An Ubud Sunrise on the Rice Padis
Photo by: ((brian)), Creative Commons

If you want to experience Balinese arts and craft, then, your destination is in Ubud, Indonesia. A lot of tourists are visiting this place because of its creative products. It is the artistic cultural center of Indonesia and has become a popular tourist destination.

Goa Gajah
This is also known as the Elephant Cave. The mouth of the cave looks like a giant demon’s mouth and many statues can be found inside it. It’s a popular hiking trail for many visitors.

Monkey Forest
A lot of monkeys lurk in this forest. Whenever visitors come here with food on hand, the monkeys will come down to grab the food. Deep into the forest, another structure can be found: the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal which is also known as the Temple of Death.

Museum Puri Lukisan
This is the town’s Museum of Fine Arts. Many ancient and modern Balinese arts and crafts are kept in this museum. It is composed of three different buildings with different themes.

Kutuh Kaja Botanic Garden
A lot of exotic plants and flowers are kept in this natural reserve. Many native floras can also be found there.

Tirta Empul
It is a miraculous temple surrounded by hot springs. Many tourists visit this temple because of its alleged healing powers.

Ganung Kawi
It is also known as The Poet Mountain. Locals believe that the ancient King Anak Wungsu was buried there along with his countless wives.

Aside from these destinations, a lot of handicraft shops and restaurants can also be found in town. The woodcarving shops are what most visitors go for, as many unique wood carvings can be purchased there. During peak season, colorful festivals are usually organized in the place and you can freely roam around with the town’s favorable warm climate. The marketplace is also loaded with visitors and they even sometimes outnumber the locals in the area. A lot of great deals in handicrafts can be found there which is good for souvenirs. So whenever you have make your way to Ubud, make sure to get the best deals!

Oulu City House
Photo by: ptrktn, Creative Commons

Oulu, the sixth biggest city in Finland, is located at the western shore of the country. Formerly known as a top supplier of tar across Europe, Oulu is popular today as one of the highly developed technological centers in Northern Europe. Oulu deserves that distinction because most of its universities and museums are dedicated to the development of science.

If you are a traveler who happens to appreciate science, then a must-visit site for you is the Science Centre Tietomaa or the City Art Museum in Oulu. Adult visitors will marvel at the 150 changing exhibits in the museum, while children can enjoy the science center that allows different hands-on activities for kids. At the top of the museum’s tower, visitors can enjoy a view of the cityscape.

On the other hand, if you are not interested in science, you can head straight to the Market Place right after you set foot in Oulu. There, you can find the popular statue of a burly police officer and have your photo taken while you’re at it.

Are you an adventurous traveler who enjoys thrilling and physically challenging activities? If so, you have good reasons to stay longer in Oulu. Numerous hiking trails and bicycle paths can be found in the city. If you arrive in winter months like March, the best things to do in Oulu include skiing, ice fishing, and ice-skating.

Oulu is also an ideal place for relaxation, as plenty of Finnish saunas are open for both natives and tourists. A lot of hotels in Oulu offer saunas, some of which are private saunas for tourists who want to relax alone.

The mountains of Bhurban
Photo by: ~MVI~, Creative Commons

Opulent stories of the past and an awesome wildlife. These are the two main ingredients that make up the well-heeled place of Bhurban, Pakistan. It is a spot like no other; a special place on earth where luxury can be experienced through simple ways.

Bhurban, Pakistan is a small town that stands like a gem in the middle of Murree Hills. And since it is being surrounded by huge masses of earth, this town boasts of fascinating landscapes that will definitely take one’s breath away. It is a perfect spot for thrill-seekers and adventure aficionados. Trekking and hiking are two of the major surprises that await anyone who would like to discover more about the place.

But visiting some of the man-made wonders will already give some hints of the glories of this place. Its stories of survival and triumphs against foreign oppressors have shape the image of this town to the world.

A simple game of golf in the famous nine-hole course is a unique experience in this town. Finding respite in resorts and swimming pools that overlook the majestic sceneries is a dream come true for busy persons. And to complete the enriching experience is a dining experience that showcases the best Pakistani cuisines.

But Bhurban, Pakistan boasts nothing more than its wildlife. There are a wide collection of fauna and flora that reminds anyone of the greatest gifts of nature. The local government showed inspiring efforts to preserve these wonders that the locals and the visitors of this town will preserve forever.

The boardwalk at Hikkaduwa
Photo by: 3Neus, Creative Commons

A traveler would not really consider Sri Lanka as a destination for the summer, but you will truly change your mind once you get to see the wonders this western coast has to offer. One such place is the coast line of Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. It is located at around 98 kilometers south of the capital city, Colombo.

