Rhinoceros at the Royal Chitwan National Park
Photo by: ♣ ℓ u m i è r e ♣, Creative Commons

The Royal Chitwan National Park is the first and most popular National Park in Nepal. It was given recognition by UNESCO in 1973 and granted it the status as a ‘World Heritage Site.’ It is found in the inner Terai lowlands in Chitwan district. Formerly a popular game reserve, many prime ministers and their entourage would camp in the park to hunt for a variety of animals such as leopards and rhinoceroses. In 1963, the south of the River Rapti was demarcated for the protection of rhinos and their habitat.

The Royal Chitwan National Park has a rich fauna and faura. It is home to a variety of animals including edangered ones like the one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, Gangetic dolphins and gharial crocodiles. About forty-three species of animals can be found here. The Bengal tiger is considered the ‘King of the Jungle’ in the Chitwan National Park. Aside from these, rhesus monkeys can also be seen here as well as hanuman langurs, Indian pangolins, Indian porcupines, and endgangered hispid hares. There are also four-hundred-fifty species of birds including the very rare Bengal florican, giant hornbill, black stork and white stork.

Bird watching is recommended especially during March and December. There are several lodges inside the Park that offers accommodation and travel packages. They also offer tour vehicles like jeeps and guided jungle trekking. A nearby village called Sauraha also offers accommodation at a slighly cheaper price than the lodges.

The Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal is home to very rare species of animals. If you are planning to travel and enjoy seeing animals roam in their natural habitat, this Park should be one of your target destinations.

Dire Dawa Train Station
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Dire Dawa is a commercial and industrial center in the Harar region, Ethiopia. As an industrialized city, the place is teeming with manufacturers of processed meat, textiles, vegetable oil, and cement. The city was founded in 1902 and quickly ended up to large trades.

Industrialization has spared Dire Dawa’s rich cultural heritage. It has a wealth of pre-historic cave paintings that is recognized internationally. The caves are numerous that some have not yet been studied. It is a constant destination of French and American geologists.

Kefira is the city’s traditional marketplace and houses a regular colourful presentation of all people in their native dresses. Go back to medieval times with the presence of camels, donkeys, two wheeled carts drawn a horse, and Gharris that decorates the marketplace.

The largest mosque found in the city is an Italian mosque. The shrines and mosques that is scattered around Dire Dawa is a testimony to the deep spirituality of its people. Christians have also built St. Michel’s Catholic Church, which is over 115 years old. The church is a constant gathering place for thousands of Catholics especially during the October month where they crowd in the church in their full numbers.

It also houses an international and domestic airport so it is easily reachable. The extensive network of buses and other public transportation makes Dire Dawa an easy yet adventurous city to explore. Relax in its rich history coupled with the comfort of an industrialized city. The warm and dry climate of the city is a perfect getaway venue for those who want to take a break from the hassles of life.

Zuma Rock close to Abuja
Photo by: markhillary, Creative Commons

The Abuja city is the capital of Nigeria. Abuja is popular for being Africa’s top function-built city as well as being among the richest and most expensive.

The Central District of Abuja
The Central District of Abuja is the city’s main business area, where almost all multinational companies and parastatals have their offices situated. A beautiful region in the Central District is an area called the Three Arms Zone.

Garki District
Garki District is divided into units that are called “Areas”. The Garki District utilizes a distinct naming standard of “Area” in order to refer to Garki’s parts. These are allocated as Areas 1 until 11. Garki District is currently Abuja’s main business region. Many interesting buildings are situated in this area. A few of them are the Abuja International Conference Centre situated along the active Herbert Maculay Way, General Post Office, Agura Hotel, Old Federal Secretariat Complex Buildings, and the Nicon Luxury Hotel

Wuse District
The Wuse District is divided into Zones 1 to 8. The Wuse market is the major market of Abuja, located at Zone 5. The 2nd most significant post office in Abuja city is situated here.

Maitama District
The Maitama District is the home of the best bracket section of business and society, and possesses the status of being extremely exclusive and very luxurious.

Asokoro District
The Asokoro District, doyen of all districts, possesses all of Abuja’s guest houses or lodges.

Gwarimpa District
The Gwarimpa District has the biggest single housing domain in Nigeria, known as Gwarimpa Housing Estate.

