waiting for their prey, the wildebeests.

People can enjoy the big skies of the area. Or they can opt to ride hot air balloons to have a wide view of the great grasslands.

The Game parks attract tourists from all around the world. It offers the savannah experience only seen in wilderness movies. The place is easy to reach with the Musiara, Mara Serena and Keekorok airports conveniently located in Masai Mara’s Reserve area. These make Nairobi and the other Kenyan cities accessible.

Tourists can choose from the popular hotels in the Masai Mara Reserve area. Many of them offer first class service like the Mpata Safari Club, Keekorok Lodge, and the Kichwa Tembo Camp.

Fish market in Apia
Photo by: Jorge P. Price, Creative Commons

A charming town that represents Samoa as its Capital, Apia Samoa is a populated town that is situated north coast of Upolu. Described as a sultry verdant island that lies in the center of pacific, Samoa became independent in 1962 and was then called as Western Samoa. It is a small town that offered contrasting lifestyle that highlighted the westernization impact. Apia Town has preserved their ancient culture and tradition which continues to flourish until now.

Apia offers tourist attractions and beach roads that lead to shops, hotels, and restaurants. These beach roads follow the harbor wall using its wide promenade. Before these gigantic walls were built, a water front occupied the area first. But it eventually got washed up and now only little sands remains in the area. There are many distinct places that can be seen in Apia Town.

Catholic Church – This Catholic Church is considered as this town’s finest architectural building. It is located within the city is really a good place to visit and worship.
National Museum -There is also a national museum where the country’s history and famous personalities can be learned. This museum, together with its Road beach, offers a fair introduction to the Samoan culture.

Aggie Grey Hotel – if you’re looking for a nice and affordable place to stay then why not try Aggie Grey Hotel. This hotel is considered as one of the south sea legend that is situated on the Beach Road. This is also Apia Samoa’s most famous hotel that overlooks the harbor.

The Atlas Mountains
Photo by: wonker, Creative Commons

Bou Saada is another desert haven for tourists in all of Algeria. Somewhere between the Atlas Mountains and the Honda depression and a salt lake lays this city together with a stunning oasis. As the city stands northeast of the Sahara desert, many tourists consider this as another pilgrimage town. It stands out contrary to its neighbouring areas, which are barren mountains and dry salt marsh. Traditionally, the city was a popular trade post and market area where people would thrive in to get jewellery, metal, carpets, and Bousandi knives. The same goes today, but only better because Bou Saada also has a large textile mill.

In getting to the city, you no longer have to travel by camel as they have great railroads and main roads going there. Bou Saada is divided into two main areas: Medina and the French Town. As a tourist you will enjoy the bustling markets and the Bou Saada Park. As you may not expect, the 100-acre park is also a vineyard where grapes are planted for viniculture, as in produced and bottled as wine. And they produce only the top kinds of wine in the world: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and the Riesling wine, which originated from Germany. Currently they are in the process of producing Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Bou Saada or the place of happiness welcomes tourists very well and these tourists come even during the winter. You will not forget the thriving date palms and the active city of Bou Saada, as it is a different kind of wonder in Algeria, beautiful, cultured, and only waiting to be discovered.

Red Hook boat dock
Photo by: Skelling2008, Creative Commons

If you love the water and your kids are urging you to go on a vacation, you may want to consider treating them to a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. You really need not go that far to enjoy with your family. Once you have decided, plan your trip to Red Hook, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This town in Saint Thomas has attractions that will surely delight everybody on board this trip. This is smaller as compared to Charlotte Amalie, but you will have doses of fun as you go about its sights and attractions.

To start with, you can treat your family to some shopping and restaurant hopping after you have arrived at the place. There may be few malls that can be found on the site, but this must not hinder you to go check these out. After the initial activities, you can then proceed to what you really came here for, the beaches. Before dipping on the water and enjoying the sun and the sands, you may want to spend some time at the Coral World Marine Park where you can enjoy certain treats such as Sea Trekkin’, Undersea Observatory, Caribbean Reef Encounter, Iguana Feeding Area and the Turtle Pool. After such experience, you can head at the neighboring Coki Beach to let your family enjoy snorkeling on the island. This can really be a great vacation that you will all enjoy and treasure.

