skyline with mosque of Chania, Greece
Photo by: romtomtom , Creative Commons

Chania is a wonderful port town that is a popular tourist destination for shopping and sightseeing. It has many nice restaurants and contemporary cafés. Its old town has various souvenir ships, as well as craft and art shops that tourists really enjoy. The climate here in Chania is beautiful. The summers of April until October are warm with cloudless skies. And even if most days are hot and dry, the cool breeze relieves them. Then, during the winter, seasonal rains and occasional frosts are experienced. Tourists can visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania, which contains many historical items from as far back as the fifteenth century B.C. Ancient jewelry, clay tablets, and mosaics are displayed here. The Byzantine Museum of Chania is also full of historical relics. It is located inside the Church of San Salvatore.

Then, the tourists can go around and look for good food. Traditional dishes with superb tastes can be found in Mpourakis. This place is very clean and the prices of the meals are reasonable. In addition, the cooks here only use extra virgin olive oil for cooking. The Roadhouse Bar & Grill is another place with good food. Their chili cheeseburgers are fabulous. Customers can also sing karaoke while enjoying their food. Then, home made cooking can be tasted at Mike’s. And fairly affordable Cretan dishes can be ordered at the Pinaleon. Nevertheless, there are still many more restaurants, as well as coffee shops and bars that may be experienced. Traditional Greek cuisines are must-tries for every tourist. The native souvlaki, as well as, the tzatziki are truly outstanding. In addition, vegetarian dishes are also served along with fine wine in some restaurants.

And when it comes to accommodation, Chania has plenty of great hotels to offer. There are lots of ancient Venetian houses which have been turned into cozy hotels. Most of these have very friendly owners and unique ambiances. These wonderful hotels are reasonably priced, as well. However, majority of them are not advertised on the Internet. So, the tourists may hardly find them on any website. They should go to Chania during the peak season, which is from June to August, if they want to see these hotels personally. Nevertheless, some of the more prominent hotels are Hotel Helena, which is lovely and reasonably priced, especially during the off-seasons; Ammos Hotel, and Palazzo di Pietro.

A neighborhood in Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas

Photo by: tomathon, Creative Commons

Green Turtle Cay is one of spots that the Bahamian island of Abaco is famous for. It is found 160 miles east of the Florida mainland and is conveniently reached by plane from South Florida into the Treasure Cay International (TCB) on Abaco. From the airport, you can take a five-minute taxi ride and a 15-minute ride by ferry. If going to Marsh Harbor is in your itinerary and you are landing on its international airport (MHH), you can take an alternate route from there, which will take a 25-minute taxi ride going to the ferry dock.

The hottest spot in Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas is not only the blue beaches and the white sand but also the 18th century colonial village that can take visitors back in time. It has a natural and unspoiled beauty that you would love to take photos of.

One of the largest and most famous resorts in the Bahamas is also located here—the Green Turtle Club. From the town center, you can take a short golf cart ride and enjoy its breathtaking beaches on the Cay’s Atlantic side. Really, who wouldn’t want to brag about swimming in the Atlantic?

Green Turtle Club is also highly acclaimed for its fusion cuisines. If you love to eat and try new recipes, the resort and marina will surely satiate your hunger and thirst to the maximum level. Fresh seafood cooked in combination with international and Caribbean styles–there’s really nothing more you can ask from this resort in the charming colonial town.

A view of the The Schönbrunn Palace

The Schönbrunn Palace is the former imperial summer residence in Austria. It is also a major tourist attraction that has captured the hearts of crowds who visit Vienna. Known as a museum and a park at the same time, it shows the elegance and the aspirations of the Habsburg members.

It is renowned as an important cultural monument in Austria and is included in the World Cultural Heritage List of the UNESCO in 1996.

It was originally owned by the Habsburgs ever since the reign of Maximilian II. The end of the dynasty marked its transfer to the republic. Since then, it has played the role of a cultural attraction and a tourist destination. It has also maintained its place as a national gem and an artistic historical symbol for Austria.

The gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace has served as a major recreation area for locals and tourists alike. Its original form which features a Baroque layout as well as the improvements done during Maria Theresa’s last years can still be seen all throughout the gardens.

The Baroque design of the gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace was made to create an impact as a symbol of the imperial power in Austria. It also serves as an extension of the astounding interiors of the palace.

The Imperial Apartments of the Schönbrunn Palace had been transformed into museums. These museums pay large tribute to the imperial couple, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth.

From being the a summer residence of the Habsburgs to becoming a cultural monument in the world, the Schönbrunn Palace is one of Austria’s most important contributions not only to architecture but to culture and history as well.

The wonderful garden, the splendid Baroque architecture, the cultural heritage, and its historical element make it one of the top destinations in the world. The beauty of the Schönbrunn Palace is undeniably one of the reasons why you should visit Austria.

