Mosque in Bost, Afghanistan
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

A trip to the southern part of the Afghan nation will lead you to a majestic place that shares a lot of wonders and stories to the world. Bost, Afghanistan is a city that you will surely never forget, especially because you will be star struck with the marvellous scenic spots that you will encounter here.

Presently called Lashkar Gah, the city of Bost, Afghanistan was originally a Persian barrack location. It guards the southern gates of the country against foreign invasions. But the defense forces there eventually fell in the hands of the oppressors during the war. Now, the remains of the barracks and fortresses serve as evidences of the century-old battle.

One of the best landmarks that you will see in this city is the ruins of Qala-e-Bost or the Fortress of Bost. You will notice here the impressive designs of the arch and daunting staircases that lead to the dark chambers.

The Helmand River is nature’s best gift to this city. It does not only serve as a source of food for the locals, but it also takes pride as the longest river in Afghanistan. In addition, you can do several water sports here, such as swimming and boating.

At the bank of the river is the Mirwais Nikka Park that gleams in green because of the tall trees and well-trimmed bushes. It is a perfect place to take a walk or do some jogging exercise every morning.

The Lashkar Gah football stadium is a place that you shouldn’t miss, especially if you love soccer sport. It houses some of the local competitions in the country.

Aside from strolling at some of the scenic sites, you can also do a lot of shopping in Bost, Afghanistan. Some items you can purchase are carpets, jewelries, potteries, hats, embroideries and semi-precious stones.

So what are you waiting for? Book a ticket and head straight to this town to experience a different pleasure twist.

Vianden Village & Castle
Photo by: Jukka1, Creative Commons

The town of Vianden in Luxembourg is a land of picturesque sights. The many building, scenery and art works located in the town are not only extremely majestic but also of great historical importance. Its rich history has been preserved in the most splendid fortresses and castles that now serve as the town’s top tourist attractions. Scattered over the cities, these landmarks is a reminder of the people’s misfortunes and sufferings and also their triumph when they finally achieved freedom.

The feudal manor located in the town was seat of the Counts of Vianden back in the ninth century. It is a fine building with an unrivaled architecture anywhere else in Europe. It has been restored and is now open for tourism.

The town also has a parish church with Gothic architecture built around 1248 and is the most significant building for Christians. It has been recently renovated to restore the structure’s beauty and to house the lapidary museum.

Another mansion was recently transformed into a rural art museum. The mansion dates back to the 18th century and houses ancient objects. It also has a collection of more than 500 dolls in the toy section of the museum.

Famous artists also lived in Vianden. Victor Hugo lived in the town during his exile. His house became a museum of his own collections of various magnificent objects he got from all over Luxembourg.

Visitors and tourist alike will find well-maintained sign posts very helpful in finding their destination. A network of foot paths all throughout the town makes it possible to roam the town on foot.

Mount Sinabung in the background of a Medan evening
Photo by: ~DocBudie~ [Toba Series-Part 2], Creative Commons

Medan is home to ancient infrastructures that still stand today. Because of the Dutch influence, the architectural landmarks bear testament of that. It is amazing to see the mixture of Asian and Western culture in a one city. Medan is also considered the fourth largest city in Indonesia. Touring around the city’s magnificent historical places will take you on their rich cultural past.

The old infrastructures in Medan were built in 19th century. The city was a former tobacco plantation and upon the growth of the residing locals, it soon developed into a busy place. When roaming around Medan, don’t forget to visit its famous landmarks. The Maimun Palace is the most remarkable above all and until now, the sultan of Deli still lives there. The palace is a mixture of Dutch and Malay style. The walls and ceilings are painted creatively and colorfully. Another remarkable mansion in Medan is the Tjong A Fie Mansion. It is home to the former Chinese Indonesian Tycoon Tjong A Fie. The mansion can be well appreciated because of its mix Chinese and Indonesian architecture.

Religious structures can also be found in Medan. This includes the Mesjid Raya Medan, Sri Mariaman Temple and Immanuel Protestant Church. The Mesjid Raya Medan is Medan’s Great Mosque. Like any architectures in the city, the Great Mosque also have a mixture of architectural styles, specifically Moroccan and Dutch influences. On the other hand, the Sri Mariaman Temple is a Hindu temple and the oldest one in Indonesia. Built around the 18th century, it displays many antique Hindu statues. And lastly, the Immanuel Protestant Church is one of the biggest churches in Medan. It was constructed in 1921 and is still used to this day.

