The Virunga National Park is located in the Virunga Mountains in the eastern side of the Congo Democratic Republic. It shares its borders with the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, and the Rwenzori Mountains National Park of Uganda. It was established in 1925, making it Africa’s first national park. The park is managed by the Congolese National Park Authorities.

Covering an area of 790,000 square hectares, diverse habitats such as swamps, steppes, snowfields, lava plains, grasslands, and savannahs can be found here. Africa’s two most active volcanoes are also part of the Virunga National Park. Inhabitants include mountain gorillas and hippopotamuses, as well as birds that fly in from Siberia during the winter months. Other animals that are sighted in the park are elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, and buffaloes. In 1979, due to the decline in population of its main residents, the gorillas and hippos, UNESCO has classified Virunga National Park as a World Heritage Site. Conservation work to protect the remaining populations of these critically endangered species has since been done and is still ongoing despite the current difficulties brought about by the civil war.

For travelers who wish to make a safari adventure in the Virunga National Park, caution is advised. Invasions of park land and poaching are rampant, as well as military occupations seeking a safe sanctuary when under attack. In fact, several park rangers have been killed in the line of duty. Despite this, remaining park rangers and park authorities continue with their work up to the present. People who wish to help with the park’s conservation efforts are actually encouraged to donate rather than visit. For only $25 monthly, a part of the park will be under one’s name and protection. This amount will help the rangers in keeping that part free from snares set by poachers. Currently, there are 62 areas in the park being protected by donations.

Badshahi Mosque
Photo by: anayabano , Creative Commons

If you are intrigued not only by the Islamic religion but also about its architecture, Pakistan offers some sacred destinations that both cater to your cultural curiosity as well your love for fine art. One such structure is the Badshahi Mosque. Also referred to as the “Emperor’s Mosque,” this structure was constructed in 1673. It was built by Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor. Located in Lahore, this mosque symbolizes and epitomizes the elegance and splendor of the Mughal Empire. Badshahi Mosque is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city of Lahore.

The mosque has the capacity of accommodating 55,000 worshippers. In Pakistan, this makes it the second biggest mosque in terms of capacity, after Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque. For its design, it was patterned after the Jama Mosque located in Delhi, India. The Jama Masjid was constructed 25 years earlier than Badshahi by Emperor Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s father. When he was still alive, the famous Koranic recitor Qari Basit used to recite the Koran here.

The interior of the mosque is richly embellished in Manbatkari or stucco tracery and a touch of fresco paneling in bold expression. The interior is also floored in marble. The exterior of the mosque meanwhile is decorated with carvings in stone as well as inlay in marble placed on sandstone in red. Loti form motifs in imposed relief decorate the walls. Influences of Indian, Central Asian, and Indo-Greek styles are found in the motifs and embellishments.

Muslim architecture is prevalent in the features of the mosque such as the dalans or the side aisles, the four minarets in the corner, the opulent entrance gate and the spacious courtyard. If you are a non-Muslim, inquire about tours specifically catering to you. Also, remember to observe proper attire if you plan to go make a visit.

Thien Mu Pagoda
Photo by: Thalling , Creative Commons

The Thien Mu pagoda is one of the most beautiful attractions that you can find in Vietnam. Situated in front of the famous Perfume River, the pagoda of Thien Mu or the Heavenly Lady pagoda was built by Lord Nguyen Huang after he heard a story about the appearance of the Heavenly Lady on the exact location.

Built during 1610, the pagoda consists of two main parts; the front and the rear ends. The rear part of the pagoda consists of the main hall where the Buddha has been enshrined; it is also the area where the monks live and practice Buddhism. The front part of the pagoda consists of the Phuoc Duyen tower which is an attraction that can be seen in Hue.

What You Should Not Miss

The attractions around the Pagoda are surely what you should not miss because of the natural beauty it holds. The road to the pagoda itself is an amazing spectacle especially during the afternoons where numerous boats travel along the Perfume River.

The car used by Thic Quang Duc before he burned himself down in Saigon is another historical memento that is well kept in the rear of the pagoda. This important keepsake that was a defying act against the Deim regime is popular to both locals and tourists alike.

What You Should Know

Bringing in a camera is advised so that you can take snapshots of the pagoda’s beauty and also pictures of the environment which is still full of lush and well kept greenery.

From Ho Chi Minh City or from Hanoi, you can get a plane to Phu Bai Airport in Hue. Transportation from the airport to the pagoda is fairly easy and transit will only last for twenty minutes either by cab or by motorbike if you are a bit adventurous.

Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
Photo by: Haakon S. Krohn, Creative Commons

The Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde or Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve came about through the efforts of the village of Monteverde. Monteverde was founded in 1951 by a group of Quakers from the United States who wished to make a statement of not supporting war and militarism through their taxes. They chose Costa Rica because at that time, the country had no army. The reserve was originally a piece of land about a third of their property that they wished to preserve to protect the watershed area above the village. However, during the 1970s, the group of squatters began to threaten the forest. With the help of the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund, the group was able to purchase 328 hectares of land adjacent to their preserved area. Additional land was subsequently added to the reserve during the mid 1980s, making the total land area under protection at 10,500 hectares.

People visit the Monteverde Reserve to walk amongst the cloud forest and observe the wildlife, primarily the elusive quetzal, a rare bird that used to be revered by the ancient people of Central America. Also within the forest are huge trees draped with orchids and ferns. There are also numerous birds, insects, and other wildlife. All in all, there are more than 2,500 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 100 species of mammals within the forest area of the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve.

The reserve only allows a maximum of 160 people inside at a time. During the peak season of the dry months, the limit is always reached before 10 am. There are no such lines during the off-season, which is in May thru June and September thru November. The off-season is also the wet season, wearing rain gear and boots is advised. Overnight accommodation is available either inside the reserve itself or at the village of Monteverde.

Ait-Ben-Haddou
Photo by: linpadgham , Creative Commons

History lovers who visit Morocco must make Ait-Ben-Haddou a key part of their itinerary. Ait-Ben-Haddou is a fortified village, or ksar, located on a hill overlooking the Ouarzazate River. It is made up of several small fortresses (Kasbahs) which are approximately ten meters in height. The village was once a stop along the ancient Sahara Trade Route where traders carrying cargos of slaves, spices and other goods would pause to rest on their way to Timbuktu or the Western Sahara.

The site has been a backdrop for many classic movies, beginning with Lawrence of Arabia in 1962 to more recent films like Gladiator in 2000 and Alexander in 2004. The many outstanding examples of Southern Morocco still led UNESCO to declare Ait-Ben-Haddou a World Heritage Site in 1987.

A trip to Ait-Ben-Haddou is like a visit back in time to an era when the pace of life was slower and more placid. Only a few families continue to live in the ksar as the majority of inhabitants have moved across the river to more modern homes. The ones remaining will gladly open their homes to visitors for a fee; some of the residents also offer traditional Moroccan art and jewelry for sale, which tourists can take back home as souvenirs of their trip.

Tourists visiting Ait-Ben-Haddou can get there by crossing the river on camels from their hotel, with a man in traditional Berber dress serving as a tourist guide. They can wander the narrow streets or climb to the top of the granary above the ksar to get a magnificent view of the entire village. This point also provides views of Jebel Toubkal and other High Atlas mountains, which are paradoxically capped with snow despite the country’s extreme temperatures. And if you can stay until sunset, you will be rewarded with the magnificent sight of the setting sun setting off the red of the Kasbahs’ mud-brick walls.

Hunza Valley
Photo by: umairmohsin, Creative Commons

When people think of Pakistan, they usually think of the rugged terrain and the seemingly organized chaos of its urban areas – Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Rarely is there someone who pictures Pakistan as a land of serene and peaceful landscapes. Actually, there are a number of places in Pakistan that are almost paradise-like. One of them is the Hunza Valley.

What distinguishes Hunza Valley is that it is said to be the inspiration of the famous fictional paradise of Shangri-La. In reality, the people of Hunza Valley also live long lives. It is said though, that Hunza Valley people live long because they live healthy – with exercise and proper diet, plus their clean and unpolluted surroundings. They are very friendly and accommodating people who welcome tourists.

The Hunza Valley is perfect for tourists who may be weary of the hustle and bustle of Pakistan’s constantly people-filled attractions. Hunza Valley offers a quiet respite, ideal for tourists who want to have a break from it all. This mountainous valley in a town called Gilgit is in the Gilgit-Baltistan autonomous region of Pakistan. The valley is located in the north of a river bearing the same name as with the valley. The valley covers about 7,900 square kilometers. The main town is called Karimabad where tourists flock in droves. The spectacular scenery that is provided by the mountains surrounding the town like Ultar Sar, Ghenta Peak, and Rakaposhi makes the place look very peaceful, almost like you are in the Swiss Alps. All the mountains surrounding the valley are higher than 6,000 feet.

The ideal time to go to Hunza Valley is from May to October. The highway leading to the valley is blocked by snow during winter, so it is impossible to go there from November to February. To get there, there are van and bus services that run regularly between Gilgit and the central region of the valley. There are also tours and transport options for visitors available from the PTDC office in Gilgit, Islamabad and Sost.