Foz do Iguacu is a city in Paraná state of Brazil. It is the eleventh largest city in the country. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Brazil. It is situated at the boundaries of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Its main attraction is the Iguaçu falls. The name Iguacu (Great Waters) is a native name from the Guarani Indians who once lived in that area. Foz do Iguacu also has a sub-tropical climate. It has two seasons which is summer and winter. In summer the atmosphere is humid and hot. In winter, the city experiences a unique blend of dry and cool weather.

Foz do Iguacu’s attraction is mostly made of bodies of water. These are the Iguacu falls, Itaipu Hydro-electric station, and Pesca do Dourado. The Iguacu Falls is a wide falls that stretches up to 2.7 kilometer wide and averages in 72 meters high. It’s a long stretch of waterfalls that some parts of it are already in the border of Argentina. It has a water flow that is three times that of the Niagra falls. It’s simply a magnificent sight that shouldn’t be missed upon visiting Brazil. The Itaipu Hydro-electric station or also known as Itaipu Dam is the second largest hydro-electric power generator in the world. It is located at northwest of the Iguacu falls. There are visits conducted daily from Monday to Saturday to the dam, it also includes an audio-visual presentation of how it works. And lastly, Pesca do Dourado is an important fishing competition held at the last week of October and Foz do Iguacu is its chosen venue.

The Parque Nacional do Iguacu is a notable location in Foz do Iguacu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected by the IBAMA or Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. This park has a scenique view of the waterfalls as compared to the Argentinean park side which offers an up close view.

Getting to Foz do Iguacu is through land and air. Flights going to this city are from Curitiba, Sao Paolo, Brasilia, Salvador, Rio de Jãneiro, and Belém. There is bus transportation to and from this city that travels daily from 5 am ‘til midnight. Bridges that connect this city to bordering countries are also interesting. There is the Ponte de Amizade or Friendship Bridge that connects Brazil and Paraguay. And another is the Ponte da Fraternidade or Fraternity Bridge that connects Brazil and Argentina.

Another thing to go to when visiting in Foz do Iguacu is the Marco das Três Fronteiras (Landmark of the Three Borders). There you will find the obelisk marker colored with the three colors of the three countries namely Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. This site also provides superbly unique views of the surrounding area.

Tombeau d’Askia, Gao, Mali
Photo by:
Crazy Joe Devola , Creative Commons

One of the most beautiful places in Mali that is worth a visit is the Gao city. It is the capital of Gao Region and many beautiful places can be visited here. The city existed in as early as 11th century so you can find many historical places local to the area.

When visiting Gao, it is recommended to visit the historical mosques in the city. This includes the Askia Tomb and the Gao Mosque. The Askia Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its magnificent beauty. The Gao Mosque, on the other hand, has the same amazing beauty of Askia Tomb representing the mud mosques which were built in 14th century. Aside from the mud mosques, a museum can also be found in the city as well as many markets. It is also worthwhile to visit the La Dune Rose, which is a very picturesque sand dune in Gao. It is advisable to visit La Dune Rose during sunrise and dusk to witness the sun’s effect to this beautiful landscape.

After touring the Gao city, take time and explore the city’s market. Many worthwhile and memorable souvenirs can be purchased here to bring home to your family and friends.

If you are looking for a place to visit in the Caribbean, you should think about going to Long Bay, British Virgin Islands. The place is perfect for families with different interests and also for couples and groups of friends. The location is amazing and the view is breathtaking. Just looking at the scene around you will make you want to go back to the island again and again.

Just like all islands in the Caribbean, you can also do water sports and activities in Long Bay, British Virgin Islands. If you love water sports, be prepared for an exciting day filled with fun activities like snorkelling, swimming, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, and wind surfing. You will also enjoy non-water sports like horseback riding, walking, hiking, or just basically exploring the island. You will find amazing and interesting facts about the island after just one day of hiking or walking.

Long Bay, British Virgin Islands also offers a great location for your wedding. If you are planning to get married, consider one of the several wedding packages offered in the island’s resorts. Your wedding backdrop will be romantic and perfect for picture taking. Your amazing pictures will serve as memories of the romantic events of your wedding.

The place is also perfect for bird watching. You can see several colourful species of birds like black-necked stilts, blue herons, pelicans, brown boobies, and spotted sandpipers, to name a few. You can use binoculars for better view. Just looking at these colourful exotic birds will surely make you feel as if you are in paradise.

If you are looking for a spot that highlights rich and beautiful marine tourism, Puerto Montt has these all to offer you. This city from Chile has been famous throughout the globe for being the perfect gateway for cruises, fjords, and parks. That is why many tourists embrace this beautiful port city, Puero Montt.

Geographically, Puerto Montt lies at the southern end of Pan American Highway. Aside from being the home to fjords, cruises, and parks, it is also a home for canals, snowcapped mountains, volcanoes, islands, and forested hills. Hence, if you wish to witness the endless beauty of this city, here are some great points you must not forget when visiting Puerto Montt.

Activities Not To Miss

There is an endless list of activities to do here in Puerto Montt. The first one is to see the beautiful Cruce de Lagos. This is a complete vacation touring the whole of the city going to Bariloche in Argentina. Here, you get to cross Todo los Santos Lake located in the park of Vicente Perez Rosales through a luxurious catamaran.