After touring around the ancient infrastructures of the city, it is good to end your trip at the shopping district and at the local restaurants. The Kesawan Square is a place for restaurants and Indonesian cuisine. On the other hand, the Sun Plaza Shopping Mall is a shopping district with lots of low-priced items. Make sure to visit these places when you tour Medan!

Muckross Gardens for a relaxing stroll.
Photo by: Corey Leopold, Creative Commons

Ireland is one of the top countries to experience if you love the outdoors. This is because the place boasts a pleasant climate all year round. The summers are hot but the sunlight does not scorch. Winters are also a lot easier, temperatures ranging from 0°C – 30°C is very unlikely to be experienced.
But apart from the nice weather, Ireland also boasts of their natural tourist attractions. Most of them can be found in Killarney. Here you are likely to find nature parks, eco trails and other adventure trails.

Here are some of their parks that you can visit on your next trip:

1. Killarney National Park
This national park opened in 1932 is known for its size and the sights it offers to tourists. This 10,000 – hectare land covers mountains, woods, waterways and gardens.

Lough Lean, Upper Lake and the Muckross Lake are of the most popular sights to see. Here, you can enjoy the sights further by taking a boat ride or by taking your chance in fishing some of the brown trout and salmon that inhabit the lakes.
Apart from the bountiful lakes, Killarney National Park also prides to be the only home of the endangered Red Deer in the wild.

2. Ladies View Park
Why the name? Apparently the place got its namesake from the story that during Queen Victoria’s visit, her ladies in waiting caught a glimpse of the view and fell in love with it. Since then, the locals constantly referred to it as “Ladies’ View”.
Needless to say, the site offers breath taking views of the Upper Lakes and the mountains/ hills surrounding it.

3. Coolwood Wildlife Park
If you plan to take your family with you during your trip, then this wildlife park is worth your stop over. This is because this 40 – acre land serves as a sanctuary for animals like monkeys, llamas, alpacas, lemurs, meerkats and wallabies. All of which are species your kids only get to see in their books and computers. After seeing the animals, you and your kids can later enjoy in the playground or snack at the coffee shop.

Again, those are only three of the sites that you can visit, you can actually find more once you commence on your trip. Have fun and just enjoy your trip!

The city of Natitingou, and its homes.
Photo by: Wikimedia by Baliola, Creative Commons

Discover the enigmatic wildlife a few miles outside Natitingou, Benin. Your travel destination for the year is of course nothing but Africa! You will be able to witness how it is to be with the wild and revel under the hot summer sun at its beautiful beaches. Should you be a little wary if you could run with the cheetahs, why not immerse yourself in the cool waters at the Falls of Tanougou?

There are other resorts within the vicinity that uses the waters that come from the falls. So you could enjoy basking under the sun with a little safety since you would not open in your eyes in shock that a little wild animal is swimming beside you. There happens to be an issue if the waters of Tanougou are potable. It would be advisable for you not to drink it to be sure. Although you can still bathe in it as long as you do not have open sore. Whenever you visit a new land, water happens to be issues so always pack some medicines for intestinal malfunction.

Aside from the waterworks, there is one sight that will make your eyes open wide in amazement – the mud castles of the Tata Somba. It is a little far about an hour’s drive but surely all worth the wait! You will definitely enjoy your visit at Natitingou, Benin for this. Heading back home would be a little difficult since this experience is worth every dollar you have saved for.

University of Tartu main building, look closely
Photo by: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaa, Creative Commons

Would you like to know how to enjoy a great time at Tartu, Estonia? Here are some tips on places you should visit, festivals you could attend and activities you could do while vacationing on this beautiful city. If you want to stay young, this is definitely the place to go. The city of Tartu is known to be a university town with lots of young people roaming about the streets. It is also known as the “City of good thoughts” because of the balance of modern and rich culture and history of the place.

Tartu is a city of many festivals. There is a great balance of folk and modern culture here because of the events and activities that will occupy your time while you are staying here. The mornings are best spent either hiking, spend time canoeing at the Emajoe Paadimees, do some sports or go biking. You can also visit museums like St. Anthony’s Court, Museum of the 19th Century Citizen of Tartu, Science Center, Tartu Brewery Museum and the Estonian National Museum.

At night you can visit their restaurants and cafes. If you feel like going dancing or drinking, there are nightclubs scattered all over the place.

If you want to make the most out of your visit, you can also go fishing, wall climbing and go sailing in the summer. Winter at Tartu is best spent skiing.

If you would like to witness first hand the city’s cultural main event, go there around June for St. Peter and Paul’s Day where lots of entertainment activities take place.