Garamba National Park, Africa
Photo by:
cornstaruk , Creative Commons

Established in 1938, Garamba National Park is located in the Congo Democratic Republic in Africa. It is one of the continent’s oldest national parks and was primarily formed in order to protect the dwindling population of the northern white rhinoceros. The lands included in the Garamba National Park were the home of the world’s last known wild population of these rhinos. In the 1960s, the park has also embarked on an elephant domestication program wherein these naturally wild beasts were trained to be tourist-friendly and rideable. Garamba National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Military conflict in the surrounding areas and active hunting activity done by poachers has led to the park’s inclusion into UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Danger List as well.

The park is composed of savannahs, woodlands, grasslands, gallery forests, rivers, and swamps. Four large mammals, the elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and the white rhinoceros, call this land their home. People visit Garamba National Park to witness these animals in their natural habitat, most especially the white rhinoceros. It is much larger than the black rhinoceros but it is harmless and rarer to find, as it is closer to extinction. The UNESCO site reports that there are thirty remaining white rhinoceros but the common consensus is that the animal is feared to be extinct.

Traveling around the Congo Democratic Republic is difficult as safe and reliable public transportation is virtually non-existent. Road conditions are very poor and are prone to turn into rivers during the rainy season. However, there are tour operators that offer their services to brave travelers who wish to embark on an extreme African safari adventure. Accommodations and some semblance of security are provided but nothing is guaranteed as armed conflict is still ongoing. In fact, in January 2009 the park was under attack from Ugandan rebels who left eight people dead, including two guards and two wives of park rangers.

Manuel Antonio National Park
Photo by:
Pads, Creative Commons

Manuel Antonio National Park is part of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Conservation Area. It is located on the country’s Pacific coast, just outside of the city of Quepos. It is around 132 kilometers away from the national capital of San Jose. Established in 1972, it is the smallest Costa Rican National park with just 683 hectares. However, it is the most accessible to reach, making it the most popular and most visited, with 150,000 visitors every year, amongst all of Costa Rica’s national parks. Due to its popularity, there are many resorts and hotels to choose from as well.

The park has a lowland forest that is home to different species of monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Rare and endangered animals such as the squirrel monkeys and colorful little crabs are also found here in Manuel Antonio National Park.

However, the top draws of this park are the wonderful beaches surrounded by the rainforest. Spend a few days and one can explore the North Espadilla Beach, South Espadilla Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, Puerto Escondido Beach, and Playitas Beach. All of them are safe for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing. The coral reefs are well-preserved and divers are rewarded with amazing underwater sights. The two most popular beaches, the South Espadilla Beach and Manuel Antonio Beach, are separated by a thin strip of land. This thin strip of land connects the former island of Cathedral Point to the coast.

Costa Rica’s climate is pleasant all year round especially in the coastal areas. There is a feeling that it is always spring no matter when you go. Going to Manuel Antonio National Park is easy. From the capital of San Jose, one can take a plane and will arrive at the park in twenty minutes. Direct buses and cars from San Jose are found in the Coca Cola Bus Terminal. Travel by land will take a little more than three hours.

Chobe National Park, Africa
Photo by: Gusjer , Creative Commons

Chobe national park is one of the few places in Africa where you can see a great concentration of elephants, rhinos, hippos, and even lions. Taking a tour at Chobe is definitely a lifetime experience that is fun and exciting.

The mopane forests and the marshes present in Chobe national park provide the perfect possible habitat for a variety of animals to thrive on. The area that spans up to eleven thousand kilometers is definitely a great habitat for diverse species.

What You Should Not Miss

The Gobabis Hill is one of the main attractions present in Chobe National Park. A host to several four thousand year old rock paintings, all of which originated from Sans, lie on the base of the northern part of the hill.

Safaris should be on top of your list when at Chobe national park. You can choose from multi-day or day and evening safaris are available with the use of superb facilities that will make you have the best time while on tour.

If you want to spot some crocodiles and other animals that inhabit the rivers of Chobe, the riverfront is where you should be going. However, if you fail from seeing free crocodiles roaming around the river, you can also go to Kazungula crocodile farm which is near.

What You Should Know

Some areas in Chobe national park might not be accessible during rainy seasons that span from January to March. On other seasons, using a four wheel drive will enable you to drive around the park and explore the diversity of the wilderness.

The facilities in Chobe national park are actually great and many tourists have commended these facilities and also the service of the staff. Booking your reservations and choosing additional tour packages can be done while on Chobe national park so it is actually easy to have a great time.

Frederiksborg Palace
Photo by: caspermoller, Creative Commons

For the young at heart, having to see such beautifully built majestic castles that take them back to their childhood is such a magnificent experience. Do take your family to Frederiksborg Palace in Denmark that was built in the 19th Century. For years it was known to be the residence of Christian IV but the place was engulfed in fire then restored to later become the famous Danish Museum of National History.

