Streets of Lagos
Photo by: airpanther, Creative Commons

Lagos is a large city that started off on islands divided by creeks. Lagos is popular for its nightlife and music which was formerly located around Surulere and Yaba. However in recent time, more nightclubs have been put up in Lagos, making the island the principal nightlife centre, particularly the Victoria Island.

The Islands of Lagos:

* Lagos Island
The Lagos Island holds the Lagos central business district, the National Museum, the Oba palace, Christ’s Cathedral. Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Central mosque, and a lot of the city’s biggest wholesale bazaars like the Balogun Market. Although formerly in a dilapidated state, the Tinubu Dquare on Lagos Island is an attraction of historical value.

* Ikoyi Island
The Ikoyi Island held the head office of Nigeria’s federal government and more buildings possessed by the government, such as the federal secretariat complex that is now neglected.

Ikoyi also contains a number of nightclubs, hotels, one of Africa’s biggest golf courses, and a leisure park.

Initially a middle rank neighbourhood, Ikoyi has developed into a fashionable housing commune for the upper middle rank to the upper rank.

* Victoria Island
The Victoria Island and the Lekki Island are both located to the south of the island of Lagos. They hold several of Africa’s most luxurious real estate properties, and as a result, a lot of new luxury apartments and condos are appearing everywhere. Together with Ikoyi Island, Victoria occupies a large area in the community if Lagos that holds a number of trendy beaches and shopping districts.

Pointe Noire – At the Beach
Photo by: endless, Creative Commons

This name is not to be confused with the wine Pinot Noir. Pointe Noire is one of the very simple and peaceful cities in the Republic of Congo. Also located in the north-eastern part of the country, Pointe Noire is barely high in populace and is more of a rural area. People are reliant on agricultural means for their economic sustenance.

Surprising as it may be, Pointe Noire boasts of some of the best beaches you could ever imagine. Marine life is also another source of livelihood for the Africans in this city.

Although rural in nature, Pointe Noire also has a few admirable establishments. One of these is the CFCO or the terminus of the Chemin de fer Congo-Ocean, the city’s finest building situated close to the port. This railway was built to connect to the capital city Brazzaville, to avoid rapids along the Congo River.

Currently Pointe Noire is developing well. Tourists are guaranteed to be well accommodated here as it has heavenly hotels such as the Hotel de Ville, a place to stay that’s close to the waterfalls. And because Pointe Noire is also rich in different kinds of animal species both on land and in water, diving and African safari would definitely top a tourist’s itinerary.

As for the food, this city also has it. African cuisine and fine seafood will await tourists in almost every restaurant. And people wouldn’t mind bringing home some of Pointe Noire’s delicacies as it is the center of production for cacao, vanilla and coffee.

Lubumbashi Cathedral
Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Lubumbashi, the city of mines, is considered as one of the most important tourist destinations in all of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was formerly known as Elisabethville as it was actually established by the Belgians. Lubumbashi is located just by the boarder of Zambian and very near the Kafue River. The people here rely on copper mining more as a livelihood than tourism.

The city is also known for the University of Lubumbashi, which gets visited by students from all around the world every year. As the hub of commerce in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lubumbashi’s Luano International Airport is also very popular as it is considered as the main airport in the region. The city’s great tourist features also include the zoo, the brewery, and the National Museum of Lubumbashi, which displays archaeological and ethnological exhibits. Lubumbashi also boasts of a healthful botanical garden filled with various plant species, some of which can only be found in Congo.

Lubumbashi is also an important national industrial center. The city manufactures textiles, food and beverage products. Other manufactures include bricks, printing and copper smelting. It is currently the distribution center of copper, cobalt, zinc, tin and coal.

Tourists love and will continue to love Lubumbashi because of its urban and natural attractions. It offers great accommodations and even hotels which are close to golf centers. The former theatre of Lubumbashi is now a guest house and a nice restaurant too. Party goers will definitely love Lubumbashi’s night life as it has very lively bars and clubs.

Surabaya mist
Photo by: A. www.viajar24h.com, Creative Commons

Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia. The city is as busy as Jakarta, since it is a major commercial center for ingoing and outgoing ships at its port. Oftentimes, a lot of tourists visit Surabaya because it is located between Jakarta and Bali; when tourists go for either Bali or Jakarta, passing through this city is a part of their route and a great opportunity to explore. You can find a lot of deals in Surabaya.

Upon visiting Surabaya, you’ll be impressed of its mix of cultural themes in the city’s overall structure. It is home for Chinese, Arabians and European cultures; that’s why there are many structures in the city that are influenced by the mixed inspirations from different nations. A great example of this mix influences is the Cheng Hoo Mosque. It is a holy place for a lot of Muslims, but the outside structure of the mosque is in Chinese style of architecture. Furthermore, Surabaya also has amusement themes and parks that are worth visiting of. This includes Surabaya Plaza, Bonbin Surabaya, Surabaya Town Square and Surabaya Zoo.