Old Waterway in Ribe
Photo by: DeFries, Creative Commons

People always want to visit new places and do new things. But if there’s one thing that would leave a mark in a tourist’s life, it’s a visit to Denmark’s oldest town, Ribe. Ribe used to be the most important trade city of Scandinavia a home to many notable people including Holger K. Nielsen, former leader of the Socialist People’s Party.

Ribe is a great tourist destination because of its many cultural and environmental features. It is home to the Ribe Cathedral, the oldest Scandinavian church that was erected in 1496 by the order of Ansgar, the archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. Another notable church in Ribe is the Saint Catharine church and monastery. Ribe, Denmark is also home to very historical museums such as the Ribe Viking museum, Ribe art museum, the Ribe Viking center and Antivarisk Samling, Denmark’s oldest museum.

Ribe is also a great place for nature lovers. The Ribe River alone is something to look out for. It flows magnificently through town and is a riparian habitat to some species. Unique birdlife is found in and around town such as the European White Stork. There are also great things to see at the Mando Island nature reserve, which is about 30km southwest of the city.

If you want to participate in something very cultural it would have to be with the Night Watchmen in Ribe. Every evening from May 1 to September 15, you may accompany a night watchman who strolls through town reminding people that bedtime is approaching. If you really want a historical tour, Ribe should be on top of your list.

Street scene in Ibadan
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

Ibadan is the capital of Oyo, Nigeria’s third biggest city by populace, and the biggest in geographical area.

Landmarks, monument, and other places:

In the Institute of African studies building, there is a museum which shows a lot of astonishing pre-historic statues and bone carvings. The Ibadan city has a number of well-stocked libraries and is the home of Africa’s very first television station.

Dugbe Market is the centre of trading and transport networks of Ibadan city. The most preferable means of moving about the city is by using notable landmarks and reference points. Ibadan city also possesses a botanical garden situated at Agodi, and a zoological garden situated inside the University of Ibadan.

The Bower Memorial Tower, which is visible from almost any place in the city, also gives an outstanding view of the entire city from above. Another famous landmark is the Cocoa House, which is Africa’s first skyscraper. It is among a number of skyscrapers in Ibadan city and is at the core of the commercial centre of Ibadan.

Other site attractions are:
* Mapo Hall – a city hall in colonial style that is perched on a hill called Mapo Hill
*Mokola – a cultural centre
* Liberty Stadium – the very first stadium built in Africa.
* The Trans Wonderland amusement park

The University College Hospital, which is Nigeria’s first teaching hospital, and the University of Ibadan, which is the first stronghold of higher learning, were both constructed in this ancient however, highly significant city.

Port of Busan, South Korea
Photo by: giladr, Creative Commons

There are many places that you can explore in Asia. One those places should be a city in South Korea, Busan. This metropolitan city is the second largest city in the country after Seoul. This is where the largest port city in the country can be found, which is the fifth in the world. You may already have heard of this city, especially if you are a sports fan, because it hosted the Asian Games in 2002 and on the same year, it also became one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup.

The place has a humid subtropical climate it and it rarely experiences extremely high and low temperatures. This provides a shopping haven for enthusiasts because this houses the largest department store in the world, which is the Shinsegae Centrum City.

Here are some places that you can stop by and activities that you can engage into as you tour the city.

If you are fond of historical spots and exemplary architecture, you must definitely pay Taejongdae a visit. People love going at this park that contains white lighthouse that is overlooking the green sea. While there, you can eat fresh raw fish on the shore, after which you can take a boat to see various islands, including the popular Suicide Rock.

To enjoy a good panorama of the city in its entirety, you should visit the Yongdusan Park and go up the Busan Tower.

The city used to provide indoor skiing services at Mt. Hwangryung, but due to lack of demand, the management decided to close it. It is still unsure when the facilities will open again.

There are also three hot springs and seven beaches that tourists love to flock to in Busan, South Korea. If this is your kind of fun, you can try going at the Haeundae Beach. You just have to make sure that you avoid the period of late July till early August because the place tends to be overcrowded at such time. If you want to simply lie down and relax, make sure that you visit the Hur Shim Chung Spa.

With so many attractions that you can find in Busan, South Korea, you definitely have to save up and include this place on your future travel plans.

Wildebeest just chillaxing.
Photo by: Marc Veraart, Creative Commons

Mikumi National Park is Tanzania’s fourth largest national park and game reserve. It is about 3200 square kilometers, located near Morogoro, Tanzania. If you are interested with on-foot savannah-safari quests, the Mikumi National Park is highly recommended for you.