Aside from this, there are also smaller cruises in the city such as Navimag cruises, which is a fjord cruise to Puerto Natales. You can also go horseback riding and boat sailing as well.

Places Not To Miss

One of the city’s main attractions is the Municipal Museum Juan Pablo II. Here, you can see pictures, objects, pieces of mapuches and chilotas, weapons, and many other treasures. You can also see the oldest buildings in the city, which are the square and the cathedral.

Another must-see destination in Puerto Montt is the beautiful Puerto de Angelmo. You will be delighted with the magnificent ferries and ships headed to different places of destination. There is also the Spa Pelluco, beautiful beaches, cabins, restaurants, and hotels there.

True, with the sights and activities you can do here in Puerto Montt, it will always be worth your time and money to pay a visit. And the good news is that going to this city will not give you even the slightest of all headaches. You have a choice of reaching the city either by land, by water, or by air. What you only need to do is to make that wise decision to see for yourself all what is offered by this great city of Chile, which is none other than Puerto Montt.

A view of the Hofburg Imperial Palace
Photo by: bewilder53, Creative Commons

The Hofburg Imperial Palace is the official residence of the Federal President of Austria. It has accommodated some of the most influential persons in Austrian history and is known as Habsburg’s winter residence during their dynasty.

It is historical for being the political center of monarchy in Austria. The rooms of the imperial palace had once been devoted to the revolutionary plans of reform by the late Emperor Joseph II. It had also witnessed functions for the Congress of Austria and catered to many different people for Emperor Franz Joseph. Its rich history is enough to make it a popular palace in Austria.

The world of the Habsburg, the most significant royal house in Austria, can be experienced in the Hofburg Imperial Palace. It is the home of the Imperial Silver Collection, the Sisi Museum, and the Imperial Apartments.

1. The Imperial Silver Collection. A range of objects that is necessary in the Imperial Household. It magnificently shows the culture of dining in the palace.

2. The Sisi Museum. If you want to take a peek at the world of the great Empress Elisabeth, you can visit the Sisi Museum and find most of the personal items that belonged to the queen.

The beautiful Empress was often misunderstood and has a great passion for traveling. The Sisi Museum is one of the places where you can find true insight and recollection of the historic icon, Empress Elisabeth.

3. The Imperial Apartments. It is an insight to the world of Austria’s most distinguished couple, Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. It is also a showcase of the rooms that each member of Habsburg clan has occupied during their reign.

The home of the illustrious imperial dynasty of Austria, the Hofburg Imperial Palace gives you a taste of the country’s history, its culture, elegance, and fame.

River Bann in Coleraine, Northern Ireland
Photo by: cormacj , Creative Commons

Coleraine, the home of the famous Causeway Coast, averages over two million visitors every year. The twenty-five minute ride from the town will lead to the Giant’s Causeway. It is a heritage site that is visited by people all over the world. Many scenic places like Dunluce Castle and Portballintrae invite people to spend their time touring the area.

Meanwhile, Bushmills distillery has also profited from the buses and trains that carry passengers. The scenic coastal town Portstewart, known for its sandy beach and coastal walks, is also located north of Coleraine. Northwest is the Castlerock, adjoining the beach of Portstewart and the River Bann. There are other beaches nearby such as the Benone Strand.

Apart from beaches, Coleraine is also known for the Mussenden Temple, an 18th century church that has been built by an Anglican bishop on a precipitate cliff. It overlooks County Donegal and Scotland. The garden of the Bishop’s Palace, which is now in ruins, remains a scenic view to historians who are thrilled by the hidden lakes and beautiful flower gardens in the area.

The eastern side of Coleraine is covered by lush vegetation. The Mountsandel Forest, specifically the Mount Sandel fort, maintains a historical offering to the town. This ancient site is the oldest known settlement in Ireland where wooden houses date back to 7000BC.

The town offers man-made recreation areas and sporting facilities available for everyone. Beaches, cliffs and market areas allow for scenic views that will keep the tourists coming back. Corelaine has been classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty with its rural settlements and markets. The two market towns famous for their landscapes and charm are Kilrea and Garbagh.

When people hear the words Medellin, Colombia, images of Pablo Escobar’s reign of terror in his drug capital usually comes to mind. But long are the times when young thugs ruled the crime-washed streets of this city. Today, Medellin is one of the most captivating cities in Latin America, enthralling tourists from every part of the world.

Medellin, Colombia sits in a sweeping valley situated in the very heart of Colombia. The climate is temperate, one of the things that locals and tourists alike are fond of because it allows them to go about their business without worrying about extreme weather conditions. Here, the sun is always shining. The streets are lined with different kinds of markets, merchants scrambling about selling anything and everything under the sun, including local delicacies, children’s toys, herbal cures, and even garden earth. It is best to try and blend in to avoid attracting unwanted attention from the Antioqueños, which is how Mendellinians are generally referred to.

