tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40412266123505247242024-03-12T20:04:39.480-07:00World Travel GuideAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.comBlogger685125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-67430904739937116532015-12-24T11:12:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.298-08:00Most Beautiful Tourist Destinations in New Zealand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="article_intro"> Nature crafted New Zealand with the surreal beauty of a movie set. Few destinations boast so many staggering natural wonders packed into such a small area. Snow-capped peaks, sparkling coves, coastal glaciers, rainforests, fjords, and fish-filled rivers are some of the treasures travelers can explore. In Rotorua, one of the world's largest geothermal areas, visitors can witness the powerful forces that birthed these landscapes in the bubbling mud ponds and hissing springs.<br /> Thanks to its dramatic topography, New Zealand is a hotspot for adrenaline-fueled sports. White water rafting, luging, jet boating, heli-skiing, skydiving, and mountain biking round out the list of outdoor adventures and the country is home to one of the highest bungee jumps in the world. Strategically, New Zealand is a breeze to travel around. Self-drive vacations are popular, and the country's diverse accommodations range from quaint bed and breakfast inns and eco-lodges to some of the world's most luxurious hotels.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-SL-FNP"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>1</b> Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, South Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, South Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-south-island-fiordland-national-park.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-SL-FNP"> Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, South Island </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> A World Heritage Site, <a href="http://www.planetware.com/southland/fiordland-national-park-nz-sl-fnp.htm">Fiordland National Park</a> protects some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Glaciers sculpted this dramatic landscape carving the famous fjords of <b>Milford</b>, <b>Dusky</b>, and <b>Doubtful Sounds. </b>Visitors here can explore gushing cascades, offshore islands, virgin rainforests, vast lakes, and craggy mountain peaks. Not surprisingly, the park is a haven for hikers with some of the country's best walks, including the famous <b>Milford Track</b>. Sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the fjords, and visitors can also enjoy a scenic flight over the park for a bird's eye view of its staggering beauty</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-NL-BI"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>2</b> Bay of Islands, North Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Bay of Islands, North Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-north-island-bay-of-islands.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-NL-BI"> Bay of Islands, North Island </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc">A three-hour drive north of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/auckland-nz-au-a.htm">Auckland</a>, the beautiful Bay of Islands is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. More than 144 islands dot the glittering bay making it a haven for sailing and yachting. Penguins, dolphins, whales, and marlin live in these fertile waters, and the region is a popular sport fishing spot. Visitors can sea kayak along the coast, hike the many island trails, bask in secluded coves, tour <b>Cape Brett</b> and the famous rock formation called <b>Hole in the Rock</b>, and explore sub-tropical forests where Kauri trees grow. The quaint towns in the area such as <b>Russell</b>, <b>Opua</b>, <b>Paihia,</b> and <b>Kerikeri</b> are great bases for exploring this scenic bay.</div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3 Queenstown, South Island</b></span> <div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Queenstown, South Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-south-island-queenstown.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-OT-Q"> Queenstown, South Island </div></div></div>Snuggled between the shores of shimmering Lake Wakatipu and the snowy peaks of the Remarkables, <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/queenstown-nz-ot-q.htm">Queenstown</a> is New Zealand's adventure capital and one of the country's top destinations for international visitors. Bungee jumping, jet boating, white-water rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and downhill skiing are just some of the adrenaline-fueled sports on offer, and visitors can explore the stunning alpine scenery on the excellent network of hiking trails. In addition to the adventure sports, Queenstown offers all the creature comforts with first-class hotels, spas, restaurants, galleries, and shops. It's also a great base for trips to the <b>Central Otago</b> region, where visitors can explore gold mining towns and the Middle Earth scenery from the popular "Lord of the Rings" movies<br /><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-WK-TO"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>4</b> Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-north-island-tongariro-national-park.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-WK-TO"> Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> In the center of the North Island, a few kilometers from glittering Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage Site due to its spectacular volcanic features and its importance to the Maori culture. In 1887, Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV gifted the volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and part of Ruapehu to the people of New Zealand in order to preserve this sacred land. One of the oldest national parks in the world, Tongariro is a land of dramatic beauty with towering volcanoes, turquoise lakes, arid plateaus, alpine meadows, and hot springs. A highlight of the park is the <b>Tongariro Alpine Crossing</b>, one of the most popular day walks in the country.<br /> <div class="site_info"></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-BP-R"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>5</b> Rotorua, North Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Rotorua, North Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-north-island-rotorua.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-BP-R"> Rotorua, North Island </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> On the tumultuous Pacific Ring of Fire, <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/rotorua-nz-bp-r.htm">Rotorua</a> is one of the most active geothermal regions in the world. This is a land where the earth speaks. Boiling mud pools, hissing geysers, volcanic craters, and steaming thermal springs betray the forces that birthed much of New Zealand's dramatic topography. Visitors can take a walking tour of these geothermal wonders, soak in steaming mineral springs, and learn about the region's rich Maori history and culture. Adventure seekers will also find plenty of things to do. Sky-diving, luging, and mountain biking are some of the activities on offer. Trout fishing is also popular, and Rotorua is the gateway to the ski fields of <b>Mt. Ruapehu</b>. Nearby <b>Wai-O-Tapu</b> is also a popular tourist attraction with colorful hot springs and the famous <b>Champagne Pool</b> and <b>Lady Knox Geyser</b>.</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-WC-FG"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>6</b> Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, South Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, South Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-south-fox-and-franz-josef-glaciers.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-WC-FG"> Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, South Island </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>Among the most accessible glaciers in the world, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are the main tourist attractions in spectacular Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Both of these rivers of ice flow from some of the highest peaks in the Southern Alps to near sea level where the gentle coastal climate makes it easy for visitors to explore them on foot. Guided hikes lead to the contorted frozen landscape of ice caves and pinnacles at the foot of the glaciers. For an aerial view, seaplanes and helicopters fly visitors to the top of these vast tongues of ice. <div class="site_desc"><div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-NM-ABCT"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>7</b> Abel Tasman National Park and the Abel Tasman Coast Track, South Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Abel Tasman National Park and the Abel Tasman Coast Track, South Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-south-island-abel-tasman-coast-track.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-NM-ABCT"> Abel Tasman National Park and the Abel Tasman Coast Track, South Island </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The Abel Tasman Coast Track in Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand's <b>Great Walks</b>. Winding along sparkling <b>Tasman Bay</b>, from Marahau to Separation Point, this scenic 51-kilometer hike lies in one of the sunniest regions of the South Island. Along the way, hikers can snorkel in secluded coves; spot fur seals, dolphins, penguins, and a diverse range of birds; hike through cool forests; and enjoy panoramic views from the rugged coastal cliffs. Photographers will also enjoy the many weathered rock formations, especially <b>Split Apple Rock</b>, a giant granite boulder sliced in two. The hike takes around three days, and accommodation ranges from campgrounds, to rustic huts, and plush private lodges. Sea kayaks are also a popular way to explore this beautiful coast.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-CB-MCN"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>8</b> Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, South Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, South Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-south-island-aoraki-mount-cook-national-park.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-CB-MCN"> Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, South Island </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> In the heart of the Southern Alps, New Zealand's highest peaks rise above the alpine landscapes of Aoraki National Park, also called Mount Cook National Park. More than 40 per cent of the park is covered in glaciers, and the country's tallest mountain <b>Aoraki/Mount Cook</b> and longest glacier, the <b>Tasman Glacier</b>, lie within its borders making this a top destination for mountaineering. Sir Edmund Hillary trained here for his legendary Mount Everest ascent. Nature lovers will appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna with more than 300 species of alpine plants and 40 species of birds. <b>Mount Cook Village</b> is a great base for exploring the park and organizing activities such as scenic flights, ski touring, heli-skiing, hunting, hiking, and stargazing trips.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-HB-N"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>9</b> Napier, Hawke's Bay, North Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Napier, Hawke's Bay, North Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-napier.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-HB-N"> Napier, Hawke's Bay, North Island </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> In the sunny region of Hawke's Bay, <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/napier-nz-hb-n.htm">Napier</a> is famous for its gourmet food and Art Deco architecture. After a powerful earthquake destroyed the town in 1931, it was rebuilt in the Spanish Mission style and Art Deco design for which <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/miami-us-fl-miami.htm">Miami Beach</a> is also famous. Today, visitors can take self-guided tours to view these buildings, some of which are embellished with Maori motifs. Along the <b>Marine Parade</b> seafront promenade lies the town's famous statue from Maori mythology called <b>Pania of the Reef</b>. Napier is also a haven for foodies. Gourmet restaurants here specialize in using fresh produce from the region, and the town plays host to popular farmers' markets. Nearby attractions include hiking trails and the gannet colony at <b>Cape Kidnappers</b>.</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-AU-A"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>10</b> Auckland, North Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Auckland, North Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-north-island-auckland.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-AU-A"> Auckland, North Island </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Blessed with two sparkling harbors, Auckland, the "City of Sails," is New Zealand's largest city and the most populous Polynesian city in the world. Blond- and black-sand beaches, rainforest hiking trails, picturesque coves, islands, and volcanoes surround the city making it a perfect base for day trips and wilderness adventures. To appreciate Auckland's stunning location, visitors can zoom up the 328-meter <b>Sky Tower</b> for spectacular views across the city and hinterland. Auckland is also home to top-notch dining, a vibrant arts scene, and a revamped waterfront district packed with boutiques and restaurant.</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="NZ-WK-CP"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>11</b> Coromandel Peninsula, North Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Coromandel Peninsula, North Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-north-island-coromandel-peninsula.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-WK-CP"> Coromandel Peninsula, North Island </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Just across the <b>Hauraki Gulf</b> from Auckland, the rugged Coromandel Peninsula seems a world away from the city's hustle and bustle. Craggy mountains cloaked in native forest form a spine along the peninsula offering excellent opportunities for hiking and birding. Visitors can also relax on the golden beaches, sea kayak around the offshore islands, sky dive, and visit the many galleries and art studios. At <b>Hot Water Beach</b>, a dip in the bubbling hot pools is a great way to end a busy day of sightseeing.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>12</b> Kaikoura, South Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Kaikoura, South Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/NZ/new-zealand-south-island-kaikoura.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_NZ-NM-KK"> Kaikoura, South Island </div></div></div>Birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and seafood aficionados will love the charming coastal village of Kaikoura. Tucked between the <b>Seaward Kaikoura Range</b> and the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura offers excellent coastal hikes and popular whale watching tours. In addition to sperm whales and humpbacks, passengers may spot fur seals, dolphins, and a wide variety of birds including the graceful albatross. Kaikoura is also renowned for its fresh-caught crayfish, mussels, and other seafood delights.<br /><b>.</b><br /><b> Link</b>:http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/new-zealand-nz.htm</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-1925936421915075222015-12-24T11:02:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.406-08:00 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="article_intro"> Australia is a land of dreams. From the sacred legends of the aboriginal Dreamtime when the great spirits conjured the coral reefs, rainforests, and scorched, red deserts, to armchair travelers who describe Australia as their dream destination, the Land Down Under deserves all the hype. The world's smallest continent and largest island, Australia is almost the same size as the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/usa-tourism-vacations-us.htm">United States</a>, but with a population the size of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/new-york-usny.htm">New York State</a> and some of the quirkiest wildlife on the planet.<br /> Australia is also a land of staggering contrast and spectacular beauty. Along the coast, visitors can explore vibrant multicultural cities, safari across vast sand islands, trek through ancient rainforests, and dive the Great Barrier Reef. In the Outback, rugged national parks and red-earthed deserts offer the ultimate in adventure travel. Top it all off with a laidback feel and friendly people and it's no wonder Australia scores top billing on bucket lists around the world.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-NSW-SOH"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>1</b> Sydney Opera House</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Sydney Opera House" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-new-south-wales-sydney-opera-house.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-NSW-SOH"> Sydney Opera House </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc">Mention "Sydney, Australia" and most people think of the Opera House. Shaped like huge shells or billowing sails, this breathtaking building on Sydney's Bennelong Point graces the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the world's great architectural icons. The location is stunning. Water surrounds the structure on three sides and the <b>Royal Botanic Gardens</b> border it to the south. Danish architect, Jørn Utzon won an international competition for its design, but withdrew from the project after technical and financing problems. Construction was finally completed in 1973 at a cost ten times the original budget. By this time Utzon had left the country never returning to see his magnificent creation. Today visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or take a tour of the building, which encompasses theatres, studios, a concert hall, exhibition rooms, and a cinema. But it's far more impressive viewed from a distance. One of the best sites to photograph the Opera House is <b>Mrs Macquarie's Chair</b> in the Royal Botanic Gardens or from aboard a harbor cruise.<br /> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-QLD-GBR"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>2</b> Great Barrier Reef</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Great Barrier Reef" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-queensland-great-barrier-reef-2.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-QLD-GBR"> Great Barrier Reef </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Visible from outer space, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest living structures on the planet. In 1975 the <b>Great Barrier Reef Marine Park </b>was established to protect its fragile ecosystems, which include more than 3,000 coral reefs; 600 continental islands, including the beautiful <b>Whitsunday</b> group; 300 coral cays; and inshore mangrove islands. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the park stretches for 2,300 km along the state of Queensland, on Australia's east coast (that's about the distance between <a href="http://www.planetware.com/mexico-tourism-vacations-mex.htm">Mexico</a> and <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/vancouver-cdn-bc-bcv.htm">Vancouver</a>). Diving and snorkeling are spectacular. The astounding array of marine life includes soft and hard corals, more than 1,600 species of tropical fish, sharks, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, rays, and giant clams. Those who prefer to stay dry can view the reef from underwater viewing stations and glass bottom boats. On the mainland, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach are the main launching points for tours.</div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>3</b> Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-northern-territory-uluru-kata-tjuta-national-park-3.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-NT-ARNP"> Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>Deep in the heart of the Australia's Red Centre, <b>Uluru</b> (formerly <b>Ayers Rock</b>), is one of the most photographed natural wonders in the country. The striking red monolith forms the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a World Heritage Area jointly managed by Parks Australia and the traditional landowners, the Aṉangu people. Uluru, meaning "shadowy place" in the local aboriginal dialect, rises to a height of 348 m from the surrounding plain with most of its bulk hidden beneath the earth's surface. Also in the park are the red dome-shaped rocks called <b>Kata Tjuta</b> (the Olgas). As the sun dips in the sky, visitors gather to watch Uluru and Kata Tjuta transform in the shifting light. A great way to appreciate these sacred structures is to join a tour around the sites led by Aboriginal guides and rangers.<br /><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-NSW-SHB"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>4</b> Sydney Harbour Bridge</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Sydney Harbour Bridge" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-new-south-wales-sydney-harbour-bridge.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-NSW-SHB"> Sydney Harbour Bridge </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Along with the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's most famous icons. Affectionately called "the Coathanger", this impressive feat of construction is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. It was completed in 1932, 40 years before the Sydney Opera House. Rising 134 m above the harbor, the bridge spans 500 m connecting Sydney's north shore to the central business district. In addition to the pedestrian path, two railway lines extend over the bridge as well as eight lanes for road traffic, the direction of which can be switched to accommodate traffic flow.<br /> One of the top things to do in Sydney is a guided ascent to the top of the bridge where visitors can enjoy spectacular views over the harbor and city. For an overview on the bridge's history and construction visit the <b>museum </b>in the southeastern pier. Interestingly, Paul Hogan, of Crocodile Dundee fame, worked as a painter on the bridge before rocketing to international stardom.</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-NSW-BM"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>5</b> Blue Mountains National Park</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Blue Mountains National Park" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-new-south-wales-blue-mountains-national-park-2.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-NSW-BM"> Blue Mountains National Park </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc">A UNESCO World Heritage Site, beautiful Blue Mountains National Park lies 81 km west of Sydney and is a popular day trip from the city. Named for the blue haze emanating from the many eucalyptus trees, this stunning park protects more than 664,000 acres of bush land and encompasses dramatic gorges, waterfalls, aboriginal rock paintings, and 140 km of hiking trails. The most famous attractions in the park are the towering sandstone rock formations called the <b>Three Sisters</b>. Other highlights include the <b>Katoomba Scenic Railway</b>, the world's steepest, which whisks passengers down the Jamison Valley through a cliff side tunnel into an ancient rainforest. Hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular things to do in the park</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-VIC-M"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>6</b> Melbourne</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Melbourne" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-victoria-melbourne.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-VIC-M"> Melbourne </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, is a popular stop on many Australia itineraries. Galleries, theaters, restaurants, shops, and a distinctly European feel are the main draws of this sophisticated city on the Yarra River. It's also a green city with parks, gardens, and open spaces occupying almost a third of its total area. Highlights of the city include the <b>Royal Botanic Gardens</b>, the <b>National Gallery of Victoria</b>, and the <b>Melbourne Cricket Ground</b> where sports fans can watch cricket in the summer and Australian Rules football in the winter. Shoppers flock to the elegant Royal Arcade on Bourke Street, as well as Chapel Street, the Melbourne Central Shopping Center, and the Queen Victoria Market, which has been selling fruits, vegetables, clothes, and crafts for more than a century. To the east, greater Melbourne extends into the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, and in the south to the Mornington Peninsula where many locals escape for seaside getaways.<br /></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>7 Bondi Beach </b></span><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-NSW-SBB"><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Bondi Beach" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-new-south-wales-sydney-bondi-beach.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-NSW-SBB"> Bondi Beach </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Bronzed bodies, blond sand, backpackers, and surf - throw it all together and you get one of the world's most famous beaches. Only 15 minutes by car from the city center, Bondi Beach is home to one of the oldest surf life-saving clubs in the world. It's also a great spot for a seaside stroll or picnic. The scenic <b>Bondi to Bronte</b> coastal walk begins at the southern end of the beach and follows the coastline for 6 km along sandstone cliffs. Shops, cafes, and restaurants lie across the street from this famous coastal strip, and the beach is a hotspot on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Tourists and locals alike visit the Sunday markets and frolic at the ocean pool and skate park. Strong rip tides often sweep unsuspecting swimmers out to sea, especially at the southern end of this kilometer-long strand, so swimmers should stay between the flags. There's a reason the Aussies made a reality TV show called "Bondi Rescue."</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-QLD-DT"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>8</b> Daintree National Park</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Daintree National Park" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-queensland-daintree-national-park-2.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-QLD-DT"> Daintree National Park </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc">A Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland is among the most ancient ecosystems on earth. The area belongs to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, and many of its natural features hold great spiritual significance. The park encompasses two main sections: <b>Mossman Gorge</b> where crystal clear waters gush over granite boulders, and <b>Cape Tribulation</b> where rainforest meets reef along the white sandy beaches of the Coral Sea. The stunning stretch of coast is one of the few places in the world where two of the planet's richest ecosystems converge. The park's astounding biodiversity includes more than 18,000 plant species and a vast array of animal species including the cassowary, crocodile, giant blue Ulysses butterfly, and the secretive Bennett's tree kangaroo. The resort town of <b>Port Douglas</b>, just south of the park, is a great base to arrange wilderness safaris into the park. <div class="site_info"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g499650-Daintree_Daintree_Region_Queensland-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a> </div></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>9 Fraser Island </b></span><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-QLD-FRSI"><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Fraser Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-queensland-fraser-island-3.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-QLD-FRSI"> Fraser Island </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, between Bundaberg and <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/brisbane-aus-qld-b.htm">Brisbane</a> off Australia's east coast, is the largest sand island in the world and one of Australia's most unique four-wheel-drive adventures. Along windswept <b>Seventy Five Mile Beach</b>, visitors can see the rusted hulls of shipwrecks, the colored sandstone cliffs of <b>The Cathedrals</b>, and the bubbling fish-filled rock pools called <b>Champagne Pools</b>.<br /> Venturing inland, highlights include crystal clear freshwater creeks and lakes, some fed by springs, others perched amid towering sand dunes, and ancient rainforests filled with an amazing diversity of plants and animals. Sharks, dolphins, and whales prowl the waters and the island's fauna includes wild horses, dingoes, bats, sugar gliders, and more than 300 species of birds. Access to Fraser Island is by ferry from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential as the island has no sealed roads.<br /></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>10 Kakadu National Park </b></span><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-NT-KNP"><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Kakadu National Park" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-northern-territory-kakadu-national-park-4.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-NT-KNP"> Kakadu National Park </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl">Share:</span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Kakadu National Park, in the Top End or the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/northern-territory-aus-nt-nt.htm">Northern Territory</a>, is a World Heritage Site and one of the planet's great wilderness areas. Covering more than 19,840 sq km, Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia and the second largest in the world. Within its borders lie monsoon rainforests, mangrove swamps, rivers, gorges, ancient rock paintings, wetlands, and waterfalls as well as an astounding diversity of wildlife. In addition to the many mammals and reptiles, more than 300 different species of birds make their home here, and visitors may spot saltwater crocodiles prowling the wetlands. Visitors can view the park's diverse ecosystems by car, air, on foot via the vast network of hiking trails, or by boat on the rivers or floodplains. During the wet season (Nov-April), many roads and attractions close due to heavy flooding.<br /></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>11 Great Ocean Road </b></span><div class="article_block site" id="AUS-VIC-GOR"><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Great Ocean Road" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-great-ocean-road.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-VIC-GOR"> Great Ocean Road </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Every top tourist destination has a spectacular drive, and for Australia it's the Great Ocean Road. Built to provide employment during the Depression, the road stretches for 300 km along Australia's southeast coast from the surfing town of <b>Torquay </b>to the town of <b>Allansford</b>, near <b>Warrnambool</b> in the state of Victoria. The top attraction along the road is the <b>Port Campbell National Park </b>with the wind and wave-sculpted rock formations known as the <b>Twelve Apostles</b>, <b>London Bridge</b>, <b>the Arch</b>, and <b>Loch Ard Gorge</b>. From a helicopter, these rock formations look like giant puzzle pieces lashed by the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean. Other highlights along the road include the popular holiday resort town of Lorne and Otway National Park, an area of dense eucalyptus forest, fern-filled rainforest, hiking trails, and waterfalls.</div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>12</b> Broome and the Kimberley region</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Broome and the Kimberley region" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/AUS/australia-western-australia-broome-and-the-kimberley-region.