Audi A4 B8
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Located in the southern part of Liechtenstein is a small village named Balzers. Based on a census conducted last 2005, the village is inhabited by 4,420 people. The river Rhine runs along the small village particularly at its east bank.

In reality, Balzers is not one united village. It is composed of two villages situated opposite each other. The one in the East is what most people would refer to as the actual Balzers. On the other hand, the one in the West is referred to as Mals. The division of the village into two regions is not very distinct. Outsiders would not know that there is a division at all. But the division can be seen within the local villagers in terms of practicing culture. The two disparate groups engage in an unending friendly competition. Although they share the same culture, they practice it separately.

Reaching Balzers can be quite a challenge because there is no local airport available. In fact, there is no airport available in the whole Liechtenstein. However, you can reach Balzers through a heliport which accommodates chartered flights.

The altitude of Balzers is 494 meters. If you love old chapels, old castles, and old natural sites, Balzers is the place to visit! Visiting the Gutenberg Castle is on everyone’s itinerary together with the chapels of St. Peter and Mariahilf. Aside from historical sites, Balzers offers tourists a taste of nature through their unscarred virgin reserves. It is truly the place where history and nature blend in perfect harmony.

Surrounded by mountains, the quiet town of Valencia
Photo by: J-612, Creative Commons

Valencia is the capital of Carabobo, Venezuela third largest city. Valencia is one of the most popular cities in this South American country. This city takes pride in its many mountains that are excellent for hiking. Those who want to have some adventure in a foreign country will absolutely have a great time exploring the mountains and going around South American forests. Other than hiking, there are more nature activities that can be done. Mountain biking can provide an equally exhilarating experience as hiking and this will also give nature lovers a chance to go up the mountains in a much faster pace.

Because of the temperature in the place, camping is also possible. Not only just members of the youth can enjoy this activity for everyone who is able to endure staying out in the forests of Venezuela could go camping.

Valencia also has some of the best shopping malls in the country. Sambil shopping mall is one of them and this is the favorite for both tourists and locals. This is a great place for international tourists to shop since they will have a taste of what Venezuelan fashion is like and will get the opportunity to mix and match the items they already have with the unique items they would get from Sambil.

There are reputable café and restaurants in La Viña Neighborhood with cuisines that could be enjoyed by both the young and the old. After a long hike in the mountains, it would be great for the family to spend time here.

A Market Taunggyi
Photo by: antwerpenR, Creative Commons

For sure, you are tired of a climate that is either too hot or too cold. If that is the case, then it is about time to pay a visit to Taunggyi, Myanmar. With its moderate temperature, you can experience not only a scenic place but as well as a highland with an environment that promotes good health.

Yes, you heard it right. With its geographical location surrounded by very high mountains, the air in the city makes it good for anyone’s health. Add to this the great atmosphere; you can also see pine trees, eucalyptus, and cherry trees all over the city.

Though this place is in the midst of the mountains, you can find almost everything here. There are shopping malls, banks, colleges, golf course, churches, markets, and a lot of other establishments. This is the reason why this becomes a perfect tourist destination for everybody. In fact, a lot of people of different races reside here.

There are also a lot of exciting things that can be found in Taunggyi. There is the Cultural Museum that showcases different objects and arts of the different races living in the place. There are also palatial residences here called the Hawnans that tourists must not miss. More than these places, another thing that is a must-see in this city is the Tazaundine Festival. This is the time when you can see hot air balloons in different shapes such as elephants, horses, birds, pigs, and other animals.

If you wish to have a healthy and fun getaway, you know where you must head to. There is no other place that offers great scenery than Taunggyi.

Airport at Katunayake
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

With the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life, wouldn’t it be nice to just get away from it all? It is common that this time of the year, airlines would be fully booked for trips to Europe or other regular vacation spots. If you don’t want to get caught up with everyone else’s travel arrangements, why not try to visit a place like Katunayake.

At first, you might be reluctant to go here since it is not one of those places known to be a vacation spot. However, you might change your mind once you find see the things Katunayake has to offer.

A few places that you must visit are the wide-spanned beaches. Since the this region is found on the western part of the country, the currents might be too strong to surf or wind sail, but you can still swim in most parts and see the varieties of colorful coral reefs. Plus the weather is always perfect to go swimming since it is usually 25-30°C there. Most people visit during the months of April to September to maximize their Sri Lankan beach experience.