Near the metro and into the center of the city lies a wide array of parks filled with statues of Botero, the famous Colombian sculptor who dedicated his life to capturing the obese in his art – paintings and sculptures. Botero is a pride of Medellin, one of the few claims to fame of the city. Past the center sprawls the Aburra Valley, a favorite place of photographers because of the amazing view it offers. High mountains can be seen surrounding the city, creating a panoramic sea of blue and green. More parks are located here, including the popular Arvi Regional Park in Santa Elena, visited for camping and ecological scouting purposes. The nearby hills are great tourist spots for music and dance, dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

One of the best times to visit Medellin is during December, when the city is decorated and adorned with colorful lights by the thousands, attracting national and international visitors all throughout the holiday season. As a Catholic nation, Christmas is celebrated in the whole of Colombia with religious fervor. Speaking of religion, the city has its share of notable churches, including the Veracruz Church (one of the most ancient ones standing in the Aburra Valley), the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria (located downtown), and the Metropolitan Cathedral (found in Bolivar Square), said to be the largest sacred building made purely out of bricks.

For an adventure that is unique, educational, and a real eye-opener, Medellin promises to give you all you want and more. Let the city change your mind – come to Medellin, Colombia today.

One of the bookstores in Hay-on-Wye
Photo by: whiskymac , Creative Commons

Explore an intriguing Welsh village called Hay-on-Wye. Hay-on-Wye is perched on the east bank of the River Wye and is situated north of the equally intriguing Black Mountains. A small village, home to less than two thousand people, Hay-on-Wye is home to more than thirty bookshops. Some accounts number those bookshops close to forty. This is quite a feat for such a small place with very few people. Bibliophiles, tourists and locals alike, are giddy at the thought of getting their hands on the many specialist and pre-owned literary goodies found in the village. The village is surprisingly the first book town in the whole world.

The Annual Festival of Literature

Because Hay-on-Wye is recognized as a book town, it is only fitting that a literary festival should be hosted in the village annually. At this time, the village is saturated by visitors numbering about 80,000, several times the number of the local population. Even writers from all over the world are attracted by the festival. It is no wonder: the village is home to over a million books.

Remnants of Antiquity

Aside from the numerous books and the fact that there are only 36 people for every bookshop in Hay-on-Wye, the village is also a dream-like place from medieval times. There are buildings that still showcase medieval architecture. You may even want to visit the Normal Castle nestled in the village. You could take one of the specialized, antique books from a shop with you on your visit to the castle.

Restaurants and Accommodations

You need not worry that the village is all reading and history. In Hay-On-Wye, you may also take a bite of modern delicacies and stay in comfortable accommodations. The cool restaurant to be, called Three Tuns, go back to the sixteenth century, however. The place boasts of delicious home-style cooking, heated beer and fine wines. The accommodations combine the old and the modern. Bed and breakfasts, such as The Old Castle Inn, are great examples. The service is very homey and traditional. The rooms, however, are complete with flat-screen television and other modern facilities.

Weather in Hay-on-Wye

If you want to go to Hay-on-Wye for the literary festival, the antiquated buildings and the unique accommodations then better prepare for the unpredictable weather. The whole of Wales is known for mostly wet weather. Even the mild months can experience some rain, at the most unexpected times. If you are up for an adventure, however, the weather should not detract you from your enjoyment.

Kafue River, Chamufumbu, near Lubungu Pontoon, Zambia
Photo by: wiki , Creative Commons

The city of Chingola is the found in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. This place is popular for having the second largest open cast mine on the entire globe. The Nchanga Open Pit Mine is often visited by tourists to marvel at the trails that go as deep as four hundred meters. Information about these mines can be easily found throughout the city.

Chingola is a popular destination not only for its open pit mines. This place holds and supports a very valuable cause. In this city, you will find the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage. This particular establishment is devoted to adopting and taking care of orphaned chimpanzees. While the government is promoting the conservation of animals, it is unfortunate that there are still poachers and illegal hunters that hunt wandering chimpanzees to kill, trade, or sell on the black market. Most of the young are left behind; and without caring parents, they will surely not survive on their own. In this orphanage, these chimps will be well taken care of until they grow up. As soon as they are ready, they are sent to conservations where they can roam free. The great thing about this place is that visitors get a chance to interact with the baby chimps.

During your travels to Chingola, you will find the Kafue River that is northbound of the city. Here you will be able to marvel at what has been called the Hippo pool where herds of hippopotamuses roam free.

The fortress of Ghat, Libya
Photo by: Wiki Commons , Creative Commons

Ghat city is located in the outermost corner of Libya. It is almost positioned in the center of the Sahara Desert and by getting into this city is considered the safest way to reach the center of the Sahara desert. The city was founded hundreds of years ago. The old city has attracted many tourists and travelers as the old structures of residential houses are very interesting to see. The residential houses are also mostly made of hardened mud and built in the ancient style of Libyan architecture.

