A canal street in Brugge, Belgium
Photo by: pdbreen , Creative Commons

One of the precious jewels of Belgium is the city of Brugge. Knows as “The Venice of the North”, it was able to preserve its medieval spirit, as showcased by its architectural and artistic treasures. Since 2000, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One day is never enough for anyone who visits Brugge, especially when you come to the city on one of its snowy nights usually between December and January. The most popular spots in the city are the museums, such as the Groeninge Museum (which houses the artworks of Jan van Eyck), and the Memling Museum (that has the wooden shrine of St. Ursula). The beautiful courtyard of Beguinage and the City Hall are popular landmarks as well.

One’s visit to Brugge wouldn’t be complete without stepping foot in the Chapel of the Holy Blood that displays an ampoule containing Jesus Christ’s blood. And who can forget the theaters, concert halls, and cinemas found in the city?

Of course, you have to take the once in a lifetime carriage ride or otherwise known as canal ride along the Brugge canal to reach the shopping centers and art galleries in the city. You should not miss tasting its products, too, like mouth watering chocolates, waffles and beers that they have. In fact they are often called the “World’s Capital of Chocolate”.

All year round, Brugge hosts many music, cultural and food festivals like the Bruges Festival, and the Cactus Festival. They also have a major sporting event every April which they call Ronde van Vlaanderen cycle race.

Visiting Brugge will definitely be a worthwhile experience for anyone, as it has always been a significant city for Belgium.

View from Al Hamra Fort Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Photo by: Mario D, Creative Commons

When you visit Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, you will be amazed at the contrast of modern and traditional features. According to history, this place is believed to be the seat of ancient civilizations.

If you are planning to visit Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, you should not miss the following tourist destinations.

• To know more about the history of the place, you should visit Ras Al Khaimah Museum, a historical museum that will tell you a lot of things about the emirate and UAE as a whole.
• If you like outdoor activities, you can try playing golf at Tower Links Golf Course or ride an airplane or a powered parachute at the Jazirah Aviation Club. You will see the amazing view of the Arabian Peninsula and the blue ocean from above.
• Another great tourist spot that you can visit in Ras Al Khaimah is the Manar Mall. This shopping mall is one of a kind because it has everything—from 120 plus stores to water sport facilities to picnic areas to entertainment centers to a beach.
• Other things that you can do include while visiting Ras Al Khaimah might be watching a camel race at the Al Sawan Camel Track, diving at the Emirates Maritime Sports and Diving Center, or water skiing at the Ras Al Khaiman Water Ski Club.

Two Beautiful Women Walking on the Beach at Protaras
Photo by: jorge 11, Creative Commons

Protaras, Cyprus is a great place to go for a vacation. For the past three decades, this vivacious town, which stretches the length of the very popular Fig Tree Bay, has consistently flourished and has finally become an attractive tourist destination. The Fig Tree Bay is among the nicest beaches in the region. It is where many people enjoy swimming and bathing in its clear and calm waters. Tourists love to stretch out and relax on the shore. Refreshing drinks and scrumptious sandwiches are available in bars and coffee shops around the area.

The shores of Protaras also provide a view of a small rocky island. For people who wish to have privacy and quiet time may go to this islet. In addition, an assortment of water sports may be enjoyed on the beach. Some of these are water skiing, parasailing, and wakeboarding. Jet skis, banana boats, luxury yachts, and speed boats may also be used for exciting and adventurous rides. However, lots of other great things and pleasurable activities are also offered by this town aside from its wonderful beaches. There are plenty of shops and long paths for nice walks. Awesome landmarks may also be visited for taking photographs and sight-seeing. The Profitis Ilias Church, for instance, is a splendid landmark situated on a hill above Protaras.

Various restaurants that serve native and international cuisines are also highly recommended. And when the night comes, a number of clubs and karaoke bars such as the Flinstones and the Ghetto Cocktail Bar may be stopped at. As for the accommodation choices, villas are more highly recommended. Most of the hotels in Protaras, Cyprus are pricey, and they charge the rooms per day. Villas, on the other hand, are charged each week and they are a lot bigger and more spacious than typical hotel rooms. More privacy may also be attained by staying in villas.