Port Sudan – boys playing amidst the refineries
Photo by: wikimedia, Creative Commons

The country’s main port, Port Sudan, is the capital of the Red Sea State. Founded in 1909 as a railway linking sea towards the Nile River, Port Sudan is now a favourite destination among tourists especially when they scout for beaches and exquisite scuba diving areas. Port Sudan replaced the old port Sawakin, and it used to be a transport area for cotton, sesame seed, and sorghum. These products came from agriculturally rich areas in the Nile River which were sent for export to other markets.

Port Sudan is a common departure point for many Muslims en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for a once in a lifetime pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca. The port today imports machinery, vehicles, fuel oil and building materials. Its chief exports are senna, gum Arabic, oilseeds, hides and skins, and also cotton.

Ports Sudan boasts of a great oil refinery that handles petroleum, and also an oil pipeline that links to Khartoum.

With a near-desert climate, tourists will surely enjoy basking under the sun here and getting a tan, or seeing great aqua life when diving. Eating and sleeping are both good for tourists in Port Sudan. You will enjoy great seafood, and accommodations with astonishing views. Believe it or not, there are a lot of Chinese tourists here. That’s also because the town center has so much charm. Whether, you eat, swim, dive, or walk around, you will enjoy Port Sudan for its uniqueness; having a hot, arid, desert like climate, with a location that’s just an inch away from a clean, refreshing body of water.

Most tourists long for places where they can shop for souvenirs. They want to bring something back to their homes for their friends and family to receive. Well, for your trip to Kiffa, Mauritania, you would find so many market stalls that have souvenir trinkets! It is so much fun to course through the different items that are being sold there. Not only would you be singing with beads wrapped around your neck, you’d be a popular icon since you have reached Kiffa – the land of pure fun and adventure!

Aside from the souvenir stop, you will be amazed at the canyons at Kiffa. They have one of the most beautiful sights should you have this urge to conquer their rocky mountains. Just be sure to hire an all-terrain vehicle so you would not have a problem that you can’t go up a steep hill without having to leave parts of the vehicle behind. Just be careful when you drive across the sands – you might bump into a lost camel and send him to Camel Heaven. Don’t be in a hurry to reach the magnificent canyons.

Do not fret that all you would see is a dry barren desert for in Kiffa, there are beaches for you to loosen up and enjoy. Wrapped in beads, almost ran over a camel, you would surely be fine with your trip. As long as you take beautiful snapshots of your adventure, you definitely would want to visit the place once more.

Circa 1932 Brazzaville Railway
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Brazzaville is the capital and also the largest city of Congo, which sits on the famous Congo River. This river is the second largest river in Africa next to the Nile. Brazzaville. Is also the financial and administrative capital which is why one-third of the population of the Republic of Congo resides here, especially when finding a job, as Brazzaville is home to 40% of non-agricultural employment.

The city lies to the north of its chief river and is surrounded by savannah, a grassland ecosystem characterized by the presence of trees and tall grasses. Without further description, savannahs are automatically thought of when it comes to African safaris. Brazzaville was founded by a Franco-Italian explorer, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, from which the city is named after. Brazza primarily referred to the city as Nkuna. It is now one of the very industrial cities of the Republic of Congo. Its industries include textile, tanning, machine shops and manufacturing. As key port along the Congo River, distribution and deliveries of rubber, wood, agricultural products and raw materials also occur here.

Brazzaville is very famous for its most notable building which is the St. Anne’s Basilica. It was built by Roger Erell in 1949, and is noted for its green tiled roof. Erell also designed a house for Charles de Gaulle, the French general who led the Free French Forces during World War II. Other tourist attractions in Brazzaville include the Congressional Palace and the Nabemba Tower. Artists and nature lovers will definitely love to visit the Brazzaville zoo, the Poto-poto school of Painting and the Marien Ngouabi Masouleum.

Gilgit mountain range
Photo by: amir tai, Creative Commons

Feeling the cool gust in Gilgit, Pakistan is like falling in love for the first time. This humble place that lies at the foot of the Karakoram mountain ranges offers more than just mountaineering expeditions and winter getaways.

Formerly known as Sargin, this spot lies in the north where some of the tallest mountains are on its guard. It is an ideal spot for trekking and hiking, as well as for some sightseeing. The picturesque view commands a romantic moment among honeymooners and lovers around. It is not only rich in natural sceneries, but also historical stories that shaped the western part of the globe.

One of the famous attractions in Gilgit is the Nactar Valley where one can enjoy ski lifts and jeep rides with a complementing sight of a magnificent lake. The Deosai National Park is another site to behold. It holds another beautiful lake and it is home to wild animals that are unique to this place. Some of these are the Himalayan brown bear, golden marmot, red fox, and the leggar falcon.