A lot of visitors also enjoy the night life at Surabaya. There are bars, karaoke and pubs in abundance. In terms of food, Surabaya is home to native cuisines which are available in numerous restaurants in the city. On the other hand, historical landmarks are also great destinations that include the Permuda Hall, International buildings and discotheques.

When you arive at Surabaya, take time to roam around the city. Be delighted with the mixed architectural styles of many old infrastructures in it. Shopping is also a common task for many tourists as there are a lot of textile shops in the city which are common must-buy items for tourists. Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Surabaya as you can be amazed of the church’s superb European style of architecture. Masses are usually held in it especially every Sundays. So whenever you are on your way to either Jakarta or Bali, enjoy having an unexpected trip at Surabaya!

Ballooning at night at Eindhoven
Photo by: Jos Dielis, Creative Commons

Being the largest city in southern Netherlands, the town of Eindhoven has a lot to offer visitors who want to get a taste of the good life. Since it is home to a number of multinational corporations such as Philips, this city is considered to be a cradle of innovation when it comes to industrial design. If you’re interested to know more on Dutch design, you can visit the design academy or even attend the annual Dutch design week that happens in October. But aside from modern aesthetics that the city can be proud of, Eindhoven is also a haven for sports fans and modern art buffs.

If you want to scope the art scene in the area, then you should definitely make your way to the Van Abbesmuseum. Here you will be able to catch a glimpse of extraordinary artwork from none other then the Dutch greats such as Picasso, Chagall and Mondrian. For an exhibit that is uniquely Eindhoven, why not visit the ‘Kunstlicht in de kunst’ or the Artificial Light in Art Centre housed in the first Philips light factory. Here you can find paintings and sculptures that have the same central theme, how to use artificial light. Or if shopping is more along your alley, then head on to the center of the city where you will find all the best shopping galleries that the south of Netherlands can provide for you.

For the sports enthusiasts out there, one of the best experiences that you can have in this city is to watch a football game, if you happen to chance upon any during your stay, in the very modern Philips stadium. Even if there aren’t any games, you can still go on a guided tour by going through the restaurant that is located on the southeastern wing of the stadium.

When it comes to the nightlife, you can have your fill of the best bars and pubs located in the metro. In Stratumseind, you’ll find the highest concentration of bars in the whole of the Netherlands, as there are more than 40 bars and restaurants that you can choose from in this small area.

So if ever you find yourself traveling in the north Brabant district of south Netherlands, you shouldn’t dare pass up the chance of visiting Eindhoven.

Train Station at Addis Ababa
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Addis Ababa, which means “new flower”, is aptly named because it is of relatively recent origin. The city was founded by Menelik 11 in 1887 and now towers Ethiopia as it capital and most industrialized city. Its population of over 2 million has served the city that now makes it an important administrative center of the country and to the whole of Africa.

Going around Addis Ababa is a whole new adventure because streets rarely have names. You will use landmarks as reference points to help you n navigate around the city. A large public transportation system covers the town that can help you in case you’ll ever get lost. So if you’re in for an adventure, Addis Ababa may be just the place you’re looking for.

One of the several grandiose landmarks in Addis Ababa is the Menelik Mausoleum, built in 1941 to serve as tombs for royalties. The Africa Hall, also found in the city, has profound importance to the whole continent for it houses the UN Economic Commission for Africa headquarters. Just west of Africa Hall is The Filwoha Springs had an irresistible beauty that persuaded Queen Taytu to establish a new capital at Addis Abba. St. Georges Cathedral, located north of Churchill Road, was built in 1896 in an octagonal shape that commemorates a very important part of the country’s history: its victory at the Battle of Adwa over the Italians. The Mercato is another interesting place. It is the largest market in Africa and offers an assortment of food, produce, jewellery, and even computers.

The adventurous will always find the right place in Addis Ababa. It is certainly a unique destination for those inured to the usual vacation itineraries.

Kisumu Cattle drive in Kenya
Photo by: greg westfall., Creative Commons

Kisumu is a port city in Kenya’s western border. The third largest city of Kenya, it generates tourist traffic with nearby wildlife and the Lake Victoria. It shares the warm-tropical-equatorial climate in Kenya. Temperatures play at 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.

The Kisumu Airport services daily flights to Nairobi and other cities. The ferries of Lake Victoria links Tanzania and Uganda.

One of the city’s main attractions is the Kisumu Museum. It was opened in 1980 and houses live animals for display. It has several outdoor pavilions that contain aquariums and cages. The aquariums contain fish varieties from Lake Victoria. They also have terrariums for snake pits, and crocodile containers too. The most important and most visited pavilion of the museum is the Luo section. The Luo are the first people of Western Kenya.