Oujda, Morocco
Photo by: amerune, Creative Commons

If you happen to be in Morocco or if you are planning to go there on your next vacation, you should visit Oujda. This place has an air of freedom and openness due to its history. Oujda is popular because of the university students who fought for what they believed in and did not allow other people to step on them. It is very close to Algeria and it has been ruled by different conquerors during the last few centuries.

Aside from the place’s historical significance, you can also visit some interesting tourist destinations that will make your trip to Oujda worthwhile. For one, you can visit the old and new Medinas which have their own attractions. Medinas are cities and in the cities you will see vendors and souks selling different products. The new city has the best hotels, probably because the facilities are more modern. Every year, fall festivities take place among the local people for the harvesting olives. This event takes place in the entrance of the city called Bab El Quabab.

You should also go visit Water Souk or Souk El Ma. This is also a big part of Oujda’s history because people used to buy water used for drinking here. Today, this has changed and water is for free but the place is still very interesting.

Oujda, Morocco also has an interesting culture because it is very near Algeria, which means its culture has been influenced greatly by the neighbouring country. The music that Oujdans create has an Algerian influences.

Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Photo by: oquendo, Creative Commons

The city of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico is located in south-west, Western Coastal Valley in Puerto Rico. Cabo Rojo Pueblo is the center of administrative and downtown place of Cabo Rojo city. The name may probably come from the red color of their salterns which becomes red when the concentration of salt is high. It may also come from the red color of promontories or capes where Puerto Rico was formed.

Tourism is one of the economic sources of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. They developed marinas and hotels. This development brings concern to locals. According to them, these changes might harm the place’s beautiful and rich beaches, natural resources and sunsets. Cabo Rojo is also known for their fishing village and numerous seafood restaurants. Many come to do fishing and eat in these restaurants.

Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico has the famous lighthouse, the Los Morrillos Lighthouse. It is two hundred feet tall and constructed in 1881. It was charged electrically and automated in 1967. Here you can have the most amazing views of the oceans. The place also has salt mines where salt is being mined non-stop since the early times. This is the reason why these mines are considered as the oldest industry here.

Cabo Rojo is famous for its beautiful beaches, caves, and festivities. Festivities around the year include Pescao, Años, Chiguero, Betances, Oyster, Boqueron, Watermelon, Retorno a la Arena, Patron, La Pileta and Le Lo Lai Festivals. These colorful and fun festivities are held between the months of March to December.

Tunis, Tunisia
Photo by: leandrociuffo, Creative Commons

Tunis is the capital of and the largest city in Tunisia. Once you step into this Mediterranean city, a picture of a modern city will welcome you. The sight of banks, hotels, conference halls, gardens, cafes, and chic boutiques will remind you of modern day living.

Despite its being modernized, Tunis has never lost its charm. The Tunisian capital remains the Casbah or citadel composed of narrow streets leading to the hilltop, which seems to give tourists a glimpse of another world. On top of the hill stand two breathtaking structures: the old palace of the Bey of Tunis and the Big Mosque.

The city prides itself on ancient mosques, palaces, and trade centers. If you plan to spend a holiday vacation in Tunis, never leave the city without visiting the following architectural wonders: Dar El Jeld, Dar Ben Abdullah, Dar El Haddad, Dar Hussein, and Dar Othman. These structures, which used to be residences of wealthy ministers and traders, are now the homes of government offices, cultural centers, and restaurants.

Found at the heart of Medina (city) is the Mosque of the Olive Tree or Ez Zitouna, which is as old as the town itself. For centuries, Ez Zitouna (rebuilt in the 9th century) had been the urban center in the Arab city where various trades took place. The hint of such old tradition is still evident with the old garment shops, the Souk of the Perfumes, and the spice and almond vendors lining up along the walls of Ez Zitouna.

Another must-see along the suburbs of Tunis is the Bardo Museum that houses a huge collection of mosaics.

The souvenir shops along the small winding streets are teeming with antiques, carpets, jewelries, and pottery. The stuff there may not catch your fancy, but if you’re on the lookout for bargain finds, you can buy herbs, spices, and T-shirts at affordable prices.