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_AUS-WA-BRM"> Broome and the Kimberley region </div></div></div>Once the pearl capital of the world, Broome is now a booming tourist town in the south of the spectacular Kimberley region. The seemingly endless white sands and turquoise seas of <b>Cable Beach, </b>where tourists ride camels into the sunset, are one of the town's top attractions. Other highlights include the Broome Historical Museum, the Broome Crocodile Park and the <b>Staircase to the Moon, </b>a phenomenon during certain conditions between March and October where moonlight creates an optical illusion of steps leading to the moon. Broome is also a great base for excursions into the Kimberley region where visitors can explore the Horizontal Waterfall, Cape Leveque, Gibb River Road, Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park and the stunning cascades of Mitchell Falls.<br /><br /><b>Source By</b>: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/australia-aus.htm</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-48583918241328177902015-12-24T10:47:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.449-08:0016 Most Beautiful Islands in the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="article_intro"> Islands conjure dreams of paradise; an escape from the rat race, a perfect patch of sand where you can relax under rustling palms and gaze at a serene blue sea. But not all islands are created the same. The beauty of some is defined more by the sea that surrounds them, which can captivate connoisseurs with its crystalline clarity and thriving coral kingdoms. Other islands feature luxuriant jungles and velvety peaks. And some enchant travelers with their cultural jewels. Whether it's sublime beaches, stunning topography, or exotic cultures you seek, these islands lie far from the workaday clamor but close to creature comforts. From the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/seychelles-sey.htm">Seychelles</a> to <a href="http://www.planetware.com/greece/santorini-gr-aeg-santo.htm">Santorini</a> and the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/caribbean-travel.htm">Caribbean</a> to <a href="http://www.planetware.com/italy/capri-and-the-blue-grotto-i-cm-cp.htm">Capri</a>, you can find your very own Shangri-la in this list.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SEY-1-3"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>1</b> Maldives</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Maldives" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SEY/best-islands-maldives.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SEY-1-3"> Maldives </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div>The Maldives are home to some of the world's most ravishing islands, but it's the sea, which truly makes these islands shine. Luminous aquamarine waters with a crystal clarity lap upon these dazzling white shores, which barely peek above the Indian Ocean. Consisting of 26 natural atolls, the Maldives archipelago is the planet's lowest lying nation, rising no more than three meters above the sea at its highest point, a measurement that shrinks every year. Beneath the mesmerizing waters, coral reefs flourish, luring divers and snorkelers from around the world. Surfers also flock here to ride the uncrowded breaks. Back on land, luxury resorts provide the perfect launching points for adventures focused upon the sea, the archipelago's greatest asset, but also, as the planet's climate changes, its single greatest threat. </div><div class="site_desc"><div class="site_info"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g293953-Maldives-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SEY-1-4"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>2</b> Bora Bora, French Polynesia</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Bora Bora, French Polynesia" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SEY/best-islands-bora-bora.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SEY-1-4"> Bora Bora, French Polynesia </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Shaped like a giant sombrero, this lush volcanic island stars in countless South Pacific fantasies. The focal point and best asset of this tropical beauty is its ravishing lagoon in technicolor turquoise. Fish, turtles, sharks, and rays swim in the clear waters, and tiny islets or motus dot the lagoon. The island, of course, is distinctly French, with mouthwatering cuisine to match. Diving and snorkeling are excellent in the surrounding reefs and hiking trails weave through the palm-studded forests. If you can afford it, hide out here in a luxurious over-the-water bungalow and bask in your good fortune as you fall asleep to the gentle slosh of the sea.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g311415-Bora_Bora_Society_Islands-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a> </div></div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>3</b> Palawan, Philippines</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Palawan, Philippines" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SEY/best-islands-palawan.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SEY-1-5"> Palawan, Philippines </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>Palawan is the Philippine's answer to paradise. This island province stretches southwest to Borneo with lush limestone peaks rising from a jewel-like sea so clear, that you can almost see the expressions on the fish from above the surface. Slivers of gleaming white sand fringed with rustling palms rim many of these jungle-clad islands, while under the water, coral reefs flourish with an impressive diversity of tropical fish, offering some of the best diving in the world. Other attractions include the islands' unique wildlife, emerald lakes, and quaint fishing villages. <b>Coron</b> is home to plush resorts, and <b>El Nido</b> drips with natural beauty and is one of the most alluring islands in the chain. From here, you can island hop around the spectacular <b>Bacuit archipelago</b>. One of Palawan's top attractions is the World Heritage-listed <b>Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, </b>an impressive limestone cave system with a long underground river.<br /><div class="article_block site" id="SEY-1-6"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>4</b> Seychelles</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Seychelles" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SEY/best-islands-seychelles.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SEY-1-6"> Seychelles </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div>Pristine and picture-perfect, the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/seychelles-sey.htm">Seychelles</a> are worth traveling for. East of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/kenya-ken.htm">Kenya</a>, this relatively unspoiled archipelago of 115 coral and granite islands feature UNESCO-listed jungles; thriving coral reefs; and palm-lined, powdery beaches flanked by giant boulders. Almost half the total land area of these equatorial isles is protected, and many of the islands lie within fish-rich marine sanctuaries with excellent diving and snorkeling. The Seychelles also feature some of the planet's richest fishing grounds, making this a top destination for anglers. Add some spicy Créole cuisine into the mix as well as the plush resorts of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and it's easy to understand the Seychelles' allure. </div><div class="site_desc"><div class="site_info"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g293738-Seychelles-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="GR-AEG-SANTO"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>5</b> Santorini, Greece</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Santorini, Greece" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SEY/best-islands-santorini.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_GR-AEG-SANTO"> Santorini, Greece </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc">Encircling a sea-filled caldera, spectacular <a href="http://www.planetware.com/greece/santorini-gr-aeg-santo.htm">Santorini</a> scores top points for dramatic beauty. Bleached white villas tumble down volcanic cliffs. Blue-domed churches rise against the sparkling sea, and bright sprays of bougainvillea add to the eye-popping canvas of color. Perched atop the black lava cliffs, the settlements of <b>Firá</b> and <b>Oia</b> are the island's most picturesque, and pricey, destinations, and <b>Oia </b>ranks among the most photographed locations in the world. Other highlights of the island include <b>Akrotíri Archaeological Site, Ancient Thira, </b>the black sand beach of <b>Perissa, </b>and of course, the sublime sunsets. Sailing into this stunning caldera surrounded by soaring sea cliffs makes an unforgettable first impression.</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SEY-1-7"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>6</b> The Cook Islands</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="The Cook Islands" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SEY/best-islands-cook-islands.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SEY-1-7"> The Cook Islands </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> If you've ever dreamed of being a castaway in the South Pacific, the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/cook-islands-cok.htm">Cook Islands</a> are for you. Strung between French Polynesia and Samoa but with strong ties to <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/new-zealand-nz.htm">New Zealand</a>, the archipelago's 15 islands are known for their enticing aquamarine lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, and volcanic peaks. Best of all, the locals are among the friendliest in the South Pacific. <b>Rarotonga </b>is the main tourist hub, with its many resorts, lush peaks, and plentiful beaches. <b>Aitutaki </b>boasts the beauty of Bora Bora, without the price tag. Hibiscus-laced villages snuggle on the hillsides, and along its heavenly lagoon lie 21 motus or small islets, many within kayak distance of the resorts. Ensconce yourself here in an over-the-water bungalow or hole up in a rustic beach shack on a remote out island and live your Robinson Crusoe fantasies.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g294328-Cook_Islands-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a> </div></div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>7</b> Bali, Indonesia</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Bali, Indonesia" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SEY/best-islands-bali.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_INA-B-B"> Bali, Indonesia </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>Steeped in an intoxicating culture, the island of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/bali-ina-b-b.htm">Bali</a> is a feast for the senses. Incense wafts from Hindu temples, rice paddies glow in electric greens, and the food jolts the taste buds. Surfing, swimming, shopping, and sunbathing are the prime pursuits on this exotic isle, as well as sightseeing in the lush countryside. Soak up the spiritual side of Bali in <b>Ubud</b>, see <b>Seminyak</b>, and family-friendly <b>Sanur</b>, feel the pumping pulse of touristy <b>Kuta, </b>or explore the attractions on the neighboring volcanic island of <b>Lombok</b>. Bali's enchanting spirit will wash over you like a warm, tropical wave.<br /><br /><b>Source</b>:http://www.planetware.com/world/most-beautiful-islands-in-the-world-sey-1-2.htm <br /><a class="printbtn_o" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span></span></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-89894560863600485462015-12-24T10:41:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.491-08:00Most Amazing World Heritage Sites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="article_intro"> For centuries, or even millenniums, some of the most astounding sites of ancient times were forgotten or hidden from the world, buried under jungles, deserts, or farmers' fields around the globe. Rumours of lost cities or chance discoveries by people going about their everyday lives have led to unimaginable finds that are today open for the world to see. Some great sites have been around and attracting tourists for hundreds of years and are as fascinating now as they were ages ago. It may be a cliché to say there has never been a better time to explore the greatest sites on the planet, but it is also true.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="PER-CS-MP"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>1</b> Machu Picchu, Peru</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Machu Picchu, Peru" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/PER/peru-machu-picchu-world-heritage.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_PER-CS-MP"> Machu Picchu, Peru </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Built in lush, mountainous terrain high above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu lies in one of the most stunning settings of any archeological site in the world. This ancient city of Incas cascades down steep walls on each side of the mountain, with terraced steps that disappear over cliff edges into the valley below. These incredible ruins have been restored and are well maintained, giving visitors a good indication of what the city might have looked like when it was occupied during the 15th and 16th centuries.<br /> Many people come to <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/peru-per.htm">Peru</a> for the sole purpose of visiting Machu Picchu, and the journey to the ruins can be an adventure in and of itself, depending on how travelers choose to reach the site. Adventurous souls can opt for a guided, multi-day hike and camping trip along the famous <b>Inca Trail</b> to reach the site, or choose the easier option of accessing the ruins by bus from the small town of Aguas Calientes at the base of the hill, which most visitors get to by train from <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/cusco-cuzco-qosqo-per-cs-cs.htm">Cusco</a> or the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/peru/sacred-valley-urubamba-valley-per-cs-sv.htm">Sacred Valley</a>.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsNear-g294318-d668949-Machu_Picchu-Machu_Picchu_Sacred_Valley_Cusco_Region.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2 Pyramids, Egypt </b></span></div><div class="article_block site" id="EGY-GIZA-GIZA"><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Pyramids, Egypt" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/PER/egypt-pyramids-world-heritage.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_EGY-GIZA-GIZA"> Pyramids, Egypt </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> One of the most iconic sites in the world, the Pyramids of Giza, just outside <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/cairo-egy-cai-cai.htm">Cairo</a>, are a surreal sight rising from the barren desert landscape. Standing guard nearby, and almost as impressive, is the Sphinx, gazing blankly out over the land. The pyramids were built as tombs for the Pharaohs, the largest of which was constructed between 2560 and 2540 BC. To put their age in perspective, they were already more than 2,600 years old when the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/rome/colosseum-i-la-rcl.htm">Colosseum</a> in <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/rome-i-la-r.htm">Rome</a> was being built. Today, these giant monuments are the sole surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.<br /></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3 Bagan, Myanmar </b></span><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Bagan, Myanmar" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/PER/myanmar-bagan-world-heritage.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_PER-1-3"> Bagan, Myanmar </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div>Thousands of ancient temples and stupas stretch endlessly across the landscape at Bagan, where the silhouette of the temple spires against the sky in the early morning or late day is a magical sight. The area is known for having the largest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world, many of which were built in the 1000s and 1100s, when it was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. Some of these have been restored, and others are little more than ruins. They also range in size and level of sophistication, creating an intriguing mix of structures that make visitors want to keep exploring the site. Visitors can tour the area on rickety old bicycles, hire a horse and cart, take a hot air balloon ride over the site, or simply hire a taxi. Each of these methods has its own appeal.</div><div class="article_block site" id="PER-1-4"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>4</b> Angkor Wat, Cambodia</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Angkor Wat, Cambodia" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/PER/cambodia-angkor-wat-world-heritage.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_PER-1-4"> Angkor Wat, Cambodia </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc">In a unique jungle setting, not far from the city of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is known for being the world's largest religious monument, but it is more than sheer size that makes this complex so interesting. The site was built by the Khmers in the 12th century, and the architecture is nothing less than stunning. The site has an intriguing mix of excavated and unexcavated temples in varying shapes, sizes, and states of decay, with some buildings taking on a mystical appearance as they're swallowed up by trees and roots. Huge stone carved faces peer out in all directions. Extensive and intricate bas-reliefs line the walls and doorways. Crumbling passageways and steep stone stairs call out for exploration. Before its fall in the 15th century, Angkor Wat was the largest city in the world. The complex is huge, and visitors may want to spend a couple of days taking in the site. <div class="site_info"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsNear-g297390-d317907-Angkor_Wat-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CHN-BJ-GW"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>5</b> Great Wall of China</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Great Wall of China" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/PER/china-great-wall-world-heritage.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CHN-BJ-GW"> Great Wall of China </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Stretching almost 6,000 kilometers as it snakes its way through forests and mountains, the Great Wall of China is one of those undeniable bucket list sites that have long inspired great adventures. This massive wall, connecting battlements and watchtowers, was built over the centuries, with the oldest sections dating back to the 7th century BC. Today, visitors can opt to simply visit the wall on a day trip from places like <a href="http://www.planetware.com/beijing/beijing-day-trips-chn-bj-bjsur.htm">Beijing</a>, or tackle whole sections of it on organized, multi-day trips. Some sections of the wall have been restored, while other sections are badly in need of repair.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g294212-Beijing-Hotels.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="I-LA-RCL"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>6</b> Roman Colosseum, Italy</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Roman Colosseum, Italy" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/PER/italy-roman-colosseum-world-heritage.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_I-LA-RCL"> Roman Colosseum, Italy </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> One of the most recognizable structures in the world, the Roman Colosseum is the largest building remaining from Roman times. Its imposing presence in the city center of modern day <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/rome-i-la-r.htm">Rome</a> is a testament to the incredible history of the city and the achievements of the Roman Empire. Visitors popping up from the nearest subway stop or turning a corner and seeing it for the first time can't help but be stunned by its immense presence. Construction began on the structure in 72 AD and today, it is still one of the greatest tourist attractions in the world.<br /></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="GR-ATH-ACROP"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>7</b> Acropolis, Greece</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Acropolis, Greece" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/PER/greece-acropolis-world-heritage.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_GR-ATH-ACROP"> Acropolis, Greece </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Towering over the city of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/athens-gr-ath-ath.htm">Athens</a> from its hilltop perch, the Acropolis stands as a proud monument to Ancient Greece. Dating from between the 5th and 4th century BC and dominating the site, the Parthenon is the largest and most recognizable structure from this period and symbolizes the extensive history of this country. Just steps away from modern day Athens, the Acropolis is a powerful sight, glistening in the Mediterranean sun during the day and lit for dramatic effect at night. For first time visitors to the city, it is an awe inspiring sight and sets the stage for travelers carrying on to other parts of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/greece-gr.htm">Greece</a>.<br /> </div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>8</b> Stonehenge, England</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Stonehenge, England" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/PER/england-stonehenge-world-heritage.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_ENG-WLT-STO"> Stonehenge, England </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>This incredible prehistoric monument is one of the United Kingdom's most visited attractions and certainly one of its most unique sites, drawing huge numbers of visitors each year. The monument is thought to have been erected between 3000-1500 BC, but there is no record of its origin or purpose, leading to all kinds of speculation and myths, some of which suggest religious or astronomical significance. As a result, the Bronze Age ring of standing stones holds an almost mystical fascination, particularly around the summer and winter solstices, when the light from the sunrise and sunset is aligned with the stones. Located near the city of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/salisbury-eng-wlt-sa.htm">Salisbury</a>, Stonehenge can be easily visited on a day trip from <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/london-eng-l-lon.htm">London</a>.<br /><b>Source: http://www.planetware.com/world/top-world-heritage-sites-per-1-2.htm</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-77359882298603638962015-12-24T10:31:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.523-08:00Top Highest Waterfalls in the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">A true spectacle, proof of nature’s forces and wonders of mother nature. A waterfall is one of the most amazing creations that nature has to offer. There are so many <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/2013/01/28/top-10-greatest-waterfalls-in-the-world/" target="_blank" title="Top 10 Greatest Waterfalls in the World">beautiful, greatest, biggest</a> and most amazing extraordinary waterfalls around the world.</div><h6 style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h6><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">10. Browne Falls</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Browne-Falls.jpg" title="Browne Falls"><img alt="top 10 Highest Waterfalls" class="alignnone wp-image-2903" height="320" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Browne-Falls.jpg" title="Browne Falls" width="500" /></a><br />Browne Falls is a waterfall above Doubtful Sound, Located in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, with Height of 2,744 feet (836 m) is the world’s 10th highest waterfall. Their source is a tarn called Lake Browne which when full, overflows down the side of the mountain face</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">9. James Bruce Falls</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/James-Bruce-Falls.jpg" title="James Bruce Falls"><img alt="Highest Waterfalls in The World" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2904" height="345" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/James-Bruce-Falls.jpg" title="James Bruce Falls" width="500" /></a><br />The highest measured waterfall in the continent of North America and ninth tallest in the world. Located in Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada, it stems from a small snowfield and cascades 2,755 feet (840 m) down to Princess Louisa Inlet.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">8. Pu’uka’oku Falls</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Puukaoku-Falls.jpg" title="Pu'uka'oku "><img alt="Highest Waterfalls in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-2905" height="330" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Puukaoku-Falls.jpg" title="Pu'uka'oku " width="500" /></a><br />Pu’uka’oku Falls is a waterfall in Hawaii, the highest in the United States and eighth in the world. It consists of several jumps. In total, the waterfall measuring 2,756 feet (840 m) high.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">7. Balåifossen</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bal%C3%A5ifossen.jpg" title="Balåifossen"><img alt="Highest Waterfalls in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-2906" height="340" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Bal%C3%A5ifossen.jpg" title="Balåifossen" width="500" /></a><br />Located in Hordaland, Norway, Balåifossen has a total drop of 2,788 feet (850 m) and is in accordance with the World Waterfall Database therefore the second highest waterfall in Norway and Europe, and the seventh highest waterfall in the world.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">6. Vinnufossen</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Vinnufossen.jpg" title="Vinnufossen"><img alt="Vinnufossen" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2907" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Vinnufossen.jpg" title="Vinnufossen" width="500" /></a><br />Located in east of the village of Sunndalsøra in the municipality of Sunndal in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway, Vinnufossen is the tallest waterfall in Europe and the sixth tallest in the world with height 2,822 feet (860 m). The falls are part of the river Vinnu which flows down from the Vinnufjellet mountain and it is fed from the Vinnufonna glacier.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">5. Catarata Yumbilla</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Catarata-Yumbilla.jpg" title="Catarata Yumbilla"><img alt="Yumbilla" class="alignnone wp-image-2908" height="350" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Catarata-Yumbilla.jpg" title="Catarata Yumbilla" width="500" /></a><br />Situated in Peru, Amazonas Region the Yumbilla Falls is the world’s fifth tallest waterfall. Although the waterfall is magnificent due to its height, the volume of water is not large. The height of falls is 2,938 feet (896 m).</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">4. Olo’upena Falls</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Oloupena-Falls.jpeg" title="Olo'upena Falls"><img alt="Olo'upena Falls" class="alignnone wp-image-2909" height="335" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Oloupena-Falls.jpeg" title="Olo'upena Falls" width="500" /></a><br />Located in the north-eastern part of Hawaiian Island of Molokai Oloupena Falls, is considered to be the fourth highest waterfalls in the world with height of 2,953 feet (900 m). The falls have formed on a short, seasonal stream and are falling over the edge of one of the tallest sea-side cliffs of the world, located between the Pelekunu and Wailau valleys. They have gnawed a groove in the cliff-face and can be observed only from the ocean or air.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">3. Cataratas las Tres Hermanas</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/catarata.jpg" title="Cataratas Falls"><img alt="Cataratas las Tres Hermanas" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2910" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/catarata.jpg" title="Cataratas Falls" width="500" /></a><br />Location: Ayacucho, Peru: This waterfall doesn’t have a particularly large drainage, but there’s no denying the falls are tall. Google Earth elevation profiles support the estimate of height as being 3000′ (914m). At number 3 in list of Highest Waterfalls in The World</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">2. Tugela Falls</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tugela-falls.jpg" title="Angel Falls"><img alt="Angel Falls" class="alignnone wp-image-2911" height="350" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tugela-falls.jpg" title="Angel Falls" width="500" /></a><br />Tugela Falls is the world’s second highest waterfalls. The total drop in five free-leaping falls is 948 m (3,110 ft). They are located in the Drakensberg (Dragon’s Mountains) in the Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal Province, Republic of South Africa. They are easily viewed after a heavy rain from the main travel road into the park, glistening from the reflection of the late afternoon sun.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">1. Angel Falls</span></h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Angel-Falls.jpg" title="Angel Falls"><img alt="Angel Falls" class="alignnone wp-image-2912" height="345" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Angel-Falls.jpg" title="Angel Falls" width="500" /></a><br />Angel Falls (waterfall of the deepest place) is a waterfall in Venezuela. It is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, with a height of 979 m (3,212 ft) and a plunge of 807 m (2,648 ft). The waterfall drops over the edge of the Auyantepui mountain in the Canaima National Park in the Gran Sabana region of Bolívar State.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source By:</b>http://www.wonderslist.com/top-10-highest-waterfalls-in-the-world/ </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-88361868724966222082015-12-24T10:26:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.566-08:00Most Glassy places & Sites of the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Crystals and glasses are fascinating. They sometimes let us look straight through them to what is on the other side, and sometimes, they show us our own reflection. They offer clarity, sheen and iridescence. Sometimes, they just add colours to the world. Anything crystalline or glassy has always had the capability to mesmerise humankind. It is in fairy tales that we hear of beautiful crystal <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/top-10-most-beautiful-royal-palaces-in-world/" title="Top 10 Most Beautiful Royal Palaces in World">palaces</a>, glass shoes, and so much more, thus proving that it is an object of desire. But, what if you were to find some real glassy places? Read about the most enthralling glassy or crystalline places and sites in the world, and be mesmerized.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>10. Mirror Lakes</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Freezing-Morning-At-Mirror-Lakes.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Freezing Morning At Mirror Lakes" class="alignnone wp-image-10354 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Freezing-Morning-At-Mirror-Lakes.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Mirror Lakes are lakes of still and clean water which offer a beautiful, near-perfect reflection of the surrounding hills, trees, birds, clouds in the sky, etc. and offer an amazing sight. But, where are these <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-beautiful-lakes-of-pakistan/">heavenly lakes</a> situated? They are not as uncommon as one would think. Lakes by the very name are found in many places, like in California, Tuftonboro in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Wallowa and Clackamas Counties in Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Winter Haven in Florida. In New Zealand, there is a set of Lakes called the Mirror Lakes, while, in Argentina, the Espejo Lake’s names translates to Mirror Lake. These lakes are located in areas with low wind and less human disturbances. These are other fresh-water lakes, away from all disturbances, which provide such serene mirror effects, like the Manasarovar in Tibet. Lake Huron, North America.