Aside from swimming, most people also visit this place for the diving sites it has. The corals offered in the coast of this region plays host to a variety of corals and fish species and have become a Coral Sanctuary. People may also rent diving and snorkeling gears from the nearby shops at reasonable prices.

The best times to visit the coasts for the diving experience are between January and February. For those that want to go there to just swim, between April to September would be ideal because the weather would be agreeable as well because it’s mostly between 25-30°C.

There is also a private Turtle Research institute just 2 kilometers north of Hikkaduwa. They help preserve and even raise endangered species of turtles and they allow tourists to view the progress of hatchlings. As part of its history, there is also a Tsunami Memorial in its train station, where the wreckage of an old train pays tribute to the countless victims of the Tsunami attacks. Sri Lanka is and has always been an ideal getaway for those that want to get away from city living.

Village in Annapurna range
Photo by: MinutesAlone, Creative Commons

Pokhara is located west of Kathmandu and is the thrid largest city in Nepal. Dubbed as the ‘Enchanted Himalayan valley,’ Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist spots especially for those adventurous at heart. People who wish to travel here find that Pokhara is easily accesible. This city is sorrounded by snow-capped Himalayan Mountains and offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan Lake with its crystal-clear waters. Pokhara’s climate is warmer than Kathmandu and is typically wet around mid-June to mid-September. The best time to visit this city is around October and April.

The center of all attractions in Pokhara is the Fewa Lake. It is the second largest water body in the kingdom. Colorful boats can be rented if you are interested in trying out its waters. The lakeside offers a great view of the Himalayas, which is why numerous hotels are there.

David’s Fall is another popular tourist spot. It is a magnificent waterfall that goes into a deep, narrow hole that seems to be bottomless. Modern legend has it that a tourist by the name of David went skinnydipping in Pardi Khola River when the dam floodgates opened. It is said that the gushing water pushed him into the bottomless depths of the waterfall and was never seen again.

The Barahi Temple is considered as the religious focal point of Pokhara. It is found in the middle of Fewa Lake and is dedicated to the boar form of the female deity Ajima. Usually on Saturdays, people visit the temple to sacrifice animals.

Visiting Pokhara, Nepal is like going on a nature retreat and is highly recommended for people who like to trek and for those who simply want to bask in the entire natural splendor that this city can offer.

Peitou Hot Spring Museum, Taiwan
Photo by: WikiMedia, Creative Commons

Peitou, Taiwan is popularly known for its hot springs and is considered to be Northern Taiwan’s historical site for hot springs. Peitou originally got its name from an Aboriginal word mean shamaness. The area is blessed with mesmerizing scenery and a wide range of hot spring waters. After Taiwan’s relapsed to the Chinese Rule, Peitou slowly began developing its rich natural resources. Blessed by nature with fine breathe taking scenery, Peitou’s popularity grew very fast because of its hot spring offerings.

Peitou, Taiwan, although popular for its vast hot springs, Peitou also offers many historical and recreational tourist destinations. Here are some great places to visit when staying in Peitou.

• Peitou Hot Spring Museum – More than just treating guest with a cozy soak in their hot spring, the Peitou Hot Spring Museum also offers a fine place to learn the history of Peitou and the story of its successful career. This structure was built in 1913 that was originally intended to provide the public a high-class hot spring bath. There are 11 display areas that can be found inside the Peitou Museum that covers different historical areas of Peitou’s development.
• Taiwan Folks Art Museum – The Taiwan Folks Art Museum is located inside one of Taiwan’s largest surviving Japanese Style-wooden structures. This place used to serve the government and VIP’s as Guest House. The provincial government eventually decided to sell the site, and was then later transformed into a Folks Art Museum.
• Spring City Resort – For an unforgettable hot spring experience, Spring City Resort provides an unmistakably five-star setting. This is also one of the best places to pamper the soaring body after doing a day full of activities.
• Spa World Spring Resort – Spa World is currently Peitou’s newest hot spring establishment. It is fully equipped with hydrotherapy facilities, perfect for pampering and relaxing.

Peitou, Taiwan is not only known because of the wide variety of hot springs it offers but because of its over all magnificent beauty that truly satisfies every visitor’s heart.

US Soldiers in Afghanistan
Photo by: soldiersmediacenter, Creative Commons

Afghanistan is country with a rich history. Today, it remains as a nation of who wants peace. But despite the chaos and uncouth talks about this country, there are still many wonders that people should see, and that include a visit at one of its towns, Sor, Afghanistan.