The city of Skardu is one of the most advanced areas in Gilgit. It is a commercial center that houses bazaars, trekking supply shops, souvenir shops, and local goods store. It is also where the Skardu Fort is located that is famous for the central mosque.

No one can ever deny that Gilgit, Pakistan is truly a superb haven. It is a place where anyone can be with nature and urban living at the same time, and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Hue Imperial Palace
Photo by: preetamrai, Creative Commons

Among other Vietnamese cities, Huế has remained stable in terms of its cultural amenities. It is home to numerous temples, tombs, pagodas and palaces. In the ancient times, it is an imperial capital; that’s why there are lots of historical landmarks in the city. For this reason, tourists continually visit Hue in order to tour around its rich cultural past and the luscious nature beauty it possessed until now.

If you want to visit Hue’s imperial past, then, it would be recommendable to visit the Royal Mausoleums, the walled Citadel and the Forbidden City Remains. These places will bring you back in the ancient history of Hue. In the Royal Mausoleums, you can find the tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. The structures on these tombs still stand until today. On the other hand, the French style architectures along the southern bank of Perfume River are also great to see. These buildings are built at the time of French colonization in Vietnam and it is part of the mixed culture of Hue locals.

There are many pagodas worth visiting, like the Thein Mu and Từ Hiếu pagodas. Commonly, rich green sceneries can be observed around the temples and pagodas which provide a relaxing effect to any mood. Lastly, the Hue Museum of Fine Arts is one great place to visit for seeing Vietnamese artifacts. This is where important artifacts from the previous dynasties are kept for tourists’ appreciation.

Vegetarian foods are the common cuisines served in the city’s restaurants. You can ultimately enjoy the food served in these restaurants as they are carefully presented with small but well-refined cuisines. On the other hand, Hue is also home to shopping districts. Oftentimes, tourists look for silk artworks, textiles and wood carvings; after all, shopping is never out in any tour!

Kasane warthog scavenging for a meal
Photo by: Erwint, Creative Commons

It is true that Kasane is a special town in Botswana because of its geographical location. Imagine, this is the town in where four countries seem to meet including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia. However, there is more to this town than this gift of being in that part of the globe. There are dozens of great tourist destinations that is a must-to-see in this area.

In terms of tourist spots, Kasane is known to house the northern entrance to the famous Chobe National Park, which is the Sedudu Gate. Aside from this, the fact that the park does not have fences, Kasane’s roads become a good place to spot elephants ad hippos. In fact, you can have higher chances of seeing wandering animals and birds when you are stationed in Sedudu Island in Chobe River. Or, a river cruise can give you the same experience.

Aside from this, this town is also known as a safari for fishing. There are different species of fishes that you can catch here including bream and tiger fish. The town also has hot springs that are known to the world to be a great natural mineral spa.

You also must not miss Kasane Rapids in where you can go in a picnic site to give you a good view of unusual species of birds. Half-collared kingfisher and African finfoot are only two of the types of birds you can spot in the picnic site.

Truly, a visit to Kasane will not only make you feel like you are stepping in a special spot in the globe. The rich natural resources and wildlife of the town will make your experience a truly unforgettable one.

Reykjavik Winter
Photo by: ezioman, Creative Commons

Iceland ranked fourth in a survey conducted to evaluate the general happiness of a people. Who wouldn’t be happy there? In Reykjavik, Iceland, almost every other person owns a car of some sort; without the city suffering serious congestion problems. The people are free by the truest sense of the word – a democracy without compromising safety – the crime rate is low. Unemployment is low. Literacy is high – almost a hundred percent. And until the late 2000s recession, the city is a thriving financial district. What is even better is that the city is surrounded by vistas of ice-capped mountains, beaches and rust-red craters.

Places to Visit

There are a lot of places throughout Reykjavik that you can visit to immerse yourself in their rich culture. You can visit the “Culture House” to view historical treasures such as traditional Icelandic literature in their original manuscripts. You can also drop by the Reykjavik Open Air Museum, a municipal museum, and the Reykjavik Museum of Photography for other interesting Icelandic-culture tidbits.

While Iceland has plenty of cultural attractions, ecotourism is the main thing that draws tourists from all over the world. When you visit the city, rent an SUV and drive around to look at volcanic craters in the area. Take a look at hiking trails in order to have better plans for your backpacking activities, so that you won’t risk being stuck in an isolated place at nighttime. You can also visit Heiomork, the largest nature reserve in the vicinity.