This trip that you should venture on is filled with overwhelming sights as you go down the halls of history. For your family to experience how it would feel to walk on the same hall ways that the monarchs have gone through is perhaps one of the best moments to forever cherish. Since the Frederiksborg Palace is considered a museum, you will not be able to take pictures of your visit there but don’t worry since they have some shops to cater to all your souvenir needs. The reason why these museums do not allow any medium of communication like cameras and video cams is that they own all the copyrights to all of the items that you see inside and if you are going to reproduce them even for your personal view only, you violate such laws.

Tourists like you are very much known to be shutterbugs that is why the vast grounds of the Frederiksborg Palace is the best place for you to capture your own precious moments with a grandiose background of the palace. The palace is also known for the collections of the Kings and Queens who have lived there – imagine royalty is amid your presence should you include this in your schedule. Visit this palace for you to understand why soldiers would seem to guard it with their lives.

Punakha Dzong Travel Guide, Bhutan
Photo by: Amanderson, Creative Commons

The Palace of Great Bliss or Punthang Dechen Phodrang in Bhutan is commonly known as Punakha Dzong from other parts of the world. This amazing and historical palace has been built during the 1600s and has already been renovated several times after certain calamities.

Dzongs are quite common in Bhutan since they are being ruled by kings. However, Punakha Dzong is quite different from the rest because of its gigantic size and also because of its great involvement to Bhutan’s history.

What You Should Not Miss

The Utse or the central tower in the Dzong is open to tourists and is mostly covered by tour packages in Bhutan. Be amazed by the intricacies of the architecture inside the towers and feel the elegance and the history of the very old Dzong.

The Kuenrey is also a must see when going to Punakha Dzong. You will be surprised by how beautiful the statues and the paintings are considering that they have been made more than hundreds of years ago. The giant statues of Buddha and the highly detailed dragons painted on the ceiling will surely tell you much about Buddhism.

The beautiful scenery in and around Punakha Dzong is also spectacular and should not be missed by all tourists. It is a must that you visit the Dzong during the afternoons since the monks are in a more calmed pace and the sun beautifies the paintings and the entire Dzong even more.

What You Should Know

Tour guides are very essential when visiting Punakha Dzong since you will not be allowed to enter without one. Also make sure that the tour guide you will be bringing has the permits needed so that you can visit the Dzong.

Caps, shorts, umbrellas, vests, and hats are prohibited inside the Dzong. Make sure that you wear sleeved clothing and pants since it is a sign of respect. Also, before you enter the temples, you are required to take off your shoes and you are not allowed to take pictures

The Corcovado National Park is a 42,469-hectare park located in the southwestern corner of the Peninsula de Osa. It is composed of eight distinct habitats that range from mangrove swamps, primary rainforest, secondary rainforest, low altitude cloud forest, and sandy coastlines. These habitats support a diverse wildlife population that includes Costa Rica’s largest population of scarlet macaws and other endangered species such as the giant anteater, the harpy eagle, white-lipped peccary, jaguars, and Baird’s tapir. These qualities earned it the label of “the most biologically intense place on earth” from National Geographic. It also has the distinction of being the last great tract of tropical rainforest in Pacific Central America.

The park remains remote to general tourism but is open to the adventure travelers who are willing to travel the distance to get there and experience its natural beauty. Backpackers generally flock there to swim in desert beaches, hike through the rainforest, and bathe under waterfalls.

One can go there by taking the bus, ferry, or airplane. The 699 Puerto Jimenez and 612 Golfito buses have daily departures from San Jose. Travel time straight to Puerto Jimenez will take ten hours, while to Golfito will take eight hours. The ferry from Golfito to Puerto Jimenez usually takes around an hour and a half. Traveling by air is an option but is very expensive compared to land travel.

It is possible to stay overnight in the park as there are camping areas with portable water supply. The six ranger stations located inside the park are equipped with radio and telephone. Camping equipment is available for rent or there is also the option of staying at one of the bunkhouses. Reservations for camping or staying at the bunkhouses are made at the administrative headquarters east of Puerto Jimenez. The town of Puerto Jimenez also offers inexpensive accommodations as well as bicycle, kayak and horse rentals.

Kandy, Sri Lanka
Photo by: clurr , Creative Commons

Kandy, or the city of Maha Nuvara, is a Sri Lankan city that is both scenic as well as a religious center for Buddhism in the country. The city was estimated to have been founded sometime in the 1300’s and was originally named Senkadagalapura.

The city became the capital of the last independent kingdom in the area after the Portuguese started their conquest of the place in 1592. This independence lasted for many centuries. From the 16th century until the 18th century, the city was successful in fending off Portuguese, Dutch, and British invasions.

In 1815, the ruling party of the kingdom signed a treaty recognizing the King of England as their king and allowed the place to become a protectorate of the British Empire. This is due mainly to the invasion of the British army that got into the city without resistance and took the reigning king prisoner together with all the heirs to the throne. This was to be the last king of the kingdom of Kandy.