Tourists will be amazed on some of the scenic spots that can be seen in this place. There is a good blend of history and modern living that can be sensed here, and the smiles of people, who are victims of war, are even more captivating despite the pain endured by the nation.

In Sor, Afghanistan you will see a lot of nature’s masterpieces. There are caves that boast brilliant rock formations, and there are cliffs that have dramatic cuts on their edges. Aside from these, you can also visit mosques that date back for a couple of centuries. There is also a huge market place, where you can purchase embroidered cloths, carpets, potteries, jewelries, precious stones, and Turkmen hats.

There are some activities that you can take pleasure in. You can opt for an hour of camel ride around the marketplace, or you can do some pottery-making. Night parties may not be as festive as other tourist spots, like in the Caribbean, but you can still enjoy a quality time of beer cheers together with your friends.

The dining experience at Sor, Afghanistan is also remarkable. Here, you will mostly taste spicy foods that will excite your appetite. You can also have a taste of their famous bread, called Naan, and their delicious soup, called Shorma. Moreover, there are also some seasonal fruits to complete your dinner, such as melons, grapes, pomegranate, and oranges.

These are too much for a place that has been seriously affected by war, and these wonders will definitely make the town stand proud once again to tourist, like you, who will be visiting the place.

Höfn neighborhood
Photo by: Diego Cupolo, Creative Commons

Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland. Most people get to this town simply because it is part of the ring road of Iceland, or as a starting point for tours on the Vatnajokull ice cap. The climate is warmer, since it is located in the southern portion of the country. In summer, you can even see the heat haze on the road.

If you visit Höfn, Iceland in summer, specifically the first week of July, you’re in luck. That is the time when the Lobster Festival is held – which is basically a drink-and-have-fun event. Considering that Iceland has had a 40-year alcohol prohibition policy, the people must be making up for lost time.

The area where Höfn is situated is surrounded by a huge lagoon, with sand banks all over and a number of small islands dotting the water here and there. There is a small marshy area which is home to some birds such as various ducks, fulmars some and kittiwakes.

There are also restaurants that serve good food. You will notice that the majority of items in the menu are fish, which is the town’s main produce. From deep-fried, to pan-fried, the food is terrific. There is a Folk Museum and a Maritime Museum in the vicinity. There is also a glacier exhibition which focuses on the exploration aspect.

Near Höfn, Iceland is Skaftafell, where you can join in a glacier walk activity. For many people, the closest they could get to this experience is a walk in a frozen pond. If you visit Iceland, you can walk above a glacier and savor the feeling that you are standing on a very powerful form of nature; one that is capable of changing the landscape of an entire country.

Höfn is home to some 2000 Icelanders. The town has a swimming pool, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. If you want nature in the raw without feeling very isolated, (and deprived of comfort) Höfn, Iceland is the place to go.

Garragum Mountains
Photo by: jensimon7, Creative Commons

A tourist would not really think of going to Turkmenistan for a vacation, he probably might not have even heard of this Central Asian country. If you are looking for a different kind of adventure and you are the type that likes to try new things and explore new places, Turkmenistan is the challenge for you.

One such area in Turkmenistan is the culture-rich city of Bezmein, now referred to as Abadan. It is located in the Ahal Province near the capital city of Ashgabat. Bezmein is its traditional Russian name; it was changed in 2002 by then President Niyazoy.

The city itself has an arid or dry climate mostly attributed to the geographical aspects of the country. Most of Turkmenistan is covered by the Black Sand Desert called the Karakum desert. All other parts not covered by this are teeming with natural resources like oil and gas. Because of the dry weather, Turkmenistan as a country is considered as the driest in the world with the amount of rainfall only amounting to around 12 millimeters annually. The temperatures in this region of Asia reach up to 50°C that is why it is highly advised to bring suitable clothes and lots of sunscreen if you plan on going on vacation here.

Aside from the natural resources, Bezmein also showcases the intricate culture of Turkmenistan. The shops sell carpets and other handicrafts that exhibit designs related to the colorful history of a region. They also place importance to architectures showing religious depictions.

Rooftops of Oslo
Photo by: Bernt Rostad, Creative Commons

The famous name says it all. Oslo, Norway is a paradise you should discover and rediscover. Any travel buff will surely appreciate this city’s historic and urban centers.

The first spot you should head to is the park that boasts Gustav Vigeland’s sculpture. He is a famous Norwegian artist and his work can totally blow you away. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the historical Viking ships that sailed in this country, the Bygdoy museum can provide you more information about it. You can also visit the Akershus castle that was built some time in the 1300’s to learn about monarchies in Norway. But if you are more attached with urban living, you can tour the west part of the city to see some interesting imposing buildings.