One of the reasons why most visitors visit this region is because of its proximity to the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo. It is relatively easy to get around, usually by Taxi if it is your first time there. The city itself is spacious but the inner streets are almost always jam packed. If you are looking for a reasonable hotel, most travelers recommend the Tamarind Tree Hotel which boasts of suites.

Mahdia commerical center
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

The Potaro region in Guyana is best known for being home to the Potaro River, where the world-famous Kaieteur Falls are located. The Kaieteur Falls are a magnet for tourists wanting to immerse themselves in the area’s rich flora and fauna. While it is often mistakenly referred to as having the tallest single drop, it is still taller than other more renowned waterfalls, such as the Niagara Falls and the Victoria Falls. One distinction it can honestly claim, however, is that of being one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, with an average volume of 23,400 cubic feet per second.

The Falls are located within the Kaieteur National Park, which in turn lies inside one of the biggest and most diverse rainforests in the world. Covering 30,000 square miles, it is bordered by the Amazon River on the south, the Atlantic to the east and the Sierra de Chiribiquete Mountains at its western end.

Tourists who would like to experience getting to Kaieteur Falls the way the first European settlers to Guyana did can opt to take a three to five-day overland trek from the town of Mahdia. The trek ends at the base of the waterfall, from where tourists can climb to the top. Once there, they can stay overnight at the Kaieteur Guest House, where they can lounge at the veranda and enjoy a magnificent view of the falls, watch the flight of swifts first thing in the morning, and view the unequalled and unique phenomenon of the night fog, a rectangular cloud that extends horizontally only over the upper part of the Potaro River.

Fountain in a park in Remich
Photo by: exfordy, Creative Commons

Remich is the smallest city in the country of Luxembourg. It is mainly a tourist town and an important commercial area for the whole country. It has a population of fewer than 3000. It is on the south-eastern part of Luxembourg and a member of the Grevenmacher district.

The European highway Saarbrucken passes through the entire town, making it easily accessible. The town is nothing less than a picturesque of vineyards and historic landmarks. Remich is located on bank of the Moselle River which borders Luxembourg and Germany.

The town is full of tree-shaded rivers and panoramic views. The Moselle river is accessible through motorboats and boat trips. Pleasure trips along the length of the river are common activities among tourists. Remich also offer tennis courts and a mini golf course. Entertainment is offered whole year round through ice skating rinks, camping facilities, and heated pools. A mini train also traverses the town for easier transportation.

Found in Remich, the Moselle valley houses the most exquisite wines in Europe. The valley is dominated by wine makers and traders. Remich is most famous for these wines and frequently visited by not only tourists but other Europeans as well. Along the river, a splendid trail called the Esplanade attracts visitors from nearby places. Each Sunday, visitors from Germany, France, Belgium and other parts of Luxembourg comes to the place and walk along the river bank, admiring its beauty and taking advantage of the natural scenery.

The town is also noted as being the birthplace of Mary Alfred Moes, a Catholic Nun that established the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester. A monument has been built in Rochester in her honor.

A Lamu sailor
Photo by: Giustino, Creative Commons

Lamu is Kenya’s old town. And in this case, “old” means good. It has escaped the great modernization trend of coastlines in Kenya. Therefore, it still offers that “getting one with nature” experience.

There are daily flights to this region of Kenya. The airport is at Manda Island. Then you can go to the target island by 10 minute boat ride.

The town of Lamu is the largest in Lamu Island, a part of Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago. It shares the warm and tropical climate of mainland Kenya. Temperature ranges from 20 to 30 degrees. It can be reached through boat taxis. Upon reaching the place, tourists will quickly spot its difference from the busy city landscape.

One can lazily sit or lay down in the Town Square, with the trees’ shade. The Swahili cuisine serves foods of exotic and appealing tastes. Since the place is blessed with marine riches, one can enjoy fresh sea foods too. There are large juicy crabs and tasty jumbo lobsters.

People can have a walking tour on Lamu’s old town, accompanied by warm local guides. They also have the Old Fort and several museums in the town. These spots reflect the long history of the island in trading and exporting raw materials.

At the heart of the town are some department stores. You can go shop for leatherworks and nice clothes. There are beautifully crafted silver accessories too. Lamu is also known for their fine wood carved furniture and souvenirs.