Things to do

Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, a spa which is heated by geothermal steam. The sulfuric smell takes some getting used to, but it is worth it. The Ellioa river that passes through the city is a great fishing site. Go have some fun fishing for salmon.

At nighttime, when you think the whole city is about to go to sleep, witness the city’s party district come to life. Icelanders party after midnight and until 5 AM, so you have plenty of time to mingle with the locals, and other tourists.

This list could get you started on your Reykjavik, Iceland adventure. However, there are still tons of things to do out there. The fun is in discovering what those things are.

African Buffalo in Gog
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Gog is a district in the Gambela Region of Ethiopia. It is one of the eight Woredas and part of Administrative Zone 2. Gog has a flat terrain and offers some exquisite beauty from nature. It is situated 600 meters above sea level where 30% is covered in majestic forests that are a heaven for all nature lovers.

Aside from a forestland, Gog also boasts major bodies of water. The Gilo River is a controversial body of water once sought for gold. The prospects of gold mining in the area have caused tension in the area. However, not so much has been found for commercial extraction. The river comes from the Ethiopian Highlands and flows to the west into yet another majestic landscape, the Lake Tata. The lake is one of the biggest in the region where permanent settlements are established along its sides.

The Gambela National Park is another place to visit. It is a proposed national park where the last of the White-eared Kob antelopes and the Nile Lechwe antelopes are supposed to be protected. Other animals to behold in the park are elephants, monkeys, baboons, and the African Buffalo. It is also a rich forest area that supports wet grasslands and swamps. Endemic birds are also protected by the park such as the shoebill stork, the red and green bee-eaters, and the long tailed paradise whydah.

The natural diversity of the district of Gog is so enticing for those who want to experience nature at its best.

Garonne River Pont Neuf
Photo by: AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker, Creative Commons

In South West France, on the banks of the Garonne River, lies Bordeaux, the largest city in area in the country. Widely renowned for being the producer of the best wines in the world, Bordeaux is a city that will delight any traveler. In fact, the historic part of Bordeaux has been described as ‘an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble’ in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The restoration in most parts of the city has brought about the appearance of shops, cafes and restaurants. Bordeaux has a youthful, relaxed ambiance that will make any traveler feel the joie de vivre of the city.

The major attraction in Bordeaux are the vast vineyards sprawled around the city. The best time to see the vineyards in their entire splendor is between the months of April to August. This is because by October, most of them are closed for harvesting. The monuments and buildings in Bordeaux are also a sight to behold. Dubbed as, “Little Paris,” most of the old buildings and terraces were restored to their original state. Modern buildings are found in the west and south of the city. The best way to travel around Bordeaux is by use of bicycles or motor scooters. There are shops that offer bicycles for rent in the area, as well as rollerblades and scooters.

Here are some of the sights to see in Bordeaux:

The Pont-de-Pierre or ‘Stone Bridge’ was a bridge commissioned by the infamous Napoleon Bonaporte. It has seventeen arches, one for each letter of his name, and was completed in 1822. White medallions can be seen lining the sides of the bridge in honor of the emperor.

Le Grand Theatre in Bordeaux is a favorite amongst tourists. It was designed by Victor Louis who also designed the Palais Royal and Theatre Francais in Paris. It has a neo-classical façade with twelve Corinthian style columns. It supports an entablature where statues of nine muses and three goddesses stand. It remains to be the oldest wooden-frame opera house in Europe.

The Rue Sainte-Catherine is considered as a shopper’s paradise. It is a pedestrian street that is 1.2 km long and is often billed as the longest pedestrian street in all of Europe. It is the main shopping street in Bordeaux.

The Place de la Bourse is an elegant, majestic complex of buildings built at the end of the 18th century. The square is flanked by the Bourse, which is the stock exchange, and Musee de Douanes, which is the customs museum. At the very centre of the square is a spectacular fountain called the Fountain of Three Graces. The Place de la Bourse is a magnificent sight to behold at night when the square is lit up by hundreds of lights.

Snow, snow, snow at Otepaa
Photo by: neorama, Creative Commons

Are you looking for a fantastic getaway for you and your family this winter? Why not consider going to Otepaa, Estonia and experience what the city has to offer.

This small town is widely known in Estonia as the “Winter Capital” of the country. It is a woody and hilly area with over 120 days of snow throughout the year. There are many lakes too that freezes during the winter and people can enjoy many activities on ice like skating, skiing and fishing.