One interesting site is the Kit Mikayi, which is a gigantic pile of rocks. It serves as an object for legends and religious pilgrimages.

For those interested in the wilds, they may visit the city’s Impala sanctuary. The half-a-square mile sanctuary is a wildlife preserve area. It houses a herd of impala. Injured leopards and baboons are caged and being taken care of here too. Many bird and reptile species are allowed to wander in the sanctuary. Southwest of the area is the “Hippo Point.” This 600 acre land is more visited because of the scenery, rather than the hippos. Here, you can feel oneness with nature. People get to have an unobstructed, panoramic view of the sun setting in Victoria.

The place to stay is not a problem. There are first-class hotels at the center of the city like the Kiboko Bay Resort, Imperial Hotel and the Hotel Marina Kisumu. There, everyone can relax and have a taste of delicious Kenyan foods, and foreign cuisines.

Incehon Skyline from a park
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South Korea’s largest airport can be found in Incheon. The progress of this city continues after it was transformed into a global business hub in the 21st century. The history of the city was recorded dating back to 475 AD, during the reign of Michuhol, Goguryeo’s King of Jangsu. Through time, this has adopted various names along with the changes of the kingdoms and dynasties. The place gets an average climate, which can be described as humid continental, as compared to the other places in Korea.

In the summer, you will be amazed with the abundance of roses in the city. The rose is the official city flower and in summer, you can see these flowers practically all over. If you are pondering to give Incehon a visit, here are some of suggestions.

Chinatown. This can be found at the end of the main subway line en route to Seoul. There are various restaurants here that offer Korean foods and Korean version of Chinese foods. The place used to be home of Chinese merchants until they abandoned the area in the 60s and 70s after they were persecuted by President Park Chung-hee.

Songdo. You can visit this area that can be found near the Incheon Airport to enjoy natural sushi food. This is also a very ideal place to relax and be one with nature with its serene sea and elegant wonderland.

Jayu Park. You can stop by this after you have visited the nearby Chinatown. Aside from strolling around, this is a nice place to take your photos to be brought as souvenirs when you come back home. This is famous for the statue of General MacArthur and a memorial to US and South Korea’s centennial anniversary unions.

SongDo Yuwonji. This is considered as small wonderland where you can test your endurance and love for adrenaline rush. You can try bungee jumping or you can simply enjoy the beauty of the location.

Songdo Resort. Both adults and children will love the treats that this place offer, such as a large Ferris wheel, water slide and swimming lake.

Lucerne Panorama
Photo by: johntrainor, Creative Commons

Undeniably one of Europe’s most charismatic cities, Lucerne has stunning lakeside and scenic views of the mountain at its doorstep. Lake Lucerne has always been a remarkable site at the northwestern part of the city and at its center, you can explore shops, hotels and houses that are distinctly medieval in style. Reuss River in the old town, and the famous Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge that was built in the 14th century, are two of its main attractions.

The Verkehrshaus or Swiss Transport Museum, which is Europe’s finest and largest Transport Museum, is also visited for its comprehensive design along with an IMAX Theater. Trains, planes, and automobiles from different eras are found at this transport museum.

Mountain ranges are also accessible from Lucerne. Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi, Engelberg and Mt. Titlis can be reached via cable cars, steamboats or trains. Going to these mountains for their panoramic views are really adventures you definitely don’t want to miss. As such, visitors will find this city a perfect place for their sports. Hiking, biking, swimming, summer sports and winter sports are the many options they can choose from.

For the art lovers, they can experience Swiss folklore at the Stadtkeller restaurant, a place where traditional Swiss customs are practiced. You’ll also appreciate the architecture in Lucerne that displays work of the late Renaissance period. The famous Lion Monument is also a must-see for all the visitors of the city, one that has a history dating back to the French Revolution. What the Lion Monument commemorates is for you to find out.

Any tourist planning to visit Lucerne must take note of important events that occur in the city throughout the year. Lucerne Carnival is a yearly tradition that begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. In July, they have their Blue Balls Festival that brings jazz music in the air, and another music festival that takes place in November is Lucerne Blues Festival.

The weather in Lucerne is similar to any Swiss city, but do remember that they have the hottest temperatures during July and August. Nevertheless, there are plenty of days for tourists to enjoy Lucerne’s highlights.

Viborg – A Castle amidst the town
Photo by: Stig Nygaard, Creative Commons

Viborg is another one of the oldest towns in Denmark that situates in the heart of the country. In central Jutland, it stands attractively between two lakes and is surrounded by vast forests and a massive heartland. For those who want to get out of the actual city life that is too urbane and fast, Viborg is perfect for it has many fishing and golf opportunities as well as wondrous sites for walking and other forms of excursions. Viborg was originally called Wibjerg, meaning “sacred hill.”