If you are the type that seeks thrill and adventure, in Oslo, you can shout at the top of your voice in Holmenkollen Ski Jump. You can also try to do cross-country or down hill skiing or simply play golf in huge courses.

Aside from these exciting sports, you can also indulge in different Norwegian dishes, such as grilled fillet and redfish, venison with Nordic berry sauce, scallops dressed in sea grass, and Lutefisk, a traditional Scandinavian delicacy.

Oslo, offers the best of both worlds, and you will never forget this city once you step here. There are great spots to visit and extreme activities to do here that you will surely enjoy.

King John’s Castle, also known as Limerick Castle
Photo by: Eric The Fish (2010), Creative Commons

Limerick, Ireland is known to be the country’s third biggest city. Yearly, millions of people visit this place because of its vigorous nightlife, countless shopping spots and many business opportunities. But behind all the glamour, Limerick also has one more thing to offer its locals and tourist – a showcase of its meaningful history and rich culture.

And if you want to know Limerick a little bit better, here are some of the places that you should see in the city.

1. Irish Palatine Museum
The exhibit tells the story of the German families who settled in Ireland during the start of 1700s. Currently, the museum houses artifacts, personal belongings and photographs of the settlers that can transport you back in time.

2. The Limerick City Gallery of Art
This specific gallery permanently displays Irish works of arts from 18th to 20th century. Some of the artists they feature includes: Jack Yeats and Sean Keating. From time to time, the place also serves as a venue for the works of other contemporary artists.

3. The Hunt Museum
Hunt currently holds Irish artifacts dating as far back as the Neolithic (New Stone Age) Period up to the more recent 20th century. As such you are more likely to see different stone tools used by the first inhabitants of Ireland, their jewelry, paintings and of course their works of art. The museum also boasts of having some of the works of Renoir, Da Vinci, Picasso and Yeats – all of which are significant artists in their own time.

4. King John’s Castle
As they say, no tour in Ireland is complete without really visiting a castle. So if you are in Limerick, you might as well visit King John’s Castle. This ancient structure currently holds several archaeological and cultural artifacts that silently tell the story behind the castle and its neighboring areas.

5. Buttercup Farm
If have grown tired of visiting museums and galleries, this place is a perfect destination. This is because Buttercup Farm transports you back to the old days by showing you how people used to do farming. Here, you can also relax further by petting and feeding some of their animals including lambs and rabbits.

Promenade de Anglais
Photo by: aanjhan, Creative Commons

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and can be found in Southern France. It is the fifth largest city in the country. Nice is renowned for being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is also a place where one can experience cuisine at its finest. Getting to Nice is easy enough; there are now frequent low-cost flights to Nice Cote d’Azur airport and there is a rail service that is available from Paris to Nice. The climate of Nice is described as Meditteranean. Temperatures are often mild most of the year, with rainfall during the months of September to March.

The must-see tourist spots in Nice, France are the following:

Promenades de Anglais is considered as the heart of the city. It is a walkway that lines the beach and runs for several miles. It is here that people go rollerblading, biking or jogging. Many restaurants and cafes line the Promenades de Anglais which is situated just in front of the beach. There are many sights to see here and it is a perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

The Matisse Museum is another sight to behold in the lovely city. It displays paintings by Henry Matisse who was inspired by the colorful lines that characterize Nice. It is said that he personally arranged his paintings here. The Museum houses the third largest collection of works by Matisse in all of France.

Another major attraction in Nice is the Cours Saleya Flower Market. The market is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. The market is said to look like a garden in full bloom because of the myriad of flowers that can be seen here.

The Vieux Nice or Old Nice is a complex of buildings that dates back to the 18th century. The buildings are designed in Baroque style that seems like a picture out of a postcard. Many shops and restaurants can be found here as well as souvenir shops.

An unusual but nonetheless picturesque sight to see in Nice is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral. It was built by Tsar Nicholas II, who was the last emperor of Russia, and is considered a national monument of France. The cathedral is said to be the biggest one that can be found outside of Russia.

There are many hotels in Nice that offer low-budget room rates. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes to choose from that offer cuisine from different parts of the world. Due to the beautiful sights there is to see in Nice, France, it is considered as one of the best travel destinations in the country.

Bridge crossing from Parnu to Russia
Photo by: Siyad Ma, Creative Commons

If you want to have an enjoyable summer break, then you should consider visiting Parnu, Estonia. Why? Well, it is not the usual summer destination of most people, but it would be a new experience for you and your loved ones.