At the borders of the park are the Udzungwa and Uluguru mountains. The warm-tropical climate of the region causes a temperature range of 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The northern part of the park is a grass land. The savannah has acacia and rare palms too. The southern part has more inaccessible terrains and trees, but with more wild life.

The place is best to visit during the dry season. Usually, there are less species visible on wet months like April and May. During the warm and dry days, one can have the luxury of watching several game species. These include several types of giraffe, kudu, eland, gnu, zebras, wildebeests, lions, black antelopes and buffaloes. In the northern half, there are pools where you can see swimming hippos.

Mikumi is also an ideal spot for bird watching. The abundant water and food supply attracts some 400 bird varieties. Other species can only be found in the region too.

The flora and fauna of this national park is comparable to that of the Serengeti. Guided walks and game drives can be done throughout the entire year. Because of its location, it is also easy to visit the Ruaha and the Selous parks too.

After a day’s safari trip, there are comfortable huts and lodges like the Mikumi Wildlife Camp. It even has a swimming pool at the center of the park. There are several restaurants and bars too, which provide a nice scenic view of animals and butterflies.

The Sobat River
Photo by: wikimedia, Creative Commons

Located in the Upper Nile of Sudan, and just above the Sbet River, Malakal is the capital of Wilayah State and home to the ethnic groups Dinka Ngok, Nuer and Shilkuk. This former civil war garrison is now a famous destination among tourists who want to get away from a busy life and a maddening crowd. And Malakal is a top choice among the cities in Sudan because of its great transportation network. The Malakal Airport known as the MAK links to other cities non-stop and has 2 weekly flights that depart to short destinations. Local transportations in Malakal also make it very easy to get by daily.

Parks, towers and mosques are only a few of the architectural brilliances in Malakal. And Kampala hotel is only one of the great accommodations there. You will also enjoy the small cafeterias and eateries that provide some of the best Sudanese delicacies in Malakal such as the wal-wal, which is a boiled flour dumpling, and the foul, a seasoned ground nut dish.

For those who enjoy photography and other artistic inclinations, the culture of the Nuer tribe would stunningly make great subjects, or even for simple sight seeing for that matter. Whether it’s seeing the women gather drinking water from the fresh pool, the men roofing a barn of plastering a house, or even fishing and cattle crossing, the Nuer culture is indeed a natural wonder. You mustn’t also miss seeing the tribal markings of the ethnic groups in Malakal, including the red cobra and the Nuer Worship Center. Their place of worship is a small hut mostly made of straw and the Dura plant.

Bryggene i Trondheim (Jetty in Trondheim)
Photo by: eirikref, Creative Commons

The hallmarks of Norwegian culture can only be seen in one place, and that is in Trondheim, Norway. It is a very active city that is jam-packed by thousands of tourist every year. This is the third largest city in the country, and it serves as the guardian of the Norwegian culture.

There are a number of places that should not be missed out when on a trip to Trondheim, Norway. One of them is the Nidelva River, where one can sail and witness the golden sunset. Another amazing spot is the Saint Olav Days, an opera house that have fascinating designs on its walls. Moreover, if you are an art geek, the perfect place for you to visit is the Kunstforening, an art gallery that showcases Norway’s culture and rich heritage. If you are into European cathedrals, you can set foot at the Archbishop’s Palace and Museum located in the heart of the city.

For more adventure, you can do some hiking on the scenic mountain trails, boating on sheer body of waters, or go fishing. There are also beaches for some respite if you have too much of the city. The dining experience is also awesome, especially the sea foods and pastries. Moreover, there are souvenir shops, spas, saunas, and other establishments you can visit to experience the Norwegian comfort.

Trondheim, Norway is a large city, but once you are in this place, you will discover that what makes its huge in the hearts of people visiting this place is not its scale on the map, but the unique culture and undisputed tourists spots.

Orūzgān, Afghanistan
Photo by: wikipedia, Creative Commons

What would you do when you are in a province that is preoccupied by military operations, international attentions, and government issues? Well, for a place like Uruzgan, Afghanistan, there is more you can do. Take a visit in this place to discover enthralling sites and interesting stories of the central part of the Afghani nation.

When you tour this province, you need to see some of the places that will surely mesmerize you. One of them is the Chora District, where you can witness livestock and home made products. You can buy cheap souvenir items in this place, such as jewelries, Turkmen hats, and carpets.

Another place that you should not miss in your visit is the Deh Rawod, which is one of the highly urbanized districts in Uruzgan, Afghanistan. Although there are some military bases in the place, it still provides an interesting panoramic view of the Helmand River.