Just like other cities in Denmark, Viborg is also home to many historic churches and significant artwork. Two of the top tourist destinations are the Asmild church and the church of the Southern Parish. Hald Hovedgard is the most popular historical museum of the city. The Hvolris on the other hand is also an archaeological site that displays pre-historic exhibits. Another historical museum is the Regional museum.

Other than pre-historic exhibits, it has statues, sculptures and a fountain. And surprisingly it has a market and shopping area too. If you want a new experience Monsted is the place to go. It exudes industrial attractions, a factory museum, mining and geological attractions, as well as tunnels and scenic small town villages.

Viborg is a growing tourist destination and what makes a Viborg tour special is the possible absence of a tourist bus. That’s right; a walking tour is highly encouraged as almost every area within the city is something to take note of. A do-it-yourself tour is the best way to enjoy Viborg.

Makati at night, still busy with bright lights.
Photo by: Squeezyboy, Creative Commons

If there is a place in the Philippines that almost never sleeps, it is Makati, Philippines. Makati City is the business district of the country. The many different local and international corporations operate in this center. Makati city is not actually a place that most tourists would go to, but there are still a lot that you can appreciate about the city.

Makati is the place for foreign visitors that do want to experience the amenities of Western countries while enjoying their stay in the Philippines. The Makati area is just thirty minutes away from Manila’s international airport. All that you need to do is ride a cab from the airport to get to Makati. The city entails higher and better standards of cleanliness, service and order compared to most of Metro Manila.

Makati is home to the most famous hotels – Renaissance, Shangri la and the Manila Peninsula. These can give you the world-class accommodation that you are looking for. There are also a lot of establishments that can be found in Makati. Glorietta and Greenbelt are two of the most famous shopping hubs. The two shopping malls are enclosed by soaring office buildings, fancy and sophisticated hotels, and condominiums. The ambiance in Makati is very posh, formal, but leisurely fun still.

Clean streets are much more noticeable in Makati because the streets are rarely hassled by people. The nightlife in the city is tamer because of the business-like ambiance and attitude. Nevertheless, Greenbelt is still a great attraction during the night as there are tens of restaurants that enclose a green garden. The restaurants vary from local establishments to international cuisines. You may opt to hop to Glorietta if you want to experience the same leisure for cheaper prices.

A big number of foreign embassies operating in the Philippines can be found in Makati. Even the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is located in the area; it is just a couple of blocks away from the Ayala Center. Travelers who are interested in the stock market of the Philippines can pay visit to the office.

Makati, Philippines is the most progressive cities in the country. If you want to discover how many businesses run their operations in the country, pay a visit to Makati.

City of Hsinchu, Taiwan
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With a history that’s over 400 years old, Hsinchu, Taiwan is known as the oldest city that is situated in northern Taiwan. With great abundance of hotels and a pleasant cozy ambiance, this place offers the best place to explore the captivating mountain areas of Hsinchu County. Hsinchu is also often referred to as the Windy City of Taiwan. This is because of the constant gusts of wind that blows in and out of the city coming from Taiwan Strait. The wind not only keeps the city free from pollution, it also helps provide the city a nice cold breeze especially during the winter.

Of course, Hsinchu, Taiwan also offers many unique destinations. Popular places to visit here are parks and historical sites. Here are some places to visit in Hsinchu County.

• Eighteen Peaks Mountain
Eighteen peaks mountain is a mountain the circles the southern and eastern suburbs of Hsinchu. A perfect hiking activity to get tourists and visitors busy all day, this mountain peak also offers incredible panoramic views of Hsinchu city. To get here, it will take a drive from Guang Fu Road to Baoshan Road, this will lead to the mountains.

• Hsinchu Botanical Garden
Located near the Baoshan Road, this botanical garden also offers perfect hiking trails. This place also provides an opportunity to see 300 varieties of indigenous plants that can only be seen in Taiwan.

• City God Temple
Built in 1748, the City God Temple is a Taoist temple where hundreds of frescoes can be seen. It is in Zhongshan Road and Dongmen Street. This historical site is considered as the city’s landmark because of its distinctive arched entrance structure.

• Hsinchu Railway Station
Built in 1931 sharing a style similar to classic Baroques that was very popular during the 20th century, the Hsinchu Railway station provides one of the best backdrops for photograph souvenirs of the city.

Other popular places that can be found within the Hsinchu, Taiwan are:

The Craft Glass Museum in Dongda Road located just behind the railway station.
The Municipal Image Museum, situated in Zhongzheng Road.
The East Gate, Hsinchu Zoo, and Space warehouse.