As an important religious center for the Sinhalese, the city holds many precious historical items of great value to the history of both the city and religion of the Sinhalese. There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city, namely, the Palace of the tooth relic, the Royal Palace, the Lankatilaka Temple, and the Gadaladeniya Temple.

The Palace of the Tooth relic is the place that houses the Sinhalese great treasure, the Relic of the Tooth of Buddha. The place is also a great place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. The Royal palace was the last palace in the city to be built by the royal family. It now holds a museum that contains many artifacts important to the kingdom of Kandy and the British colonial rule.

Asilah, Morocco
Photo by: mazintosh, Creative Commons

Asilah is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved old cities in Morocco. The fortified town’s ramparts and gateworks are still fully intact hundreds of years after they were first built. Its beginnings can be traced back to 1500 BC, when a Phoenician port called Zili was established on the site. The town was occupied by the Portuguese in the 15th century, and was lost to the Spanish in 1578. In 1598, the Spanish ceded the town to the Moroccans, who gave it its present Arabic name.

In order to draw tourism, Asilah stages a number of cultural festivals, the most prominent of which is the International Cultural Festival, which is held in August. During this festival, residents paint colorful murals on the walls of their houses. Visitors should enjoy these murals, as they will painted over by the time of the next festival. But even outside of the festivals, there is still much to see and do in Asilah.

Popular attractions for tourists include the ramparts, built by the Portuguese in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, from the top of which you can see the Atlantic Ocean; the El-Kamra tower, another Portuguese structure that is the tallest building in the town as it was once part of the ancient defense structure and the Palais de Raisouli, the home of a prominent Riffian bandit that harks back to the time in the 19th and 20th centuries when Asilah served as a base for pirates. Catholics might want to stop by the San Bartholome, a church built by Franciscan priests from Northwest Spain and located outside the town.

Asilah also boasts of two beaches, the long beach located a kilometer north of the town, and Paradise Beach, some three kilometers south. Both are accessible from many of Asilah’s motels, although Paradise Beach requires a trip by horse-drawn carriage.

Purnululu National Park
Photo by: Phillie Casablanca, Creative Commons

Gigantic bee hive-like stone towers stood proudly, dashed with the dramatic colors of the sun displaying a contrast of orange and black stripes. Visitors will always wonder in amazement how nature was able to build such a view.

A place born out of geological changes millions of years ago, adventurers and nature lovers will adore the unusual but very outback Australian setting of Purnululu National Park. Fondly called as the Bungle Bungle by the locals, Purnululu is a native term which means sandstones. Whereas the most famous site inside the park, the Bungle Bungle Mountain ranges, got its name from the incorrect jumbled word of the bundle grass found in the area. Sounds like a folk joke? Well, this area is seriously recognized by the World Heritage Site and is considered as one of the most wonderful and impressive landmarks of the land down under.

The area is vastly covered by sedimentary formations that form amazing landscapes with sandstone towers, plateaus and cliffs as high as 578 meters above sea level. It offers a sun-burnt outback setting. Other parts of the park include the wide sand plains, the grassy Ord River Valley and the limestone ridges. The wide sand plain is a barren land with only a few scattered trees whereas the limestone ridges and Osmond Ridges have more abundant vegetation. A mix of arid-desert, grasslands, and rocky land formations, Purnululu is balanced by creeks and rivers that provide life for the existence of its flora and fauna.

Tourist can have a view on the park through scenic flights. It is available through the park and is the best way to get the panorama of the massive Bungle Bungle Ranges. Trail walks and camping can also be done in order to have an in-depth exploration of the place. Tourists should be well-prepared, as the park offers few facilities and no accommodation. The dry season (April to December) is the best time to visit, as the park is close during the wet months.

Halong Bay, Vietnam
Photo by: Mckay Savage, Creative Commons

Halong bay is very popular for its legend. It is said that a lot of sailors who have passed by have seen either a snake or a dragon appear near the islands. Also, known as Luc Thuy, Van Don or An Bang, the name Halong Bay was only recognized during its first appearance on a French maritime map.

The French explorers where the ones responsible for spreading the legend of Halong bay and making it popular around the world; since then, most tourists and even other sailors claim that they have also witnessed the appearance of the sea creature.

What You Should Not Miss

It will be hard not to see one of more than a thousand limestone islands situated in Halong Bay. To take a closer look, you can easily rent a ‘junk’ which is similar to a Chinese sailing vessel.

Sailing along the bay for several hours or even overnight is an attraction that most tourists, and even locals, enjoy. Most tourists will also rent their own junks which you will eventually bump into from time to time.

Most of the islands in the bay have their own names and you can actually go island hopping with your junks. However, it is advised that you take a guide with you when island hopping to ensure your safety.