Gizad is another striking spot to stopover. You will see some of their finest artworks here, as well as learn from the stories of their amazing tribe.

Aside from these amazing sites, a tour at Uruzgan, Afghanistan means a lot of fun-filled and extreme activities to do. You can have a ride at the rough road, go boating at the river, or be an archaeologist for a day and try to unravel some facts about the place.

The dining experience is also exceptional. You will taste a lot of spicy food, but you will never regret your experience. Some of the delicious meat recipes you can taste in this province are lamb kabab, baulanee, chelo nachodo, samboosak, Afghani lamb with spinach, kofta nakhod, and qabili pilau. Mouth-watering desserts include the brides fingers, gosh feel, elephant ears, baklava, sheeer pyra fudge, sweet pumpkin, and firnee.

That’s all that this province can offer you in your visit. Everything is noteworthy, and the entire experience will be extra splendid.

Odense Fjord Sunset
Photo by: Bert K, Creative Commons

Odense is the third largest city in Denmark. It’s the main city of the island of Funen and is home to many of the world’s famous people: author and poet Hans Christian Andersen, inventor Thomas Thrige, tennis player Caroline Woznicaki, cartoonist Henrik Rehr, and her royal highness Birgitte, the duchess of Gloucester. Odense is also home to the biggest auction sales of vegetables, flowers and fruits. Located here is also Denmark’s largest shipyard, Odense steel shipyard.

Odense’ most famous landmark which comes second to the Eiffel tower in terms of height is the Odin Tower. Saint Canute’s Cathedral and The Odense palace are also sure to catch your eye. The shrine of St. Canute in the cathedral has attracted several pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages. You can find one of the largest shopping malls in the southeastern part of Odense. Practically, the city is perfect for those who want to go sight seeing and unwind in a laidback back area.

But mind you, Odense is also a haven for education. The main campus of the University of Southern Denmark is located here. It has a business school, a vocational school, a line of great gymnasiums and several other private schools.

Odense most visited tourist attractions are: The Funen Village, Danish Railway Museum, Odense Zoo and the house of the famous Hans Christian Andersen. Odense is also full of cultural establishments and attractions such as the Odense Music School, Odense Symphony Orchestra, and the Odense Central Library.

Odense can be reached from the capital Copenhagen in one hour and 15 minutes through the Great Belt Bridge. It’s the second biggest suspension bridge in the world.

Roskilde, Denmark
Photo by: smaedli, Creative Commons

Roskilde is another ancient city in Denmark located in the island of Zealand. It’s home to the very famous and historic Roskilde Festival. It’s a rock music festival that is held every year on fairgrounds near Roskilde. It’s now one of the biggest music festivals in Europe that encompasses not just rock music but also other genres such as hip-hop, rhythms and blues, dance and even metal. Proceeds of this festival always go to charities. Other events such as animal and agricultural exhibits are also held around the same area. On special days there are also flea markets lined up on the fairgrounds.

The most notable attraction of Roskilde is the Roskilde Cathedral, that’s because it was the only cathedral that erected in Zealand up until the 20th century. It’s on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roskilde became a bishopric in 1020, making it the church’s most significant town in the whole of Denmark. And with the establishment of the Viking Ship Museum in 1969, Roskilde is considered as the cultural and educational center in Denmark. The Viking Ship Museum displays well-preserved remains of the historic Viking ships, which were unearthed in about the same decade.

If you want to see something other than the typical tourist attractions you could visit the Accident Investigation Board Denmark as it is significantly situated in Roskilde. If you want to come to the city you will only have to take a train from Copenhagen as Roskilde is a major stop when going to the west of Denmark from the country’s capital. You will surely enjoy the four-platform railway stations in this small but very appealing city.

Tidjika Palms
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

At Tidjikja, Mauritania you will be very sure that your decision of visiting it is worth everything. Do put this in your travel destination list for this year and make Africa your chosen country for travel. You see, in this calming place, you would be able to witness vernacular architecture. It only means that the forms of infrastructure were built using resources that seem to be very abundant there. You’d be amazed how these local villagers made their houses and other buildings – it really is an amazing sight to see.

Tidjikja, Mauritania is within a tropical climate so the houses there are cool and inviting that is why you will also get to see the same kind of structures when you look for board and lodging during your stay. There are no hotels so you will have to use whatever resources that are available for you. This makes your trip more fun and exciting since you will be able to really go down to the basics and get in touch with the bare essentials.