Tromso Winter Night
Photo by: Meygun, Creative Commons

Besides the natural beauty of the place, Tromso, is well known for its magnificent trails of architectural masterpieces and well-preserved historical landmarks. That is why this city is often a top choice of tourist visiting Norway.

Here are some tourist spots you should visit when you are in Torso:

GLASS PROFILDESIGN AS

This is a glass factory that specializes in manufacturing unique and colorful glassware and jewelries. There is also small shop where you can purchase a finished product and a coffee shop where you can chill out.

LAVHAUGEN LOCAL MUSEUM

Unlike other museum, this one features more on the life of Norwegian fishermen. You will discover some secrets in their culture and appreciate their contribution in this country.

TROMSO FRILUFTSENTER

A perfect spot at night! Here you will witness the colorful presentation of the northern lights. You can also enjoy a scrumptious dinner while enjoying the show.

TROMSO REINDEER SLEIGH RIDE

Experience Christmas all year long in Tromso, , by taking pleasure in a one-of-a-kind sleigh ride during a cold night. This is a perfect experience for honeymooners.

HISTORIC CENTER

If you want to have a glimpse of what happened in the history of the city, you can rediscover them all in this place.

There are more majestic wonders you need to discover in this city. Some of them have a high historical value, while others are products of modern-day creativity. To top the excitement, you will be amaze with the rich culture and welcoming locals who will accommodate you well in your stay in this city.

Leiden – “Some Enchanted Evening”
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Leiden in the Netherlands is famed for being an old university town and the birthplace of one of the most influential Dutch masters, Rembrandt. This town is located in South Holland and a must visit for tourists from all around as it has a friendlier demeanor compared to its neighbors. It’s a vibrant city that is full of excitement and adventure, especially to the young backpacking crowd looking for a place where they can express their creative side and be exposed to higher learning. But just because Leiden has the reputation of being the breeding grounds for some of the greatest minds in Dutch history, that doesn’t mean that you’ll have a boring visit. There is just so much to discover that a day is not enough to scratch the surface of what the true Leiden experience is all about.

The best way that you can explore the city of Leiden is by embarking on a long walking tour along the old city center. Be fascinated and spend hours reading poems from all over the world on the Muurgedichten. This poem wall, a project that began in 1992, boasts of having 80 poems, 25 of which you will be able to see yourself if you go on the guided tour. It’s about 2 hours long so make sure that you bring along everything you need like water and a light snack in order to endure the long walk. You can also explore the courtyards of some of the houses in the city for a minimal fee with a tour guide.

There are a number of small annual music and films festivals that are held in Leiden Netherlands each year so if you’re lucky to find one happening around the time of your visit, you should make it a point to see what the hustle and bustle is all about. events that you should take note of include the Leidsch Filmfestival, the Leidsche bluesweek and the Leidsche lakenfeesten. To know if your visit is just in time with any ongoing festivals, you can check out the Zomer in Leiden.

What are you waiting for? Come to Leiden and experience it first hand.

Kinshasa view from 15th floor
Photo by: Irene2005, Creative Commons

Kinshasa is the capital and the largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo from which the famous Congo River can be seen. Although rural in nature, Kinshasa has an urban area that occupies a small part of the far western end part of the province. Together with town of Brazzaville, the inhabitants total to about 12 million.

Kinshasa is also the largest city in the sub-Saharan Africa and the third largest in the whole African continent after Cairo and Lagos. The reason why the name of the city may not ring a bell so much is because it was known as Zaire from 1971 to 1997. It was also formerly Leopoldville in French and Leopoldstad to the Dutch.

Kinshasa is divided into four districts and is home to several higher-level education institutes which specialize mostly on civil engineering, nursing and journalism. The University of Kinshasa, Congo Protestant University and Allhadeff School are only a few of these.

The city’s notable features include SOZACOM Building and the Hotel Memling. Other great tourist attractions include the central market, the Kinshasa Museum and the Kinshasa Fine Arts Academy. The country’s national stadium, Stade des Matyrs is also situated in Kinshasa. But the place that people often go to is the Boulevard du 30 Juin. It’s a place that links the city’s main areas and this is where the La Gombe district is located. La Gombe is the heart of the city.

There are lots of restaurants that accommodate foreign taste. Supermarkets and internet cafes surround the place, so getting around is never a problem.

Da Nang Fishing Boats
Photo by: Jeremy Couture, Creative Commons

Da Nang City is the fourth largest city in Vietnam. This is home to various beaches, pagodas and other beautiful landmarks. The city is one of the most visited cities in Vietnam as it has harbors with a busy port which is the primary one in Central Vietnam. Upon touring the place, French style structures can be observed which adds a different sense of beauty for the city. Here are a few must-visit landmarks in Da Nang:
• My Khe Beach
This beach is packed with hotels, restaurants and many shops. A lot of activities can be done here like surfing, scuba diving, kite boarding and many more. Tourists oftentimes visit this beach because of many water activities that can be done here.