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>9. Gloss Hills, Oklahoma</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Gloss-Hills.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Gloss Hills" class="alignnone wp-image-10372 size-full" height="281" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Gloss-Hills.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Gloss Hills in northwestern Oklahoma are also known as the Glass Mountains, and consist of mesas and buttes, who gain their shape from the light coloured top layers of gypsum on top of the lower layers. The gypsum often takes the form of crystals of selenite. These selenite pieces are found in abundance in these mesas, catching sunlight and causing a shiny effect, as though pieces of broken glass are poking out of the little hills. In fact, this is how it got its name from the early settlers. Similar Glass Mountains are found in several other regions around the world, such as California, Oregon, Utah, etc., speckled with mineral crystals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>8. Five-Flower Lake, China</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Five-Flower-Lake-in-china.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Five Flower Lake in china" class="alignnone wp-image-10356 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Five-Flower-Lake-in-china.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Wuhua Lake or Five Flower Lake in Sichuan, China, is the <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-amazing-places-on-earth/">pride of the Juzhaigou Valley in China</a>. The water is rich with calcium carbonate content, as well as hydrophytes, which together presents a multi-coloured effect in the water. The lake bed is crisscrossed by ancient fallen tree trunks, forming patterns in different vivid shades of green, which are visible from above the surface of the water through the intense hues of azure blue, blackish green, light yellow, etc. The lake is lined with colourful plants and flowers. Fed by underground streams of the Long Lake, it has the most intense colour ranges, giving this seasonal lake’s water an almost gem-like quality in the peak seasons.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>7. Cave of the Crystals, Mexico</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Cave-of-Crystals-Mexico.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Cave of Crystals, Mexico" class="alignnone wp-image-10371 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Cave-of-Crystals-Mexico.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are several <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-places-that-look-imaginary-but-are-actually-real/">caves around the world</a> whose names suggest that they are crystalline, but, the Cave of the Crystals or the Giant Crystal Cave in Naica, Mexico, is filled with glassy and pellucid selenite crystal formations. Much of the cave is still unexplored, since it is difficult to endure the heat inside the cave for more than ten minutes. There beams of crystals jutting out from the floor and the perfectly-faceted blocks on the floor. However, the beautiful, shiny crystals have stopped forming because of the fall of the temperature in the caves. Besides, the existing crystals are deteriorating in air, and it might so happen that their only existence will be in their visual documentations by the Naica Project.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>6. Lake Huron, North America</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Lake-Huron.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Huron" class="alignnone wp-image-10375 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Lake-Huron.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and is a freshwater lake, lying on the border between Canada and North America. When the continental glaciers retreated near the end of the last ice age, the melting ice led to the eventual formation of this lake. Thousands of ships have sunk into the Huron, as well as the other four lakes, since the 17th century. In the shallow water of the Huron, some of the ship wrecks can still be seen. From above the water surface, it is possible to see, quite distinctly, the wrecks that are stranded below the surface of the clear, glassy water of the lake.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <strong>5. Ice Caves</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Ice-Caves.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Ice Caves" class="alignnone wp-image-10374 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Ice-Caves.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The ice caves can be found in the frigidly <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-of-the-worlds-coldest-places/">cold areas of the world</a>, such as Iceland, Alaska, and Austria. These ice caves are lined with significant amounts of perennial ice, with part of the cave being under 0°C. The ice in the caves take different shapes and form natural sculptures. In the right temperature, light and conditions, these caves take the most mesmerizing forms, with the shiny ice reflecting and refracting light, filling the caves in mysterious azure hues, and creating an <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-amazing-places-on-earth/">amazing</a> monochromatic chiaroscuro. It is as though the traveller is passing through an exotic arcade made of glass. The largest of these is in the village of Werfen near Salzburg in Austria. There are several more near Salzburg, including the Eisriesenwelt. Ice caves in Skaftafell, Vatnajokull and many more are there in Iceland. The Mendenhall Ice Caves in Alaska are equally beautiful. These are extremely dangerous, too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>4. Hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Hot-Springs-in-Yellowstone-National-Park.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park" class="alignnone wp-image-10373 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Hot-Springs-in-Yellowstone-National-Park.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Yellowstone National Park in the United States is home to more than 10,000 hot springs and geysers. Some of these offer strikingly vibrant colours that appear almost unnatural. These colours are caused by the algae in the water. The water is so clear and still that it is almost hard to tell that it is there at all, and only the rings psychedelic colours can be seen. The colours, together with the stillness and clarity of the water creates an almost-jewel-like quality of the springs. Some of the most enchanting, brilliant and clear water-bodies here are the morning Glory Pool, Grand Prismatic Spring and Norris Cistern Spring. The Yellowstone is amongst the <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/top-10-awe-inspiring-wonders-of-america/">inspiring wonders</a> and <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-best-tourist-attractions-in-u-s-a/">best attraction</a> of United States of America.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>3. Glass Beach (California/ Newfoundland and Labrador)</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Glass-Beach-Fort-Bragg-California.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Glass Beach - Fort Bragg, California" class="alignnone wp-image-10361 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Glass-Beach-Fort-Bragg-California.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Near Fort Bragg in California is a beach covered with a kaleidoscopic abundance of sea glass. These pieces of colourful, glassy stones have been formed when the locals dumped garbage, such as glass, appliances and even vehicles, into an area of coastline near the north of the town for many years. On the other hand, the outskirts of the town of Springdale in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has the Glassy Beach, which is covered with smoothed out pieces of rainbow-coloured, broken glasses. These are believed to have been washed ashore by the waves, and are completely safe to walk upon, on bare feet. All over Canada, there are several beaches where such sea glasses can be found.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2. Pamukkale, Turkey</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Pamukkale-in-Turkey.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Pamukkale in Turkey" class="alignnone wp-image-10362 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Pamukkale-in-Turkey.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everyone loves the <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-stunning-infinity-pools/">infinity pools</a>, with the calm, glassy water extending up to nowhere. If you have a penchant for them, <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-stunning-places-you-really-love/">Pamukkale is the place to be</a>, with seventeen naturally formed infinity pools. The region is filled with crystalline limestone walls and their reflections brightening up the hot springs, but, it is the set of pools of clear, aquamarine water, ensconced in cottony travertines that pull the nature-lovers. Flowing water, emerging from the springs, deposits carbonate minerals in the terraces. In broad daylight, one may think that these look like shiny slabs of marble or even ice. Ironically, the temperature varies from 35°C to 100°C.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1. Salar de Uyuni, South America</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Salar-de-Uyuni-in-South-America.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Salar de Uyuni in South America" class="alignnone wp-image-10363 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Salar-de-Uyuni-in-South-America.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Salar de Uyuni is the <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-amazing-things-in-nature/">world’s largest salt flats</a>, formed from rich salt content left behind by the drying up of the prehistoric salt lake called Lago Minchin in southwest Bolivia. Now, the area is covered with thick salt crust of amazing flatness, with some seasonal shallow pools of brine. When dry, the region is an endless stretch of white. But, during the rainy season, the plain transforms into a gigantic mirror. With no place to drain, the rain water covers the plain, and the dazzling water of the thickness of a few inches reflects the sky and it many wonders of colours, clouds and everything else that speckles the canopy above, including the flocks of flying flamingos that are common here. The world seems to extend to the infinity here. <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-places-that-look-imaginary-but-are-actually-real/">Salar de Uyuli forms the largest natural mirror</a> in the world and can be seen from the space.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are many other such <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-stunning-places-you-really-love/">wonderfully clear places</a> in the world, like the lakes in Montana that offer a view of the bottom through the water, the ice-skating rinks in Sweden and Montana whose clear waters freeze fast enough to give a view of the plants and rocks growing below the icy surface, and many more. But, these natural pieces are getting murkier or losing their bejewelled sheen because of growing population, population, rising temperature, etc. It is time we start taking care of the treasures that Mother Nature holds for us, and take the responsibility of saving and protecting them, for us and our future generations to enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source: http://www.wonderslist.com/10-glassy-crystalline-places-sites-world/</b></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-79327663557169964322015-12-24T10:19:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.600-08:00Top 10 Fantastic Roads of the world <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">They are indispensable to the modern world. The American Road & Transportation Builders Association estimates there are over four million miles of road in the U.S. alone. There are roads on all seven continents (yes, even <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-of-the-worlds-coldest-places/" target="_blank">Antarctica</a>), under the ocean, and which go nowhere at all. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Out of all of those miles of roadway in the world, here are ten that are particularly fascinating.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">10. The Oldest Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/England%E2%80%99s-Sweet-Track.jpg"><img alt="Fantastic Roads in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-14414 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/England%E2%80%99s-Sweet-Track.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />England’s “Sweet Track” is known by many as the <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-wonders-of-united-kingdom/" target="_blank">oldest road in the world</a>. Though it is quite probable that there were roads that predated this one, none of them have been discovered, leaving this with the title. It may not have been nearly as impressive as the Roman roads that united four continents, but it is the first example of a deliberately constructed road.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Sweet Track was an elevated pathway crossing a bog near modern day Somerset, England. Approximately 6,000 years old, cross beams sunk into the peat served to lift a wooden platform above the marsh, running roughly a mile in length. The anaerobic conditions of the soil and water preserved the wooden walkway after it collapsed, allowing us to find and date it.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">9. The Most Famous Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Manhattan-Broadway-New-York.jpg"><img alt="Fantastic Roads in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-14415 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Manhattan-Broadway-New-York.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />There are a number of candidates that can be argued about in terms of the most famous road in the world. Some of them are very familiar, with locations like the famous <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-best-tourist-attractions-in-u-s-a/" target="_blank">Las Vegas strip</a>, <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-truly-beautiful-villages-in-europe/" target="_blank">Abbey Road</a>, and <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-scenic-drives-in-europe/" target="_blank">Route 66</a>. However, in terms of sheer impact on world, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadway_%28Manhattan%29" target="_blank">Manhattan’s Broadway</a> is probably the most famous road around.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Originally a footpath on Long Island created by First Nation tribes, Broadway quickly became the most important road in Nieuw Amsterdam. Though much of its length is more or less just another (major) part of New York’s transportation system, in Midtown Manhattan Broadway is one of the most significant cultural hubs in the world. Known as the Great White Way, Broadway has brought us culturally significant plays and musicals such as Rent and Miss Saigon, and stars like <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/not-so-dumb-hollywood-celebrities/" target="_blank">Maryl Streep</a> and Jerry Orbach.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">8. The Most Dangerous Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Yungas-Road-of-Death.jpg"><img alt="Yungas Road of Death" class="alignnone wp-image-14416 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Yungas-Road-of-Death.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2013/10/24/a_terrifying_tour_of_the_world_s_most_dangerous_road_north_yungas_in_bolivia.html" target="_blank">Yungas Road</a> in Bolivia is so dangerous it is known as “<a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-dangerous-roads-in-the-world/" target="_blank">Death Road</a>.” Much of it is slick wet mud, carved out of the side of mountains, with half mile drops. Oh, and no guard rails. A friend of mine actually survived traveling it. According to her, “it is the most beautiful, terrifying experience that I’ve ever had”. Full sized tour buses use this road and can pass one another comfortably on the straightaways. Corners, however are a whole other, horrifying, beast. At one point an attempt to negotiate a corner and meeting another bus had resulted in hers having the outside driver’s wheel hanging out in the air by three feet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With 200-300 fatalities a year this road well earns its frightening reputation. However the amazing views and sense of adventure this road brings to the traveler’s schedule means that it continues to be a road that draws people in and extracts a deadly toll.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">7. The Longest Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Longest-Road-in-the-World.jpg"><img alt="Longest Fantastic Roads in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-14417 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Longest-Road-in-the-World.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />In the board game “Settlers of Catan”, one strategy that can be particularly crucial for winning the game includes building the longest road. In the real world the winner of that particular gem would be the Americas. Starting in Deadhorse, Alaska on the Arctic Sea and running down to Ushuaia, Argentina, by the Strait of Magellan, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-American_Highway" target="_blank">Pan-American Highway</a> stretches 30,000 miles and rolls through 14 countries. Three of them, Canada, the United States, and Argentina are in the top ten list of countries by size.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is one small flaw in this claim, however. Owing to the Darién Gap, the road has a missing link roughly midway. A combination of high expense and environmental concerns has prevented the connection of Central America and South America at the Panama-Columbia border. Current proposals to eliminate this slight (100 miles worth) problem include a ferry that would officially be part of the road or a combination of sky bridges and tunnels that would minimize the impact of a land connection.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">6. The Widest Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Katy-Freeway.jpg"><img alt="Katy Freeway Fantastic Roads in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-14418 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Katy-Freeway.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />The eastern portions of Interstate 10 in Texas are affectionately known as the Katy Freeway. Running from Houston suburb Katy through to downtown, the high volumes of traffic in the <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/top-10-cheapest-cities-in-the-usa/" target="_blank">4th most populous city in the U.S.</a> necessitated a significant expansion in the first decade of the century. At its widest point I-10 is 26 lanes wide, with 12 main lanes, another 8 lanes of access roads to the sides, and six lanes for high capacity vehicles in the center. The right of way for this colossus of commuter construction is a tenth of a mile wide.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I-10 in Houston includes some mind boggling structures, including a “five-level stack” Interchange. At 115 feet tall and capable of handling half a million vehicles a day, this exchange looks as though someone had dumped a plate of noodles on Houston. In a nation fond of naming massive exchanges things like the High Five (Dallas) or The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange (L.A.), this location is known simply as The Katy Stack.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">5. The Straightest Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Australia%E2%80%99s-Eyre-Highway.jpg"><img alt="Fantastic Roads in The World Eyre Highway" class="alignnone wp-image-14419 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Australia%E2%80%99s-Eyre-Highway.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-fascinating-wonders-of-australia/" target="_blank">Australia’s Eyre Highway</a> has been described as “<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Eyre_Highway" target="_blank">a long and lonely road</a>”. Running over 1,000 miles long, one major section of it has an additional distinction to be added to the terms “long” and “lonely”. Between Caiguna Roadhouse and Balladonia Roadhouse the <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-fascinating-big-things-of-australia/" target="_blank">Eyre is 91 miles</a> of perfectly straight boring.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Crossing the Nullarbor Plain, this road has no excuse to actually do anything but lay there. Practically a flat slab of rock there are virtually no hills to rise over, lakes to curve around, or even trees to run into when you fall asleep behind the wheel.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">4. The Crookedest Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Lombard-Crooked-Street.jpg"><img alt="Fantastic Roads in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-14420 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Lombard-Crooked-Street.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />San Francisco has a road that is the ultimate opposite of the Eyre Highway. Lombard Street has so many hairpin turns in its short length people had to invent the word “Crookedest” to describe it. With eight elbows the road descends the 27% grade, 400 foot long slope of Russian Hill on a surface paved in brick and surrounded by flower beds.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite this famous, <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-controversial-vacation-spots/" target="_blank">tourist drawing moniker</a>, Lombard Street is not, in fact, the road with the most severe curves in the world, or even in San Francisco. (Those would be the Transfăgărășan Highway and Vermont Street). Never-the-less Lombard remains the most well-known and visited “crookedest” road in the world.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">3. The Highest Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Gandhara-Trails-Karakoram-Highway.jpg"><img alt="Gandhara Trails - Karakoram Highway" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14421" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Gandhara-Trails-Karakoram-Highway.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakoram_Highway" target="_blank">Karakoram Highway</a> has a number of monikers, including the Friendship Highway and the Eighth <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/top-10-engineering-wonders-of-the-modern-world/" target="_blank">Wonder of the World</a>. It is the only significant road linking China and Pakistan, running through <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-breathtaking-tourist-attractions-pakistan/" target="_blank">Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountains</a> and into Sinkuang Uighur. <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-amazing-glaciers-outside-polar-regions/" target="_blank">Giglit-Baltistan</a> is part of the dispute between Pakistan and India more broadly known as the Kashmir Conflict.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What is not disputed is that this highway is the <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-most-dangerous-roads-in-the-world/" target="_blank">highest paved international road in the world</a>. As it crests the Khunjerab Pass (and thereby switches between the two nations and flipflops the lanes) it tops out at an oxygen-thin 15,397 feet above sea level, nearly twice the altitude where altitude sickness becomes a common concern.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">2. The Lowest Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Highway-90-Israel.jpg"><img alt="Highway 90 Fantastic Roads in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-14422 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Highway-90-Israel.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />If Karakoram is a road attempting to turn you into an oxygen starved puddle of wimp, Israel’s Highway 90 is the road to make you feel like a god. Running the length of Israel in a north-south direction, it skirts the western bank of the Dead Sea. In doing so it earns the title of “the Lowest Road in the World” by dropping to 1,400 feet below sea level. At this point 5% more oxygen is pumping through your lungs than all those muscle-bound beach bods playing in the surf in Santa Monica.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Known at this part of its travels as the Dead Sea Highway, it does have the somewhat nervous-making distinction of running through Isreali controlled portions of the West Bank. In spite of this, the road is a popular tourist destination, allowing people to travel in cars at depths usually reserved for submariners, and with better views.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">1. The Smartest Road in the World</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Smartest-Road-in-the-World.jpg"><img alt="Smartest Fantastic Roads in The World" class="alignnone wp-image-14423 size-full" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Smartest-Road-in-the-World.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Doesn’t exist yet. But it could soon. Seeking to contribute to a greener humanity in the 21st century, several different groups are independently attempting to create the road of the future. Many of them hinge around the idea of turning the “wasted space” of eco-unfriendly asphalt and concrete roads into green-energy producing smartroads. Two such projects are Europe’s SolaRoad and North America’s Solar Roadways.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In essence, the smartest road in the world will be constructed of extremely robust solar panels. Solar Roadway’s model, for example, was lab tested by Norwich Civil Engineering professor Edwin Schmeckpeper and found to be capable of surviving the million pound “megaloads” that regularly run past Solar Roadway’s front door. Developers plan to add further features, including heat pads and LEDs, and mount the panels on a road bed with large, open conduits capable of carrying electrical and telecommunications wiring and filtration equipment to remove pollutants from runoff.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In theory the ultimate result of this are roads that could potentially provide four times the electricity the world is currently using, which doesn’t require plows or chemicals to keep free of ice in even the most terrible weather conditions, and which can warn drivers on the fly about upcoming hazards. A few proposals even take into account <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/top-10-mindblowing-upcoming-technologies/" target="_blank">driverless, electric cars</a> that can be charged on the fly and tell the road their destination for maximum efficiency and minimum pollution. The results could well be the next <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/10-ways-humans-are-getting-closer-to-immortality/" target="_blank">Most Important Development in Human History</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b>http://www.wonderslist.com/10-fantastic-roads-in-the-world/ </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-81980715802958194172015-12-24T10:07:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.642-08:00Most Luxurious Honeymoon Destinations of the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether or not you’re a romantic guy, your honeymoon should be the best, the most memorable trip of your life. If you truly want to have the perfect post-wedding getaway, you should choose your destination wisely. Here, below is a list of 10 best honeymoon locations from around the world. These spots ranked as Google’s most-searched honeymoon locations over the past year.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">10. Croatia</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/croatia-honeymoon.jpg" target="_blank" title="croatia honeymoon"><img alt="Best Honeymoon Locations " class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8043" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/croatia-honeymoon.jpg" title="croatia honeymoon" width="500" /></a><br />Located across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, this Mediterranean country boasts stunning beaches and plenty to explore, from ancient hill towns to the Caribbean’s identical twin sea, to truffles and olive oil so good, you should probably leave the skinny jeans at home — a honeymoon here is heaven on earth.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">9. Caribbean</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Bolongo-bay-beach-Caribbean.jpg" target="_blank" title="Bolongo bay beach-Caribbean"><img alt="Bolongo bay beach " class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8044" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Bolongo-bay-beach-Caribbean.jpg" title="Bolongo bay beach-Caribbean" width="500" /></a><br />If you like the idea of feeling worlds away, but want access to all the conveniences of home, the islands of the Caribbean provide the ultimate escape. These islands have long been popular for honeymoon, also for honeymooners, and it’s no wonder why; From Anguilla to Puerto Rico to the United States Virgin Islands – beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and plenty of activities welcome you. Each island has its own vibe, making it easy to find the right fit for you.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">8. Tahiti</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Tahiti-honeymoon-vacations.jpg" target="_blank" title="Tahiti honeymoon vacations"><img alt="Tahiti honeymoon vacations" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8045" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Tahiti-honeymoon-vacations.jpg" title="Tahiti honeymoon vacations" width="500" /></a><br />If you really love beautiful islands, exotic flowers and unique jewelry, Tahiti is one of the best honeymoon locations for you. This French Polynesian island has always been considered paradise on earth. Enjoy lounging on the beach, taking a nature hike, consider scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, horseback riding, embarking on a helicopter tour, or visiting the local museums and shops.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">7. St Lucia</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/St.-Lucia-Honeymoon.jpg" target="_blank" title="St. Lucia Honeymoon"><img alt="St. Lucia Honeymoon" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8046" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/St.-Lucia-Honeymoon.jpg" title="St. Lucia Honeymoon" width="500" /></a><br />This gorgeous island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean has beautiful bays and secluded coves and one of the most celebrated beaches – The Anse des Pitons (Sugar Beach). This volcanic island features picture-perfect beaches, beautiful mountain scenery, and lush rainforests. Head into the lush rain-forest — hike or bike amid mango and guava trees to mineral-filled sulphur springs, and visiting the 100-year old market selling colorful produce, spices and handicrafts.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">6. Belize</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honeymoon-in-Belize.jpg" target="_blank" title="Honeymoon in Belize"><img alt="Honeymoon in Belize" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8047" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honeymoon-in-Belize.jpg" title="Honeymoon in Belize" width="500" /></a><br />Want to honeymoon where the celebs go to get away? Take a peek at Latin America’s top notch, Belize, that has become a honeymoon hotspot in recent years. It’s one of the few places on earth where you can visit ancient Mayan ruins, wander through the rain-forest, relax on a white sand beach, and also swim along one of the largest coral reefs in the world.