Why go to Switzerland when you have a less crowded place to go like Otepaa. It is considered to be the “Switzerland of the Baltics” because of the many hills and lakes that offer a good place to do activities when it snows for almost half of the year. It is indeed a haven for cross-country skiers and avid skaters. The mountains, which are more like hills, have only 200 meters peak but the continuous snow still makes it a worthwhile trip for all snow lovers.

You can also enjoy other winter activities in Otepaa. Aside from skating and skiing, you can also try ice fishing as well as motor or horse-drawn sleigh rides.

You don’t have to worry about food or accommodation because there are lots of affordable places to stay in. There are restaurants all over town that serve warm winter meals to help your body cope with all the fun activities you would engage in. There are enough activities and places to go to for all snow freaks out there who love to stay in a cold place and enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

15th Century Fortress in Haapsalu
Photo by: ansik, Creative Commons

If you are looking for just a quick stop to one of Europe’s relaxation capital, then there’s no better place that Haapsalu, Estonia. The town is basically known for their famous spas that would give any popular spa in the entire world a run for their money. It is a quiet town that people usually visit during the summer because even a day trip would do to go touring around and spending the rest of it getting massages and mud baths.

The best way to enjoy a day trip to Haapsalu is by taking in the great architecture of the city. You will see the castle built around the 15th century where a battle between the Swedes and the Russians took place thousands of years ago. On your way to the South, you will come across the small village of Kirbla where the smallest church in Estonia is located. After that, you will enter the village of Lihula where you can find the ruins of the Episcopal Castle behind a manor house.

If you would like to know a bit more about the history of the place, you can also go to a special Swedish museum which is located closer to the harbour. After a peaceful tour of the town, you can rest for a while and eat some Estonian pizza at Pizza Grande restaurant.

In the 19th century, Haapsalu became a spa capital with some of the best known spa resorts in Europe. They are famous for their massages and mud baths that relax the body and are sure to chase the tiredness of your travel away.

Hamina Circle
Photo by: Matti Mattila, Creative Commons

Hamina is a 350-year old southern Finnish town that holds the distinction of being one of the most significant exporting harbors of timber products in the country. The town’s name says it all—it was named after a Swedish word that means “harbor.” Beyond its function for Finland, Hamina is better known as a town bordered by a star-shaped fortress. All the corners of the fortress form six bastions, and the central bastion serves as a venue for cultural events nowadays.

When you step into Hamina, old wooden buildings will welcome you, giving you an idea of how long the town has existed. The various churches and museums in Hamina—built from 17th to 18th century—are situated side by side, all waiting for visitors to appreciate their grandeur. The town’s fishing villages are worthy of mention as well, as they provide a good view of the sea and the countryside.

The main attractions in Hamina are the Flag Tower, the Town Square, and the Town Hall. The octagon-shaped Flag Tower, which was built in 1790 and located in Hamina Market Square, is a relic of the town’s past. Another great site to visit in Hamina is the Town Square, an octagonal square built in 1722 in the center of the town. Also found in the center of Hamina are centuries-old structures such as the Town Hall (erected in 1796 and modified in 1840), Orthodox Church (a domed, circular building constructed in 1837), and the Lutheran church (built in 1843).

Wuhan Skyline
Photo by: Infected Shadow, Creative Commons

Wuhan, capital of Hebei Province, is vital to the industrial, political, economic, cultural, scientific and educational activities in China. One of China’s largest inland cities, Wuhan lies at the spot where the Changjiang and Hanshui rivers converge. There’s some significance to being at the center of things, and in the case of Wuhan, being at the crossroads connotes witnessing so many things – from ancient times to the present.

Wuhan is a name believed to have been culled from the first syllables of its three districts – Wuchang in the east, Hankou in the north and Hanyang in the south. Wuchang during the Han period served as headquarters for the peasants’ revolutionary army during the later part of the 14th century. A revolt against Qing government also took place in Wuchang. Hankou was transformed from a village to a trading port with the arrival of foreign settlers. On the other hand, the first iron & steel works of China occurred towards the end of the 19th century in Hanyang.

Notwithstanding the fact that it is one of the most densely inhabited cities in China, Wuhan can satisfy the tastes of the most jaded travelers. It may be because while it’s a thriving economic center, it also reflects China’s unique culture. Wuhan settlers will point to the First Yangtze River Bridge constructed in 1957, as well as the famous Yellow Crane Tower, the Guiyuan Temple, the Hubei Provincial Museum, and many natural wonders, among the special attractions that the place has to offer.