Visiting Ghat will take you back to the early history and culture of Libyans. Within the old town, you can appreciate how the old infrastructures still stand despite the extreme conditions of the Sahara Desert. You can also observe that there are some quadratic towers around the borders of the old city which signifies its prosperous condition during the early times. After touring around the old city, it is also worthwhile to visit the Akakus and Tassili caves located outside the boarders. Prehistoric rock arts can be found inside these caves which are strong evidence of early habitation in the area.

Aside from the mentioned caves, there are still many other caves located in Ghat which are the Wadi Wan Mujaj, Wan Amen and Wadi Fit. Visiting these caves will give you the appreciation of Africa’s natural land formations. Overall, the whole old city is very picturesque to see so don’t forget to bring a camera with you!

The Popular Trades House Bar in Dundee
Photo by: blu-dog, Creative Commons

The only south-facing city in the whole of Scotland is the picturesque city of Dundee which radiates a welcoming atmosphere with its warm and sunny climate. This makes this city a beautiful attraction that invites tourists from all over.

The city of Dundee, Scotland is popularly referred to as the city of “jute, jam and journalism” which mainly contributed to the growth of the city’s economy. It is the original home of marmalade which has become popular throughout the world.

At present, Dundee is being promoted as the City of Discovery because of the historic scientific activities that take place here. It is home to the popular Antarctic exploration vessel that is anchored in the city harbor. The city also accounts for 10 percent of the digital entertainment industry of the United Kingdom because of the growing technological and biomedical industries that are based in the city. This is why Dundee is considered as a modern city yet its historic heritage still shines and continually attracts admirers from different places.

Like most of the places in the United Kingdom, Dundee also has many historic castles like Broughty Castle. It had been used for different purposes since its construction in 1495 and at present serves as a museum. Entering the castle is like taking a trip throughout its long history and one can almost feel what it was like during earlier times.

Other attractions include the Camperdown Wildlife Park that is home to rich flora and fauna. It is an ideal place for family camping and other functions. Interactions with the furry animals are very fun and surely, kids and even adults would have a wild time in this famous park.

Popular landmarks in the city are Gardyne’s Land in High Street which holds a collection of historically interesting and unique buildings. The oldest of these buildings is the Merchant’s House which is considered as the oldest house in Dundee, Scotland. The city also houses the only fulltime repertory ensemble in Scotland. It also has theaters and musical venues which hosts the annual jazz, guitar and blues festival in Dundee. Tourists who have the ear for music find fulfillment in this beautiful Scottish dwelling.

The rich culture of Dundee, Scotland includes a mixture of races because of the growing number of immigrants who have come to live and thrive in this beautiful Scottish city. There are immigrants from Italy, Poland as well as from Asia. Despite the melting pot of cultures that thrive in the city, Dundee is able to retain a rich cultural heritage of its own.

Morning view of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Photo by: Aristocrats-hat , Creative Commons

Kariba is a town located on the shore of Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba. It’s quite far from the capital, Harare, being 365 km away. Both the lake and the dry land in the area offer spectacular views and is the perfect place for tourists with a great love for the outdoors. One of the main tourist attractions in Kariba is the Kariba Dam; a hydroelectric dam constructed in the late 1950’s and is one of the largest in the world.

Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake and contains a thriving ecology. There are many activities for tourists to enjoy in the lake such as fishing and houseboat tours. Tiger fish is the prized catch in the Lake Kariba; being able to catch a few is considered an impressive feat. Houseboat tours along the river allow tourists to view the native wildlife of the river banks and the water itself. Be sure to bring a camera so you can take photos of the different varieties of animals looking for a drink along the banks. An average houseboat tour usually takes a few days, 5 days being the longest.

The dry land around the river offers a nice place to camp at night after the houseboat tour. Camping areas are usually set near the edge of the river. There are camping huts on the camp sites so you don’t really need a tent. Even though the area is surrounded by wildlife, it is fairly secure to prevent animals from entering the premises. Still, you shouldn’t leave food unattended in your hut because small animals can still sneak in.

Church in Milan, Italy
Photo by: davidchief, Creative Commons

This city has always been a commercial and business district since Italy became a united country during the 19th century. .Consequently, the mere mention of Milan, Italy brings up instant associations with fashion, finance and capitalism.

Take stroll in the Brera district – This neighborhood is surrounded by the corso Garibaldi. It is easily reached from the Moscova subway station. Freshly baked breads permeate the atmosphere of this district which is a good indication that this is where the locals spend much of their time. Establishments here are mostly frequented by locals such as the Giamaica Cafe, Le Trottoir jazz bar, De Claudio fish mart and Goodfellas apertif bar. The area is also home to the Accademia di Brera art academy which is reputed to be one of the best in the country.

Admire Renaissance Art and Architecture – Starting an architectural tour is best by first visiting the Castello Sforzesco. This castle was built by Donato Bramante and houses a secluded museum containing rooms with ceiling frescoes painted by Leonardo da Vinci. There is also a room exhibiting the Pieta Rondanini by Michelangelo Buonarotti which is his last unfinished sculpture. Milan, Italy is also famous for the Leonardi da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology that showcases many of da Vinci’s sketches, project designs and prototypes.