What You Should Know

It is advised that you purchase a tour package for Halong Bay so that you will not have any problems anymore when it comes to purchasing individual passes and tickets. Different prices for packages are also available which can cater to your needs yet the amenities and the quality of the service will mainly depend on the price you will be paying.

If you plan not to purchase a package, most hotels in Halong Bay offer cheaper packages that mainly include a tour of the islands. First class hotels will also offer additional activities included in each packages like kayaking, helicopter rides, swimming, and deluxe service from imperial junks.

K2 Mountain
Photo by: mariachily, Creative Commons

When people think of Pakistan, they conjure images of exotic mosques and ancient structures that date as far back as the Indus Valley civilization. A disregarded facet of Pakistan is its rugged terrain and the fact that it includes mountains that are part of the majestic Himalayan mountain range. Thus, if you are a fan of the outdoors and are in the mood for some adventure and rugged activities, Pakistan will definitely not fail you. To take things to the extreme, why not try the splendor of the K2 range?

The K2 Mountains have a dangerous reputation in the mountain-climbing world. Known as the “Savage Mountain,” it is one of the world’s most difficult mountains to ascend. The savagery of this mountain is due to the fact that it has the 2nd highest fatality rate among the ‘eight thousanders’ mountain ranges, only to be surpassed by the Annapurna Mountains, which has been climbed during winter. K2 is so dangerous to climb, no one has attempted to climb it in the winter.

If you think you are up to the rush K2 offers, don’t worry. There are a lot of climbing groups, tours, and guides that do a number of routes on K2. These routes differ in difficulty of ascent and character, so you have to consider your mountain-climbing skills. Nobody climbs the K2 by just “winging it.” The difficulties remain the same though, starting with the lack of oxygen and extremely high altitudes. The weather is pretty much unpredictable, which adds to the difficulty. As for the routes, you can choose from the most popular – the Abruzzi Spur, the most commonly used and standard ascent route; the Northeast Ridge, among others. There are other ascent routes that start from the Chinese side of the mountain. Experience a different adrenaline rush and an ultimate adventure by heeding the call of K2, one of the most majestic mountains in the world.

Little Mermaid Statue
Photo by: Celesteh , Creative Commons

Visit Copenhagen, Denmark to see the Little Mermaid. Did you know that the Little Mermaid Statue has attracted thousands of tourists around the globe? For you to get to the the Little Mermaid Statue, you need to start walking for around ten minutes when you start from the cruise ship pier. You would not miss her since she is about five feet tall, sits on a rock and has a lot a tourists hovering around her. She has been posing for the cameras since August of 1913.

When you visit Denmark, her statue is often cordoned off while she undergoes restorations due to vandalism. There are times when she lost an arm, gets dowsed in paint and even shoved off to fall in the sea since her popularity has always been in the center of almost everyone’s imagination.

The moment you see her, you will wonder why she looks so small but in photos she appear to be as big as you! Nevertheless, tourists from all over the world still want to see who is the model of the Little Mermaid Statue. Did you know that it was Primaballerina named Ellen Price? She did not pose nude so the sculptor asked his wife to do the pose.

You will definitely have the grandest trips of your life when you find out that the Little Mermaid Statue goes beyond the Disney story. It is what brings Denmark into the maps of all the tourists like you who would want to pay tribute to childhood memories and childhood dreams – rekindled and not forgotten.

Apamea, Syria
Photo by: upyernoz , Creative Commons

Apamea, formerly known as Pharmake, is one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world. It was built on the Orontes River’s right bank in 300 BC by Seleucus Nicator, the first Seleucid king in Syria, and was named after his wife Apame. Under Seleucus Nicator’s reign, Apamea flourished and became home to half a million residents. In 64 BC, the city became part of Pompey’s Roman Empire, and it was during that time that many of the structures that can be seen today were built. Because Apamea was an Eastern crossroads, the city was visited by many dignitaries, like Septimus Severus, Emperor Caracalla, and Cleopatra.

The residents of the ancient city demonstrated religious tolerance as during the Jewish Revolt in the 1st century AD, they refused to let the Jews who lived in the city be captured or murdered. During the Christian Era, the city became a center of theology and philosophy, particularly Monophysitism. As a center of Monophysitism, Apamea welcomed famous residents, such as Archigenes, Aristarchus, Theodoret, Posidonius, Evagrius Scholasticus, and Numenius of Apamea. In the 6th century, the final touches to the city were done by the Byzantines. However, Apamea started to decline in the 7th century when it fell under Islamic conquest and was devastated by an earthquake in the 12th century. Fortunately for present-day visitors, there is still much to see in the ruined city. Apamea is most famous for the Cardo Maximus, the main thoroughfare that is a mile-long colonnade made up of columns with twisted fluting. Visitors can also check out the ruins of Roman and Byzantine residences and a classical theater as well as a museum that is housed in a Turkish caravanserai dating back to the 16th century. The museum features mosaics collected around Apamea, and one of the most remarkable mosaics depicts Socrates and the Sages. Apart from mosaics, the museum also has over ten thousand cuneiform clay tablets, several funerary stelae, and a sarcophagus with Latin inscriptions.