• Marble Mountains
This is the main tourist attractor in Da Nang. It is composed of five marble mountains namely Thuy Son, Moc Son, Kim Son, Tho Son and Hoa Son. There are also souvenir shops around selling marble crafted items.

• Nam O Beach
This is another beach in Da Nang and many water sports activities can also be done here. The most common one is boat rides where you can appreciate the beauty of its waters upon riding in a boat along with other tourists.

• Hai Van Pass
This is a spectacular pass in Vietnam and the highest one in the country as well. The literal meaning of this pass is a pass over the ocean cloud as it is very high. When you have reached the peak of the pass, you can be dazzled with the magnificent view of Da Nang City, Son Tra Peninsula and the Tien Sa Port.
Whenever you have plans in visiting Da Nang, reaching it is simple. It has an International Airport in the center of the city and taxis or shuttles commonly offer tour around service. Aside from the mentioned destinations, there are many other famous places in Da Nang that is worthy of your visit!

Bordj Bou Arréridj
Photo by: Joe Gatling, Creative Commons

Most people take vacations to get away from their busy life. The city, the urban lifestyle, and the noise are a bit of what tourists try to run away from. Then Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria is where you could make that sweet escape. Just148 miles far from the capital city Algiers, Bordj Bou Arreridj is situated near Hondar Massif in the southern Kabylia Mountains, at an elevation of 916 meters from sea level. A trip to this city would be like a hike to a natural yet wondrous mountain resort.

The ruins of the first capital, Hammadid emirs, portray a historical fortified Islamic city. It was built in 1007 and demolished in 1152. And Bordj Bou Arreridj’s mosque, with a prayer room of 13 aisles and eight bays, is historically one of the largest in all of Algeria.

Although the city is hardly urbane, it is not too laid back that you would worry about getting there or how well you will be accommodated. There are rails and main roads coming from the capital and other fellow cities. And accommodations are very cheap yet very liveable as well. Bordj Bou Arreridj boasts of fine architecture starting with The Mosque. Although the building is of Islamic influence, the structure pretty much looks like a Cathedral too; this reminds tourists of the European influence on Algeria in the past. And like any other city Algeria, Bordj Bou Arreridj is also very scenic at night. Its commercial center is covered in thick reflective glass as in that of modern skyscrapers. If you want to enjoy Bordj Bou Arreridj, it would be best to tour its downtown on foot. And for a great nature trip, the Boumargad forest is highly recommended.

One of the Beaches on Kuta
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Enjoying a beach outing doesn’t need to be costly. In Kuta, Indonesia you can enjoy the white sand and the beach as in Bali for less. The town is a few minutes away from the airport so you can reach get to your destination in just a short time. A lot of visitors also go for Kuta as it has a quieter and more peaceful ambiance than any other beach in Indonesia. This is perfect for visitors who want to spend serene moments with their love ones. The nature’s beauty around the town is also magnificent and you can absolutely rest away from city life.

Kuta was originally a fishing village for its locals. But because of the beach, a lot of tourists have frequented the town. The beach here is famous for its big waves which are favorable for surfers, so surfing is a major event in the town. You can also enjoy walking in the fine white sand in the coast of the beach and the bright blue color of the reflection of its bay. The water is also shallow in the coast so visitors oftentimes enjoy walking in the half-ankle level to knee-deep length of the clear blue water. Other than the beach, many tourists also visit the Sangeh Monkey Forest, the home of many native-born monkeys. The nature can be highly appreciated there as it is well preserved by the locals.

Upon planning your trip to Kuta, you can choose to stay in various hotels around the town. This includes the Hard Rock Hotel, the Bounty Hotel, Inna Kuta Beach and many more. These hotels have been famous for different unique cuisines that can only be tasted in Kuta. You can also find good deals in food choices as there are many specialty restaurants there like La Lucciola, Aroma’s Café, Kori Restaurant and Bar, Ku De Ta, Kafe Warisan and a lot more. Each of these restaurants offers their own Indonesian cuisine to be proud of. Be sure to taste all the native cuisines in these restaurants in order to complete your trip to Kuta!

Basel across the Rhine
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Situated near the Rhine River along the borders of France and Germany, Basel has the most number of museums in the country of Switzerland. These museums prove to show that since the renaissance period, the provincial town has kept a tradition of scholarship and art.

Basel is divided into Gross Basel (Greater Basel) and Kleinbasel (Basel Proper) due to historic reasons, but this division is not really apparent as you get to the area.