Trace landmarks on the tram – Compared to the more ancient sites in the city, the tram system is relatively new. It has been operating since 1927 and has been passing by many points of interest within the city center. The route reaches the Isola district first, which is notorious as a hotspot for political demonstrations and is home to many of the nation’s left-wing radicals. The tram then passes by the Monumentale Cemetery before reaching the busy streets of Chinatown. Following that, the tram alternately passes by busy shopping areas, quiet parks, and majestic buildings with the trip ending at a market where locally produced fruits and vegetables can be bought.

Without a doubt, there is much more to Milan, Italy than fashion and money, the city truly reveals valuable discoveries for tourists who will exert a little time and effort to seek them.

The entrance to Eisriesenwelt Caves in Austria.
Photo by: daleharvey, Creative Commons

If you are looking for a different thrill with the most astounding natural scenery that you can find, the Eisriesenwelt Caves in Werfen, Austria will capture your heart as an amazing limestone ice cave.

The Eisriesenwelt Caves is a natural ice cave in the Salzburg area. The caves are open from the 1st of May until late October. It is the biggest ice cave system in the world and is known to cater to most tourists in the midst of the summer heat.

Its name suits its exploits best. Eisriesenwelt literally means the World of Ice Giants and indeed it is. The mountainside caves of Salzburg is known for the largest ice formations and the wonderful view of these formations will surely make you feel amazed at the beauty that nature offers on this side of Austria.

It was discovered initially by a natural scientist named Anton Posselt. It was known to the locals as the gateway towards hell which is mainly the reason why no one dared to enter the caves during that time. In 1880, upon Posselt’s discovery of the caves, he published a report that was soon forgotten by the community.

It was Alexander von Mörk, a cave specialist and explorer, who remembered Posselt and his discovery. He started the explorations in the mountains which were followed by the others. Later, when the first routes in the mountains were created, the caves soon rose to fame as tourists began to flourish in the area.

A tour in the Eisriesenwelt Caves is worth every second. From the entrance, the tour will be directed to the Posselt Hall towards a big room with a stalagmite formation named the Posselt Tower. Then, it continues inward where a cross marker can be seen as the sign of the farthest area that Posselt reached in his exploration.

Large ice formations will follow soon after that point. The area where the largest and tallest ice growth can be found is named the Great Ice Embankment. Next to it lays the Hymir Castle where a formation of stalactites called Ice Organ or Frigga’s veil is located. Frigga is a Norse pagan goddess and is the wife of Odin.

Inside the caves, you will also find one of the largest areas called the Alexander von Mörk Cathedral. It is the resting place of the ashes of Alexander von Mörk and indeed, the rightful place where his remains should find its place.

Exploring the ice caves of Eisriesenwelt will be such a delight. Wear warm clothes and trousers in order to battle the coolness of the caves but most of all, enjoy the amazing ice formations which feature the spectacle of nature at its best.

Oxford Road in Manchester
Photo by: jlcwalker Creative Commons

Manchester England used to be known as an industrial city back in history. But today, the situation has changed dramatically as the city is now starting to gain a more cosmopolitan feel that can be comparable to London. It is undergoing an exciting change that you should definitely experience for yourself. So if you’re looking for a change of pace from London’s hectic scenery, then a visit to Manchester should definitely be included in your travel plans.

Manchester is also known as a student city, since it is home to the 3 of the most popular educational institutions in the United Kingdom. Because of this, the city has transformed itself into an exciting venue for student life. If you’re looking for inexpensive drinking and eating establishments then you should see what the south Manchester area can offer you. With over 80,000 students living in the area full time, you can expect to get year round good deals on lodging in this area.

The city of Manchester has become the quintessential mixed city, as it is home to an assortment of different races and religions existing peacefully alongside each other. It also has a very tolerant view towards sexual diversity. If you’re looking for a taste of the nightlife then don’t forget to make your way to The Village to experience the best bars and clubs in the area. The annual pride festival, usually held on the last weekend of August, hosts exclusive fund raising events to give to various AIDS charities all over the world.

Manchester has a number of world-class theatres and concert venues that you can visit if you want to see the cultural side to the city. The Cornerhouse located on Oxford Road is a great find for all those art house cinema fanatics out there. Also worth a visit is The Lowry, a venue that not only displays paintings and artwork of L.S. Lowry, but also stages an assortment of different theatre productions. For a chance to watch famous musical acts, make your way to the Bridgewater Hall or the Manchester Central. If you’re more inclined to learn more about the past, then don’t forget to visit the Imperial war Museum North at the Quays and the Manchester Museum on Oxford Road.

Lastly, if you’re interested in watching a football match, be sure to check out the Manchester United Football Club in action. Tickets have the tendency to sell fast so if you’re determined to see a match, you need to buy your seats as soon as you arrive.