What does the summer capital of Estonia have to offer to the people of the world? The truth is, there are many things you can do while having your summer vacation in this place. If you are considering going here with your friends or family, here’s a list of some of the things you can do.

If you wish to be fed with a feast of European dishes, then you will definitely enjoy eating at Steffani Pizzarestoran. The restaurant offers pizza, pasta, salads and several other dishes that you will find delectable. It has an image of warm and cozy courtyard with nicely decorated interiors.

Another highlight of going to Parnu is staying in their wonderful hotels and villas. You can have many different choices and two of them are the Ammende Villa which has a more historic appeal to it or the Villa Artis which is a bit more modern and has more recreational activities to offer.

If you want to experience a bit of the country life, why not go to Sassi Horse Farm which is a haven for horse lovers. You can have riding lessons and enjoy the panoramic view of the nearby sea.

If you want a day of relaxation in Parnu, then all you have to do is visit their Parnu resort and enjoy the massage, their famous mud baths and other treatments to help you unwind.

The Omo River near Ameya
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Ameya is the capital of Konta Special Woreda and is considered an ancient town that was established years before any other town in the region was founded. It is located 445 kilometres from the country’s capital, Addis Ababa, and is easily reachable by land travel. The old age of the town makes it one of the more interesting places to visit.
The Konta Special Woreda finds the epitome of its culture, traditions and people in Ameya. The district is considered to be the base and the foremost to visit when you want to know the cultural traditions of all other districts in the Konta Special Woreda. The place offers rich cultural heritages of the Konta people.

Aside from culture, Ameya also teems with biological diversity. The recently established Chebera-Chrchura National Park is a testimony to the various plant and animal life you can only see in Ameya. It is the best place to witness the threatened African Elephant. Other wildlife to see are mammals and birds that are also endemic to the place. The evergreen landscape of the park is majestically etched in rugged, rolling plains that are irresistibly eye-catching. More attractions are natural Riverine forest, Ground water forest, and a Mountain forest laced with beautiful rivers. The Omo River, the one of the largest in the country, is also found here. Hot and colds springs also abound in the place that attracts many tourists annually.

Ameya is the best place if you want to unite with nature again. The relaxing plant life plus unpolluted natural waters is all you’ll ever need for your next holiday getaway.

Batam Cloud Reflections on the lake
Photo by: ^riza^, Creative Commons

Batam is an island and a city as in the Riau Islands. It is a popular tourist destination because of its free trade zone status, part of the Sijori Growth Triangle. Visitors come and go in the city through ferry boats and many enjoy the clear blue waters that can be seen while on the ferry. The city also has an airport, the Hang Danim Airport which has the longest runway in Indonesia. Upon arrival on the island, the first destination is usually in Nagoya. It is the center for entertainment, shopping malls, bars, restaurants, hotels, discos and karaoke hubs. If you want to experience night life in Batam, then, Nagoya is the right place for you.

Furthermore, Batam also has its own pride of beach resorts like any other Indonesian cities. In Nongsa, a lot of resorts and golf courses can be found. It is located in the northern coastal area of the island as most visitors stay on Nongsa. You can enjoy its fine white sand and clear blue water. On the other hand, if you want peaceful and calm moments with nature, then, the Duriangkang East shore and Duriangkang Dam will be the right spot for you. In Duriangkang East Shore, you can enjoy its green fields and bird farms. Its rural landscape will take you away from the city life. You can also visit Batam’s historic past, the Tj Uma and Batu Merah are the perfect places for you. These are ancient villages where traditional island life is still practiced.

In every trip, food is never out of line. In Batam, you can enjoy limitless seafood cuisine with the city’s numerous seafood restaurants. These seafood delicacies are often cooked Indonesian style, making it a must-try food for every visitor. They also offer mild tasting seafood that is perfect even for the most sensitive stomach. Batam, you now have reasons to visit the island!

Bay in Hai Phong
Photo by: tomaszd, Creative Commons

Hai Phong is a city in the center of Red River. A lot of fascinating tourist destinations can be found in this town. It has a rich history in the past as the town was a major trading center back in the nineteenth century. Although it suffered damages from the previous war, the city has maintained the beauty of its wonderful landmarks. Here are some suggested destinations in Hai Phong city:

• Cat Ba National Park
This is a rich tropical forest that is perfect for hiking and trekking. At its edge, you can find a turquoise beach that is so rewarding to see from above.

• Hang Kenh Communal House
It is built around seventeenth century which houses antique items. Inside, you can find 308 pieces of dragons, a palanquin and a statue of Ngo Quyen.