Paro Dzong in Paro, Bhutan
Photo by: Dana LeRoy, Creative Commons

Paro is the most attractive of all towns in the Bhutan valley. Historically, it was also the hub of two of the most significant trading routes to Tibet. Currently, the new route to Phuntsholing on the border of India goes throughout the valley, amidst a patch work of strewn settlements, trout packed streams, wheat fields, paddies and rice.

Here, Paro Chuu courses south in the chomolahri scope from its watershed. On top of it is a rock-strewn outcrop of the steep hillside, is the Paro Dzong. Overlooking both faces of the valley at an altitude of over 7,000 feet, Paro Dzong was previously one of the most strategic and strongest fortresses in Bhutan. Prior to the reconstruction of the Tashi Chho Dzong in Thimphu, it was the chair of the National Assembly as well.

The Paro Dzong possesses a lengthy but enthralling history. There was a monastery first built on the location at the start of the 10th century by Padma Sambhaya. In the year 1646, Ngawang Namgyal constructed a larger monastery on the dated groundwork and for some centuries, this impressive five story edifice functioned as a helpful guard against several invasions by the Tibetans. Constructed with stones in the place of clay, this Dzong was named Pinpung, which means heaps of jewels. Unfortunately, Rinpung was destroyed by a tragic fire in the year 1907 along with its treasures. Only a single thangka was saved, which is called Thongdel. The Thongdel is a huge and superb illustration of Bhutanese art of trending religious scroll paintings from cotton and silk.

Snowboarding in Pas De La Casa, Andorra
Photo by: total13, Creative Commons

If there’s one thing Pas De La Casa is best known for, it’s being one of the finest places for skiing. Located on the border of France and Spain, it sits comfortable in the Pyrenees. It is known for being a haven for European winter sports fans, particularly British, French and Spanish because of its snow flushed proximity and fantastic views.

Unlike most destinations, Pas De La Casa enjoys a duty-free status because of its location. Not only will you have a great time skiing on the mountain, you can also shop for quality goods at a much lower cost. If you time it right, you might even make it in time for holiday bargain sales. Many stores sell winter sport supplies and equipment at bargain prices. There are many exclusive boutiques that sell designer clothes, perfumes, cosmetics and electronic gadgets.

Skiing and snowboarding are fun and exhilarating sports but there are many other things you can do. Pas De La Casa is as alive at night as it is during the day. There are many clubs and bars with reasonable priced drinks and good music. Most of the bars have happy hours that extend until late night!

Elephants at South Luangwa National Park, Mfuwe
Photo by: Wiki , Creative Commons

While the South Luangwa National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in the region of Luangwa Valley, Mfuwe serves the caters to the tourism industry in this province. Mfuwe holds an airport that caters to international and local flights especially during the best seasons of the year for the industry.

Tourists and travelers from all over the world come to Mfuwe to visit and experience wildlife safaris. At Mfuwe tourists arrive to begin an adventure of a lifetime and this serves as their first destination. It stands in the middle of a number of great attractions such as wildlife conservations.

The popular accommodations in this place look very simple. Tiny shanties and tent like structures serve as accommodations for tourists. Inside each tent are comforts that any person would love. Most of these tents are good for two while there are also others that are relatively larger. Each morning you can have breakfast while taking in the beauty of the river with the occasional array of animals around it. In the evening, you can relax and watch the sun set. If you feel like staying-up late, there are bars that can cater to your nightcap needs and other forms of relaxation for the best trip you have ever made.

Ostrava, Czech Republic
Photo by: elka_cz , Creative Commons

The third largest city in the Czech Republic, Ostrava has been known as the industrial capital region because of the discovery of black coal in 1763. However, the evolution of the city has brought the industrial expansion to a stop and which eliminated the smoke and fog as a result of the industrial era. The new look of Ostrava now boasts of a clear skyline as well as clean and green grounds all over the city. Although not considered to be the prime tourist spot in the Czech Republic, Ostrava can assure international visitors of many great sights as well as fun recreational activities.