The source of the Nile in Jinja, Uganda.
Photo by: Nao Iizuka, Creative Commons

Whether you want to go river rafting or bird watching, you can find plenty of nature activities in Jinja, Uganda. Among the outdoor activities that you might find appealing include white-river rafting, a trip to the mouth of the Nile River or the “Source of the Nile,” a visit to the private sailing club along the Lake Victoria shore, and animal watching at the Buwenge animal sanctuary. You can also get beautiful views of the Nile River and Lake Victoria without getting wet with a visit to a 9-hole golf course in Jinja – the second green on the course is right on the lob wedge of the famous “Source of the Nile.” The “Source of the Nile” is also known for the small memorial garden where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were scattered. Gandhi admirers could also visit Jinja’s Hindu temple where a bronze Gandhi bust is housed.

Located in eastern Uganda, Jinja ranks next to the Ugandan capital city of Kampala in terms of commercial activity. Its shop facades speak of the rich Indian heritage of Jinja. Trading plays a large part of Jinja’s economy. With the improvement of roads and infrastructure in the 1990s, however, much of the trading that was conducted in Jinja was diverted to Kampala. Despite this, you can find a number of manufacturing industries in Jinja. One of East Africa’s largest sugar factories, Kakira Sugar Works, is in fact located in Jinja. Other industries that have chosen to locate in Jinja include metal and paper processing, grain milling, coffee growing, and brewing. The Nile Breweries headquarters is one of the local tourist attractions in Jinja. The brewery is situated right at the Source of the Nile. It is notable to point out that it is from the Source of the Nile where the brewery has drawn its water supply for the past fifty years.

The capital of the country’s Toledo District is the town called Punta Gorda, Belize. This town is located at the very southernmost part of the region and is home to around 5000 residents who come from various ethnic backgrounds. If you want a laid back vacation that includes lazy walks around town, bike rides and interaction with the locals on a personal basis, then Punta Gorda, Belize is the place for you to visit.

You can get to this part of Belize by buses that you can take from Belize City. For a faster ride to Punta Gorda, you can opt for the express bus which takes you to this town in around 5 hours. Regular buses can get you there in around six to seven hours. If you do not see yourself sitting in a bus for hours on end, you can choose to go by plane. There are flights from Belize City and from the International Airport of Belize that go to Punta Gorda and these flights are serviced by the Tropic and Maya Air service.

Some of the sights you should not miss when you are in this southernmost town of Belize include the Lubaantun Maya Ruins and the Punta Gorda Oldest House, two historic attractions that represent different eras in the area. If you are into bargain hunting and souvenir collecting, you should try and visit the Punta Gorda Open Market as well as the Fajina Craft Center. Here you will find some of the best local items for sale for you to take home and add to your collection and to give loved ones as mementos from the south.

A Camel Caravan in Libya
Photo by:
ruba ch , Creative Commons

The town of Dirj in Libya is a place for traditional Libyan culture. This little town reflects traditional Libyan culture more accurately than other towns in Libya. It is considered as a little oasis in the middle of the desert.

Within the town of Dirj, an abandoned old village of Old Dirj can be found. You can find traditionally constructed houses that were built many years ago. During the month of September, a festival is conducted in the town called the Dirj Tourist Festival for Arts and Heritage. The authorities of the town arranged this festival in order to honor the visiting tourists in their town; so if you want to have a worthwhile visit at Dirj, try to visit during the month of September. The locals also host the Dirj Exhibition where traditional works reflecting their craftsmanship are displayed for appreciation. This includes clay pots, wooden tools, animal skin containers and straw food covers.

When visiting Dirj, you can reach the town through the road branching from the other towns of Ghadames, Nalut and Qaryat. Various souvenir shops can be found in the town as well where you can purchase some souvenir items. You can also spend the night in the town as the Tsawa hotel offer hotel services for Dirj tourists.

Mendoza is considered as one of the neatest places you can go to in Argentina. It is well known in the world for its malbec wines and also for Mount Aconcagua which is a great skiing destination during the winter months. Mendoza is situated at the foothills of the Andes mountain range and it also is part of a man made oasis that serves as a huge irrigation system.

Attractions You Should Not Miss

Sightseeing Tours

Sightseeing in Mendoza is both spectacular and educational. Get to witness the history of the past inhabitants in Mendoza while also gaining knowledge about the past and present culture in Mendoza.

San Martin

Mendoza takes great pride in their hero, San Martin, who is also the father of Argentina. In their museums and parks, you can see preserved memories of San Martin including his ordeals in Mount De la Gloria. The park serves as host to the documentation of the hero’s passing in Mendoza.

High Country Sports

Mendoza also serves as the starting point of high country sports in Argentina. Enjoy skiing, climbing, mountaineering, and river rafting in the Mendoza River if you are up for a great adventure.

Things You Need to Know

• Mendoza is dubbed as the land of bright sunshine and good wine. Make sure you get to enjoy both when visiting Mendoza.

• Make sure your tour packages include wine tasting as the place hosts the greatest wine you can find in the world. If not, you can go to several wineries yourself and join some wine tasting in different venues.

• Summer temperatures range between 18 to 33 degrees. Expect a fairly humid temperature during noontime and welcome a refreshing breeze during nighttime.