• Elephant Mountain
The mountain looks like a giant elephant and lies beside the Lach Tray River. Inside it, there are little caves that are good to visit with a help of an expert tour guide.

• Cat Ba Island
This is the main tourist spot of Hai Phong City. Tourists oftentimes stay here as there are many resorts that can be found in the island. The air is as fresh as its beautiful scenery and you can enjoy swimming in the warm waters of its beach.

• Du Hang Pagoda
It is built around 17th century. The pagoda is a mixture of Vietnamese and Chinese architecture. Upon visiting, you can learn the ancient traditions of monks in the pagoda. Inside it, there are valuable relics displayed which existed since 18th century.
Aside from the aforementioned famous destinations in Hai Phong, there are many other places that is worthy of your visit. This includes Traditional Trade Village, Children’s Amusement Parks, Dien Bien Phu and many more. Make sure to visit these places in Hai Phong!

Kaoshiung, Taiwan
Photo by: [J], Creative Commons

Famously known as the second largest city in Taiwan next to Taipei, Kaoshiung is known as having the third largest terminal in the world. Kaoshiung is an industrialized city that is home to breathe taking landscapes and captivating views. There are many places to visit here in Kaoshiung, and hundreds of activities that can be done.

Here are some of the popular places that can only be located in Kaoshiung Taiwan.

• Mt. Shou – or sometimes called as Mt. Longevity, is located at the southwest edge of the Kaoshiung city. It provides the best lookout in Kaoshiung area. With an elevation of 328 meters, the whole Kaoshiung city can be viewed including the Taiwan Straits. This friendly mountain is also offers a romantic view for lovers and tourist.
• ChiChin Seashore Park – ChiChin Seashore Park is actually one of this city’s famous tourist destinations. The park is subdivided into four different sections, the beach area, the sea view path, the wild area, and ecological park. ChiChin Park can be reached by riding a bus or by taking a ferry. Admission here is free of charge.
• Tienhou Temple – Tienhou temple is actually one of Kaoshiun’s oldest architectural structures. This historical structure was built in 1691 and was dedicated to the Goddess of the sea, Matsu. To make the visit enjoyable and memorable, from ChiChin Park tourists can take a short pedicab ride down to Tienhou Temple instead of taking the usual ride.
• ChengChing Lake – Aside from the historical structures, captivating mountain views, and tranquilizing beauty of the beaches, ChengChing Lake is also one of the best places to visit in Kaoshiung Taiwan. Located on the outskirt of the city, ChengChing lakes cover 375 hectares of untampered natural beauty. There are many activities that can be done here which includes biking, camping and sight seeing.

Kaoshiung City offers beauty beyond expectation and this is definitely one city that is worth considering in your next travel vacation.

A portion of the Sahara Desert by Hassi Messaoud with camels “grazing?”
Photo by: wonker, Creative Commons

Hassi Messaoud, which means blessed well, is a city in Algeria that is indeed blessed tremendously as it is a watering hole and a major oilfield. Who would have known this town that has been around for many, many years would have such natural gifts when dry sandy deserts surround it. You need not look further for a tourist attraction or any other world wonder as Hassi Messaoud is located right in the Sahara Desert.

The town’s prominence has grown especially because of the discovery of oil in 1956, which propelled its success and economic status. And since it’s also a watering hole, traders and other people come to water their animals and quench their thirst.

There are many sights to see in Hassi Messaoud other than the well talked about oil refineries. The remains of the French fort near town may be in ruins but is still scenic and very historical. Hassi Messaoud’s downtown infrastructures such as the town hall, stores and other industries never stop displaying fine French-Arabian architecture building after building. You’ll be surprised to see that there are hardly any houses, as most people live in tall apartments. What would even surprise you more is the massive and eye-catching oil refinery that’s in the middle of the sandy dunes, near the Libya border. You’ll also enjoy a sight of the town’s mosques and their fine restaurants and cafeterias. Although the food is cheap, you’ll definitely be satisfied.

Hassi Messaoud’s history and people are something to go for. Its location and fine natural blessings set it apart form other Algerian cities.

City view from Vaduz Castle
Photo by: vauvau, Creative Commons

The capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz, is a small town that lies along the river Rhine. The town of Vaduz, despite its small size, is well known all over the world. Tourists flock the town of Vaduz for various reasons. One of which is because of the town’s rich historical landmarks.

The Vaduz castle is definitely the town’s pride. It is a castle that is located on top of an elevated land form that overlooks the sky. As of the moment, the castle serves as the home of the prince of Liechtenstein together with his family. Tourists can easily get a view of the castle from any point of the city because it is strategically positioned at the center.