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">5. Thailand</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honeymoon-in-Thailand.jpg" target="_blank" title="Honeymoon in Thailand"><img alt="Honeymoon in Thailand" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8048" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honeymoon-in-Thailand.jpg" title="Honeymoon in Thailand" width="500" /></a><br />This Southeast Asian oasis spot on the 5th in the best honeymoon locations around the world. It’s a place where the jungle is filled with ornate temples, and the cities are packed with ancient palaces and an array of street food. Here, the beaches are wide swaths of sand set against a sparkling ocean that’s punctuated with towering limestone island formations.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">4. Bali</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/bedugul-bali.jpg" target="_blank" title="bedugul bali"><img alt="Honeymoon in Bali" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8049" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/bedugul-bali.jpg" title="bedugul bali" width="500" /></a><br />Enjoy the transparent waters,coral reefs and pristine beaches of the tropical island. This Indonesian heaven is one of the most <a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/top-10-most-romantic-places-worldwide/" title="Top 10 Most Romantic Places Worldwide">romantic spots for honeymooners</a>. Aside from its gorgeous natural elements, the island is also known for its diverse art forms and its music. Immerse yourselves in the local culture with a visit to the spa, where treatments feature Balinese healing traditions, and indulge in the delicious authentic cuisine.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">3. Cancún</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honeymoon-in-Cancun.jpg" target="_blank" title="Honeymoon in Cancun"><img alt="Honeymoon in Cancun" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8050" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honeymoon-in-Cancun.jpg" title="Honeymoon in Cancun" width="500" /></a><br />One of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations. Despite its singles-gone-wild, party zone image, Cancun has plenty to offer in the romance department. At this budget-friendly atmosphere, you’ll be greeted by powder-soft sand and sparkling blue waters. Explore the ancient ruins, including the Chichen Itza and the Coba. If you’re the type of couple who craves nightlife, you’ll be happy here, even the resorts’ bars and lounges tend to be lively well before nightfall.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">2. Maldives</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honeymoon-in-Maldives.jpg" target="_blank" title="Honeymoon in Maldives"><img alt="Honeymoon in Maldives" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8051" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Honeymoon-in-Maldives.jpg" title="Honeymoon in Maldives" width="500" /></a><br />If you’re seeking a definitively different honeymoon experience, this spectacular hideaway is the ultimate place for you. If you want your honeymoon to be the best, the most memorable trip of your life – Maldives is the ultimate destination. This destination offers crystal-blue water, sprawling coral reefs, gorgeous sunsets and endless beaches that you’ll have all to yourselves and lagoons where you’ll be the only swimmers. Relax in an over-water bungalow and watch the vibrantly-colored fish and dolphins swim by.</div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">1. New Zealand</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/New-Zealand-honeymoon.jpg" target="_blank" title="New Zealand honeymoon"><img alt="New Zealand honeymoon" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8052" height="333" src="http://www.wonderslist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/New-Zealand-honeymoon.jpg" title="New Zealand honeymoon" width="500" /></a><br />Located southeast of Australia, New Zealand is a majestic country filled with soaring mountains, towering cliffs, magical fjords and glistening waters. Pure, rugged natural beauty – the area promises visitors a heart-pumping experience. From sailing, skydiving, hiking, bungee jumping to ziplining to rock climbing to parachuting, here you’ll find plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Link:</b>http://www.wonderslist.com/10-best-honeymoon-locations/ </div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-18392629093865221522015-12-24T09:55:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.678-08:00Most Wonderful Honeymoon Destinations of the world<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">Imagine that you have just spent months planning your wedding: you’ve dealt with your crazy bridesmaids, the parents, both the “in laws” & “outlaws”, you slaved over the table seating, worried about timelines and obsessed that every detail went perfectly. Now imagine where you want to kick back, relax, play and create wonderful honeymoon memories with your new husband.<br /> Whether your honeymoon is five days, a week, or more, this time together will be much needed. Honeymooners have lots of places to choose from, so whether you’re planning on going to an <a href="http://honeymoons.com/honeymoon-ideas/experience/adventure/">exotic & adventurous location</a>, a relaxing <a href="http://honeymoons.com/honeymoon-ideas/scenery/beach/">beach vacation</a>, a nonstop safari, a <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/canada/british-columbia/whistler/">romantic ski trip</a> or even a <a href="http://honeymoons.com/cruises/">cruise</a> to various islands, your trip should be based on your joint personality.<br /> At Honeymoons.com we have searched the globe to find the most popular and loved honeymoon locations for 2012! These are some of the most popular honeymoon hot spots around the globe.<br /> <ul><li><h4>1. Mexico.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/mexico/"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6134" height="300" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Mexico.jpg" title="Mexico" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> As mentioned on VisitMexico.com, “There’s nothing better and more inviting & tantalizing than a private Jacuzzi with an ocean view accompanied by a massage with oils and flowers followed by a dinner and wine on a terrace under a moonlit night.” So, if this catches your attention, then take it from us and head to Mexico. In Mexico you’ll find this and much more, thanks to the beautiful natural settings, top-notch tourist services and exquisite cuisine. We love the romance and culture of this exotic location so much we know you will not want to leave. For honeymooners who are looking for a warm tropical getaway, consider these three unique destinations: <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/mexico/puerto-vallarta/">Nueva Vallarta</a>, <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/mexico/huatulco/">Huatulco</a> and the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/mexico/riviera-maya/">Mayan Riviera</a>.<br /> These places boast beautiful beaches surrounded by lush vegetation, great outdoor <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/mexico/?filter_cat=582">activities</a> and a tourism infrastructure capable of pleasing the most demanding newlyweds. With various entertainment options, as well as golf courses, spas, beautiful swimming locations, archaeological zones, museums, nature parks, bars and nightclubs you will be sure not to be bored. If you’re looking for a more romantic spot with tradition, legends and intimacy, Taxco and Guanajuato are straight out of a fairy tale. These colonial cities, which were developed during the boom, have lovely cobblestone as they stroll along taking in this amazing architecture leaving leave you speechless.<br /> We are certain you will enjoy the vast culinary offering at various restaurants Mexico has to offer, as well as the unique settings you might find them in. From restaurants built in the side of cliffs like El Palomar de los Gonzalez in Nueva Vallarta, or dine on the beach at the La Palapa, they allows you to remember a truly pleasurable experience. Be sure to also inquire about <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/mexico/puerto-vallarta/puerto-vallarta-activities/">Vallarta Adventures</a> if you’re looking for an outdoor activity you won’t forget, they offer everything from zip lines, dolphin encounters and even nature hikes that will leave you capturing more of Mexico then you ever dreamed.<br /> If you want a hotel that brings you back to love in the outdoor you may want to consider the Villa Amor located in Sayulata Mexico. This retreat is set inside a cove where roofless rooms overlook the ocean offering guest the outdoor experience in a Godlike setting.<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />Dine at the Kookabura, overlooking Acapulco Bay at night. Have, or at least see, a traditional Mayan wedding. Enjoy Deep see fishing at its finest/have at least one tequila shot at one of Mexico’s rocking discos. Hire a mariachi band for your destination wedding or for a special dinner on your honeymoon.<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />The La Perla <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/mexico/acapulco/acapulco-cliff-divers/">Divers in Acapulco</a>. The whales frolicking in the waters off Los Cabos.<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />Bring your passport, check the expiration date of your passport, gather information about ground transportation upon your arrival, as it can be very confusing to figure out which taxi or transportation company to use: also know in advance what the rates are.<br /> <ul><li><h4>2. Italy.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/italy/venice"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6135" height="250" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Italy.jpg" title="Italy" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> When you are looking for a honeymoon full of old world charm and romance, a trip to <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/europe/italy/">Italy</a> guarantees you will get lost on cobblestone streets, in old classic churches and bistros out of paintings and fall in love all over again. No matter the part of Italy you chose to explore you will no doubt find yourself taking moonlight walks, enjoying scrumptious <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/europe/italy/italy-restaurants/">meals</a>, experiencing wonderful museums & art, great wine, fabulous culture and feel as if you’re feeling as passionate about each other as you are about life.<br /> Choosing a specific region of Italy is too hard for us, as we love it all, from the drama and character of Rome, the romance and one-of a kind atmosphere of <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/europe/italy/venice/">Venice</a>, the rolling hills of sunflowers in <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/europe/italy/tuscany/">Tuscany</a>, the endless Florentine culture & shopping in Florence, to the amazing and gorgeous views from the lake and mountains in Lake Como, there is something for everyone. There is too much about Italy to be specific to one region, but a trip to any of them is sure to leave you wanting more. We urge honeymooners considering Italy to study the areas that fit their personality more, for some who find wine fun and important, a tour of the wine country is perfect, for some who love fashion and nightlife will Milan is the place to go, for those who love the water you will want to consider Capri, Lake Como or Venice.<br /> There is also the numerous historic & religious parts of Italy that will strike our honeymooners as a “must see” from the Vatican, to the Coliseum, Pompeii and even the spiritual bliss of Assisi. However long your honeymoon will be or wherever in Italy you land, I am sure you will wonder why Columbus ever left and find this magical and historic place the trip of a lifetime.<br /> <strong>What’s Hot:</strong><br />Back roads bicycle tours. Wine tours. Segway tours of Rome.<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />The Vatican. Sienna. The view from the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/blog/places/ultimate-italy-romance-amalfi-coast/">Amalfi Coast</a>. The beach at Ostia. The Porta Portese flea market on an early Sunday morning. Capri. The statue of David.<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />A wine tasting in Tuscany in the country. Shopping on the Ponte Vecchio. Dinner and a stroll through Rome’s Trastevere. A cappuccino in Venice’s Piazza San Marco.<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />Passports & personal belongings are sought after in Rome and often stolen. Be sure to have photocopies of all you passport and travel documents in two places.<br /> <ul><li><h4>3. Fiji.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/fiji/"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6133" height="251" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Fiji.jpg" title="Fiji" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> Imagine stepping into a lush Eden. A mystical place surrounded by iridescent waters. Then enter a lavish honeymoon bungalow complete with its own private beach and stunning views of the exotic terrain. This is what is possible in <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/pacific/fiji/">Fiji</a>. Indeed, on your arrival to Fiji’s 322 islands, you, too, will be convinced that your have landed in Paradise.<br /> Covering over 7,000 sq. miles (1800 sq. km) in the South Pacific, Fiji is one of the most romantic places for a honeymoon. Here you can revel in luxurious accommodations such as <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/pacific/fiji/namale/">Namale – The Fiji Islands Resort & Spa</a>, an ideal place for windsurfing, diving and love. Because of the coral and the excellent visibility in the waters around Fiji, you can also look forward to spectacular snorkeling. An excursion to Beqa Lagoon – the crater of an extinct volcano – won’t disappoint. <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/pacific/fiji/turtle-island-fiji/">Turtle Island</a> is particularly known for romance. It is home to the Turtle Island resort that can only accommodate 14 couples in a one-of-a-kind setting. Here you can explore the Blue Lagoon by day and rendezvous on the beach for a candle lit dinner in the evening.<br /> If shopping is a ‘must’, it’s duty-free here. For jewelry, nothing compares with the purchase of some black pearls found here off Savusavu Bay. For something less expensive, visit the Fijian Cultural Center and Marketplace near the Pacific Harbour International Resort.<br /> To experience Fijian <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/pacific/fiji/fiji-restaurants/">culinary delights</a>, try Riley’s Restaurant on Naigani Island. It’s one of the best restaurants to be found here. Or you can find very affordable fare at Makuluva Delights near the Garden Island Resort where you can savor traditional Fijian cuisine as well as European and Asian food. Yes, come to Fiji for romance, adventure and pure delight.<br /> <strong>What’s Hot:</strong><br />Surfing…the reef ‘brakes’ are outstanding here. The ‘extreme’ sports bar, SkyDive Fiji. Rafting on the Upper Navua River. Traps Bar for the music; Bad Dog Café for the drinks.<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />Fiji’s barrier reef, especially Great Astrolabe Reef. The spectacular 160 ft. waterfall at Bouma Falls National Park. The islands by helicopter. The Kula Eco Park on the Coral Coast.<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />Bring reef shoes for your snorkeling adventures. Mingle with the locals at Old Mill Cottage in Suva. Attend a traditional Fijian feast or ‘meke’. Zip line through the tropical rain forest. Do absolutely nothing.<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />Average temperatures range from 83-88 degrees (F). Only T-Mobile and AT&T Wireless cell phone service will work here. Tipping is generally discouraged here. Most credit cards are widely accepted. Travel time to Fiji from Los Angeles is 11 hours.<br /> <ul><li><h4>4. Greece.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/greece/"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6132" height="250" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Greece.jpg" title="Greece" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> If you are seeking lots of history, hot sun, warm seas & diverse landscapes then <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/europe/greece/">Greece</a> will be your best choice. This country has an enormous amount of fun, culture and great sites to offer honeymooners making the dazzling Greek Islands some of the most desirable destinations for honeymooners worldwide. <br /><strong>Must See:</strong><br />Santorini…don’t miss the famous Red Beach. The Acropolis at night. Sunset at Cape Sounion. The ancient Palace of Knossos in Crete.<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />Go sailing, or rent a chartered yacht. A day trip out of Athens to the sacred city of Delphi. Greek dancing at Kalokerinos Taverna…Opa!<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />If island hopping, book your ferry ticket online. Also, hoteliers in Greece cannot demand deposits of more than 25% of the total cost of the accommodations. The nightlife in Greece typically doesn’t start before 10 or 11 PM and can go on until the early morning hours.<br /> <ul><li><h4>5. Hawaii.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/hawaii/"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6131" height="245" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Hawaii.jpg" title="Hawaii" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> Say “aloha” to love and romance on this magical island where you will spend your days lounging by the pool or beach or exploring the many natural wonders of this tropical heaven. Then spend your nights dancing in the moonlight enjoying fabulous foods, culture and romance in these islands that many say were created for lovers. Most <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/hawaii-hotels-and-resorts/">hotels</a> in the Hawaiian Islands even cater to honeymooners offering a slew of packages, making this destination an easy, “no brainer” place of choice for honeymoon travel. There’s nothing more romantic then long walks on the beach, sunsets and the sounds of guitars softly playing as you relax the night away.<br /> These islands don’t only offer beaches and romance they also offer culture, adventure and diversity which is why couples discover that researching each island before you book is the way to go. Once you research the many islands & choices of Hawaii, you will see they offer newlyweds both the post-wedding escape they need combined with the romance and peaceful atmosphere a honeymoon demands. We love six Islands of Aloha that are home to treasures unlike any others on the planet: including the extraordinary cliffs of the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/kauai/kauai-activities/">Napali Coast</a> on <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/kauai/">Kauai</a>, to the vibrant & gorgeous shores of <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/oahu/oahu-activities/">Waikiki Beach</a> on <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/oahu/">Oahu</a>. Let’s not forget the miles & miles of white sands of the Papohaku Beach on <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/molokai/">Molokai</a> to the tranquil waters of Hulopoe Bay in <a class="broken_link" href="http://honeymoons.com/honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/lanai/">Lanai</a>.<br /> There is also the summit of <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/maui/maui-activities/">Haleakala Crater</a> on <a href="http://honeymoons.com/honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/maui/">Maui</a> and then don’t miss the primal energy of Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii’s <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/big-island/">Big Island</a>. The <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/big-island/four-seasons-resort-historic-kaupulehu/">Four Seasons Hotel</a> offers The Ultimate Honeymoon Package that offers a rental car for your entire stay, a romantic private dinner on the beach (one night only) and breakfast daily. Honeymooners can indulge their senses and unwind at sunset with a mai tai at one of many places to watch the sun set and enjoy an intimate first-class dinner overlooking the ocean at many of the island’s well-known and wonderful <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/hawaii/big-island/big-island-restaurants/">restaurants</a>.<br /> <strong>What’s Hot:</strong><br />The St. Regis Resort in Kauai: the ultimate in luxury and service! In Waikiki, the Starlight Luau at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, or the 2-hour couples massage at the Hyatt Regency’s Na Hoola Spa.<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />The whales frolicking off the island of Maui. The sunset from the New Otani Hotel in Waikiki (look for the “green flash”). The ocean views while horseback riding at The Parker Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii. Diamond Head Summit on Oahu. Kauai’s Waimea Canyon. Kayaking on Kauai. The Garden of the Gods on Lanai. Sunset Beach in Oahu.<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />Stay and dine at “The Volcano House” on the Big Island of Hawaii. After dinner, literally rendezvous at the rim of the STEAMY volcano. Drive the Munro Trail on Lanai. In Honolulu, shop at Hilo Hattie’s and be sure to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. Take the journey down the Wailua River to the sacred capital of ancient Kauai.<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />The weather is wonderful in Hawaii, but you must watch out for excessive exposure to the sun. Also, even though the weather is tropical, it can get cool at night. Be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater & just in case a lightweight raincoat. Due to the undertow and ocean rip currents; swim only where there is a lifeguard on duty.<br /> <ul><li><h4>6. Bora Bora, French Polynesia.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/tahiti/"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6130" height="300" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/BoraBora.jpg" title="BoraBora" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> Perfect white-sandy beaches surrounded by emerald waters could be easily be described as the center of the romantic universe or to those who love basking in the sun; heaven. To make this “center” true to the description, luxury <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/pacific/tahiti/?filter_cat=4">resorts and spas</a> strategically placed around the island with overwater bungalows, thatched roof villas, and fabled ambiance makes <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/pacific/tahiti/">Bora Bora</a> one of the most beautiful islands in the world.<br /> These resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their unique and special services have been perfected and deemed unforgettable. From dusk to dawn, each resort has created their own blend of romantic experiences & these fabulous encounters that their guests can choose from to create a trip that’s memories last forever. Located on an island in the lagoon of Bora Bora, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort invites newlyweds to reminisce in post-wedding privacy nestled in a bungalow perched on high stilts above the lagoon. The Canoe Breakfast brings the morning nosh to new levels as breakfast and fresh flowers are loaded into a canoe and delivered to your room.<br /> While the resort offers many evening entertainment options and group activities, honeymooners can escape the crowds with a private barbecue for two on a secluded island. Guests can snorkel and relax while their personal chef prepares an island feast served on fine china and linens in the great outdoors. This is just one of many ways couples find the resorts on Bora Bora amazing and each one works hard to come up with ways to ensure both a remarkable experience but one you will want to return to again and again.<br /> <strong>What’s Hot:</strong><br />Excitement above the lagoon by outrigger canoe, Boston Whaler, wave runner, jet ski, and dramatic sunset cruises aboard a catamaran sailboat. Exploring the Blue Lagoon by outrigger canoe. Champagne aboard the Boston Whaler. Rent a Wave Runner or Jet ski. Dramatic sunset cruise aboard a catamaran sailboat. The most incredible French Polynesian cuisine at La Villa Mahana. Reserve a table well in advance!<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />Exploration of the panoramic overlooks found by hike or 4×4 accompanied by entertaining local guides. The entire island on a helicopter tour. Matira Beach. The interior of the island in a 4 X 4…a Bora Bora ‘must.’ The Lagoonarium to “swim with the fish<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />Enchantment from the neon-lit turquoise lagoon waters with unending days of exploration through snorkeling and diving.<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />Some say it takes too long to get to Tahiti; but the idea is to breakfast in LA, lunch on Air Tahiti, and dine in Papeete before heading on to Bora Bora. (If you stay overnight in Papeete, visit the Tahiti Pearl Market the next morning.)<br /> <ul><li><h4>7. Aruba.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/aruba/"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6129" height="221" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Aruba.jpg" title="Aruba" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> With honeymooners all looking for different things while on their vacation of a lifetime, some find they want a vacation filled with action while others just want to soak in the rays of sun and relax. For those who are looking for just sun & fun, <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/aruba/">Aruba</a> is an ideal destination; with its near-perfect weather and beautiful beaches it is a place to go to find great service, not to mention the 90,000 friends in Aruba you haven’t met yet.<br /> Aruba is only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide at the widest point and packed with enough beaches, <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/aruba/aruba-restaurants">restaurants</a>, <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/aruba/aruba-nightlife/">nightclubs</a> and casinos to delight even the most discriminating newlywed. The intimate nature of the island is why so many find it hard not to fall in love with the islands people. The theme of this island is rest & relaxation by day and party & passion by night! The serenity is found by couples who enjoy the island’s fine beaches, pool complexes and spas, and the adventure at night is found by couples who find the island’s casinos & clubs and take part in this island’s fun as it comes alive.<br /> If gambling is your pleasure, then be sure to stop by to Meet Lady Luck at the Copacabana Casino, which re-creates the feeling of Rio at Carnival time. And be sure to enjoy the amazing <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/aruba/aruba-restaurants/">dining</a> experiences throughout the island that leave couples feeling both enamored with each other but in love with the island’s dining.<br /> <strong>What’s Hot:</strong><br />An assortment of culinary experiences to please every taste – from tapas to sushi, to Mexican food and margaritas. Check out Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant overlooking the Caribbean, Marandi (a “romantic hidden gem”) Windows on Aruba for flying fish caviar, or the Champagne Brunch at Le Dome.<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />Bubali Bird Sanctuary and the historical Dutch capital city of Oranjestad.<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />Imbibe at Charlie’s Bar in San Nicolas. Snorkel at De Palm Island. Rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle to explore some of the more inaccessible, but truly spectacular sites on Aruba.<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />Casino hours vary with the seasons so be sure to call ahead for times. Though Aruba has its own currency, American currency is widely accepted. There are also ATM machines throughout the island.<br /> <ul><li><h4>8. Jamaica.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/jamaica/"><img alt="Jamaica - Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6128" height="253" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Jamaica.jpg" title="Jamaica" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> Geographically speaking, <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/jamaica/">Jamaica</a> is an island of intense color and contrast offering miles of tropical beaches and bone-dry plains set amidst the misty Blue Mountains. Socially speaking the island is full of some of the most down to earth and fun people you will ever meet. Honeymooners may enjoy an entire vacation without ever leaving the sanctity & peace of their <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/jamaica/jamaica-hotels-resorts/">all-inclusive resort</a> grounds, making this oasis feel like your very own. Jamaica was the first destination, courtesy of Sandals Resorts, to cater to Honeymooners with the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/all-inclusive/">All Inclusive</a> concept and it was a forerunner in the creation and popularity of <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/jamaica/?filter_cat=9">destination weddings</a>.<br /> We know that many newlyweds that have stayed at the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/jamaica/half-moon/">Half Moon Resort</a>, which is nestled among 400 acres of tropical landscape on Jamaica’s northern coast, have fallen in love with this country and its amazing landscape. This colonial-style resort has been welcoming distinguished guests for over 50 years and is ranked among the most popular and complete resorts in the Caribbean. With numerous suites and villas, a par 72 Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, multiple outdoor activities, a full service spa, 51 amazing swimming pools, a natural Dolphin Lagoon and much more, this world class resort is all you would need once you arrive on the beautiful island of Jamaica.<br /> Although most resorts offer their guests everything they need, for those who want to experience a great new place and cultures, there is an experience unlike any other in the world waiting outside the resort. The island of Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and is just a little smaller than the state of Connecticut, offering plenty to do for nature lovers and enthusiasts. The beaches on the north coast have been ranked as some of the best in the islands, and if remarkable diving and snorkeling is what you are looking for, then this is your spot. Aside from the amazing opportunities to soak in the sun on traditional beaches with soft sand, you will also invariably drawn to the island beaches that are known as Jamaica’s prime bathing spots. Located in the tropical rock pools, many are at the bases of waterfalls found along the inland rivers and streams. Once honeymooners find these locations they can relax in the cool, clear water while enjoying the scenery and listening to the sounds of the surrounding jungle.<br /> The locals share a spirituality that stands out and are known for their unique culture and their intoxicating music, colorful dress and tantalizing <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/jamaica/jamaica-restaurants/">cuisine</a>. The streets of the cities are fast passed offering a range of things to see, smells and sounds that you will be sure to enjoy. We want visitors to enjoy the sights but always remain aware of their surroundings, but this is something to remember not just in Jamaica, but also in any foreign city in the world.<br /> <strong>What’s Hot:</strong><br />Many have said to not miss dinner via houseboat while floating through a most romantic atmosphere. Jamaica offers endless activities from golfing, diving, sports and swimming.<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />Don’t miss stopping by the colorful local markets! Be sure to watch to see the local fisherman coming ashore with the catch of the day!<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />Be sure to visit Dunns River Falls or enjoy an afternoon via horseback as you ride down the beach enjoying both the mountains and gorgeous waters.<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />Passports are required, so be sure to have yours up to date.<br /> <ul><li><h4>9. Bahamas.