Bring very light fabrics for your clothing since the weather would be a little challenging especially if you are accustomed to cold places. Although the clear and pristine waters of their beaches would surely attract you to swim and be lost in time, just make sure you do not drink the waters since you are not sure if it’s suitable for your digestive track. Hospitals are quite far so attentive with what you drink and eat.

Grand view of Old Town Bratislava across the Danube
Photo by: xlibber, Creative Commons

If you are bound to travel in Central Europe, you may want to drop by at one of its wonderful cities, the Bratislava, Slovakia. The city, which is Slovakia’s capital, can be found near other places of interests such as Austria, Hungary, Vienna and Budapest.

Once you have decided to give it a try, you might as well roam about at the following good spots in the city.

First off, you might want to check out the Bratislava Castle, which is located at a hill overlooking the Danube. Actually, this castle is one of the most popular landmarks in this town. It used to be Great Moravian fortress back in the 9th century. Come the 10th century, it became the King’s residence after it was rebuilt. Every century since then, the castle underwent rebuilding innovations, but it suffered greatly and almost become ruins after it caught fire in 1811. Reconstruction was started in 1954 and it only started become functional once more in 1968.

The Grassalkovich Palace is located at the Hodžovo Square. The structure has a Spanish hall at its center and behind this one-story building; you will be enamored with pretty French gardens.

While on the Hviezdoslav Square, you may want to see the National Theatre. This was built in 1886 and this now houses the National Opera and Ballet.

It is also a must to see the most significant Gothic building in the city, which is the St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Most of the sights and attractions at the Bratislava, Slovakia showcase good architecture and say a lot about the town’s history. You will have a good time looking around while learning about this place’s past.

Okavango Delta Sunset in Francistown
Photo by: jonrawlinson, Creative Commons

In any of your visit in Botswana, the city of Francistown must not be ignored from the list. This old city has a lot to offer you. It houses several great wildlife just like any other town in the country. Plus, there is one thing extraordinary that you can experience in Francistown that the other parts of Botswana cannot offer.

The fact that this city is Africa’s first-discovered gold rush, the city highlights abandoned and old mines that visitors like you can always take a peak. Indeed, a tour to Francistown will never be complete without a visit to some of these gold mines.

Moreover, if you cannot get enough of the wildlife, Francistown will not fail you. The city is housing the famous Okavango Delta, which is the largest inland deltas in the whole world. Here, you will be awaited by a great chance to see various wildlife such as hippos, waterbucks, crocodiles, and different fish species. You can also experience a tour in grasslands, flood plains, lagoons, and islands in this very place.

Another great place to see here is the Moremi Game Reserve. You can have a picnic here and get the chance to see a great variety of African animals. This includes elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, hyenas, and a lot more.

So now, take your Africa adventure to another level by visiting Francistown. For sure, you will have something extraordinary to remember your whole life. This is of course being face to face with mine sites, aside from the great adventures of the wildlife.

Chitral Valley
Photo by: Charlie Phillips, Creative Commons

In the northwest part of Pakistan lies a town overflowing with triumphant stories and architectural wonders. Chitral stands proud at the middle of the valley that is surrounded by the Hindukush mountain ranges.

One of the tourist’s spot that this place is proud of is the Chitral fort. It beams with its magnificent architectural design that leaves the tourists in awe. Another wonder spot is the Palace of Metar that houses the true stories of the past. History enthusiasts will find this place fascinating. The Jami Mosque that stands just in front of the Chitral fort serves as the center of religious practices of the locals. And for an awesome recreational sport of mountain polo, the Chitral Polo Ground is a perfect spot.

Anyone who would love to visit Chitral should never fail to visit the commercial center of the town that showcases tourist’s hotels and a street bazaar. Locales sell different items here, such as embroideries, hats, gems, potteries, and some of the tastiest street foods in the world. There are also restaurants that offer delicacies that combine the best of both the eastern and western world.

A simple stroll on the streets outside the commercial center is another simple way to learn more about the local culture. Anyone will admire women wearing embroidered gowns and jewelries. There are also some local folks performing the traditional dance, called Kalash.

Chitral is more than just a spot on the map. It is home for a great culture and marvelous wonders of the world.

Seaport of Oran
Photo by: Wikipedia, Creative Commons

If there’s a city that’s beautiful day and night because of the splendour of both natural and man made structures, it’s Oran Algeria. Oran is known as the place to escape it all. It’s ideal for a family vacation or for friends and romantics. Today it continues to be a place that remains undiscovered. If you’re looking for fine beaches rich in aquatic life and perfect for diving, or historical attractions and great restaurants that boast of fine crepes, and pizzerias, it’s all here in Oran, Algeria. Algeria’s second largest city is located 450km from the capital city Algiers.