Yellow Crane Tower, dubbed as the ”eternal sight of the city”, is located in the west of Wuchang district. The original building was built in 1223. The story goes that an immortal being flew down to the mountain riding a yellow crane. Through the years, the five-storey tower was damaged and even razed by a fire but was rebuilt. Sightseers are offered a picturesque view of the Changjiang river and the countryside surrounding Wuhan from the Yellow Crane Tower.

Also worth checking out is the famous Guiyuan Temple, originally built by a monk back in 1658. Awesome architecture and splendid Buddhist sculptures are among the compelling things to see at Guiyuan Temple.

The Hubei Provincial Museum which was constructed in 1953 showcases important cultural artifacts plus other well-preserved items, including ancient musical instruments, coffins, weaponry, plus bronze and lacquer ware used in ancient Chinese times.

Leisure (or even business) travelers may find Wuhan’s climate agreeable for most of the year. Wuhan has subtropical monsoon weather. Summertime can be scorching hot or rainy (from June until August), though, while the cold winter months may tend to be severe.

Ghardaïa panoramic view

Ghardaïa is another beautiful Algerian city located at the heart of the M’zab Valley. It’s the home of the Ibadi sect and is known for preserving its medieval architecture from mosques to mausoleums and even markets. The valley from where it stands is also one of the attractions listed in the World Heritage Site. Many come to Ghardaïa to purchase coarse goat hair carpets. Ghardaïa has an enticing panoramic view that beautifully represents Arab states. A fine day tour will include a visit to the Mausoleum of Sheik Siddi Assa, erected in 1971, and to the market on the main square of Ghardaïa. The very royal looking mosques in the city are also another fine attraction that while call for timeless picture taking.

To make your visit memorable you’d have to trek the whole M’zab valley and meet the very religious, conservative and kind Moabites. A view of the underground mosques of Ghardaïa, the biggest town in the valley, and of the water dam and palmerie of Beni Isguen are only a few of what you will enjoy. Just because the people are conservative it does not mean they don’t know how to party at night. There are locals who are willing to organize a concert or a musical performance for you or your group. They play local music and they have a great sense of rhythm. You will enjoy dancing with them until the wee hours of the morning. And when it comes to food, expect something healthy and delicious like salad, couscous, lentils, rice, chicken and mutton. They also love spicy food so you would have to try the harissa, a spicy red paste that goes well with the couscous.

At the end of your tour it would be great to do some shopping and haggling in the palmerie once again. In Algeria, Ghardaïa will give you a complete and memorable visit.

Triesenberg
Photo by: thy, Creative Commons

Triesenberg is a small village located in the Principality of Liechtenstein. In fact, this village is inhabited by only 2564 people. The total land area of the village measures 30 square meters. The whole village is located high above ground. Depending on the exact location, it can range from 884 to as high as 1000 meters.

Picking an ideal hotel in Triesenberg is very important. You either pick a hotel that is near the scenic spots or a hotel at the village’s center. Hotel Martha Buhler provides its guests with a spectacular view of the mountains as well as the Rhine River. On the other hand, Hotel Kulm is at the center of the busy streets of Triesenberg.

Most people visit Triesenberg as a stop over who are planning to go up the mountains. But most of them decide to stay for a few more days in Triesenberg after getting a sight of the breathtaking views. Within this village are two of the most popular ski resorts in Liechtenstein namely Steg and Malbun. Triesenberg’s location does not hinder it from providing visitors with the best amenities. Although it is on the side of the mountain, it has a lot of hotels, restaurants, winter sporting facilities, and a football complex. The village’s agricultural economy used to rely only on dairy. But these days, the villagers have found their way to different manufacturing industries which are mostly out of town.

Lake at the foot of Vihorlat Mountains
Photo by: absolutmachal, Creative Commons

In the Prešov Region at the eastern part of Slovakia, you will find its second largest town, which is the Humenne. The town can be found along the volcanic Vihorlat mountains and at the spot where the Cirocha Rivers and Laborec meet. Being the center of one of the districts at the easternmost part of Slovakia, Humenne is proud of its rich life in terms of culture and sporting events. This is actually the starting point for most tourists in the area because there are really lots to see at this prestige city. You can fill your camera with good architecture, beautiful sceneries while learning a lot from the place’s past.