Some interesting sights to visit while in Ostrava could be the Ostrava Castle, St. Wenceslas Church or the Zoological Gardens located at the Stromovka Park. If you don’t have a fear of heights, you can then proceed to climb the tall Clock Tower in New Town Hall overlooking the vast city and take in the panoramic views.

If you want an artistic and cultural experience, then go and visit their museums. Take a stop at The Hornicke Museum to get the feel of the history of the place that all began with coal mining. Your next stop being the Ostrava Museum is a place where a showcase of regional archaeological displays can be seen. See many artefacts and unexpected ancient treasures that inform you of the city’s abundant natural history. Meanwhile, the best collection of art paintings by several modernist artist of the country is stored in the Dum Umeni Art Museum.

Finding lodging and accommodation in Ostrava is not a problem. The good thing about staying in this city is that you have several options for where to stay, dine and spend your time depending on your length of stay as well as your budget.

Casablanca, Morocco
Photo by: peterlong , Creative Commons

Casablanca is one of the most popular cities in Morocco. It is the business and industrial capital of the country. The city became immortalized in the movie Casablanca back in 1942 which starred Humphrey Bogart, Paul Henreid, and Ingrid Bergman.

Aside from this fact, Casablanca became one of the major cities in Morocco because of the booming population during the past 100 years. Now, there are about four million people living in Casablanca, Morocco. This population consists both the local people and people who migrated to Casablanca from nearby European countries.

Although Casablanca, Morocco is not as touristy as the other towns in the country, there are still great places that you can visit if you decide to go there. One of the tourist destinations that you should not miss is the Hassan II Mosque. This is one of the most important and largest mosques in Islam. It is a significant Islamic symbol that features both Islamic and Arabic architectural designs.

After visiting this gigantic mosque, your next stop should be the New Medina of Casablanca. This is a great place for street shopping. The streets are lined with small stalls that sell all sorts of goods—from foods to clothes to fabric. You can also watch a movie here the Moroccan way. You can shop for souvenirs in New Medina that you can bring to your family and friends when you get back home.

Another great religious structure that you should visit in Casablanca, Morocco is the Notre Dame de Lourdes. This place is no longer used by churchgoers but you can still check it out. You can get in if the caretaker is there. And once you get in, you will be amazed by the stained glasses that depict religious scenes and flags from different countries.

Cliff-side Homes in Sorrento, Italy
Photo by: spinkney, Creative Commons

If you are planning to explore the different attractions at the Bay of Naples, then you should consider staying in Sorrento, Italy during your vacation.

Sorrento is located on a long cliff on the Amalfi Peninsula in Campania, about 50 kilometers south of the city of Naples, and gives you a very nice view of the sea. The public transportation system around the area is excellent, making this the ideal place to stay in if you want to take a tour of Pompeii, Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast. It has a wide range of hotels, restaurants and other establishments and amenities that will make your stay hassle-free.

To get to Sorrento from Naples, just take the Circumvesuviana train, through which you may also get to Pompeii and Ercolano. Going to Capri from Sorrento is also easy by taking the ferries that are readily available at the sea ports. You will have no trouble at all if you wish to stay and explore Sorrento since buses are abundant.

Sorrento, Italy is also home to some of the country’s most amazing architecture, such as churches, that are also rich in history. It is very accessible to the National Museum in Naples where magnificent frescoes are on display. And of course, a visit to the ruins of Pompeii is also a must when you are vacationing in Sorrento, Italy. The tour of the ruins will take you back in time as you discover real art and culture in Italy.

A drive through the Amalfi Coast is also quite an adventure with a great view of the villages on the cliff. For your shopping fix, make sure to drop by Capri for the ultimate experience. This is also where the famous Blue Lagoon can be found. It is a magnificent natural cave housing amazing crystal blue waters that will sure make you go “wow!” If you want to have a more pleasurable tour of Capri, try to rent a motor scooter and go on your own adventure around the historic place.

Sorrento, Italy is also known for making the delectable lemon liqueur called limoncello. You may see how this extraordinary drink is made through a quick tour of Limonoro Via San Cesareo, 51. Then you will find out what makes this liqueur a favorite among local and tourists alike.Various shops selling limoncello and other wine are located in Sorrento’s Historic center, l’Alambicco, where you may sample free taste in order for you to decide which drink to take home as souvenir.