Oran, Algeria is a center for business and ports, and it boasts of industries such as oil refineries and several multinational corporations located in Arzew, a very close town. If you take a vacation in Oran, you are likely to stay in a hotel that is an oasis of luxury because majority of their accommodations overlook the Mediterranean Sea, just like the Sheraton Oran Hotel and Towers.

The great historical attractions of Oran are lead by the Demaeght Museum, which contains exhibits of prehistoric archaeological facts and findings from Magrheb (West of Oran) and other ethnological displays. You will also enjoy Dar el-Bahia, the town hall, Le Theatre, their historical theatre, and the Cathedral de Sacre Coeur, the beautifully designed church opened by the French in 1913, which is now a public library ever since the Oran’s claimed independence. The lake of Petit Lac, Palais de la Culture, and the Great Synagogue of Oran will also take your breath away.

Whether you tour Oran in the day or at night, you are assured that it will be Panoramic.

The Airport
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Yamoussoukro, the largest Christian place of worship on earth, is the capital of Cote d’Ivoire (commonly known Ivory Coast). With barely 300,000 in population, Yamoussoukro is often visited by tourists because of the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Notre Dame de la Paix), consecrated by Pope John Paul II on September 10, 1990.

Yamoussoukro was not the country’s first capital. It barely had 20,000 people residing in the small town up until the 1970’s. As it was home to Cote d’Ivoire’s long-term president Felix Houphouet-Boigny, and started performing important state functions, it became the official capital in 1983 instead of Abidjan city. Pres. Houphouet-Boigny helped a lot in the city’ rapid growth. That included the building of hotels and huge highways connecting it to the former capital of Cote d’Ivoire, where majority of the banks, government offices and foreign embassies remain.

Fishing and forestry form a huge part in Yamoussoukro’s economy. And it is also abundant of perfume industries.

Other than the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, which is very overpowering and is of fine architecture, people often talk about the Hotel President. It’s a hotel in Yamoussoukro that’s a lot older than the fined hotels in Abidjan but it’s fantastic as it has its own movie theatre. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves some of the best native food in all of Yamoussoukro. Of course, a tour in the city would not be complete without a visit to the presidential palace built during the Houphouet-Boigny rule. It’s a truly magnificent infrastructure and is surrounded by crocodiles which you can feed with chickens.

Other great sights include the Town Hall, the Protestant Temple, the Mosque and the very noteworthy Kossou Dam.

Phan Thiet
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Phan Tiet is a popular fishing port in the southern part of Central Vietnam. It is also considered the largest town in Binh Thuan province. Fish products are their major product line and they are also famous in their large production of fish sauce. Various fish varieties are available around their port so you can expect to have a superb seafood trip in the restaurants around the town.

Aside from being a primary fishing port, the town is also home to wonderful beaches. The most famous above all the beaches in the town is the Cape Mui Ne. It has a twenty one kilometer shoreline of fine white sand, attracting a lot of tourists who love to spend time in the beach. It also offers breathtaking scenery especially during sunset, as the beach reflects the colors of the sun. Other than Mui Ne, there are other beaches in the town like Bai Rang which has a beautiful shoreline accentuated with lots of coconut trees. Moreover, it is also worthy to visit the Mui Ne Sand Dunes which is a beautiful product of nature. It is a desert like place where the wind shapes up the golden brown sand in order to form up a beautiful landscape.

Phan Tiet generally has a warm climate. Upon planning a visit, it is advisable to visit the abovementioned places in order to get the best of Phan Tiet. After a trip to the beach, end up the day with a Vietnamese seafood cuisine; you can choose to dine in the numerous restaurants around the town. You can also purchase souvenir items and most are made up of sea products. It is also fascinating to roam around the town; colonial houses still stood along Phan Tiet’s old streets. So whenever you have gone in Vietnam, don’t forget to visit Phan Tiet!

Changwon from the top
Photo by: eimoberg, Creative Commons

You must take this opportunity to try and discover new places and sights where you have never been to. If you are up for a challenge, you can consider Changwon, South Korea as part of your travel itinerary.

Changwon is the capital of the South Gyeongsang Province. The city wants to represent that even with high-tech facilities and technologies, natural environment can still be kept unharmed and intact. There are many major factories that can be found such as the Doosan Infracore, Doosan Engine, GM-Daewoo, LG Electronics, Samsung Techwin and a lot more.