Hoi An, Vietnam
Photo by: Taylor and Ayumi , Creative Commons

The old town of Hoi An is a combination of different Asian cultures since it is an old port where ships and traders from different parts of Asia make their trades. The old town, which was once known as Faifo, has the architectural influence of the Chinese shop houses including the winding roads that interconnect in the heart of town.

The Old Town has been slowly yet continuously preserved in contrast with Vietnam’s fast progress. Since the shipping business has long been moved to another part of Vietnam, the Old Town is being preserved as a cultural attraction for tourists in addition to being a memento for the locals.

What You Should Not Miss

Hoi An old town is full of attractions that are rich in history. The town also boasts of its proximity to natural wonders like the Bo River and the An Hoi islands which can be easily accessed from the town.

You will need to buy a ticket costing around five dollars to get access to all preserved historical sites inside the town. The sites you can access include the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, the Museum of Say Huynh Culture, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and the Museum of Folk Culture.

What You Need to Know

Walking around the town is advised since you cannot bring in any vehicles. You can drop by stores and preserved buildings where hospitable locals will help you with a smile.

The main drop off point for you to get to Hoi An Old town is through Danang. The airport in Danang also has regular flights to the neighboring countries in Vietnam like Cambodia and Singapore. You can take an air-conditioned mini bus from the airport to the Old town for just five dollars compared to taking a taxi which will cost you fifteen dollars in total. Travel from the airport to the old town will last for thirty minutes to an hour which is adequate for sightseeing.

Teatro Amazonas, Brazil
Photo by: acmoraes, Creative Commons

The Teatro Amazonas or The Amazon Theatre is an opera house found in the middle of Manaus, within the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil. It is the site of the yearly Amazonas Opera Festival or the Festival Amazonas de Opera held in every month of April. It was constructed in the time of the Belle Epoque, the period when much wealth was created in the rubber boom. The construction of the Teatro Amazonas was first proposed in the year 1881 by Antonio Jose Fernandes Junior, an associate in the House of Representatives. His idea was to make Manaus among the most significant centres of civilization and to create a gem in the heart of the Amazon forest.

In the subsequent year, the State legislature granted some limited funding. However, this was deemed inadequate. In the year 1882, Jose Lustosa Paranagua, the president of the Province, granted a greater budget and started a contest for the arrangement of plans. By the year 1884, the construction was all set to start under an Italian architect Celestial Sacardim. He designed the theatre in Renaissance style in order to be uniquely artistic and to put in electric lighting.

The Teatro Amazonas is featured in Fitzcarraldo, a film directed by German director Werner Herzog in the year 1982. The opera-fanatic Brian Sweeney “Fitzcarraldo” Fitzgerald goes to the Teatro Amazonas opera house in order to listen to Enrico Caruso sing the Verdi’s Ernani at the start of the movie. He appears just at the last part of the opera and the interiors of the opera house were displayed in some scenes. While it is supposed that the opera house was built to draw Caruso to present at the opening, there are some uncertainties that he really did present there. Teatro Amazonas is features in a book entitled “A Company of Swans”, as well.

One of the places that you should visit in France is the Historic Centre of Avignon situated on Rhône’s riverbanks. This place is declared as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in the year 1995. A major art festival is usually launched here in July, identified as the Avignon Theater Festival. There are art exhibits that are depicted in the city’s Great Chapel during the festivities. There are also bohemian style song, dance, and drama performances on the streets.

Avignon is also known for its Gothic-inspired buildings, thanks to Palais des Papes, also known as the Papal Palace. It is the most visited area in Avignon Historic Center. This attraction is the lair of the Popes in the 1400s, but now, it is considered as the world’s largest Gothic structure with its 25 huge stone rooms. These large rooms include the chapel, the reception hall and the bedroom of the Popes. If you decide to wander alone in Palais de Papes, you can borrow a headphone as your audio guide from the entrance hall free of charge. The audio tours that are heard in these headphones come in eight different languages that include English, French, and Spanish.

You shouldn’t miss the ruined Saint Bénezet Bridge, located inside the Pont Saint Bénezet Museum. The bridge was constructed prior to the entrance of the Papacy in the Middle Ages.

There are three ways you can get to Avignon Historic Center. You can land in Avignon-Caumont Airport by plane, disembark in Quartier de Courtine station by train or enter Avignon in a car by driving through France’s national highways.