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/bahamas/"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6127" height="212" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Bahamas.jpg" title="Bahamas" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> We think that the moment your feet feel the soft sand and your eyes take hold of the aqua blue waters, you will have no doubt you’re on one of the amazing islands of the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/bahamas/">Bahamas</a>. It’s not just the comfortable ease or the immediate sense of relaxation that washes over you; it’s the moment you depart from everyday life and find that extraordinary place within yourself and have a trip of a lifetime.<br /> You can enjoy the capital city of Nassau, on New Providence Island, which offers its guests a distinct blend of international glamor and tropical ease, and the freedom to do everything or even nothing at all. Or perhaps you want the memorable mix of historic charm, modern attractions, and ecological of the Grand Bahaman Island. There’s truly something for everyone on any of the Islands of the Bahamas and the warm welcome you’ll receive is just the insurance you need to know you picked the best place to honeymoon.<br /> These islands are full of small remote villages and the simple way of life where you’ll find some of the world’s most stunning beaches, dive sites, fishing sites and even golf. The Bahamas offers grand <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/bahamas/bahamas-hotels-resorts/">resorts</a> like the popular Atlantis where you will no doubt find yourself feeling like a grand titan or the intimate resorts like the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/caribbean/bahamas/graycliff/">Graycliff</a>, in Nassau where the romance and opulence will carry you away. Many honeymooners are excited to experience the new Sandals in Exhuma, an all inclusive honeymoon resort that gives you everything you need for one stop honeymooning!<br /> <strong>What’s Hot:</strong><br />A romantic dinner at the Graycliff in Nassau, you are sure to get the feeling of being in a place like Ricks Café from the movie Casablanca.<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />You need to stop by the any of the Bahaman outer Islands where the folks are friendly, the fish is fresh and the sunsets are beyond compare.<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />Stop by the Atlantis to see what the hype is all about!<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />The Bahamas are easily accessible, but like most warm weather destinations you’ll want to be very careful not to get too much sun.<br /> <ul><li><h4>10. Florida.</h4></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><strong><a href="http://honeymoons.com/florida"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6122" height="250" src="http://honeymoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Florida.jpg" title="Florida" width="450" /></a></strong></span></span><br /> <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/">Florida</a> is a safe place to go when you want to guarantee an affordable adventure with great weather, nice people & a variety of activities to please both the newlyweds. Whether you prefer the sanctuary of the Florida Keys, the fast pace of <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/orlando/">Orlando</a>, or equal parts of both in the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/paradise-coast/">Paradise Coast</a>, you have the best of all warm-weather worlds awaiting you in Florida. Looking for a literal fairy tale honeymoon? The bride and her Prince Charming can head for the magic of the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/orlando/walt-disney-world/">Walt Disney World</a> Resorts. Newlyweds can choose from a variety of packages ranging from the honeymoon escape, the deluxe escape and the romantic escape, which combines time at a Disney resort with a cruise to the Bahamas.<br /> Packages include accommodations and park passes, as well as a choice of amenities including honeymoon pictures at Disney sites or a couple’s spa treatment. They even offer packages that include all of your meals and wine service. True Disney fans can bring the whole wedding to Disney World with a customized theme <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/florida-destination-weddings/">wedding</a> at the park. The resorts offer the very best in <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/florida-restaurants/">dining</a>, pools & spas with endless activities including nightly fireworks displays and parades, leaving you feeling like a child again.<br /> Florida offers honeymooners incredible dining, great options for golf, plenty of nature trails, outdoor adventures and world-class spas to enjoy. Looking for a Florida honeymoon destination that offers a little of everything? Check out the <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/paradise-coast/">Paradise Coast</a>, a stunning region encompassing everything from the untamed wilds of the Everglades along with the fun, glamorous <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/paradise-coast/third-street-south/">nightlife of Naples</a> and the festive art scene of Marco Island. Oh, and <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/paradise-coast/beach-sunset-delnor-wiggins-pass-state-park/">beaches</a>. Lots and lots of glorious tropical beaches.<br /> <strong>What’s Hot:</strong><br />An <a href="http://honeymoons.com/destinations/usa/florida/paradise-coast/everglades-adventures/">Everglades eco-safari</a>. South Beach in Miami for its sizzling nightlife. The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation to luxuriate in their ‘Chocolate Decadent’ Massage.<br /> <strong>Must See:</strong><br />Historic St. Augustine…charming and romantic. The beach, the shorebirds, and the glorious sunsets at the Gulf Islands National Seashore.<br /> <strong>Must Do:</strong><br />A private fireworks cruise! A drive down Highway 1 through the Keys, then a stay at Parrott Cay Hotel and Resort…ah, what luxury! A romantic dinner at Norman’s in Orlando for a taste of ‘Fusion’ cuisine. Upscale shopping on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.<br /> <strong>Must Know:</strong><br />If honeymooning in Disney World, check out the Disney apps available for your iPhone -particularly the park planner app for sale on iTunes. When returning a rental car in Miami, the drop-off locations are often outside of the airport and difficult to find. Make sure you have your MapQuest in hand or GPS at the ready.<br /> - See more at: http://honeymoons.com/top-10/spots/top-10-most-popular-destinations/#sthash.xdhleBpV.dpuf</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-26402494643503043502015-12-24T09:48:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.720-08:00Dubai Top 10 Tourist Attractions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>New or moving to Dubai? We know there's so much to see and do so we've put together our 'favourites' list of the best things to do. </em> Whether you're a resident entertaining visitors, or even a <a href="http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_tourist_information.aspx">tourist</a> yourself, you'll be able to pull together a fabulous itinerary using our guide to Dubai's iconic and top attractions.<br /><br /><h3>1. Burj Al Arab</h3><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="burj al arab dubai" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Discover%20Dubai/burj%20al%20arab.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; height: 286px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; width: 430px;" /></div><br /> The <a href="http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_discover_dubai_The_Burj_Al_Arab_11841.aspx">Burj Al Arab</a> (Tower of the Arabs) is the world's only 7 star hotel and designed to resemble a billowing sail, the <a href="http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_discover_dubai_The_Burj_Al_Arab_11841.aspx">Burj Al Arab </a>soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline making it the fourth tallest hotel in the world.<br /> <br /> It truly is one of the most iconic symbols of Dubai and is a majestic building. No trip to Dubai would be complete without at least seeing it!<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Burj Khalifa </b></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Burj Khalifa" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Rebecca%20Fielding/2015/May15/bigstock-burj-dubai-8847490.jpg" style="height: 287px; width: 430px;" /><br /> </div>The Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest tower and is an amazing feat of engineering- the story of which you can see if you take a trip to "At The Top"- the highest viewing platform in the world.<br /> <br /> The high point of any Burj Khalifa experience is the view from At The Top. Located on level 124 of the world's tallest tower, this observatory is destined to be the highlight of any visit to the Middle East.<br /> <br /> The journey begins in the lower ground level of <a href="http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_discover_dubai_Dubai_Top_10_Malls_8465.aspx">The Dubai Mall</a>. Throughout the journey to the top, visitors are entertained by a multi-media presentation of the exotic history of Dubai and the marvel that is the Burj Khalifa.<br /> <br /> EW top tip is to buy your tickets online in advance as you can save about 300 Dhs per person doing this. The slots sell out fast though- especially the sun set ones so make sure you get booked in in time!<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. The Dubai Fountains </b></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="The Dubai Fountains" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Rebecca%20Fielding/2015/May15/bigstock-DUBAI--OCT---The-Dubai-Foun-79375279.jpg" style="height: 274px; width: 430px;" /><br /> </div>At the base of the world's tallest tower is one of the world's most amazing fountains! In fact it is the world's largest dancing fountain!<br /> <br /> Set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake, the fountain shoots water jets as high as 500 ft, equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. The fountain is 900 ft long and has five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs. It is designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.<br /> <br /> The Dubai Fountain performs daily, with the performance repertoire including Sama Dubai; Baba Yetu, an award-winning song in Swahili; the Arab world’s top-selling dance number Shik Shak Shok; and the signature piece of world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Con te partiro (Time to Say Goodbye).<br /> <br /> Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 abstract attractions. The beam of light shining upward from the fountain can be seen from over 20 miles away, and will be visible from space making it the brightest spot in the Middle East, and quite possibly in the entire world. <h3> 4. Atlantis Hotel</h3><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="atlantis hotel dubai" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Discover%20Dubai/atlantis%20dubai.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; height: 284px; margin: 0px 5px; width: 430px;" /></div><br /> Atlantis is the majestic resort in Dubai situated on the Palm, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity.<br /> From the moment you arrive, you will be immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure and luxury of 5-star hotels.<br /> The resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, including:<br /> <ul><li> Unique marine habitats- The Lost Chambers</li><li> An exhilarating water park- Aquaventure</li><li> Pristine white beaches</li><li> World-class cuisine in 18 restaurants,</li><li> An indulgent spa (ShuiQi) to awaken your senses</li><li> Cosmopolitan boutiques to shop until your heart is content</li></ul><h3> 5. Global Village</h3><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="global village dubai" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Gail%206/global%20village.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; height: 286px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; width: 430px;" /></div><br /> For the past 15 years, Global Village has been providing cultural entertainment along with an international shopping experience to millions of visitors.<br /> Breathtaking live performances, mouth-watering cuisine, authentic handicrafts and merchandise from different countries await you at the many national pavilions in Global Village.<br /> There are many more attractions, including thrilling rides, games and firework displays, to complete your visit. Global Village is open from November to March every year, some year's the extravaganza is extended sometimes well into April - it's worth checking their website for more details if your trip falls over the March / April cut off.<br /> <h3> 6. Palm Island</h3><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Palm Jumeirah" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Rebecca%20Fielding/2015/May15/bigstock-The-Jumeirah-Palm-1983236.jpg" style="height: 288px; width: 430px;" /><br /> </div>Palm Jumeirah has everything you need to enjoy a wonderful holiday break. World famous hotel names, amazing tourist attractions, luxury fashion and <a href="http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_discover_dubai_Dubai_Top_10_Malls_8465.aspx">shopping malls</a> are starting to open up. Whether you just want to relax or immerse yourself in an exciting world of leisure and entertainment, this is a truly inspirational holiday destination in Dubai.<br /> <br /> Visitors will come to enjoy the magnificent sunsets, unwind in the spas, pools and gardens and eat out at the fine selection of restaurants. There's a wide range of daytime activities, including water sports, aquariums, theme parks and of course miles of beautiful beaches. And at night, the bars, clubs and shows will offer plenty of fun and amusement.<br /> <h3> <br /> 7. Dubai Creek</h3><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="dubai creek" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Discover%20Dubai/dubai%20creek.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; height: 286px; margin: 5px; width: 430px;" /></div><br /> The natural seawater inlet that cuts through the centre of the city is the historical part of Dubai where visitors can take an abra (small water taxi) and view the old trading port and the dhows from the water.<br /> A cruise to Al Maktoum Bridge will pass many of the city's historic as well as modern landmarks. A stroll around the wharf offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage, where dhows bound for distant places dock to unload their goods. <h3>8. Ski Dubai</h3><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="SKi Dubai" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Rebecca%20Fielding/2015/May15/bigstock-Ski-Dubai-Is-An-Indoor-Ski-Res-86842016.jpg" style="height: 287px; width: 430px;" /><br /> </div>Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sport enthusiast. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.<br /> <br /> You don't have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either. Ski Dubai has thought of it all and offers guests the use of winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Your skis will carry you down the slope and our quad-chairlift and tow lift will promptly carry you back to the top for another run.<br /> <h3> <br /> 9. Dubai Marina</h3><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Dubai Marina" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Rebecca%20Fielding/2015/May15/bigstock-Dubai--AUGUST-----Dubai--89151149.jpg" style="height: 278px; width: 430px;" /><br /> </div>One of Dubai's newer tourist attractions is Dubai marina. The marina is set in the backdrop of the amazing buildings of JBR and has great views, walkways and boat rides available. It is amazing either during the day or in the evenings. Dubai Marina is the largest man-made marina in the world and is home to super yachts and also <a href="http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_discover_dubai_Dubai_Top_10_Malls_8465.aspx">Dubai Marina Mall</a>.<br /> <br /> Set in the heart of ‘new Dubai’, Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC) has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the renowned private yacht clubs of the region, with a purpose built clubhouse forming the centre-piece of four distinctive marinas. Arrayed along the length of a remarkable 3.5km canal, the marinas provide sheltered berthing for over five hundred yachts, in a setting that is simply unrivalled.<br /> <br /> With a choice of casual or fine dining restaurants, a lively Sports Lounge, or the tranquillity of the club lounges, all ensure that the clubhouse is a place of refuge throughout the week and not just simply a weekend get-away. For the keen yachting enthusiast, the club organises the increasingly renowned ‘Cruising Club’, which offers exclusively to DMYC members the opportunity to explore regional yachting destinations, and to join the regular series of workshops and seminars with fellow yachtsmen.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>10. Wild Wadi </b></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><img alt="Wild Wadi" src="http://www.expatwoman.com/Uploads/image/Rebecca%20Fielding/2015/May15/wild-wadi-water-park.jpg" style="height: 287px; width: 430px;" /></div><br /> Located in front of the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all the family.<br /> Wild Wadi is themed around the tale of Juha, a known character from the Arabian folklore.<br /><br /> <br />Sourcehttp://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_discover_dubai_dubai_top_10_tourist_attractions_8462.aspx:<br /> <br /> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-19079121000430274462015-12-24T09:29:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.756-08:00Top Famous Tourist Destinations in Asia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><section class="list-unit group"> <div class="expert-content-text">With so many exciting top destinations in Asia, deciding where to go can be difficult; but that's a good problem to have.<br />Don't despair! Use this list of 10 tourist destinations in Asia to get ideas for the perfect trip.</div></section> <section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Elephants in Thailand - Photo by Greg Rodgers" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Chiang Mai, Thailand" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/v/7/-/-/DSC_5733.JPG" height="199" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/v/7/-/-/DSC_5733.JPG" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> Elephants in Thailand.<span class="credit"></span> </figcaption> </figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="2" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/destinations/a/Chiang-Mai-Travel.htm"> 1. Chiang Mai, Thailand </a> </h3>Many travelers prefer Thailand's pleasant northern capital over the hectic pace of life in Bangkok. Most of the tourist action happens within Chiang Mai's Old City, where orange-robed monks from the many temples smile as they pass.<br />From <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/Events-and-Holidays/a/Loi-Krathong-Thailand.htm">cultural festivals</a> and <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/Attractions/fl/Markets-in-Asia.htm">sprawling night markets</a> to mountain trekking and numerous temples -- Chiang Mai attracts over a million visitors annually who can't wait to come back.<br /></div></section><section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Kek Lok Si Temple - Photo by Alexandra Krajanova / Used with Permission" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Penang, Malaysia" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/E/-/-/-/kek-lok-si-temple.jpg" height="400" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/E/-/-/-/kek-lok-si-temple.jpg" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> The famous Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, Malaysia. </figcaption> </figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="4" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/Attractions/tp/Penang-Travel-Guide.htm"> 2. Penang, Malaysia </a> </h3>Known as the "<a data-component="link" data-inlink="xxYdxryL1uAvDwGjS1Olnw==" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goseasia.about.com/od/malaysiastopattractions/a/penang.htm">Pearl of the Orient</a>," Penang is a place to relax, eat to the brink of misery, and appreciate Malaysia in a new way. Malaysians are quite proud of their large island.<br />A legacy of immigration and colonization in Penang has produced what is arguably some of the <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/Food-and-Drink/tp/Southeast-Asian-Cuisine.htm">best cuisine in all of Southeast Asia</a>. <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/southeast-asia-food/a/Penang-Hawker-Food.htm">Penang hawker food</a> combines the best of Malay with influences from Chinese and Indian immigrants to produce mouthwatering creations.<br />Superb eating is not the only indulgence on the island. You'll find <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/worldheritage/tp/Art-Galleries-and-Museums-in-Georgetown-Penang.htm">hip museums and art galleries</a> along with plenty of other <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/worldheritage/tp/Things-to-See-in-Georgetown-Penang.htm">things to do in Penang</a>. </div></section> <section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Singapore Skyline - Photo by chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Singapore" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/I/1/-/-/singapore-skyline-cc.jpg" height="199" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/I/1/-/-/singapore-skyline-cc.jpg" width="300" /></div></figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="6" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/profiles/p/Singapore-Travel.htm"> 3. Singapore </a> </h3>Notoriously expensive and needlessly shunned by backpackers and <a data-component="link" data-inlink="Ep_t4Q8E5eMi1pBjFb6JJg==" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/Planning/tp/Budget-Travel-Tips.htm">budget travelers</a>, tiny Singapore is a modern-yet-green city/country well worth a visit for the food, mega-mall shopping, and unique blend of cultures.<br />Yes, <a data-component="link" data-inlink="67jxm9bQXzVEnBzXvj_8xQ==" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/destinations/f/Where-is-Singapore.htm">Singapore</a> costs far more than neighboring Malaysia or the rest of Southeast Asia, however, the city has a pleasant vibe, lively Indian and Chinese cultures, speaks good English, and is pleasant enough just to stroll. You could spend months living in Singapore and still discover hidden places and eateries the guidebooks have missed!</div></section><section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sabah - Image © Borneo Travel / Used with Permission" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Malaysian Borneo" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/G/-/-/-/rainforest-discovery-centre-sabah.jpg" height="451" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/G/-/-/-/rainforest-discovery-centre-sabah.jpg" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> The canopy walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sabah, Borneo.<span class="credit"></span> </figcaption> </figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="8" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/destinations/tp/Malaysian-Borneo.htm"> 4. Malaysian Borneo </a> </h3>Sabah, one of two states belonging to <a data-component="link" data-inlink="I6Y9QM4NZr3FKCRGiB6d4A==" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/malaysia/tp/Sarawak-or-Sabah-Where-to-Go-in-Malaysian-Borneo.htm">Malaysian Borneo</a>, is a natural paradise. Plentiful rainforest, <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/Attractions/a/Orangutan-Facts.htm">endangered orangutans</a>, and indigenous cultures are certainly worth grabbing a <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/seasiatransportation/qt/Kuala-Lumpur-Flights.htm">cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur</a>.<br />Sabah is the perfect balance between wild and developed. <a data-component="link" data-inlink="NbtRF7XxyCZYfC1DZo0KgQ==" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goseasia.about.com/od/Sabah/tp/kota_kinabalu_attractions.htm">Kota Kinabalu</a>, the capital of Sabah, is a happening tourist city in the shadow of towering <a data-component="link" data-inlink="ReHrmJBWXprMcY914RQ_yQ==" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goseasia.about.com/od/malaysiastopattractions/a/mount_kinabalu_malaysia.htm">Mount Kinabalu</a>. When you've had enough shopping and cheap seafood, trade the concrete for <a data-component="link" data-inlink="w4jb4bYVNOjWfaHWJsC53A==" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goseasia.about.com/od/Sabah/tp/east_sabah_attractions_malaysia.htm">East Sabah</a>, where there are plenty of opportunities to experience Southeast Asia at its wildest.<br /> </div></section> <section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="koh phi phi thailand - Image © Greg Rodgers, licensed to About.com" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Islands in Thailand" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/I/-/-/-/thai-islands.jpg" height="199" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/I/-/-/-/thai-islands.jpg" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> Koh Phi Phi Island in Thailand. <span class="credit"></span> </figcaption> </figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="10" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/islandsandbeaches/tp/Islands-in-Thailand.htm"> 5. Islands in Thailand </a> </h3>Although some are too small to merit a dot on a map, the islands in Thailand are among the world's most beautiful. Imagine white sand and blue water, cheap diving, and your choice of isolated tranquility or savage nightlife -- all for far less than the cost of a trip to Hawaii.<br />The diversity of the Thai islands is amazing. Phuket and Koh Samui are developed, tourist hot spots with vibrant nightlife, while tiny <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/islandsandbeaches/a/Koh-Lipe-Thailand.htm">Koh Lipe</a> once barely maintained electricity. Beautiful <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/destinations/a/Koh-Lanta-Thailand.htm">Koh Lanta</a> is the perfect compromise.<br /> </div></section> <section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Angkor Wat Cambodia - Image © Greg Rodgers, licensed to About.com" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Siem Reap, Cambodia" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/7/-/-/-/angkor-wat-cambodia.jpg" height="224" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/7/-/-/-/angkor-wat-cambodia.jpg" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> One of the Angkor Temples in Cambodia.<span class="credit"></span> </figcaption> </figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="12" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goseasia.about.com/od/siemreap/Siem_Reap_Travel_Guide.htm"> 6. Siem Reap, Cambodia </a> </h3><a data-component="link" data-inlink="wFq_FAtnfC5po8QXWz9RUA==" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goseasia.about.com/od/siemreap/tp/Travel-To-Siem-Reap-Cambodia-A-Beginners-Guide.htm">Siem Reap</a> is the gateway for exploring one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites: <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/worldheritage/f/Where-is-Angkor-Wat.htm">Angkor Wat</a>. Over 900 years old, the temples of Angkor are scattered across 600 square miles of jungle. The jungle is slowly reclaiming the ancient temples as vines strangle ruins and break apart bricks.<br />The picturesque Angkor temples frequently serve as movie sets and bring to life the inner-archaeologist in over one million visitors each year.</div></section> <section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Beijing China - Image © Greg Rodgers, licensed to About.com" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Beijing, China" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/H/-/-/-/beijing-china.jpg" height="451" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/H/-/-/-/beijing-china.jpg" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> Standing guard at Tiananmen Square - Beijing, China<span class="credit"></span> </figcaption> </figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="14" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/destinations/fl/An-Introduction-to-Beijing-China.htm"> 7. Beijing, China </a> </h3>Crowded, polluted, dreadfully appealing -- love it or hate it, Beijing is the pounding heart of China. Amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/worldheritage/a/Great-Wall-of-China-Facts.htm">Great Wall</a> and the <a data-component="link" data-inlink="0NXv5TRBEEV2akomkWw7aA==" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/wheretogo/ss/UNESCO_World_Heritage_Sites_Asia_4.htm">Forbidden City</a> make navigating Beijing's urban sprawl well worth the effort.<br />Give Beijing a chance; rather than fleeing from the madness, stick around long enough to become a part of it. Wandering the busy streets can actually become quite addictive!</div></section> <section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Kintamani - Bali, Indonesia - Image © Greg Rodgers, licensed to About.com" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Bali, Indonesia" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/J/-/-/-/kintamani-bali.jpg" height="199" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/J/-/-/-/kintamani-bali.jpg" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> The Kintamani region in North Bali, Indonesia.<span class="credit"></span> </figcaption> </figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="16" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/islandsandbeaches/a/Where-is-Bali.htm"> 8. Bali, Indonesia </a> </h3>Bali, with its miles of beaches and volcanic landscapes, is nothing short of magic. Once only a destination for honeymooners and surfers, Bali is now one of the top destinations in Asia.<br />Most of the action culminates in South Bali at hedonistic <a data-component="link" data-inlink="X3CelBiniCLgOaQClr1_og==" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goseasia.about.com/od/indonesiahotels/tp/legian_hotels.htm">Kuta Beach</a>. Travelers in search of more than a hangover head for Ubud -- the peaceful cultural center of Bali -- or even opt to climb a volcano in the <a data-component="link" data-inlink="XfxYF177eEEl_Y0khTw-KQ==" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goseasia.about.com/od/bali/a/kintamani-bali-indonesia.htm">Kintamani Region</a>.<br /><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/indonesia/tp/Places-to-Visit-in-Bali.htm">Excellent beaches</a>, a welcoming Hindu culture, and beautiful scenery make Bali the busiest island in Indonesia.</div></section> <section class="list-unit group"> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Tokyo Japan - © Photo by About.com Guide Shizuko Mishima" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Tokyo, Japan" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/K/-/-/-/tokyo-city.jpg" height="207" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/K/-/-/-/tokyo-city.jpg" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> <span class="credit"></span> </figcaption> </figure> <div class="expert-content-text"> <h3 class="item-heading"> <a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="18" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://gojapan.about.com/od/tokyo/Tokyo.htm"> 9. Tokyo, Japan </a> </h3>Perhaps not the cheapest of places to visit in Asia, bustling Tokyo is the world's largest metropolitan economy, even exceeding New York City. Urban marvels, talking toilets, and an aloof culture begging to be understood await as soon as you exit the airport.</div></section> <figure class="content-img content-img-small right-gutter"> <div class="content-img-wrapper"><img alt="Jodhpur - Rajasthan, India - Photo by Greg Rodgers" class="" data-description="10 Great Tourist Destinations in Asia: Rajasthan India" data-pinit-img-url="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/S/b/4/-/-/jodhpur-rajasthan.jpg" height="199" itemprop="image" src="http://f.tqn.com/y/goasia/1/L/b/4/-/-/jodhpur-rajasthan.jpg" width="300" /> </div><figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"> The old fort in Jodhpur - Rajasthan, India. <span class="credit"></span> </figcaption> </figure><b><a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="20" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/india/tp/Rajasthan-India.htm">10. Rajasthan India </a></b> While Goa gets a lot of attention because of the beaches, intrepid travelers head west into India's desert state of Rajasthan. Rich with history, stories of romance, camels, and impressive forts, Rajasthan is an unforgettable destination.