Aside from the Vaduz castle, people also visit the Cathedral of St.Florin. Built in 1873, the cathedral used to be a parish church back in 1997. The cathedral serves as the center for Roman Catholic Archdiocese. It showcases the neo-gothic architecture that Vaduz is popular for. But of course, no Vaduz tour would be complete without visiting the Government House and City Hall. Both structures serve as the office of the national parliament. Also, these two structures are visited by many tourists because of its unique architecture and style.

The climate in Vaduz is quite cold. The average temperature ranges from -3.5 degrees Celsius to 22.3 degrees Celsius. The temperature is coldest during January while hottest during the month of August. Having a total land area of 17.3 square kilometers, the sights and landmarks in the city can all be visited within a day.

Kronborg Castle in Helsingor, Denmark
Photo by: caspermoller, Creative Commons

If you want to change holiday and summer vacation habits, why not visit Hamlet’s hometown: Helsingor Denmark, Denmark’s closest city to Sweden. Located on the island of Zealand, Helsingor is separated by a mere 4,000 meters from Helsingborg Sweden. The town is separated by an inner town, and a north-eastern and a north-western area where, on a peninsula, stands the Kronborg castle, one of the top Helsingor attractions. Helsingor’s economy is mostly run by shipyards, as well as engineering and textile industries.

Helsingor is home to the famous Humlebaek, Louisiania museum for modern art. It has a vast array of tourist attractions in every district. You can see medieval art in St. Mary Church, and Romanesque and gothic architecture in St. Olaf’s church. Dronningmolle Tegners museum holds fine and valuable paintings and art collections Gillelje is the place where you can find fabrics, textiles and lovely costume exhibits. In the north-western district you will also find interest in the Oresund museum and the Veteran railroad.

There are lots of activities and things to do other cycling around Helsingor’s half-timbered homes, cobblestone streets and magnificent castles. Take a swim in one of the golden beaches by Denmark’s north Riviera or feast on delectable Danish cuisine in the city’s top restaurants such as Casatua, Espania, and Pecatti de Gola. If that’s not enough for you then it sure is wise to pay a visit to the Technical museum of Denmark and the Marienlyst palace and park. Fill your camera with pictures of nothing but fine art, splendid infrastructures and other historical sights.

Sunrise at Ayeyarwardy
Photo by: yeowatzup, Creative Commons

Myanmar is the home to a lot of great tourist destinations. No wonder, more and more people are encouraged to experience their rich culture, magnificent landmarks, and pristine gifts of nature. Hence, you must not miss the unique treats of each city and town of this country. And Henzada is one of them.

Henzada refers to the old name of the city. In today’s time, the place is more known as Hinthada or Hintada. But the locals still refer to is in its old name. However, whatever the name is, the place never fails to entertain tourists until today. Being a bank of rice and grains, Henzada gives the tourists a view of the rural life. More often than not, right after crossing the famous Ayeyarwardy Bridge, one can already see the lifestyle of the people here.

More than this treat, you can also find the great China Town in this city. This place proves that the city is open to various cultures. In fact, there are several numbers of Chinese restaurants in the city.

Moreover, Henzada is the home to a small port that is not only visited by tourists. It is also an essential part of the agriculture trades in the city. Also, the base of the famous Myanmar’s Ayeyarwardy River can be found here in Henzada.

So, if you wish to have a treat of a rural getaway, Henzada or Hinthada can offer this to you. Therefore, when you visit Myanmar, always consider dropping by this city by the river.

Tsavo National Park Elephant pulling down a branch
Photo by: dougwoods, Creative Commons

At 22,000 square kilometers, Tsavo National Park in Kenya is the largest in the world. This attracts tourists from every corner in the world. Like the Masai Mara Reserve, it is the ultimate place to be one with wilderness. It is the perfect place for educational trips. Tsavo also provides a sense of solitude and calmness, perfect for retreats and meditation.

The National Park is divided into two, by the A109 highway, for easier management. Both sides serve as homes to hundreds of wild life species. The park is perfect for spotting bird species too.

The Tsavo East is known for its large herds of elephants. People can see groups of buffaloes, having a thousand in a herd. Its hills are covered with scrub. The savannah on the East is best for game viewing. From a distance, lions can be spotted near the Aruba Dam. You can see the ecosystem in its natural form—without cages. You can see lions moving stealthily around their target preys.

The Tsavo West, just across the road, attracts more visitors. This is because of its geographic features. The lodges here have beautifully designed infrastructures to provide better view of the volcanic landscape. The place has several antelope and hundreds of bird species too. However, the hills and bushes made it hard to spot games. This is why the lodges built artificial water holes. Now, that solves the game viewing problem.