Antwerp Cathedral by night, Antwerp, Belgium
Photo by: Maribelle71 , Creative Commons

Among the many things that Antwerp, Belgium can offer, its contribution to the fashion industry might be one of the most important. It has produced many successful international fashion designers through its Belgian Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Some of these Flemish designers are Dirk Bikkembergs, Walter Van Beirendonck, and Nadine Wynants. They also have a reputation for arts, specifically for painting.

The place is teeming with tourists, who walk through the city’s famous landmarks such as the Antwerp Zoo, the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Saint James’ Church, the Platin-Moretus Museum, the Central Station (a train station with two neo-Baroque facades), and the towering heights of Boerentoren or the Farmers’ Tower.

The Cathedral of our Lady is popular for the four major paintings of the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens who lived in the early part of the 17th century. His paintings are found on the walls of the cathedral. Up to this day, the cathedral remains to be the tallest building in the city.

The Main Square or Grote Markt is also a popular meeting place for tourists and local people alike. Here you will see the Antwerp City Hall and the Guildhouses.

Antwerp also has the second largest harbor in Europe next to Rotterdam.

If you happen to get to Antwerp, you might want to taste their local food and drink.. They are proud to present their products such as beer (called Bolleke, produced from the De Koninck Brewery), Mokatine sweets, sugar, pickled herring, liqueur, and Equinox horse meat in the Bollekesfeest event that occurs every August.

The Sultans Palace, Foumban, Cameroon
Photo by: beckmann , Creative Commons

Go back in time to the royal dynasties in Foumban, Cameroon. This city is now the most sought after travel destination for most tourists since its rich history can be visited and experienced through the eyes of modern times. Imagine all the luxury of these kings or chieftains and you would want to be transported back in time to be among their chosen people.

Foumban, Cameroon has some of the loveliest beaches to visit. They are of course hidden from view and will require you to travel a bit, but worth the wait since these virgin beaches would simply take your breath away.

What is attracting more and more tourists to Foumban, Cameroon is their display of the arts. Here you will be able to go through museums that detail every inch of the glorious past of the Foumban. This is where shopping never seems to stop since if you have already reached the museum called Musée des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun you will be able to go past the wood carvings and intricately designed musical instruments that are housed in souvenir shops. All of these products are specially made by the locals.

The tip here is to pack lightly and purchase what you need in Cameroon. Some items are expensive since it may be of unique design but almost everything is affordably priced.

Cancun, Mexico
Photo by: pdbreen, Creative Commons

Try an adventure of a lifetime. Beaches are the place to go if you want to escape the city life or just try another location for a change.

Visit Cancun, Mexico, a coastal city located at the Mayan Riviera. Where real adventure happens and packed with action. Here are some of the activities you can do while in Cancun:
1. Zip-line adventures

2. Watch a bullfight

3. Folkloric ballet

4. Visit an interactive aquarium

5. Take a trip to the mangrove forest and the jungle

6. Enjoy the pristine waters of Cancun and experience various water activities

7. Take a trip to the ruins in the area using 4×4 vehicles

8. Island hopping or other water adventures.

Tourists flock to the city year round. Most people prefer to visit Cancun in the summer because of the beautiful weather. You can experience various activities under the heat of the sun. The climate is warm and tropical. During the months of June to December, there are some casual rains.

There are many adventures you have in Cancun. This is a one stop vacation experience packed with adventure. You can try ancient tours to the Mayan Ruins – Las Ruinas del Rey, the nightlife at the Coco Bongo, Dady’O and Dady Rock, Azucar, Basic, Bulldog cafe, etc. Every bar has their own twist as to what the customers will enjoy.

Poznan in Poland
Photo by: kalinagoenglish , Creative Commons

Despite the fact that Poznan goes back a thousand years or more in history, it never lacked the ability to show its people and the visitors that visit it how they can enjoy the city in utter modernity. Indeed, it has a very god way of making history and modernity come together.