In 2001, the census reported that this town had 35,157 inhabitants. There are however about 42,000 more people that live at its surrounding villages. Aside from exploring the countryside of the East Carpathians, you should allot more time with other sights that that place is known for.

Make sure that you visit the Vihorlat Mountains where you can view the Morské oko lake and Poloniny. These are all part of the National Park Poloniny. Humenne is surrounded with romantic ruins of different medieval castles. There are also open air museum at the town’s park, which can help educate guests and give them some place to relax while on tour.

Among the castles and mansions that you must go and see include the Brekov Castle, which can be found 7 km to the southwest, the Jasenov Castle that is located 3 km to the south, Cicava Castle and the Classicistic mansion which was built in 1773, the Kamenica nad Cirochou.

Downtown Abidjan, the Plateau
Photo by: zenman, Creative Commons

Abidjan is the fourth largest city in the Ivory Coast, a beautiful country west of Africa. But the country is now referred to as the Cote d’Ivoire (French for Ivory Coast). Abidjan is the former capital of Cote d’Ivoire and is now the de facto capital, meaning it is considered a capital but not ordained by law, as Yamoussoukro is now the official capital.

Abidjan is still the most populated city and is considered the economic capital of Cote d’Ivoire as it is the center for banking and commerce. Though in an African continent, majority of the Abidjan citizens are French speaking people, as the country was once under French rule. The beautiful city is situated on the Ebrie Lagoon which stands upon converging peninsulas and islands all connected by bridges.

For those looking for a cooler climate, Abidjan has abundant rainfall other than its two dry seasons. And when it’s the wet season, the degree of humidity reaches 80.

Abidjan is popular in West Africa for Le Plateau. It is the business center of Abidjan with gleaming skyscrapers that business travellers love to visit. There are several banks here and such skyscrapers are special because they are unusually seen in West Africa.

Other man made sights in Abidjan are the University of Abidjan and other technical colleges, and the national library. Its main tourist attractions include St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Cocody Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Parc du Banco rainforest reserve.

Abidjan is notable both for its urban and natural wonders. It’s something new to see in Africa other than the well-renowned safaris.

Amboseli Game Reserve – Elephants gathering
Photo by: nijaba, Creative Commons

Amboseli means “dust” in Swahili translation. After all, the trip to Kenya’s Amboseli Game Reserve is very dusty as the wheels of buses and trucks send them flying. But wait! Don’t get discouraged because the trip to this reserve is one of the most breathtaking and rewarding.

The swamps in this region attract several species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Altogether, they make a spectacular wildlife viewing experience.

This is a National Park, which stretches some 8000 square kilometers. It is a biodiversity rich region across the Tanzania-Kenyan border. It is located 260 kilometers from Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital. It is accessible by land ride or by plane through the Amboseli Airport.

Like the Masai Mara Reserve, the Amboseli Game Reserve is a haven for freely roaming animals. It is home to hundreds of bird species, monkeys, baboons, giraffes, lions, hyenas and cheetahs. There are hundreds of zebras and herds of wildebeests too. There are also many of the rare cape buffaloes. A particularly rewarding experience is to watch the elephants feed and rest in the fields.

Being in the savannah is greatly different from seeing these animals in zoos. Here, you can witness how ecosystem and the food chain work. You can watch as lions wait and pounce to their preys—at a distance, of course.

The Amboseli Park shares the same climate with western Kenya. Its temperature may drop to 15 degrees Celsius at night and reach 35 degrees at noon. Within the area, visitors can stay in the Tortilis Camp, the Amboseli Serena Lodge or the Ol Tukai Lodge. They can also mingle with the warm Masai people, taste their cuisines and dance with their music.

Kandawgyi Lake
Photo by: yeowatzup, Creative Commons

Myanmar will always be the home of temples, palaces, pagodas, monasteries, museums, and a lot of other cultural landmarks. Indeed, your visit to this country will not be complete without having a glimpse of thousands of these scenes in the background. However, if you wish for your trip to deviate from this cultural travel, you must pay a visit to the great city of Meiktila. You will be surprised as to how Mother Nature has presented a great gift to this land.

One of the best attractions in this city is Lake Meiktila. Compared to other lakes across the world, this one is a lot different. This lake has given life to millions of people dating back to the ancient times. Yes, Lake Meiktila, called the Royal Lake, has been supplying the drinking water of all the residents in the region. Much more, it has given life to thousands of crops through land irrigation. It will be worth your time to experience this great royal water of Myanmar.