• During the winter months, temperatures drop to 3 degrees with a maximum of 16 degrees during noon time. The foothills of the Andes mountain range provide great slopes for skiing during the winter season.

• Mendoza is a great starting point for more adventurous high country sports in the Andes. During the winter season, you can start getting ready in Mendoza for more difficult stretches that lie ahead.

• The Mendoza River makes for an enjoyable place for river rafting. If you are travelling in groups or if you want to experience fun and adventure, river rafting is a definite must.

• Traveling by taxi is convenient and fairly cheap when in Mendoza. Taxi services are all around the area as this serves as the main mode of transportation

Royal Palace at Phnom Penh

Photo by: alex-photos, Creative Commons

Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia and is also the capital city. This is the focal capital ever since the French laid claim over Cambodia. It has been developed to be the basis of well-known commercial, industrial, historical, tourist and cultural centres and has developed to become the centre for Cambodia’s direct economic system after the year 1979.

Previously known as “Pearl of Asia”, Phnom Penh is regarded to be one of Indochina’s most beautiful of the French-constructed cities in the 1920s, together with Sihanoukville and Siem Riep. Phnom Penh is a noteworthy domestic and global tourist spot for Cambodia. On top of its conventional but contemporary additions enclosing the city, Phnom Penh has caught the attention of tourists from all over the world. Founded in the year 1434, Phnom Penh is still noted as a site of amazing cultural attractions and historical beauty. The amount of examples of existing French colonial architecture, like The Royal Palace, signifies the essence of classic and the modern social life as well.

One of the most historical structures from the early days of Phnom Penh is called the Wat Phnom, which was built in the year 1373. The key tourist sites are: the Royal Palace with Silver Paghoda, which dates back to the mid 1880’s; the National Museum, which was built during the French colonial period in the late 1880’s in the classic style of Khmer and congregates a wide anthology of Khmer relics; the Independence Monument, though modern from the 1950’s, was also built in the old Khmer style.

Hippos at Kasungu National Park, Malawi
Photo by: Owner , Creative Commons

If you want to experience African safari and see different species of animals that you can only see in the zoo, you should visit Kasungu National Park, Malawi. This place is perfect if you want to see wild animals and birds freely carrying out their daily activities.

There are several species of wild African animals that you can find in Kasungu National Park, Malawi. You can see elephants, zebras, antelopes, leopards, lions, buffalos, hippos, hyenas, and many other African fauna that you might have never heard of like kudu, puku, and duiker, to just name a few.

The park was once popular for its vast number of elephants about three decades ago. Before, the park had 1500-2000 elephants. But now, it only has 100-150 elephants. This is largely due to poaching and despite attempts of the park to save its elephants by developing anti-poaching laws, the problem is still there. Nonetheless, a herd of elephants in the wild is still something that is fascinating to see.

The best time to witness the wild animals is during the dry and warm season, which starts from August and ends in November. This season is perfect for safari and bird watching because the weather is bright and sunny and you will be able to see everything clearly. There are also rivers in the park where you can see large hippos cooling themselves under the heat of the sun.

December is the start of rainy season. You will see lush vegetation and wild African flowers like orchids until the month of July.

Downtown Iquique in Chile.

Photo by: gpoo, Creative Commons

Iquique is not exactly one of the more famous places in Chile. In fact, only a few people know what Iquique is and where it can be found. But the place does not really deserve to be ignored. If you find time to really explore it, you will discover that Iquique can be one of the most interesting places you can ever go to.

Do you find that hard to believe? If you do, then here are some attractions that may just change your mind.

1. Baquedano Street

This specific street is remarkable because most of the houses and buildings in this strip have been existing since 1880. But despite their relatively “old age” the Gregorian styled houses still manage to look as grand as the day they were built.

2. Geoglyphs

The geoglyphs in Chile are ancient images that have been literally carved into the dessert terrains. What’s incredible about these images is that they seemed to have been outlined from the top as all of them are equally proportioned. How were they made? Up to now no one can seem figure to figure that out.

If you want to see these wonders on your own, you can start with El Gigante de Acatama – huge glyph formed to have a human figure. This is found in the middle of a dessert in Huana.

3. Beaches

They are a must – see if you are visiting Iquique during summer. The shores and quiet waves are not just perfect for swimming, but they can also be ideal to relax tensed nerves.

4. The Festival of La Tirana Virgen

If you are in Iquique by July, make it a point to take a 72 kilometer drive to La Tirana. The travel may seem quite far but you will find that every kilometer is actually worth it especially after you see the music festival that goes on in that place for days. This festival is actually so popular, even to locals, that approximately 200,000 people flock the place yearly just to see and participate in it.

5. The Hills

While the hills can be pretty wonderful themselves, you can actually do something that will make your trip to them more worthwhile. What is that? Paragliding – an extreme sport that can give you the feeling of flying.

Those are some of the sights that you have to see and experiences that you have when you are in Iquique. Hopefully, after seeing and experiencing those, your view of the place will totally change.