The very first settlers in Poland stayed in Poznan. This city teems with the most innovative and lively metropolis and has become a perfect hub for businesses as well as entertainment and sports venues. It has a population of 600,000 with 130,000 of it being students.

Visiting Poznan, Poland is quite an exhilarating experience. You will surely enjoy the city’s architecture and arts presented in various styles that reflect the city’s rich historic past, ranging from the Roman to the Secession style. Tourists will be able to enjoy Poznan’s unique spirit as they walk along the streets taking the Royal Imperial Route, a tourist route proposed by the city. The city is also home to many international sporting events such as Rowing and Canoeing Championships and the scheduled UEFA Euro 2012, showing to the world how great organizers and hosts the Poznanians are.

When you visit the city, you will not find any trouble getting transportation or accommodation. It has its own international airport and offers coach services. More than 20,000 beds may be taken from various hotels, student houses, pension houses and even palaces. You will surely find the price that will fit your budget.

There are simply to many places to visit in Poznan. The churches, museums, parks and even cemeteries all come with stories that will not only delight your imagination. In Zagan, Poznan’s town about 150 km southwest of it is the historic Stalag Luft III. This is the prison camp immortalized by the 1963 Hollywood movie The Great Escape. You can relive the story as you walk along its hallways.

Discover more of what Poznan can offer you by booking a visit. Simply log on to various sites that can offer you a good package for a visit in Poznan and you surely will be in for an unforgettable experience.

The Shoreline of Dead Sea, Jordan
Photo by: tracyhunter , Creative Commons

Going to Dead Sea, Jordan may not sound to be the most enticing trip you could ever embark in, but do not be deceived—you just might be surprised with what you will find. Deep in the valley of Jordan, 55 kilometers southeast of Amman, lies this spectacular and spiritual landscape. The sea is not only the lowest body of water, but the lowest point on the whole earth as well. There is certainly no other sea that can equate its grandness. Its treasures have accumulated through thousands and thousands of years and there’s absolutely more to it than simply being the world’s largest source of natural salts.

Despite its vastness, the Dead Sea is usually as calm as a millpond. Barely a ripple disturbs its surface, although it can be turbulent with the changing weather at times. As its name suggests, this body of water is devoid of life due to its high salinity and wide variety of minerals. However, in turn, it is famous for its curative powers, buoyancy, and therapeutic abilities that have always been recognized even thousands of years ago during the days of Herod the Great. Would you believe that aside from having some of your skin problems healed here, you can actually float on it without exerting any effort? Crazy you say? It’s true! That is why swimming here is something you should not miss. And if you are wondering if there’s a good hotel to stay in, the facilities around the area are actually very modern.

Senga Bay, Lake Malawi, Salima
Photo by: jonworth-eu, Creative Commons

There are many wonderful things that you can do in Malawi, and most of them are related to nature. You can go on a safari trip where you can see wild animals, go bird watching, swim at the beach, climb a mountain, go hiking, and so on. But before you do any of these, you need to prepare yourself by stocking your bag with food and first aid treatment, fill your gas tank, and other travel necessities. And one place where you can go shopping and get the services that you will need is in Salima, Malawi.

There is not much to see in Salima, Malawi, but you cannot help but pass through this place because it has a market full of products and the usual services that all travellers need.

One thing that Salima, Malawi is popular for is its nearness to Senga Bay. Senga Bay has several beaches that have crystal clear water. Although the beaches here are more crowded than other beaches in Malawi, you will still enjoy taking a dip in the cool water especially when the weather is hot.

There are many hotels, campsites, and lodges that line Senga Bay but the most popular are the Safari Beach lodge and Sunbird Livingstonia Beach. Both of these lodges are located in a very nice place. You can enjoy their superb meals while looking at a nice beach views. In Safari Beach Lodge, you will even have baboons watching you while you are eating breakfast. Be careful, though, or your food will end up as the baboons’ instant breakfast.

Camel Caravan in Timbuktu, Mali
Photo by: emilio labrador, Creative Commons

You have probably heard of Timbuktu when people say comments about places that are very far or places that nobody knows about. You probably do not know a thing about Timbuktu, Mali. This is actually a famous place in Mali. It is known as the spiritual and intellectual center of Africa.