<br />If the sun and tourists become too much, consider heading north to the Himalayas with a visit to <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/india/a/Manali-India.htm">Manali</a> or the <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://goasia.about.com/od/destinations/a/Mcleod-Ganj-India.htm">home of the Dalai Lama</a>.<br /><br />Link:http://goasia.about.com/od/wheretogo/tp/Top-10-Tourist-Destinations-Asia.htm </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-75942615316834040432015-12-24T09:17:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.799-08:00Most Visited Tourist Attractions in Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="article_intro"> Singapore has been described as a playground for the rich, and it's true that the small city-state does have a certain sheen of wealth. But Singapore offers more than just high-end shopping malls, luxury hotels, and fine dining (though it's worth indulging in those a bit if you can). There is also a vibrant history and diverse ethnic quarters to discover, along with the many family-friendly attractions and lovely public spaces that make visiting this slightly futuristic city worthwhile.<br /> Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around convenient and easy. Once you've gotten a sense of the metro map, you'll have no problem zipping from one part of town to the next. English is spoken everywhere and signs are in English as well. In fact, Singapore is one of the easiest and most comfortable countries to navigate in Southeast Asia. And as long as you're not comparing prices to nearby <a href="http://www.planetware.com/thailand-tourism-vacations-tha.htm">Thailand</a> or Vietnam, you're in for a lovely stay.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-ZZZ-11"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>1</b> Marina Bay Sands</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Marina Bay Sands" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-marina-bay-sands.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-ZZZ-11"> Marina Bay Sands </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>The opulent Marina Bay Sands resort complex includes a hotel, high-end luxury brands, a mall with a canal running through it, the <b>ArtScience Museum</b>, and the <b>Marina Bay Sands Skypark </b>- a vantage point for taking in the entire city. The Skypark's viewing deck and infinity pool are found in the ship (yes, ship) that tops the hotel. Only hotel guests are allowed to use the infinity pool but anyone can visit the observation deck. From the skypark, you can see the innovative <b>double helix bridge</b>, the port, the <b>Gardens by the Bay</b>, and the impressive skyline. While up there on top of the city, guests can grab a snack or a coffee at the rooftop restaurant or pick up some keepsakes from the souvenir stand. You can purchase a photo of yourself green-screened in front of the massive hotel as it's all lit up at night, but the cost is steep: 50 Singapore dollars. Better to ask a fellow tourist to snap a photo of you. The luxury and elegance of the Marina Bay Sands exemplify Singapore's taste, and help designate a major international city in Southeast Asia. </div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-FLYER"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>2</b> Singapore Flyer</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Singapore Flyer" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-flyer-2.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-FLYER"> Singapore Flyer </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> If the observation deck at the Marina Bay Sands doesn't quite do it for you, try taking in high tea while looking out over the city from the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest giant observation wheel. Choose from several different packages that allow you to be served and pampered while enjoying a view that encompasses not only the Singapore skyline, but reaches to the Spice Islands of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/indonesia-tourism-vacations-ina.htm">Indonesia</a> and Malaysia's Straits of Johor. There are several different ticket packages to choose from, and each includes access to the multimedia Journey of Dreams exhibit that delves into Singapore's history and the creation of the Singapore Flyer. Flights last 30 minutes each and run from early morning until late at night, so you can choose which view of the city you want to enjoy: the beginning of another bustling day or when Singapore is aglow after dark.</div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>3</b> Gardens by the Bay</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Gardens by the Bay" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-gardens-by-the-bay.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-ZZZ-12"> Gardens by the Bay </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Once you've glimpsed this beautifully designed green space (from the top of the Marina Bay Sands, perhaps) you won't be able to stay away. Wander through the <b>Bay East Garden</b>, perfect for enjoying the vibrant plant life and escaping the city bustle for a moment. You won't want to miss <b>Supertree Grove</b>, where you'll find a cluster of the iconic, futuristic structures designed to perform environmentally sustainable functions. Then, head to the <b>Cloud Forest Dome</b> to see the world's tallest indoor waterfall and learn a bit about biodiversity. Check the website for final ticket sale and tour times<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b> 4 Botanic Gardens </b></span><br /><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-BOT"><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Botanic Gardens" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-botanic-gardens.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-BOT"> Botanic Gardens </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Not to be confused with the Gardens on the Bay, the botanic gardens are also worth a visit. Singapore received its first UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the botanic gardens, and with good reason. The city can sometimes feel like a concrete jungle, albeit a clean and comfortable one, but the botanic gardens preserve pieces of Singapore's wilder heritage. Indeed, you can visit the gardens' heritage trees via walking trail, which are conserved as part of an effort to protect the city's mature tree species. Make sure to visit the impressive <b>National Orchid Garden</b>. Other attractions include an eco-garden, eco-lake, bonsai garden, sculptures, and several other gardens and unique sites.</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-CHINA"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>5</b> Chinatown</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Chinatown" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-chinatown.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-CHINA"> Chinatown </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div>If you've ever visited <a href="http://www.planetware.com/china-tourism-vacations-chn.htm">China</a>, Singapore's Chinatown neighborhood will bring you right back there. From the small mom-and-pop stores and authentic Chinese food to the bright red lanterns, there's an excitement and hustle in this district. You can visit the <b>Chinese Heritage Centre</b> and see the impressive and beautiful <b>Sri Mariamman</b> Hindu temple. Another temple worth seeing is the <b>Buddha Tooth Relic</b> temple. If you're up early enough (think 4 am), you can hear the morning drum ceremony. Or you can just check out the closing ceremony in the evening after viewing the relic. </div><div class="site_desc">Heritage markers have been installed throughout the neighborhood in English, Japanese, and simplified Chinese so visitors can better understand the significance of the area. But this neighborhood is not just a testament to the influence of the Chinese throughout Singapore's past. This is a progressive neighborhood (with free Wi-Fi for all) and it's home to the trendy <b>Ann Siang Hill</b> area, where the quaint bistros and upscale boutiques could be at home in any Western city.<br /> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-INDIA"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>6</b> Little India and Arab Street</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Little India and Arab Street" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-sultan-mosque.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-INDIA"> Little India and Arab Street </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> One of the most exciting aspects of Singapore is the diversity of its neighborhoods. Yes, the country is a savvy shoppers' paradise, but you'll also find rich traditions, delicious foods and local character in its older quarters. Nowhere is this truer than in Little India and Arab Street (also known as the Arab Quarter). The Indian community has a rich history in Singapore, and this enclave dates back more than 200 years. Singapore's name actually derives from the Sanskrit words for Lion City, according to Little India's official website. Today, the neighborhood is a thriving, colorful place where traditional holidays are celebrated, and visitors can observe worship and activity at the <b>Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple </b>or purchase saris while mingling with local vendors.<br /> In the Arab Quarter, you'll want to visit the historic <b>Sultan Mosque</b>, originally built in 1825. Non-Muslims are not permitted in the prayer hall, though you can appreciate the distinctive golden domes and craftsmanship of the exterior structure. Haji and Bali lanes are especially good spots to shop for something a little more unique than a designer handbag, and you'll also find yourself surrounded by music and food, as there are countless restaurants<br /> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-RAFF"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>7</b> Raffles Hotel</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Raffles Hotel" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-raffles-hotel.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-RAFF"> Raffles Hotel </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> This colonial building is one of the world's last grand 19th century hotels, and was once visited by literary luminaries such as Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Conrad, as well as movie star Charlie Chaplin. Built in 1887, the Raffles Hotel has served as a Singapore landmark for well over a century and continues to live up to its tony reputation with excellent food and service. The classical architecture and tropical gardens provide a refined setting, and represent another facet of Singapore's varied and rich history.<br /> The Raffles Hotel is located in Singapore's <b>Colonial District</b>, also home to several other historic sites. Among them is the <b>Raffles Landing Site</b>, where Sir Stamford Raffles is said to have stepped ashore in 1819. The story has it that he saw the small fishing village but recognized its potential as a port, so he purchased the land from the Sultan of Johor and invited Chinese and Indian immigrants to move there. And so the seeds of Singapore's multi-ethnic identity were sown.<br /> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-CHANGI"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>8</b> Changi Chapel and Museum</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Changi Chapel and Museum" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-changi-museum.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-CHANGI"> Changi Chapel and Museum </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Singapore was not spared the horrors of WWII, and the Changi Chapel and Museum tells the story of those who suffered under Japanese occupation. The museum displays the letters, photographs, drawings, and personal effects that are now testaments to the imprisonment for more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi Prison. The Changi Chapel, found in the open-air courtyard of the museum, is a replica of one of the many chapels that were built during WWII. It stands as a monument for those who would not fold under Japanese rule. A must-see in the museum is a series of murals painstakingly recreated from originals painted by Bombardier Stanley Warren. Guests can participate in a guided tour or opt for an audio tour that features accounts of Changi prisoners' wartime experiences.<br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>9 Singapore Zoo </b></span></div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-ZOO"><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Singapore Zoo" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-zoo.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-ZOO"> Singapore Zoo </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Billing itself as the world's best rainforest zoo, the Singapore Zoo is a pretty impressive place. The facility is clean and inviting, and the animals appear well treated with plenty of lush vegetation and habitat space. The orangutans are particularly impressive, and visitors can watch as babies and adults alike swing high above their platforms and snack on bananas. There is also a large chimpanzee family, zebras, meerkats, a komodo dragon, mole rats, white tigers, kangaroos, and many other creatures.<br /> Guests can observe feedings for some of the animals. Allow at least three hours to make your way around the zoo. If the zoo doesn't satisfy your need for getting close to wildlife, there's also the Night Safari, River Safari (including a giant panda forest), and the <b>Jurong Bird Park</b>. Park hopper passes are available if you plan to visit more than one of the wildlife parks</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-FCAN"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>10</b> Fort Canning Park</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Fort Canning Park" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-fort-canning-park.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-FCAN"> Fort Canning Park </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>As military strongholds go, Fort Canning has had a long and varied life. Built in 1859, the fort was an essential site for Singapore's defense. Now in peacetime, the original building is home to modern performing arts troupes, and the park regularly sees picnics, concerts, theater performances, and festivals. Other attractions at the park include relics from Singapore's early history, from as far back as the 14th century, and Sir Stamford Raffles' personal bungalow. Guests can also see a replica of the spice market Raffles established in 1822, as well as the ASEAN sculptures that were erected in the 1980s. </div><div class="article_block site" id="SIN-SIN-SENT"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>11</b> Sentosa Island</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Sentosa Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/SIN/singapore-sentosa-island.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_SIN-SIN-SENT"> Sentosa Island </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Singapore isn't exactly known as a beach destination, but if you're really craving some fun in the sun, Sentosa Island is the place to find it. <b>Siloso Beach </b>is a good spot for getting in beach time, and visitors can play volleyball on free courts or go kayaking and skim-boarding. There are several other beach attractions as well, plus an <b>Underwater World</b> aquarium where you can swim with dolphins. A must-see on Sentosa Island is the <b>Merlion</b>, Singapore's famous statue that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. You can take an escalator to the top of the statue, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. <b>Fort Siloso</b>, the country's only preserved fort, is also located on Sentosa Island. Adventurous types will want to check out The Flying Trapeze and the SeaBreeze Water-Sports @ Wave House, where you can try your hand at flying strapped to a water-propelled jet pack.<br /><br />Source By: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/singapore-sin.htm<br /></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-53434828179394981752015-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.832-08:00Popular Islands for a Perfect Trip to Thailand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After Bangkok edged out London as 2013's <a href="http://videos.huffingtonpost.com/travel/bangkok-is-worlds-most-visited-city-517807023" target="_hplink">most-visited city</a>, Thailand has finally gained global recognition for what seasoned travelers have known all along: it's one of the most magical and affordable destinations on Earth. While the mountains, temples, and incomparable markets of the mainland shouldn't be missed, no trip to Thailand would be complete without spending a few sunny days in the Thai islands sipping coconut milk in the sand and strapping on the snorkel gear.<br />Thailand, however, has literally hundreds of islands, many of which are off the beaten path or overrun by sun-and-fun tourist complexes. To help out, we've gone through the recommendations of over 900,000 real travelers on <a href="http://www.minube.net/" target="_hplink">minube</a> to find the most essential islands for your next vacation in Thailand. From rowdy resorts to pristine natural parks, here are the top 10 islands for a perfect trip to Thailand.<br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohPodaNaxos.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-KohPodaNaxos.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohPodaNaxos-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Ko Poda -</strong> The dreamy island of Ko Poda is roundly considered to be the best day-trip from Krabi, the starting point for many travelers visiting the Thai islands. The journey begins with a one-hour longtail boat trip across clear blue waters dotted with the Thailand's trademark karsts jutting into the sky. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted with reefs full of fish beckoning you to dive on in and untouched white-sand beaches for warming up in the sun. In short, Ko Poda is the perfect place to disconnect from the tourist trail in Krabi. <br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-AndThongNaturalParkJeanLouisGericke.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-AndThongNaturalParkJeanLouisGericke.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-AndThongNaturalParkJeanLouisGericke-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Mu Ko Ang Thong Natural Park -</strong> This marine park is made up over 40 islands and has some of the best landscapes and snorkeling to be found anywhere in Thailand. While there are a few scattered hotels and restaurants in the park, your best bet is to find cheap lodging in nearby Ko Samui and explore the park during a day-trip. How better to send the morning than kayaking through hidden lagoons, munching on barbecue on a desert island, and sprawling out on a virgin beach miles from civilization?<br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohTaoAnthonyFau.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-KohTaoAnthonyFau.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohTaoAnthonyFau-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Ko Tao -</strong> Ko Tao is probably best known for <a href="http://www.nangyuan.com/en/home.html" target="_hplink">Ko Nangyuan</a>, a very popular and picture-perfect group of islands 15 min. from Ko Tao that are connected by strips of powdery white sand. While Nangyuan definitely merits a visit, many travelers suggest renting a scooter and heading to the unexplored eastern side of the island where intrepid travelers can rent a humble bungalow on an empty paradisaical beach for as little as $20 a night. <br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-PilehLagoonMiguelA.Cartagena.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-PilehLagoonMiguelA.Cartagena.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-PilehLagoonMiguelA.Cartagena-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Phi Phi Lee -</strong> Ah...the Phi Phi Islands, a name synonymous with honeymoon trips and a classic Thai destinations for everyone from college backpackers to jet-setting celebrities. While most of the action happens on the large island, Phi Phi Don, many travelers recommend heading to the smaller sibling, Phi Phi Lee, whose unique circle of jagged green <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karst" target="_hplink">karsts</a> conceals the calm turquoise Pileh Lagoon made famous in the movie The Beach.<br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KoChangChiaraBasso.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-KoChangChiaraBasso.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KoChangChiaraBasso-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Ko Chang -</strong> As one traveler put it, "Ko Chang has a split personality." The island's western half is a busy nest of tours, shops, and nightclubs, but travelers seeking a get away from it all will undoubtedly be drawn to the virgin beaches to the east. Case in point: Zion Beach. This idyllic beach requires a scooter trip and a somewhat lengthy hike, but once you arrive you'll find a tropical paradise where entire days can be spent collecting sea shells, kayaking in the shallow blue water, and perhaps taking a snooze in one of the few bungalows hidden in the shade of the coconut trees. <br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohKaiNaxos.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-KohKaiNaxos.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohKaiNaxos-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Ko Kai -</strong> Ko Kai ("Chicken Island," in reference to the island's trademark rock formation) is part of the Poda Islands near Krabi, and is another top day-trip destination. It's connected to Ko Poda via a narrow sand bar and while its thick jungles and imposing cliffs might not offer the most welcoming face, rest assured that it's home to some of the cleanest virgin beaches in the area and has vibrant marine life which has attracted divers the world over. <br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohPhaNganViagensLacoste.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-KohPhaNganViagensLacoste.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohPhaNganViagensLacoste-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Ko Pha Ngan -</strong> If all the virgin beaches and quiet bungalows have you feeling restless, Ko Pha Ngan might be right up your alley. Ko Pha Ngan is most famous for hosting the legendary <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_Moon_Party" target="_hplink">Full Moon Parties</a>, massive alcohol-fuelled beach parties that have become a thing of backpacker revelry lore. Debauchery aside, Ko Pha Ngan does have its fair share of quiet, peaceful corners ranging from isolated beaches to surprisingly affordable luxury resorts (50$ a night!) with private beaches and infinity pools.<br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohKutMiguelA.Cartagena.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-KohKutMiguelA.Cartagena.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohKutMiguelA.Cartagena-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Ko Kut -</strong> Ko Kut is one of the lesser-known Thai islands and is a place to consider if you're looking to really escape from the world for a few days. The island is only accessible via a ferry from Trat and is home to a few scattered and quiet resorts which travelers say are absolutely empty during summertime. While visiting Thailand in August might mean a few extra hours of rain during your stay, there'll still be plenty of sun for lounging on the beach and you'll be able to have picture-perfect beaches like Bang Bao Bay (pictured above) practically to yourself.<br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohSamuiViagensLacoste.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-KohSamuiViagensLacoste.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohSamuiViagensLacoste-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Ko Samui -</strong> Ko Samui is the biggest player on Thailand's beach-tourism scene with over 1.5 million visitors a year, outstripping even Phuket as the undisputed king of the Thai islands. Ko Samui owes its fame to a mix of affordable family-friendly resorts, clean white-sand beaches, jungle waterfalls, and a generally laid-back island vibe that offers visitors a taste of everything. If you're into sipping cold Mai Tais to the thump of reggae, you'll find plenty of accommodating beach bars, but if you're looking for your own secluded island paradise, numerous hidden coves and undeveloped beaches are only a breezy bike ride away <br /><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohPhayamLeovero.jpg"><img alt="2013-11-13-KohPhayamLeovero.jpg" height="401" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-11-13-KohPhayamLeovero-thumb.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><strong>Ko Phayam -</strong> Finally, many travelers recommend the small, quiet island Ko Phayam if you're looking to experience "the good life." You know what we mean: munching on freshly-grilled fish or pad thai in a sand-floored beach hut before sprawling out on a sunny bay or resting up in a wooden bungalow to the sound of the palm trees rustling in the breeze. There are also several villages belonging to the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moken_people" target="_hplink">sea-gypsies</a> of southern Thailand which you can visit after a hike through a landscape of jungles, waterfalls, and hot springs.<br /><br /><b>Link</b>:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/minube/10-islands-for-a-perfect_b_4266423.html </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-23761654973618242482015-12-24T08:49:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.874-08:00The Most Beautiful Places In Japan You Didn’t Know Existed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="text-container">With its mix of busy, ultramodern cities; small towns where little about the way of life has changed over the centuries; and striking natural scenery, <a href="http://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/">Japan</a> is filled with countless places that inspire and enchant visitors. From historic castles and eye-catching floral displays to unusual landscapes that look pulled from a completely different country, here are some Japanese places you have to see to believe.<br /> </div><span class="article-border"></span><br /> <div class="ncms-sortables-region"><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Mount Koya" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662449-14331898828b29a5a80bba45fc80c251214d39d603.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mount Koya</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://www.koya.org/english/">Mount Koya</a> is the spiritual home of <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/540783/Shingon">Shingon Buddhism</a>, a sect founded more than 1,200 years ago by one of Japan’s most important religious figures, Kobo Daishi. The sect’s headquarters, Kongobu-ji Head Temple, is set on the forest-covered mountaintop of Mount Koya. Over 100 other temples have been established around Mount Koya, many of which offer visitors the chance to experience a typical monk’s lifestyle during an overnight stay.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Koya-san,+Koyasan,+Koya,+Ito+District,+Wakayama+Prefecture+648-0211,+Japan/@34.2166662,135.5833333,15z/data=%213m1%214b1%214m2%213m1%211s0x60072773135b4c93:0x33f2136a90d8163d%215m1%211e4">Mount Koya, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Noto Peninsula" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662451-1433189887291ac3d77caf4d33b8ec4d934132bd95.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Noto Peninsula</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container">Comprising the northern section of <a href="http://www.hot-ishikawa.jp/english/index.html">Ishikawa Prefecture</a>, the Noto Peninsula is home to some of Japan’s most stunning coastal scenery and untouched countryside landscapes. Aside from admiring the natural scenery, the peninsula offers a number of spots for fishing, swimming, and camping. Its two main tourist centers, <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4255.html">Wajima City</a> and Wakura Onsen, are home to fewer than 30,000 people each and serve as wonderful places to experience Japanese small town life.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Noto-hanto/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x5ff6d329b0616aa7:0xaf8fa311247381da%27sa=X&ei=B7JsVZvkJ5P-yQSflIOoCA&ved=0CIQBEPIBMA4">Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Shikoku" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662453-14331898928d59c1f939d04b68bf0d852cd85a6f73.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Shikoku Island</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://www.tourismshikoku.org/">Shikoku</a> is Japan’s fourth largest island, located southwest of the main island of Honshu to which it is connected via two bridge systems. This island is also tied to influential monk Kobo Daishi as the home of the <a href="http://www.shikokuhenrotrail.com/">88 Temple route</a>, one of the country’s most important pilgrimages. Aside from attracting those seeking spiritual fulfillment, the island offers some spectacular coastlines, mountain ranges, and tumbling rivers.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Shikoku/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x3551e76a6585fd45:0xd4602fd80d0ed59d%27sa=X&ei=PbJsVfAghv3JBJbngsAP&ved=0CIIBEPIBMA4">Shikoku Island, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Kiso Valley" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662455-1433189897c0a2e163414047de83be9ee1d4c1b773.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kiso Valley</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container">The <a href="http://www.go-nagano.net/">Kiso Valley</a> is home to the Nakasendo trail, one of only five Edo-period highways connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Travelers during this time made this long-journey on foot and, as a result, the Kiso Valley is dotted with historic post towns where travelers once rested, ate, and slept along the way. It’s possible to walk a section of this old highway, between mountains and through thick forests, as well as visit some of the well-preserved post towns.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/search/Kiso+Valley/@35.797725,137.5768344,9z/data=%213m1%214b1">Kiso Valley, Nagano Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Shodoshima" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662457-14331899018fe70aa7d5684a15a22df420ef503cd5.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Shodoshima</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://www.town.shodoshima.lg.jp/en/">Shodoshima</a> has a mild climate and a Mediterranean atmosphere, home to beaches, dramatic coastlines, resorts, and even olive plantations. The second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima is one of the hosts of the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival, and outdoor installations from previous festivals can be seen dotted around the island.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Sh%C5%8Ddo+Island/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x35547819147c76e5:0xdfa698771f086741%27sa=X&ei=ubJsVcrXCoukyATSuoDIAg&ved=0CIABEPIBMA4">Shodoshima Island, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Kenrokuen Garden" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662459-14331899066d775a07cf71483d8561155480350eaa.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kenrokuen Garden</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container">Named one of Japan’s ‘three most beautiful landscape gardens’, <a href="http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/eng/guide/guide1_1.php">Kenrokuen Garden</a> is filled with charming bridges, walking trails, teahouses, trees, flowers, and other features based on Chinese landscape theory. Once the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen was opened to the public in the late 19th century. Each season reveals a different side of the garden’s beauty, from plum and cherry blossoms in the spring to colorful maple tree leaves in the autumn.