Augusta Raurica in Augst is the country’s largest site of Roman remains and one of the most important highlights of the town. Nearly 1800 years ago, this place was home to about 20,000 people before it was destroyed by Alemannic raiders.

Munster Cathedral, the Historical Museum, Water Tower and the Spalentor are among the most visited landmarks in Basel. The surrounding area in City Hall is where most local people eat out. Their traditional Swiss cuisine like Rösti that’s made from potato is a must-try for visitors. Beside the Hall is the city’s main square called Münsterplatz that has been described to be Europe’s most attractive parking lot. Pfalz is also a romantic place to walk through, as expressed by many tourists who stop by the place.

Kleinbasel is Basel’s most multi-cultural area. There are lots of Turkish shops here, and restaurants that primarily serve beer rock the place.

The town is easily accessible from some European cities because of its main railroad. It opens to Paris, Brussels, and Frankfort due to its unique location. The prices of clothes, food and other commodities are also reasonable in Basel. For these reasons, it attracts many visitors from all over.

If you want to drop by Basel and see its beautiful villas, zoological gardens and other landmarks, you can expect a climate that is pretty typical for Central Europe. Seasonal breezes from the Mediterranean region and sunny weather marks its busy summer months, but frequent rain showers can also be expected at this time of the year. Snowy winter on the other hand heightens up the spirit of ski lovers and nearby ski resorts start to get filled with tourists.

Lobatse from above
Photo by: Wikimedia by NASA, Creative Commons

If you wish to get away from the overwhelming conservation parks of Botswana, you can take a visit to the town of Lobatse. Being the former capital of the country, you see great historical landmarks in here.

For one, Lobatse houses the country’s High Court. This has been standing in town since 1957. However, this High Court has already become a modern-inspired building since its reopening in 1996. On the other hand, there is still one building in town that reflects history. This is St. Mark’s Anglican Church, which is a stone structure built in 1934. You can still see this church standing strongly in Lobatse, still being used by the people. There are even some efforts these days to restore this building.

However, Lobatse’s offer does not just end with these buildings. If you want to embrace nature, you have a place to go here. Since this town is housed in a range of hills, you can have nature trips in any of them. In fact, the highest point in the country, which is Otse Mountain, is in town. You can take a peak of this great mountain, which is only a few kilometers away from here.

Moreover, another good thing about Lobatse is the climate. Compared to other towns in the country, Lobatse has a wetter and cooler climate. This is a perfect weather to welcome guests from all over the world.

So what else can you be looking for in a destination? The historical landmarks and natural beauties of Lobatse is more than enough to complete your great Africa getaway.

Mazar i Sharif – Shrine of HazratAli
Photo by: Steve Evans, Creative Commons

When you see yourself in Afghanistan, you should not miss one place that will surely take your breath away. Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan stands proud in the northern part, and it is a perfect getaway if you want to experience the delight and pleasures in the Middle East.

Known for its vast natural landscape, this place also takes pride in its other scenic spots that tell the history of this controversial nation. Furthermore, if you come and visit this place, you will be experiencing a lot of fun activities that will definitely take your stresses away.

So what are some of the best site to visit in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan? Here are some of them:

The Great Blue Mosque or Shrine of Hazrat Ali, is the famous landmark of this town. It is remarkable for its unique architectural designs, and of course for being a center of the religious activities of the local residents. It adds accent to nature’s panoramic view and it is very inviting that most tourist cannot help but to take photos with it.

The next hot spot is the Tomb of Hazrat Ali. It is a significant tomb, because the person who lies in there is the cousin-in-law of Mohammad, the world-famous prophet of Islam religion. This tomb was hidden from Genghis Khan, and it was no where to be found until the late 1400’s.

Aside from these two major sites that you can visit, you can also explore the market place and some souvenir centers. There are also activities you can do while on vacation at Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. One of which is camping at the base of the cliffs. Another is to have some camel ride that will tour you around the market place.

So what are you waiting for? Pack up your bags and get ready to fly to this town to experience a new twist in your vacation.

Railway Station at Skikda
Photo by: Wikimedia by Escondites, Creative Commons

Located on the northeastern fringes of the country, Skikda Algeria is one place you should really put on your travel list. One of the country’s ancient cities is actually its most popular tourist destination as well. It is situated on the scenic Gulf of Stora and is formerly known as Philipville before it gained independence from European settlers. Although an ancient city, it boasts of a stable economy thanks to its main industries such as oil refineries, natural gas and petrochemical industries. Well, it’s not a surprise as this city used to be a trading post and was referred to as Sinus Numidicus.