There are many great universities in Timbuktu, like the Sankore University. You can also visit several mosques that are made of mud like Djingareyber, Sidi Yahya, and Sankore. These mosques are the symbols of the golden age of Timbuktu, which took place hundreds of years ago. Although these mosques are not in their best state, they are still interesting to see.

Aside from the mosques, you can also go hiking in the Dogon Cliffs. It is important to be physically fit to do this because you might get dizzy especially in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest.

You should also visit the Red Dine of Gao. Gao is like an oasis in the desert. After seeing sand for several days, you will feel glad to see greenery and a real city in Gao. At this place, there is a red sand dune that is located near the Niger River. You have to travel by boat to get there, which is also a fun experience.

Finally, to make your Timbuktu trip complete, you should try the camel ride offered at Tuareg camp. It is a fun experience but make sure that you ride only for a short time because the sun can get too hot and the camels too restless.

Mosque in Al Muharraq, Bahrain
Photo by: hussainshafei, Creative Commons

Al Muharraq, Bahrain is famous for the Muharraq Club. But aside from being famous in football, this city also has plenty of other treasures to be proud of. First off, it is the second largest city in the kingdom and actually served as the capital until 1923. The town of Muharraq was first built in the 17th century and had long been the center of religion.

The history of the city dates back 5000 years although it became well-known especially during the era of Tylos when the kingdom succumbed to the rule of the Selucid Greeks. This was the time when the city was the center of a pagan cult that was dedicated to the shark god. During this time, they worshipped a huge image of a shark in the middle of the city. However, the city became a center of Nestorian Christianity during the 5th century AD.

Bahrain International airport is situated on Al Muharraq. Near here is a man-made island named Amwaj Islands– teeming with large buildings, hotels, and lovely beaches. You will find yourself occupied with so many activities that they offer here.

If you love to shop for exotic handmade crafts, Al Muharraq has a traditional market called the souq where you can certainly find good buys for yourself and friends who can’t wait for you to get home.

When you are in Muharraq, you should visit historical spots like the Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House, the wind towers, the house of journalist Abdullah Al Zayed’s House, and the Arad Fort.

Cayo Largo, Cuba
Photo by: fernandop , Creative Commons

The Canarreos Archipelago of Cuba is composed of numerous small islands. The second largest island in this archipelago is the Cayo Largo del Sur, or simply Cayo Largo. This island is like a whole resort. It measures less than 3 kilometers wide and 25 kilometers long. There are no permanent residents on the island. Resort workers live on the small islands nearby.

Cayo Largo is said to be a limestone island. It is an island that took millions and millions of years to form. The pearl white sand beach of Cayo Largo came from marine organisms. Like Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Largo is well known for its coral reefs. Marine life is the main tourist attraction in this area. The current is very peaceful which makes it an ideal vacation spot for families with infants.

Cayo Largo is surrounded by shallow water on one side and deep water on the other. Most resorts are located at the mouth of the shallow beaches. Tourists may opt to relax under the sun or enjoy taking a dip in the crystal clear waters of Cayo Largo. Or they may ride a boat and appreciate the natural beauty of the island.

The temperature in this are ranges from 23 to 29 degrees Celsius. Temperature is observed to be hottest during the months of July and August and coldest during January and February. The island’s wildlife is another site to see. The north of the island is the home of several rare species of both plants and animals.

Row of Markets in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Photo by: jennifersimon, Creative Commons

If you are planning to visit the United Arab Emirates, you should go to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but you should also not miss Sharjah.

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, may not be as popular as the other two previously mentioned emirates but it is an integral part of UAE. Sharjah is considered as the cultural center of the UAE. This is due to the fact that this third largest emirate houses several museums. And by visiting these museums, you will learn more about the history and culture of the UAE and Islam in general.

One of the most important museums that you should visit in Sharjay, United Arab Emirates is the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. This museum has very old artifacts that date as far back as the Stone Age. Even though the items on display are archaic, the features of the museum are modern which makes it a very fun learning experience for children.