Water activities in the island are at their best during the dry season. November to March is perfect for snorkeling. The coral reefs around the island are very rich and beautiful. You can even swim with the dolphins. After swimming, you can rent a camel to walk the 14-kilometer Kipungani beach.

In the heart Turkmenbashi
Photo by: Oleg1975, Creative Commons

Turkmenistan is considered as a dry and arid region in Central Asia, mostly attributed to the deserts there. It is one of the new cities in the country of Turkmenbashi, named after the nickname of the country’s former President Saparmurat Niyazov. It literally means “Father of Head of Turkmen.”

Although this city is a hard place to get to, the train ride is one of the exciting travels this place has to offer. It is part of the Trans Caspian Rail system that can get you as far as Russia or as near as Ashgabat. The thrill of finding new places is part of the appeal of this city. The Caspian ferry also makes other areas more accessible and makes travelling easier.

There are a few beaches along the coast of the Caspian Sea that is very relaxing and appealing to the busy person wanting to get away from city life. There are also reasonable good restaurants and cafés in this city. Some people also enjoy climbing the nearby mountain ranges on colder days. Although these cold days are not available often because of the hot desert and the climate here reaches temperatures as high as 47°C.

The weather in the city of Turkmenbashi, although mostly hot and dry, is suitable for simply walking around the culture-rich city. Most shops offer items that showcase this cultural heritage, mostly artifacts like carpets that are highly designed and embellished are available everywhere. It is always handy to have Turkmenistan Manat with you to buy these souvenirs.

Kajaani Castle Ruins
Photo by: callion, Creative Commons

On the coast of Finland’s Lake Oulujärvi lies the town of Kajaani, which to this day has been considered one of the country’s most captivating rural areas. It is the center of the Kainuu region in the northern part of Finland, serving as a tar transport stopover between the North and the Lakeland.

Kajaani is widely known as the place where Elias Lönnrot, the author of the Kalevala (the national epic of Finland), used to reside during the 19th century. Lönnrot used his travels in Kajaani as basis for his work. It doesn’t take a Lönnrot to take notice of the wonders of this small Finnish town. You, too, can explore the place and appreciate all the things you will discover there.

If sightseeing is all you’re after, then you can feast your eyes on everything that you encounter in Kajaani. The major Kajaani sights are the old wooden houses located in the center of the town. One of the best examples of wooden structures in town is the Kajaani Church that bears a neo-Gothic architecture, complete with intricate wooden trimmings and a slender Italian bell tower. Near the center of the town stand the ruins of the Kajaani Castle, a must-see attraction that was built in the 17th century and almost totally destructed by war.

One of the best times to visit Kajaani is during winter months, when the town offers great skiing opportunities to the thrill-seeking tourists. And every spring, the town holds a famous jazz festival that caters to jazz and music fans.

The Rufiji River
Photo by: Explorer Travel, Creative Commons

If you are tired of all the busy city routines, if you seek a place for retreat and relaxation, or if you simply want to be one with nature, Tanzania’s Mafia Island is the right place for you.

Together with Pemba and Unguja, Mafia Island forms the Tanzanian Spice Islands. It lies in Rufiji River’s mouth in South Tanzania. Mafia is actually an archipelago. Its capital town is Kilindoni. Like the rest of Tanzania, the region experiences tropical climates. Temperature throughout the year ranges from 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The archipelago has a lengthy stretch of coastline. These are beautiful white sand beaches. One can enjoy sun bathing and water sports in the warm waters of Indian Ocean. The rich coral reefs and the number of fish species are the main attraction of the area. These attract snorkelers, game fishermen and scuba divers. One can also enjoy a refreshing nap while on the boat. There are several land activities too, like cycling and road excursions. People can also hire warm and friendly guides for hikes and bird watching.

The first national marine park of Tanzania is the Mafia Island Marine Park. This consists of the coral reefs, beaches and lagoons in the archipelago. It also includes the animal and plant species exclusive to the region. Thousands of visitors every year come to appreciate nature in this island. There are no crowded infrastructures in the place, towering skyscrapers and pollution. It is truly a natural experience.

At the day’s end, people can choose from top-rated hotels. They are the Mafia Island Lodge, Chole Mjini Lodge and Kinasi Lodge. They also offer mouth watering Tanzanian food and world dishes.