Pack your bags and visit one of France’s most renowned cities, the Avignon Historic Center.

The Indian Pacific
Photo by: Rob & Jules , Creative Commons

Embarking on a train journey with a view of the lush wildlife and savannah is a treat made exclusive for a traveler’s delight. Indian Pacific is an extraordinary rail service operated by the Great Southern Railway of Australia. Traveling twice a week, the train crosses borders of three states, tours the vast continent of Australia and let’s you cross two oceans in a single journey, all within the longest straight railway track ever present in the world. A journey that takes 65 hours on board, the train travels an overwhelming 4352 kilometers, starting from Perth to Adelaide down to Australia’s capital, Canberra, and back.

The Indian Pacific is a great route for people who favor speed and comfort while exploring the beautiful scenery. The National Geographic-like episode presenting the natural outback is a luxury given to the passengers. Crossing the continent provides a spectacular view of Australia’s landscapes ranging from the Blue Mountains, the empty Nullarbor Plain, and back to the modern cosmopolitan cities.

The train also offers stops in between the journeys for people to stretch their legs while enjoying some sightseeing. The Indian Pacific will stop allowing passengers to visit the Broken Hills, Kalgoorlie, which is a gold mining area, and Adelaide.

The rail service offers different facilities and services for passenger’s comforts. Divided into three classes, it’s very similar to an airline service. The Platinum Service which is the highest service provides the finest quality of travel. It is followed by the Gold Kangaroo or the service compared to the business class of airlines. The last one is the Red Kangaroo service, the least expensive service offered by the train. All includes a restaurant car, with sleeping rooms for the two higher classes. With its Class A travel facilities and the privilege of touring the outback, the city and the two oceans, no wonder the Indian Pacific is dabbed as one of the world’s greatest journey.

Fernando de Noronha
Photo by: Tadeu Pereira , Creative Commons

Five hundred and forty five kilometres from the shore of the Brazilian state of Pernambuco is a tropical island called Fernando de Noronha. This island is the largest in the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, which consists of 21 islands. It is the only island that is occupied and holds one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world.

In order to fully enjoy the numerous natural attractions and experience a little bit of the island’s colonization history, a trip to the Noronha entails at least five days. There are a lot of activities and tour alternatives, which please all kinds of people and offer to them the chance to witness all the natural attractions of the island.

The Beaches of Noronha are split into two sectors: the Inside Sea named Mar de Dentro, and the Outside Sea named Mar de Fora. The Inside Sea is the one en route for the shore of Brazil. It has 10 beaches and 2 bays, one of which is so special that access is limited, called the Dolphin Bay. The Inside Sea becomes a popular area for surfing from November to April when the windy season comes. But for the majority of the year, the sea is tranquil and calm and guarded from the Eastern winds.

The Outside Sea is the one en route for Africa. This sector has 4 beaches, 1 creek, and 2 areas for meditation, and swimming pools on rocks. The Outside Sea is rough, but in some areas a tad bit tranquilized by the reefs, which grasp the waves in between the rocks. This division is filled with water spouts, which are very big areas that are full of colourful fish, similar to an enormous aquarium.

Casablanca
Photo by: dlisbona , Creative Commons

Mention Casablanca to most people and they’ll undoubtedly think of it as it was portrayed in the classic film named after it, a hotbed of intrigue and romance. In real life, however, Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, as well as the country’s economic capital. Casablanca is home to the headquarters and main factories of leading local and international corporations, as well as being Morocco’s main industrial zone. Visitors walking Casablanca’s streets, however, may still be able to find traces of the romance and mystique the film evoked in viewers.

One of the must-see attractions for visitors is the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest in the world. The mosque was built on reclaimed land and almost half the mosque lies over the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, part of the mosque boasts a glass floor, which allows the faithful to worship directly over the sea. From the outside, you can see a 210 meter minaret (tower), from which spotlights shine at night in the direction of Mecca. However, non-Muslims are only allowed to enter the mosque during the one English tour per day, so make sure to check the schedule.

Other places in the city worth visiting are the city square, Place Mohammed V, the town market Marche Central, the ancient quarter and the Jewish Quarter in the Lusitania which is home to Benarroch, the city’s main synagogue. You can end your day by enjoying the nightlife at the Boulevard de la Corniche, a boardwalk fronting the Atlantic where many of the city’s finest beaches, cafes and restaurants can be found.

Finally, what would a trip to Casablanca be without a visit to Rick’s Café, a restaurant-piano bar that recreates the one owned by Humphrey Bogart in the movie? Rick’s is housed in a traditional 1930s Moroccan mansion with a central courtyard. The menu offers a wide selection of seafood dishes, and at night, the pianist plays standards from the ‘40s and the ‘50s, along with the inevitable As Time Goes By.