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/kenrokuen+garden/@36.562128,136.662651,15z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0x970a7b3df003f2e4%27sa=X&ei=3rJsVbm5AcGPyATFhYCQBg&ved=0CJIBEPwSMA8">Kenrokuen Garden, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Matsumoto Castle" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662461-1433189911cec5717affa84546924c2e4382aa65e6.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Matsumoto Castle</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/">Matsumoto Castle</a> is Japan’s oldest wooden castle, one of only a handful of original castles remaining in the country. Initially built in 1504, it was expanded to its current form in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Nicknamed Karasu-jō (Crow Castle), it’s known for its beautiful black-and-white three-turreted main keep.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/matsumoto+castle/@36.238592,137.970021,15z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0x902d0e20fabcf654%27sa=X&ei=BrNsVbvsAc79yQSXjYLACw&ved=0CJMBEPwSMA8">Matsumoto Castle, Nagano Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Nachi Falls" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662463-143318991667a86b3b6e614757b7997e129f224ffa.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nachi Falls</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="https://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/index.html">Nachi Falls</a> is the tallest waterfall in the country, tumbling down 133 meters into a rushing river below. The waterfall is overlooked by the gorgeous Nachi Taisha Shinto shrine, which is said to be more than 1,400 years old. Built in honor of the waterfall’s kami (spirit god), the shrine is one of several Buddhist and Shinto religious sites found around the waterfall.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/nachi+falls/@33.675331,135.887618,15z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0xd77c438c6c730e36%27sa=X&ei=NLNsVcCIA9WkyATrnIOIBA&ved=0CIoBEPwSMA8">Nachi Falls, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662465-1433189921a23438c62d8e411da5bee5d07a01d098.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container">The <a href="https://www.alpen-route.com/en/">Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route</a> connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. The route can be experienced by various types of transportation, including ropeway, cablecar, and trolley bus, all of which offer spectacular views of the surrounding Tateyama Mountain Range. The most impressive part of the route is the road between Bijodaira and Murodo, which is bordered by 20-meter-high snow walls from April to May each year.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/search/Tateyama+Kurobe+Alpine+Route/@36.634303,137.4027695,11z/data=%213m1%214b1%27sa=X&ei=X7NsVY2iAoekyQSt44CgBA&ved=0CJABELYD">Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama and Nagano Prefectures, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="The Blue Pond" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662467-1433189926d832cb76b0ac40ed92f99c66e60d9b15.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Blue Pond</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container">The <a href="http://www.furanotourism.com/en/">Blue Pond</a> in Hokkaido Prefecture, also known as Aoiike, is known for its ethereal blue color. Tree stumps protruding from the surface of the water add to its otherworldly appearance. This artificial pond was created as part of an erosion control system, designed to protect the area from mudflows that can occur from nearby Mt. Tokachi volcano. The pond’s eerie blue color is caused by natural minerals dissolved in the water.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps%27q=Aoiike+biei&es_sm=122&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&ei=l7NsVYjyJcyRyASp44DwAg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ">The Blue Pond, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Hitachi Seaside Park " src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662469-1433189941d8c5bbd771e04893b48dcc5c61cb474d.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Hitachi Seaside Park</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://english.ibarakiguide.jp/">Hitachi Seaside Park</a> is famous for its fields of baby-blue flowers, called nemophilas, which bloom across the park in the spring. The park encompasses 190 hectares, and more than 4.5 million blossoms blanket its fields every April. During the autumn, the park’s rounded shrubs called <em>kochia</em> (bassia in English) turn a bright crimson color, creating an almost equally mesmerizing sight.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/hitachi+seaside+park/@36.400543,140.591204,13z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0x369e485be0b9dbf%27sa=X&ei=07NsVfmtL86ZyASPhoHwCw&ved=0CJYBEPwSMA8">Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Gokayama" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662471-14331899462c4c30f02cce4c909e1ffb80674f39b9.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gokayama</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://www.gokayama-info.jp/en/">Gokayama i</a>s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also encompasses the nearby village of Shirakawa-gō. Both areas are known for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These centuries-old houses feature distinct thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Gokayama is less easily accessible than popular Shirakawa-gō, and as a result, its villages are more quiet and secluded.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Sbz9hfbiB3q">Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Tottori Sand Dunes" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662473-1433189951f4234333bc7a4501be4fd80b04e499c4.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tottori Sand Dunes</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container">The <a href="http://www.torican.jp/english">Tottori Sand Dunes</a> are part of Sanin Kaigan National Park in Tottori Prefecture. Stretching for 16 kilometers along of the Sea of Japan coast, the dunes are the largest in the country. Tide movement and wind causes the dunes’ shape to change constantly, but they can be up to two kilometers wide and 50 meters high. Camel rides are widely available, causing the area to have an enchanting, desert-like atmosphere.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/tottori+sand+dunes/@35.540723,134.229071,15z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0xd87aac027500316b%27sa=X&ei=irRsVcL0IcemyATkmIOIDg&ved=0CI0BEPwSMA8">Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Sagano Bamboo Forest" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662475-1433189956ddcfa8646206403cb3331f48137a2b88.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sagano Bamboo Forest</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3912.html">Sagano Bamboo Forest</a> is located in Arashiyama, a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Walking paths wind through towering bamboo groves, with sun peaking between the green stalks and creating an enchanting effect. The bamboo forest is equally famous for its beauty as for the characteristic sounds created by the bamboo stalks swaying in the wind.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/arashiyama/@35.009449,135.666773,15z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0xabaad64f597b014c%27sa=X&ei=sLRsVdKuMIO0yQTPr4D4Dw&ved=0CJgBEPwSMA8">Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Nishinomaru Garden" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662477-14331899614efe9c27b7ba4e298fccbcb186dd7055.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nishinomaru Garden</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/facilities/cat11/post_355.html">Nishinomaru Garden</a> is a gorgeous lawn garden that offers spectacular views of <a href="http://www.osakacastle.net/english/">Osaka Castle</a> tower and the stone wall of its moat. The castle’s one-time western citadel, the garden is now covered with more than 600 cherry trees and more 95 different types of apricot flowers. It’s a popular spot for cherry blossom viewings in the spring, with night time illuminations held during the peak blooming periods.<br /> </div><div class="text-container"><em><a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/osaka+castle/@34.687315,135.526201,14z/data=%214m2%213m1%211s0x0:0xf01d07d5ca11e41%27sa=X&ei=47RsVaSpJoaUyAT1rYDwDQ&ved=0CJEBEPwSMA8">Nishinomaru Garden, Osaka Prefecture, Japan</a></em><br /> </div><div class="imageWrapper imageFull"><figure><img alt="Aogashima Volcano" src="http://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3662479-14331899668fd35ff8af2f47c49e3694014e519382.jpg" /><br /><br /></figure></div><div class="text-container"><h3><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Aogashima Volcano</span></span></h3></div><div class="text-container"><a href="http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/aogashima/spot/s_1044.html">Aogashima</a> is a tiny, tropical island in the Philippine Sea, which is under the administration of Tokyo. The most isolated island in the Izu archipelago, the island is home to an enormous double volcano. The island itself is a volcano and there’s a second smaller volcano found at its center. With around 200 inhabitants, Aogashima is also the smallest village in Japan.<br /><br /><b>Link</b>:http://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/the-16-most-beautiful-places-in-japan-you-didn-t-know-existed/ <br /> </div><div class="text-container"><br /></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-63828409822663042612015-12-24T07:53:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.908-08:0015 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Toronto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="article_intro"> Toronto, the capital of <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/ontario-cdn-on-on.htm">Ontario</a> and the country's largest city, is home to a dynamic mix of tourist attractions, from museums and galleries to the world famous CN Tower and, just off shore, Toronto Islands. The city also offers a vibrant Entertainment District, featuring the latest musicals and other performing arts, and the historic Distillery District. The city center is still relatively easy to navigate, with many of the top attractions within walking distance of each other and a subway system to cover longer distances.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTCN"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>1</b> CN Tower</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="CN Tower" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-cn-tower.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTCN"> CN Tower </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/toronto-cdn-on-ont.htm">Toronto's </a>famous landmark, the 553-meter CN Tower, is one of the city's must see attractions and also the most impossible to miss. Towering above the downtown, the structure can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. Visitors have the option of simply appreciating the building from the ground, or taking a trip up to one of the observation areas or restaurants for fabulous views of the city and Lake Ontario. The CN Tower, built between 1972 and 1976, was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, but has long since been surpassed. <div class="site_desc">The highest viewing area on the CN Tower is from the Sky Pod at 447 meters above the city with views that, on clear days, extend to <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/niagara-falls-cdn-on-onnf.htm">Niagara Falls</a> and <a href="http://www.planetware.com/new-york-tourism-vacations-usny.htm">New York State</a>. To get here requires taking two elevators. Below this, at the top of the main elevator is the LookOut at 346 meters where the Horizons Restaurant is located. One floor below this is the Glass Floor and the Outdoor Sky Terrace. As the name suggests, the Glass Floor offers a bird's eye view directly down over the city as visitors stand on a glass floor.<br /> For those looking for a little more adventure, or perhaps a lot more adventure, there is the "<b>Edge Walk.</b>" This involves a hands-free walk on a 1.5-meter wide ledge around the outside edge of the main pod, at an elevation of 365 meters. Participants are attached to a safety harness and rope.<br /> Located at 351 meters is the revolving <b>360 Restaurant, </b>featuring fine dining and some of the best views from a table anywhere in the Toronto. </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTROM"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>2</b> Royal Ontario Museum</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Royal Ontario Museum" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-royal-ontario-museum.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTROM"> Royal Ontario Museum </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div>The Royal Ontario Museum, known as the ROM, is one of Canada's premier museums with an international reputation for excellence. It houses an outstanding collection and also features major exhibitions from around the world. A controversial expansion of the facility saw a modern wing featuring glass and sharp angles added on to a very traditional older building. The museum contains collections covering a great variety of periods from all over the world. </div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>3</b> Rogers Centre</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Rogers Centre" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-rogers-center.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTSD"> Rogers Centre </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl">Share:</span> </div></div></div>Immediately adjacent to the CN Tower is Rogers Centre, a massive domed sports arena. The unique design includes a roof, which slides back, allowing it to be opened in favorable weather. This mega-structure, completed in 1989, is Toronto's answer to the ambitious Olympic Stadium built by its arch rival, <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/montreal-cdn-qu-qum.htm">Montréal</a>. Rogers Centre can accommodate many thousands of spectators and is a venue for every kind of sport, baseball and football in particular, as well as for rock and pop concerts. The center also offers one hour guided tours with a behind-the-scenes look at the facility.<br /><br /><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTAG"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>4</b> Art Gallery of Ontario</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Art Gallery of Ontario" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-art-gallery-of-ontario.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTAG"> Art Gallery of Ontario <a class="cc16_b" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgriebeling/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DGriebeling</a> </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The renowned Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) occupies a unique looking modern building on the west side of the city center. A whole series of temporary exhibitions are mounted throughout the year by this exceptionally well endowed gallery. Highlights include the collections of Canadian, African and Oceanic, and European art. The museum also holds a particularly impressive collection of Canadian paintings.<br /> <div class="site_info"><br /></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTCL"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>5</b> Casa Loma</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Casa Loma" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-casa-loma.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTCL"> Casa Loma </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Standing in beautifully kept grounds, Casa Loma is an extraordinary building somewhat reminiscent of a medieval castle. It was originally constructed for Sir Henry Pellatt, an eccentric Canadian multi-millionaire who was among the first to recognize and exploit the money-making potential of Niagara Falls. With close to 100 rooms, including three dozen bathrooms, the house is now a museum. Visitors can take a look back in time to a period of European elegance and splendor. Canada's foremost castle is complete with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and five acres of estate gardens.<br /> <div class="site_info"><br /></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTZ"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>6</b> Toronto Zoo</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Toronto Zoo" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-zoo.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTZ"> Toronto Zoo </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Toronto's huge zoo, with its collection of several thousand animals, lies on the Red River some 40 kilometers northeast of the city center. One of the major attractions is the panda exhibit, which opened in Toronto in 2013. The zoo is divided into several sections, each representing a major region of the globe. The North American section is unique with its spacious grizzly bear enclosure, vast bison park, and impressive polarium. Some of the other highlights at the Toronto Zoo include the African Savanna and Great Barrier Reef.<br /> <div class="site_info"><br /></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTSLM"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>7</b> St. Lawrence Market</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="St. Lawrence Market" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-st-lawrence-market.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTSLM"> St. Lawrence Market </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The St. Lawrence Market houses a variety of vendors selling various food products, flowers, and specialty items. The <b>St. Lawrence Hall</b> was built in Toronto in 1850 and served as a public meeting place and a concert venue. The hall was restored in 1967, but has retained much of its old charm. The building provides a unique atmosphere for the market and is also occasionally used for film and television shoots. The interior features a grand staircase and a gas-lit chandelier.<br /> <div class="site_info"><br /></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTCIE"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>8</b> Entertainment District</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Entertainment District" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-entertainment-district.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTCIE"> Entertainment District <a class="cc16_b" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/journalistjeff/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeff Samsonow</a> </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Toronto's answer to New York's Broadway, the Toronto Entertainment District comes to life in the evenings. This is the place to come to see major theater productions with the latest shows and musicals, concerts, and other performing arts. There are also all kinds of restaurants and places for socializing, as well as hotels and shops. The main center of activity in the Entertainment District is along <b>King Street</b>.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <div class="web"> <span></span><br /> </div></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-16"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>9</b> Ripley's Aquarium of Canada</h2><div class="site_desc"> One of Toronto's newest attractions is the Ripley's Aquarium near the base of the <b>CN Tower</b>. This fabulous facility displays all kinds of marine life but the most impressive feature is the huge <b>underwater tunnel </b>with a moving sidewalk. Visitors can watch the ocean world go by all around them as sharks glide past and sawfish linger on the tunnel roof above. This is a truly serene experience for all ages. Another unexpected highlight is the jellyfish display, accented with creative lighting. Further on, touch tanks with stingrays and small sharks allow for a hands-on experience. And for the engineering minded, the building's open concept also allows for a look at the <b>Life Support System </b>and filtration equipment operating the facility.<br /> <div class="site_info"><br /></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTNC"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>10</b> City Hall</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="City Hall" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-city-hall.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTNC"> City Hall </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Dominating the spacious <b>Nathan Philips Square </b>with its bronze sculpture, "The Archer," by Henry Moore, is the still highly acclaimed new City Hall. It was designed by the gifted Finnish architect Viljo Revell and built in 1965. City Hall consists of two arc-shaped high-rise blocks, 20 and 27 stories high respectively, wrapped around a lower central building topped by a flattened cupola. Out front in the square is a manmade pond, which becomes a popular skating rink in winter. This area is beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <div class="nospc"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTEC"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>11</b> Eaton Center</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Eaton Center" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-eaton-center-interior-shops.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTEC"> Eaton Center <a class="cc16_b" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mcaven/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Caven</a> </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The huge Eaton Center is located at the north end of the Central Business District. With its own subway station, this ultra-modern shopping complex extends over several blocks and is continually being renovated and enlarged. Strangers can quite easily lose their way in the bewildering maze of department stores, specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafeterias, and snack bars, which crowd the different levels above and below ground. The original Eaton department store opened in Toronto in 1869 and grew into an enormous retail business.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <div class="web"> <span></span><br /> </div></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTOD"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>12</b> Distillery District</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Distillery District" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-distillery-district.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTOD"> Distillery District <a class="cc16_b" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lanninge/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">music2fish2 (eric lanning)</a> </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Toronto's Distillery District is a restored historic area that has been turned into a trendy entertainment and shopping district. Visitors will find charming boutiques, galleries, artists' studios, and restaurants. The Distillery District also hosts a variety of entertainment events and is home to numerous performing arts venues and schools. This is an interesting place to come during the day or evening.</div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTH"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>13</b> High Park</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="High Park" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-high-park.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTH"> High Park <a class="cc16_b" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cityoftoronto/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The City of Toronto</a> </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> High Park is a huge green space with sunken gardens, hanging basket gardens, nature trails, natural ponds, and streams. The 165-acre country property, originally owned by the Howards, was deeded to the City of Toronto in 1873. This deed included the fact that the park was to remain "for the free use, benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Toronto and it be called High Park." Animal paddocks, swimming and wading pools, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a scenic train tour are highlights. The grounds also include 19th-century recreated gardens, a Coach House, and the Howards' Tomb.<br /> Annually, the Canadian Stage Company puts on a performance at the open-air theater in Toronto's High Park during the months of July and August, known as <b>"Shakespeare in the Park"</b>.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <div class="web"> <span></span><br /> </div></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="CDN-ON-ONTSC"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>14</b> Ontario Science Centre</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Ontario Science Centre" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-ontario-science-center.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTSC"> Ontario Science Centre <a class="cc16_b" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickharris/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">?ick Harris</a> </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The Ontario Science Center is a family oriented attraction with many interesting exhibits to entertain children. It occupies a site overlooking the Don Valley, about ten kilometers northeast of the city center. Designed by the virtuoso architect Raymond Moriyama, this modern building was completed in 1969. Visitors to the center are brought face to face with the latest developments in technology, telecommunications, optics, biology, physics, space travel and meteorology, and much more, all presented in an absorbing and imaginative way. The emphasis is very much on visitor participation, with many interactive displays and widespread use of suitably installed computing and other equipment.</div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>15</b> Toronto Islands</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Toronto Islands" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/CDN/canada-toronto-islands.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_CDN-ON-ONTIS"> Toronto Islands </div></div></div>The ferry trip from <b>Queen's Quay Terminal </b>to the Toronto Islands, about a kilometer offshore, is the prelude to a thoroughly enjoyable outing. There are lovely walks on the islands as well as the opportunity for rowing, sailing, swimming, and other outdoor activities. <b>Marinas</b> and the odd cluster of weekend homes bring a touch of variety to the scene. In summer, the islands are the venue for numerous open-air events. In favorable visibility, there is a stunning view of the Toronto skyline. The <b>Centreville Amusement Park </b>is located on <b>Centre Island</b>, one of the Toronto Islands, and features a variety of children's rides. The <b>Toronto Islands Ferry Service </b>runs from Queen's Quay and travels to each of the main Toronto Islands.<br /><br /><b>Source</b>:http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/toronto-cdn-on-ont.htm <br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-22418806490316101592015-12-24T07:43:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.952-08:00 Most Amazing Tourist Attractions in California<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With so many man-made attractions, natural playgrounds and dramatic landscapes that are all world-famous, it is no wonder that California attracts millions of visitors from all over the globe. Only in this state can one experience the likes of stunning coastal drives, a forest of the world’s tallest trees, a lake that offers year-round fun, magical theme parks and shows starring killer whales. To learn more about what to see and do in the Golden State, check out the following top <strong>tourist attractions in California</strong>.<br /><br /><div class="topitem" id="item_redwood_national_park"><b><span class="topnumber">10</span><span class="toptitle">Redwood National Park </span></b></div><div class="image_640"><img alt="Redwood National Park" src="http://resources.touropia.com/gfx/d/tourist-attractions-in-california/redwood_national_park.jpg" title="Redwood National Park" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></div>The Redwood National Park is much more than tall trees. In this vast parkland of woodlands, rivers and miles of spectacular coastline, visitors can enjoy a wide range of fun outdoor activities. There are several interesting exhibits, guided walks and nature programs on offer at the various visitor centers. Activities include horse riding and mountain biking along well-maintained trails, fishing for salmon and rainbow trout and kayaking down the trickling rivers. Scenic routes through the forest allow visitors to admire the amazing redwood trees, wildlife and waterfalls while a drive along the coastline offers breathtaking views of the ocean and glimpses of gray whales and seabirds.<br /><div class="topitem" id="item_seaworld_san_diego"><b><span class="topnumber">9</span><span class="toptitle">SeaWorld San Diego </span></b></div><div class="image_640"><b><img alt="SeaWorld San Diego" src="http://resources.touropia.com/gfx/d/tourist-attractions-in-california/seaworld_san_diego.jpg" title="SeaWorld San Diego" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></b></div>Situated in sunny San Diego, SeaWorld is characterized by its theme of marine mammals, daring rides and live shows. Through shows, displays and enclosures people can learn about the world’s oceans and the creatures that inhabit them such as dolphins, killer whales, walruses, penguins and Polar bears. Rides include a flume roller coaster, rafting through the Shipwreck Rapids and a simulated helicopter ride to experience the Wild Arctic. The main attraction however is the Shamu Show, which involves dancing fountains and talented performances by killer whales.<br /> <br /> <div class="topitem" id="item_general_sherman"><b><span class="topnumber">8</span><span class="toptitle">General Sherman </span></b></div><div class="image_640"><img alt="General Sherman" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4993121543_42969b57e4_b.jpg" title="General Sherman" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></div>General Sherman is a Giant Sequoia located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in California. The trees of the Giant Forest are among the largest trees in the world. In fact, if measured by volume, five of the ten largest trees on the planet are located within this forest. With a height of 275 feet the General Sherman tree is the largest of them all. The tree is believed to be between 2,300 and 2,700 years old.<br /> <div class="topitem" id="item_venice_beach"><b><span class="topnumber">7</span></b><span class="toptitle"><b>Venice Beach</b> </span></div><div class="image_640"><img alt="Venice Beach" src="http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7291/9050378970_18720dbc5c_b.jpg" title="Venice Beach" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></div>Venice Beach is one of Los Angeles, most popular beaches. The sandy three-mile beach here is just one of the attractions. During the summer season and on weekends, the Ocean Front Walk fills up with street performers and people just doing their thing: biking, rollerskating, swimming, sunbathing, and people watching. Muscle Beach is a special area where fanatic bodybuilders pump iron in a public show of strength.<br /> <br /> <div class="topitem" id="item_dantes_view"><b><span class="topnumber">6</span><span class="toptitle">Dante's View - Death Valley</span></b></div><div class="image_640"><img alt="Dante's View" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5465/9641724606_01a281d45c_b.jpg" title="Dante's View" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></div>Set high on top of the Black Mountains, Dante’s View is a terrace that offers stunning views of Death Valley. This unique valley is home to the lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, as well as to the hottest and driest areas in North America. How hot is Death Valley? Well, temperatures in Death Valley’s Furnace Creek once reached a sizzling 134 degrees °F (57 °C). Because temperatures can be so extreme in Death Valley, travelers are advised visit Dante’s View early in the morning, especially during the hottest months of the year.Travelers who visit Dante’s View on a clear day may be able to see Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the contiguous United States, and Mt. Whitney, the highest point.