People can visit the Lugard Falls and the Mzima Springs. These are the fresh water sources of Mombasa. The Tsavo National Park has lodges in it too. So there is no worry when you want the comfort of a soft bed, or the taste of Kenyan delicacies. Popular lodges include the Kilaguni Serena Safari, Sarova Salt Lick Game and the Voyager Ziwani Lodges.

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Photo by: Enid Yu, Creative Commons

Crystal clear water and emerald green surroundings, exotic local foods and mouth watering cuisines: these and many more are what best describe Taipei’s largest lake, the Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake is located in the Nantou County’s Yuchih Township center of Taiwan. The alpine beauty of this lake never fails to capture the heart of its visitors. The lake’s cozy ambiance and its tranquil appearance are known to bring calmness and a state of being at peace.

Many local citizens visit this place usually for recreation. Its 760 meter elevation helps give a clearly defined view of the mountain and the emerald beauty of the lake. The beauty of the Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan is very undeniable regardless whether it is day or night. There are also lots of physical activities that can be done here.

• Being surrounded by green pristine mountains, the Sun Moon Lake is good for hiking activities. There are several trails that are currently available.
• The Hanbi Palace, which used to be a restricted area where the late president Chiang Kai-Shek stayed, is also one of Sun Moon Lake’s historical places. Today, the Hanbi Palace is now serving the area as a Hotel.
• The Wenbu Temple is also worth visiting in Sun Moon. This temple was built in 1938 but was rebuilt in 1969 into the style that can be seen today. Many people come here to worship Confucius, Guangong and Yuehfei who are locally known as the martial gods.
• The Peacock garden in Sun Moon Lake is home to more than 200 peacocks and is also one of the most frequently visited by local and foreign people. The park does not charge any fee to enter. Aside from Peacocks, there is also a butterfly garden where butterflies are kept to breed.

There are many more attractions that can be found in Sun Moon Lake, it is perfect getaway for nature lovers.

Turku Art Museum
Photo by: Matti Mattila, Creative Commons

The former capital of Finland, Turku still has something to be proud of—it’s being one of the country’s leading destinations for tourists from all over the world.

Turku, also the official oldest Finnish city, has a lot of sights to offer to its visitors. The first things that come to mind when talking about Turku as a tourist spot are the Turku Cathedral and Castle, which has existed for more than eight centuries now. The Turku Cathedral is one of the most historically important and well-loved cathedrals in the country. The Finnish museums in Turku, which feature interesting artifacts from the medieval times, are as historically significant as the Cathedral.

Aside from sightseeing, you can do a lot of other things in Turku. It has plenty of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops, and other establishments where you can have fun dining, shopping, and experiencing life in Finland.

The best time to spend vacation in Turku is during the Yuletide holiday. Turku is not called the official Christmas City of Finland for nothing. The city celebrates the Yuletide season by holding a number of events and festivities, which are of course, open to all tourists. Turku even holds a yearly official Christmas Declaration ceremony each Christmas eve at the Old Great Square.

The hundreds of outlying islands from Turku are worth exploring, especially in summer when the weather is fine. The islands off the shore of Turku are easy to navigate, thanks to the roads and bridges that link them together.

View over Bergen from Fløien mountain
Photo by: Agent Smith, Creative Commons

Lined with shores of significant trading ports, Bergen, Norway shines with its rich historical infrastructures and remarkable culture. Once you visit this city, you will discover more valuable treasures on earth, and you will surely love Norway in a new way.

The first spot to visit on your list should be the Fantoft Stave Church. It is a majestic piece of architecture that you shouldn’t miss. Next on the list is the Fresco Hall, which serves as the city’s tourist information center. You will be amaze on the murals on its walls and the stories behind the design of this building.

Another great place that you should visit in Bergen is mount Floyen, where you can have an over view the entire city and its coastline. It is just a walking distance when you are in the city’s fish market, and you will enjoy the cool climate on top.

A visit in this place will not be complete if you do not shop for some souvenir items. It is time to get yourself involved in some Bergen shopping, so do not forget to visit Allmenningen Art Shop, Baker Brun, The Body Shop, Beyer Libris, and the Husfliden Handicraft.

If you are seeking for another type of fun aside from sightseeing, some activities you can do in this place are cruising along the coastline, hiking, indoor swimming, sailing, or play some sports like golf, basketball, and soccer.

Bergen offers some of the finest things in the world for you. Never miss a chance to have those by visiting this place and enjoy your time here.