Skikda is noted for its fine architectures, pristine beaches, happy go lucky folks, and festivals. Sometimes the people spend all day lying on the populated beaches that are situated right on the coast of the city. It’s because they’ve remained clean and beautiful despite the fact that it’s right in front of urbanity. The castle-like structures, scenic statues and massive industrial sites are also some attractions to visit. It won’t be hard to reach Skikda from the capital of Algeria as it is one of the most important and active ports in the country.

Skikda also offers romantic nightlife and fine Arabian cuisine. Having dinner in the well-lit city filled with astounding infrastructures and establishments will take your breath away. Being situated in a city on an oasis does not happen everyday of your life. But is Skikda, such wonders are very possible. This is a place where you will want to capture great memories.

Door of no Return in Ouidah near Sam, Benin
Photo by: ~MVI~, Creative Commons

The best travel destination for any time of the year is Sam, Benin in Africa. It is by far one of the places where tourists like you consider visiting. During the lean months of November to June, more and more tourists flock the airports bound for Sam, Benin for their safari adventure.

Add this place to your itinerary for you will be so happy you did – since everything that you have dreamt of – safari, lush forests and enchanting beaches is now at the palm of your hands. Just imagine how wonderful it is to bask under the African sun with suntan lotion and a tall glass of lemonade. The beach in Sam, Benin is one of the tourist attractions you must not ignore at all! No matter how far you will go just to have the feel of the pristine waters and glorious sand, a lot of tourists would come home with an explainable smile on their faces whenever they have visited the attractions at Sam, Benin.

Take note that you would need to prepare for this trip since there are mandatory health issues that you need to take care of. You have to get vaccinated prior to your visit. Consulting your doctors would be the best thing to do first before you book your flight. There is nothing to worry once you get protected since a lot of tourists have already tried this feat and emerged as new people – happier and more relaxed after their visit to the different places in Africa.

Intramuros Walls amidst a Manila Skyline
Photo by: insmu74, Creative Commons

Manila is the Philippines’s capital and center for development. It is in this city that big corporations and establishments operate. Manila is the focal point of the country’s industrial sector. This is usually the first stop for a lot of foreigners that visit the country as this is where the international airport is.

Beyond the busyness of the city lie wonderful and fascinating sights to see. There are also different mesmerizing places to visit in Manila. Everyone who has gone to the city would want to go back to enjoy more of Manila.

Rizal Park is one of the most significant places to see in the city. This park was built in tribute to the Philippine national hero, Jose P. Rizal, who fought for the country’s independence during the Spanish government. The park is a haven for relaxation and family fun in the middle of Metro Manila. It has gardens, marks of history, plazas, stadiums, observatory, restaurants, kiosks and playgrounds. Rizal Park offers a magnificent view of Manila Bay; watching the sunset here is such a sweet delight.

Intramuros is another one of the must-see places in Manila. Intramuros literally means “inside the walls” because it is an old walled city. This place houses the Fort Santiago that was built by Spaniards in the 1500s. The fort that was built during the Spanish regime was destroyed in the American-Japanese war. The Philippines salvaged its remains and turned it into a historical museum.

Aside from these places, you may still find comfort and relaxation from the many majestic churches and museums of the city. There are different zoos and ocean parks that you can visit with your whole family. Even the cemeteries of Manila speak of the rich history of the country. The remains of the people who fought in the Philippine revolution lie in these places.

Manila is a highly urbanized area. Transportation is easy as there are jeeps and taxis everywhere. There are hotels in every corner of the street. If you ever plan on going to the city, you will enjoy the day life and appreciate the night life even better.

Jeju Folk Village Museum – Jeju Island
Photo by: WSTAY.com, Creative Commons

When you visit South Korea, you must make a trip to Jeju City.

Jeju Island is referred to as the Island of the Gods. This is the perfect haven and favorite destination for newlyweds to spend their honeymoon. This is similar to the Hawaiian Islands. You can go on a hiking to reach Korea’s highest peak or Hallasan, watch the sunrise and sunset while staying near the ocean or view majestic looking waterfalls. Because of its romantic allure, Jeju will make your honeymoon all the more memorable.

The place is actually known for tourism. There are many hotels and other attractions that are owned by mainland companies. This is the reason why most of the attractions are pricier than the few sites that are owned by the locals.

Here are the other activities and spots that you wouldn’t want to miss if you are planning to go to Jeju, South Korea.

Its biggest tourist attraction is known as the Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival that is held yearly. This started in 1997 as tribute to the traditional way of harvesting grasses on domestic farm animal pastures, wherein villagers set fire every winter to kill off harmful insects.

There are also a lot of museums that can be found in the area like the Folklore and Natural History Museum, Jeju Independence Museum, Jeju Education Museum, Jeju Teddy Bear Museum and a lot more. You can also give in to your interest with nature by going at various parks and caves that can be found in the place.