Another museum to visit in Sharjah is the Sharjah Heritage Museum. This is a historical museum where you can find several historical items on display that will more or less tell you about UAE. You should also check out other museums such as the Sharjah Natural History Museum and Desert Park and the Bait-al-Naboodah.

Seaport in Tripoli, Libya
Photo by: tarksiala , Creative Commons

Tripoli is considered the largest city of Libya, in addition to being the country’s capital. It is a well developed city, highlighted with Italianate style of architecture in their old establishments. It is also the primary seaport of the country and the center of commercial productions. For this reason, you can expect that the city has the busiest streets in Libya as well as many tourist attractions. Take note of the following destinations that must be visited upon touring around Tripoli:

• Jamahiriya Museum
This is the country’s national museum. It is home to many artifacts of Libya’s historical past including those from the Roman and Greek period of the country’s history, treasures recovered from their World Heritage Sites and the memorabilia of their recent political past.

• Gurgi and Karamanli Mosques
These mosques are the fruit of the local’s artistic abilities. Overall, it has a very good sense of architecture which is picturesque as well.

• Assaraya al-Hamra
This castle is also known as the Red Castle. It has a wide courtyard where various fountains and statues originating from the Ottoman period. The palace reflects the country’s rich historical past as shown in their architectural style of structures.

Aside from the above mentioned places to visit, there are still many tourist destinations around the city. After a tiring tour, it is advisable to visit the Bazaar where traditional products can be purchased. Looking at the cultural merchandise here can be very relaxing and interesting.

Blantyre of Malawi
Photo by: wiki , Creative Commons

After watching wild animals in their natural habitat and seeing breathtaking natural sights like mountains and rivers, you probably want to unwind and have the convenience of city living. Fortunately, there is a place in Malawi where sending emails, eating at good restaurants, or having fun at pubs and sport centers is normal. Blantyre, Malawi is the place to be if you need to buy something or use modern technology.

Blantyre, Malawi is the commercial center of Malawi. Although it has no great natural sights to offer, it has markets, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and shopping malls which every traveller misses at one point in their African trip. If you’re lucky, you can watch an international football game in Malawi’s biggest stadium—the Kamuzu Stadium.

You can eat at different restaurants in Malawi which serve different types of cuisines. If you want your palate to experience something new, you should try to eat at restaurants that serve local dishes. If you are craving for unique Asian foods, there are several Asian restaurants in the area like Bombay Palace that serves Indian foods. Or if you still prefer eating Western food but in a more beautiful location, you can try eating at Old Manager’s House.

One of the most popular things that you can do in Blantyre, Malawi is shopping. They have a nice market that sells local produce. Even neighboring towns and countries go to Blantyre to buy supplies for their different needs.

And lastly, you should visit Mount Mulanje, probably the only great sight to see in Blantyre. The view is amazing and you will learn a lot about the mountain from the experienced mountain guides.

Martyrs’ Square in Brussels, Belgium
Photo by: jhistoric.brussels , Creative Commons

Many things can be found in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. If you love beer, chocolate, and good food then this is the place for you. There is a wide variety of restaurants, bistros, cafes and fast food chains here that offer great tasting lambic-style beer and cherry beer or Kriek.

Being the home of chocolate and praline companies such as Godiva, Leonidas, and Neuhaus, there are many opportunities to try their tasty delights. Then there is the Brussels waffle, mussels and French fries. Their cuisine, according to connoisseurs, is one of the best in Europe. It has a strong French influence, as more and more native French people are living in the city.

There is a wide array of architectural structures in Brussels that date back from the medieval times. The Grand Palace is one of its main attractions, which was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1988. Along with it, the Royal Palace is also a popular hot spot, as well as the large greenhouses of the Laken Castle and St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral. A tall structure called Atomium is also a popular landmark, as well as parks and gardens like Mini-Europe Park, the Manneken Pis, and the Cinquantenaire park.

Besides these, museums and theaters are also found in the city, such as the La Monnaie Theater, Royal Museum of Fine Art, Museum of the Army and Cosmic Museum.

Brussels is also famous as the home for institutions like the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and because of this, it has always been a center for politics.

Apart from these places, you would absolutely enjoy the culture in Brussels. There are lots of festivals and fashionable people around.