Both the locals and tourists will love the city for its many good shopping sites. This houses five big department stores such as Home Plus, Daedong, Newcoa Outlet, Lotte and Emart. Make sure that you bring enough pocket money with you because you surely can’t resist buying a thing or two as you stroll through these stores.

Aside from shopping, the city has lots of gardens and parks that you will be able to visit as you roam throughout the place. Some of the popular spots include the Yongji Park. This has a small lake that contains jet-like fountain and provides entertainment through laser light show at nighttime. You can also look at the Junam Reservoir, which is the largest bird migration site in the country. This hosts birdwatching festival every year. You can time your visit during the peak winter season when the place gets about 30,000 up to 40,000 birds everyday.

Here are some of the activities that you can plan during your visit in the city.

If you are up with the task, you should give hiking a try at the numerous mountains that surround the area. You will have a clearer view of the overall appearance of Changwon in an elevated spot. You can also let the athletic side in you enjoy during your stay by trying to watch and even participate in betting on races of bicycles, watch soccer or basketball and play badminton because it has lots of public courts.

Nusa Dua Beach
Photo by: sektordua, Creative Commons

Great deals in beach resorts and water sports are possible upon touring around Nusa Dua, Indonesia. There are many hotels and beach resorts in the area as well as golf courses and restaurants. In reaching Nusa Dua, shuttles and taxis are available for your land transportation. It is forty kilometers away from the capital of Bali and thirty minutes away from the International Airport. These are some of the popular destinations worth visiting:

Serangan Island
It is also known as the Turtle Island since it is considered a conservation area for turtles. Locals here value turtles so much as they allow and assist them in laying and hatching their eggs. Boat trips are also available in this island on a clear glass-bottom boat so visitors can observe the underwater marine.

Pantai Geger
It is Nusa Dua’s public beach. Visitors oftentimes enjoy its white sand and clear blue water. Public huts are also built along the shore line and you can ultimately enjoy sun bathing at Nusa Dua’s temperate weather. Golf courses and hotels are not too far from the beach.

Nusa Dua Golf Club
If you love golf, you can enjoy a round in Nusa Dua Golf Club. It is one of the best golf courses in Indonesia. The green fairways and trees along the shore are very relaxing to see especially during while playing a round.

Nusa Dua Beach Grill
This restaurant is located along the white sand shore line, so you can be inspired to eat seafood cooked the Indonesian way.

Bumbu Bali
Bumbu Bali is a five star restaurant, offering authentic Balinese cuisine. Balinese foods are offered here in a way that is commonly served at a typical Balinese home, so most visitors enjoy eating here.

Upon touring Nusa Dua, there are great accomodations to choose from. Wandering around the place will give you relaxing serene moments to let you enjoy your vacation here!

Bantry House in Cork
Photo by: Jim Linwood, Creative Commons

True to Irish fashion, this suburban city also has a rich story to tell. Cork rightfully acquired its name – The City of Rebels when most of the inhabitants supported the notorious English Pretender, Perkin Warbeck during the War of Roses. Since then it stuck on to the point that constituents ended up branding themselves as Rebels up to this date.

However, despite the notoriety their nickname gives them, you have to know that nothing is to be feared in Cork. In fact, it is one of the places that you must absolutely experience the next time you go to Ireland. Why you ask?

Here are a few of the reasons why:
1. Cork like the rest of Ireland enjoys a pleasantly cool climate especially during summers.

2. Next to Galway, the city is the next haven for young and budding artists. Here you will not only find several universities teaching the students how to dance, sing and act but you will also find venues for their art. Some of which include:
– The Triskel Arts Centre
– Cork Jazz Festival and
– Everyman Palace Theatre

3. The Red Abbey – an Augustinian abbey built of red sandstones. Unfortunately, the bell tower of this abbey is the only thing that is left of the structure and the entirety of the buildings that are built during the medieval times.

4. You also get to see the County Hall – administrative headquarters of the city. This used to be the tallest building in Ireland before it was replaced by the Elysian which also happens to be situated in Cork.

5. Just across the County Hall, you will also find the longest building in Ireland – a housing complex named Atkins hall. Before, the structure was known to be Our Lady’s Psychiatric Hospital when it was first built.

6. For the train enthusiasts, Cork is a must – see because of the West Cork Model Railway Village. This is where you will see miniature handmade models of trains and old towns thriving near the railways.

7. Finally, if you want to find out how the old “Rebels” defended their bay, you can also visit the Charles Fort – a star shaped fort constructed towards the late 17th century.