Aside from this generous function of Lake Meiktila, it makes it a good tourist ground because of how it is divided into portions and dams. The lake is divided into two portions known to the public as the northern and southern portion. The first part has heavy silting while the latter has crystal clear water. Some of the known dams that help in modulating the water in this lake include the ChaungKauk, Lon-Ngin, Let-Khook-Pin, and NyaungKone.

So if you wish to experience the wonders of the gift Meiktila has received, it is worth to visit this lake. It will always give you a memorable trip if you can see for yourself the amazing generosity of this body of water.

Mondorf-les-Bain along the Rhine River
Photo by: dk3370, Creative Commons

Mondorf-les-Bains is a small town in Luxembourg. Located in the south-eastern part of the country, it is part of the Grevenmacher district. The town is protected from strong winds by the hills around it, thus favoring an ideal climate. The prevalence of thermal baths around the town has earned it the name “spa town” from where it gets its name.

The thermal water of Mondorf-les-Bains has been celebrated since 1820 for its pleasant and relaxing effects. It is the place for relaxation and wellness. The agreeable climate also helps to nurture a tranquil atmosphere. Almost every resort in the town offers a thermal spa. A thermal bath is a must try every time you visit Mondorf-les-Bain. Sports and leisure clubs also abound in the area. Wall climbing and a bounty of tennis and archery courts ensure complete fun and relaxation. Furthermore, Mondorf-les-Bain also houses the only casino in the whole country of Luxembourg. Nothing defines the word “relax” and “well-being” better than this town.

The town also offers endless sceneries. The St. Michael’s Church is adorned by frescoes and furniture, and the Roman fortress is a heritage from the rich history of Luxembourg. No trip is complete with visiting The Art Nouveau houses and the Mondorf Park where trees, flower beds, and greenery abounds in the place.

The town also has a local orchestra that performs daily concerts. Entertainment includes the weekly riding and archery tournaments offered to anyone interested. Mondorf-les-Bain is the definite destination choice for everyone.

Hell Train Station
Photo by: Le Grand Portage, Creative Commons

A place that sizzles with natural wonders and historical heritage – that is Hell, Norway. This is a place that you will truly be interested of, especially that its name will mean something for you. But more than the evil thoughts about it, there are many exciting destinations that await you there, and more activities that you can take pleasure from.

It is a small village that lies within the east borders of Norway. It has a population of nearly 500 people. It has become popular, again, because of its name, but that really came from the word “hellir,” which means a cave cliff.

This town boast its natural wonders to tourist, such as the mountain ranges, beaches, and lakes. On the urban side, Hell, has with it great collections of majestic architectures and modern edifices. There are also shopping malls, restaurants, and parks that one can visit when he is having a vacation here.

In addition to the tourists’ destinations, there are so many cool activities to do in this place, such as cruising, cycling, and dinning out. Others would prefer spending some time during night parties at local bars and disco hubs. One of the festivals that this town brags every year is the “Blues in Hell” that showcases musical blues and more dancing.

The dinning experience in Hell is exceptional. One can taste unique seafood cooking in this town that consists mainly of scallops, large squids, and shrimps. Pastry shops and coffee house are also very common in this place.

Gun Powder Tower in Frederikshavn
Photo by: skagman, Creative Commons

Frederikshavn is probably the only tourist destination in Denmark with notable military attractions. Such areas include the Fladstrand Church, Fishkerlyngen and the Powder Tower Museum. This city is no exception too when it comes to art and Christian sites. The Saeby has both attractions and also a resort and a relaxation spot. And this is where the famous Voergaard castle is located. It’s a palace that exudes Renaissance architecture and unique paintings and art collections.

If by chance you are looking for an agricultural area, then the Sognefoged garden is the place to visit. If you’re a water enthusiast then you will love Frederikshavn because it has a number of harbours and marinas. The Ronner Harbour is perfect for pleasure boat and fishing. The Naval Harbour is perfect for sight seeing because this where you get to witness national warships, icebreakers, royal yacht and training ships. Other notable harbours are the Northern Entrenchment Harbour, the Sea Sports Harbour and the Neppen’s Harbour.

If you just want to swim then you should definitely root after Palm Beach. It’s a beach with 100 palm trees planted by the local municipality. And if you want to party like the locals then you’ll have to visit the city in time of the Tordenskiold Festival and the Lightning Festival. Both events occur at different times but are nonetheless joined and celebrated by thousands of people.