<br /> <div class="topitem" id="item_disneyland"><b><span class="topnumber">5</span><span class="toptitle">Disneyland </span></b></div><div class="image_640"><img alt="Disneyland" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6232227521_9b5e6fdf40_b.jpg" title="Disneyland" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></div>Located in Anaheim, Disneyland is a world-famous amusement park where Walt Disney movies and characters all come to life in a magical, make-believe kingdom. Featuring thrilling rides, roller coasters, dazzling shows and colorful districts packed with restaurants and shops, Disneyland offers adventure for the whole family. In themed neighborhoods like Main Street, USA, visitors can step back into the early 1900s, visit Tarzan’s Treehouse in Adventureland or meet Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck in Mickey’s Toontown.<br /> <br /> <div class="topitem" id="item_big_sur_coastline"><b><span class="topnumber">4</span><span class="toptitle">Big Sur Coastline </span></b></div><div class="image_640"><img alt="Big Sur Coastline" src="http://resources.touropia.com/gfx/d/tourist-attractions-in-california/big_sur_coastline.jpg" title="Big Sur Coastline" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></div>Stretching about 90 miles along the Central Coast of California is one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. Known as Big Sur, this stunning coastline covers an area between Carmel and the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Most of the 3 million drivers who visit Big Sur every year travel the popular Highway 1 to admire and photograph some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Attractions along the route include the historic 40-foot Point Sur Lighthouse, Bixby Bridge, which is one of the world’s tallest single-span bridges, and the splendid, 80-foot McWay Falls plunge directly into the ocean.<br /> <div class="topitem" id="item_lake_tahoe"><b><span class="topnumber">3</span><span class="toptitle">Lake Tahoe </span></b></div><div class="image_640"><img alt="Lake Tahoe" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5002543226_d60dc0cbf7_b.jpg" title="Lake Tahoe" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></div>Created about 2 million years ago during the Ice Age, Lake Tahoe is one of the largest lakes in the world. The lake is located along the border between California and Nevada. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this popular tourist attraction offers exciting events and activities all year around. In the winter, the main activities are snow skiing, snowmobile riding, snow-tubing and snowshoeing at one of the ski resorts. From spring to fall, visitors can enjoy a host of water sports and other activities like sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boating and swimming.<br /> <br /> <div class="topitem" id="item_golden_gate_bridge"><b><span class="topnumber">2</span><span class="toptitle">Golden Gate Bridge </span></b></div><div class="image_640"><b><img alt="Golden Gate Bridge" src="http://resources.touropia.com/gfx/d/most-famous-bridges-in-the-world/golden_gate_bridge.jpg" title="Golden Gate Bridge" width="100%" /></b></div>The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most visited tourist attractions in California and the US. Spanning over the San Francisco Bay for more than a mile, this famous landmark is one of the world’s most photographed bridges. The famous red-orange color of the bridge was specifically chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog that frequently shrouds the bridge. The splendor of this bridge can be experienced by driving, walking, cycling or participating in a walking tour to learn about the rich history of the bridge.<br /> <br /> <div class="topitem" id="item_tunnel_view"><b><span class="topnumber">1</span><span class="toptitle">Tunnel View - Yosemite National Park</span></b></div><div class="image_640"><img alt="#1 of Tourist Attractions In California" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2752791626_5d677cb7fa_b.jpg" title="#1 of Tourist Attractions In California" width="100%" /><span class="photo-credit"></span></div>Located in Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of central eastern California, Tunnel View is an overlook where visitors can enjoy amazing views of El Capital, Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and the gorgeous Yosemite Valley. The overlook, which was first built in 1993, was renovated in 2008. Tunnel View is very popular with park visitors, and it attracts between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors a day during the tourist high season. Travelers can find Tunnel View at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel off of Wawona Road.<br /><br /><b>Source: </b>http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-california/<br /><br /> <div class="entry-ad2 section"><div class="ad-inner-wrap"><br /><ins id="aswift_0_expand" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; display: inline-table; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"><ins id="aswift_0_anchor" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"></ins></ins></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-62616650790879607022015-12-24T07:34:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:43.990-08:00 10 Amazing Reasons to Visit Las Vegas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy-paste-block"><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"><br /><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/lg_2-vegas-strip.jpg" /></div><span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>1. The Strip</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description"> Nowhere are the glitz and glitter of Las Vegas, or its ambivalence, so apparent as along the Strip. This 6-km long thoroughfare (actually a section of Las Vegas Boulevard) is the entertainment capital of the world and home to many of the largest hotels and casinos on the planet. The extravaganza of both its adult entertainment and family favourites makes Las Vegas a city of superlatives. The Strip is a master of reinvention, selling itself on seemingly contradictory values: hedonism one decade, family fun the next.</span><div class="copy-paste-block"><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/lg_12-hoover-dam1.jpg" /></div><span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>2. The Hoover Dam</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">Before the construction of the Hoover Dam early last century, the mighty Colorado River frequently flooded countless acres of farmland in southern California and Mexico. A series of studies into how to tame the rampaging river led in 1928 to the Boulder Canyon Project Act and the subsequent construction of the dam. This colossus of concrete – a triumph of engineering – not only provides flood control and generates electricity, but is also a huge tourist attraction, with nearly a million visitors a year.<br /></span><div class="copy-paste-block"><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/lg_4-fremont.jpg" /></div><span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>3. Glitter Gulch</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">During the 1980s and early 1990s, as the strip became ever more glamorous, the downtown area – including the stretch along Fremont Street known as Glitter Gulch – went further and further into decline. City fathers and casino owners alike agreed that something had to be done to reverse the process and took action to see that it was. The resulting efforts have revitalized the area. Development is ongoing, with the opening of new restaurants and cocktail bars offering a greater range of entertainment for visitors.</span><span></span><div class="copy-paste-block"><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/teejayhanton_flickr.jpg" /></div><span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>4. Bellagio</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">From the flower arrangements in the halls to the fixtures in the bathtubs, Bellagio, built in 1998, is the epitome of perfection. The goal of Steve Wynn, who originally conceived this grand monument to leisure, was to create a hotel “that would exemplify absolute quality while emphasizing romance and elegance – romance in the literary sense, a place of ideal beauty and comfort; the world everyone hopes for, as it might be if everything were just right.” Most people agree that Wynn achieved his goal.</span><div class="copy-paste-block"><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"><br /><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/grand-canyon-nps.jpg" /></div><span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>5. Grand Canyon</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">“Overwhelming” and “humbling” are the words most often used to describe the Grand Canyon experience. One of the world’s most awesome sights, the canyon is 443-km long, 16-km wide, and as deep as 1.6-km in places. Because of the vast differences in elevation between floor and rim, the canyon encompasses a range of desert and mountain habitats. The South Rim, easier to access via road than the North Rim, is a five-hour drive away from Las Vegas.</span><span><br /></span><div class="copy-paste-block"><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"><br /><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/christianysergio.jpg" /></div><span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>6. The Venetian</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">Some months after the opening of Bellagio, Sheldon Adelson was ready to unveil The Venetian. Everyone held their breath. Could anyone possible replicate Venice? Of course not: Adelson imitated this most romantic of Italian cities just enough to catch the flavour but without sacrificing Las Vegas pizzazz. Since opening, The Venetian has announced a number of added attractions – a theatre for live performances, a nightclub plus extra eateries. Venice? Not really. But exciting – definitely.</span><span></span><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"><br /><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/xiquinhosilva.jpg" /></div><span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>7. Wynn Las Vegas</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">Built on the site of the legendary Desert Inn – once owned by Howard Hughes – this mega-resort was designed to captivate the highest of high-rollers and the biggest of the big spenders. Over-the-top opulence, from its extravagant villas to the automobiles in the Ferrari-Maserati showroom, reigns supreme. Wynn’s sister hotel, Encore, is a luxurious addition to the resort, with its own selection of restaurants, suites, shopping and entertainment. The grounds, with an artificial mountain and lake, are spectacular too.</span><span></span><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/old-shoe-woman.jpg" /></div><div class="copy-paste-block"><div class="img alignleft" id="slideshow-slide-image"> <span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>8. Red Rock Canyon</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">About 225 million years ago, everything at Red Rock Canyon was covered by an inland sea. The escarpment, formations and caves were created after the sea evaporated and wind and rain began sculpting the land. This remarkable desert region lies just 16-km west of Las Vegas. A conservation area since 1990, it is protected from the encroaching asphalt and grass of city expansion. The 21-km scenic road that loops off Hwy 159 provides a good overview, but the best way to explore this part of the Mojave Desert is on foot.</span><span></span><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/szeke.jpg" /></div><div class="copy-paste-block"><div class="copy-paste-block"> <span class="slideshow-slide-next imgArrow"> </span><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>9. The Forum Shops at Casears</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">“So many shops and so little time” is the complaint of most first-time visitors to the Forum Shops. Opals from Australia, an endangered species store, couturier clothes, and art galleries – there are over 160 stores in all. The common areas of the complex are open 24 hours a day, so the savvy travellers who want to window shop and get close-up looks at the Forum’s fountains and buildings will stroll its lanes in the wee hours of the morning.</span><span></span></div><div class="copy-paste-block"><img src="http://www.readersdigest.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/SlideShowImage/citycenter_night.jpg" /><div class="copy-paste-block"><span id="slideshow-slide-title"><h3>10. City Center</h3></span> <span id="slideshow-slide-description">Las Vegas’s largest creation is the CityCenter, a “city-within-a-city” designed to have everything all in one place. Located on 67 acres in the heart of the Strip, the complex is home to six distinct properties – the Aria Resort, Crystals Retail and Entertainment District, the Harmon Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, the Vdara Hotel, and the residential Veer Towers. The area also encompasses a casino, luxury spas, and several art galleries, all of which are within walking distance of each other. At a cost of $8.6 billion, CityCenter is the most expensive privately funded project of the United States.</span><span><b>Source</b>: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/10-amazing-reasons-visit-las-vegas/</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><span></span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-92110516250135171182015-12-24T06:35:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:44.032-08:00The best NYC tourist attractions that locals love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">New Yorkers may loathe having to constantly move around slow-walking tourists on the streets, but in the end, we love many of the same city spots that sightseers do (admit it). We compiled our favorite iconic tourist attractions below, and the good news is there are so many great <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-new-york-today">things to do in New York today</a> that there’s enough to go around. And don’t worry, we can still keep the best <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/art/this-weeks-best-new-art">art shows</a> and <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/the-15-nyc-exhibits-were-most-excited-to-see-in-2015">NYC exhibits</a> to ourselves…maybe.<section class="feature__article"><div class="hero-text"><strong><br /></strong></div></section> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/bronx-zoo-wildlife-conservation-society" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservation Society" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100112497/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100112497/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/bronx-zoo-wildlife-conservation-society" target="_self">Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservation Society</a> </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The massive institution is home to more than 5,000 creatures in myriad exhibits, including an outdoor baboon reserve, a sea-lion pool and an exhibit dedicated entirely to Madagascar. Visitors can ride the Wild Asia Monorail, which tours 38 acres of exhibits that house elephants, Indo-Chinese tigers, deer, antelope and Mongolian wild horses, or wander over to see two gargantuan Nile crocodiles. Amphibian fans can also read about the Wildlife Conservation Society's efforts to save the Kihansi spray toad, a species now extinct in the wild. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/brooklyn-botanic-garden" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Brooklyn Botanic Garden" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100431139/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100431139/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/brooklyn-botanic-garden" target="_self">Brooklyn Botanic Garden</a> </h3><div class="page_meta_controls"> <div class="listings_flags"><div class="listings_flag icon critics_choice"> </div></div></div>Those searching for a little peace and quiet will love this verdant oasis. The garden, which is right next to two other neighborhood gems, the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park, was founded in 1910 and features thousands of types of flora, laid out over 52 acres. Each spring, crowds descend on the space for the Sakura Matsuri Festival, during which more than 70 trees bloom along the Cherry Esplanade. But equally impressive are serene spots like the Shakespeare Garden, brimming with plants mentioned in the Bard’s works.</div></div></div><div class="listing_meta_controls"><div class="listings_flags_bar"><div class="listings_flags"><span class="listings_flag listings_flags__price"></span></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/brooklyn-heights-and-brooklyn-promenade" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Brooklyn Heights and Brooklyn Promenade" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100209457/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100209457/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/brooklyn-heights-and-brooklyn-promenade" target="_self">Brooklyn Heights and Brooklyn Promenade</a> </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> One of the thrills of living in New York City is staring at the iconic skyline—obviously the world’s best—every once in a while. You’ll find no better vantage point than the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge <em>(enter at Park Row and Centre Street; nyc.gov)</em>. Stroll across the legendary structure and take in the view; if you look to the south, you’ll see Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty. Once you’ve hit Brooklyn, head into Brooklyn Heights and stroll along the Promenade, overlooking lower Manhattan. </div><br /> </div></div></div><div class="listing_meta_controls"><div class="listings_flags_bar"><div class="listings_flags"><span class="listings_flag icon icon_pin"> Brooklyn Heights </span></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/central-park" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Central Park" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100112571/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100112571/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/central-park" target="_self">Central Park</a> </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> Divide-and-conquer might be the best strategy when exploring Central Park—its sprawling 840 acres are too great to take in during one visit. Instead, hit some of the highlights: Go for a stroll around the tranquil Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (circle the 1.58-mile track a few times for an actual workout), or join the semiclothed hordes who lay out in Sheep Meadow during the summer. Or find the details in some of the park’s most famous attractions, such as lines from Lewis Carroll’s poem “Jabberwocky” inscribed along the base of the Alice in Wonderland statue. </div><br /> </div></div></div><div class="listing_meta_controls"><div class="listings_flags_bar"><div class="listings_flags"><span class="listings_flag icon icon_pin"> Central Park </span></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/coney-island-cyclone" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Coney Island Cyclone" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100401069/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100401069/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/coney-island-cyclone" target="_self">Coney Island Cyclone</a> </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> No visit to Coney Island is complete without a ride on the Coney Island Cyclone, a fixture since 1927 that has spawned seven clones around the world. Heck, it was even declared a city landmark in 1988 and a National Historic Landmark in 1991. The twister takes just under two minutes to whiz you through a dozen drops (one at a heart-stopping 60-degree angle), achieving a top speed of 60mph. That may not sound very fast, but you’ll surely be humbled (which is to say petrified) by the ancient wooden tracks that look like they belong underneath a steam locomotive</div><div class="listings_flags_bar"><div class="listings_flags"><span class="listings_flag listings_flags__price"><ul class="price_rating timeout_brand"><li class=" icon_currency"><br /></li></ul></span></div></div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/museums-institutions/chrysler-building" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Chrysler Building" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101705305/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101705305/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/museums-institutions/chrysler-building" target="_self">Chrysler Building</a> </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> We won’t argue if you want to call this glimmering pinnacle of Art Deco architecture NYC’s most eye-popping skyscraper. Triangle-shaped windows in its crown are lined with lights, creating a beautiful effect come nighttime. Oozing a moneyed sophistication oft identified with old New York, the structure pays homage to its namesake with giant eagles (replicas of ones added to Chrysler automobiles in the 1920s) in lieu of traditional gargoyles and a brickwork relief sculpture of racing cars, complete with chrome hubcaps. </div><br /> </div></div></div><div class="listing_meta_controls"><div class="listings_flags_bar"><div class="listings_flags"><span class="listings_flag icon icon_pin"> Midtown East </span></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/museums-institutions/ellis-island" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Ellis Island" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100433727/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100433727/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/museums-institutions/ellis-island" target="_self">Ellis Island</a> </h3><div class="page_meta_controls"> <div class="listings_flags"><div class="listings_flag icon critics_choice"> </div></div></div><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> Trace the history of U.S. immigration with a visit to the three floors of objects, photographs and interactive displays housed on the famous island next door to Lady Liberty herself. The exhibitions are an evocative, moving tribute to the people from so many countries, who made the journey to America filled with dreams for a better life. The audio tour is highly informative and is available in nine languages. A new children’s audio tour is narrated by animal characters and is available in five languages. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/empire-state-building" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Empire State Building" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100112041/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100112041/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/empire-state-building" target="_self">Empire State Building</a> </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> It’s worth braving the long lines, steep ticket prices and dizzying heights to see the city from atop this storied building. Built in 1931, the skyscraper is the second-tallest building in New York and is one of the most immediate symbols of Gotham, so much so that it’s played a role in films such as <em>King Kong</em>,<em> An Affair to Remember</em> and <em>Sleepless in Seattle</em>. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_6 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/flushing-meadowscorona-park" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Flushing Meadows–Corona Park" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100208101/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100208101/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/flushing-meadowscorona-park" target="_self">Flushing Meadows–Corona Park</a> </h3><div class="page_meta_controls"> <div class="listings_flags"><div class="listings_flag icon critics_choice"> </div></div></div><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> This massive green space still features remnants of the 1964–1965 World’s Fair, including the 140-foot-high Unisphere, a mammoth steel globe that was the fair’s symbol (and site of the apocalyptic battle scene between humans and aliens in the first <em>Men in Black</em> movie). Also visible are the remains of the New York State Pavilion, erected by Philip Johnson for the fair. Measuring 350 feet by 250 feet, this now-eerie plaza is bordered by 16,100-foot steel columns. While you’re there, pop into the Queens Museum of Art. </div></div></div></div></article> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/grand-central-terminal-main-concourse" target="_self"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="Grand Central Terminal, Main Concourse" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/100112151/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/100112151/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></a> </div></div><h3> <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/grand-central-terminal-main-concourse" target="_self">Grand Central Terminal, Main Concourse</a> </h3><div class="page_meta_controls"> <div class="listings_flags"><div class="listings_flag icon critics_choice"> </div></div></div><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The MTA spent 12 years removing decades of cigarette smoke and train exhaust from the ceiling of the train station in order to recapture its sea-green splendor. You can get an idea of how much elbow grease was needed for the project—the cleaners left an untouched, almost-black tile over Michael Jordan’s steakhouse. Visit at midday, when you can stare up at the zodiac signs painted in gold leaf on the ceiling without being trampled by commuters. </div><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"><br /></div><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"><b>Source</b>: http://www.timeout.com/newyork/attractions/the-best-new-york-city-tourist-attractions-that-locals-love</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-54540571516505108542015-12-24T06:23:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:44.060-08:00Top 10 US Beaches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="asset-description" itemprop="description">Whether you’re going down the shore or riding the waves in Hawaii, the beach is always a popular destination. Visit the best beaches in America.</div><div class="share parbase baseComponent socialSharing"><div class="tc-border-control "><div class="tc-base-component "><div class="social-share default-share" data-module-overrides="{"gigyaProperties": {"containerID": "gigya-share-jst" } }" data-sni-module="modules/social-share" id="shareBar"> <div class="list-inline gigya-share-jst" id="gigya-share-jst_1" style="visibility: visible;"><div class="gig-bar-container gig-share-bar-container"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap; zoom: 1;"><div class="gig-button-container gig-button-container-count-none gig-button-container-facebook gig-button-container-facebook-count-none gig-share-button-container gig-button-container-horizontal"><div alt="" class="gig-button gig-share-button gig-button-up gig-button-count-none" id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction0" title=""><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction0-left"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction0-icon" style="background-repeat: repeat-x; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; zoom: 1;"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction0-text" style="background-repeat: repeat-x; vertical-align: middle;"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction0-right"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></td><td style="vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap; zoom: 1;"><div class="gig-button-container gig-button-container-count-none gig-button-container-twitter gig-button-container-twitter-count-none gig-share-button-container gig-button-container-horizontal"><div alt="" class="gig-button gig-share-button gig-button-up gig-button-count-none" id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction1" title=""><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction1-left"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction1-icon" style="background-repeat: repeat-x; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; zoom: 1;"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction1-text" style="background-repeat: repeat-x; vertical-align: middle;"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction1-right"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></td><td style="vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap; zoom: 1;"><div class="gig-button-container gig-button-container-count-none gig-button-container-pinterest gig-button-container-pinterest-count-none gig-share-button-container gig-button-container-horizontal"><div alt="" class="gig-button gig-share-button gig-button-up gig-button-count-none" id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction2" title=""><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction2-left"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction2-icon" style="background-repeat: repeat-x; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; zoom: 1;"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction2-text" style="background-repeat: repeat-x; vertical-align: middle;"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction2-right"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></td><td style="vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap; zoom: 1;"><div class="gig-button-container gig-button-container-count-none gig-button-container-email gig-button-container-email-count-none gig-share-button-container gig-button-container-horizontal"><div alt="" class="gig-button gig-share-button gig-button-up gig-button-count-none" id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction3" title=""><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction3-left"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction3-icon" style="background-repeat: repeat-x; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; zoom: 1;"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction3-text" style="background-repeat: repeat-x; vertical-align: middle;"><br /></td><td id="gigya-share-jst_1-reaction3-right"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="article-body" itemprop="articleBody" role="articleBody"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.Manele Bay, Hawaii </b></span><div class="parsys articleBody"><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Manele Bay" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/86/top-10-best-us-beaches-manele-bay.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Manele Bay" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">Hawaii Tourism Authority / Dana Edmunds</div></div><div class="topn-description"><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/manele-bay-hawaii">Hulopo'e Beach</a> on the island of Lana'i, long considered one of the world's most perfect stretches of sand, lies at the base of the Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay. The resort overlooks the bay, a designated marine preserve filled with colorful fish and the occasional spinner dolphin. In fact, snorkeling and diving spots here are considered some of the finest in Hawaii, making a swim in the 70-degree water all the more tempting.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina </h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Myrtle Beach, South Carolina" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/a4/top-10-best-us-beaches-myrtle-beach.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Myrtle Beach, South Carolina" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau</div></div><div class="topn-description">As the largest resort along South Carolina's 60-mile Grand Strand, <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/myrtle-beach-south-carolina">Myrtle Beach</a> is the East Coast's ultimate vacation hub. The town teems with summertime action: beaches dotting the Strand, amusement and water parks, restaurants and live entertainment. Myrtle Beach's actual beach is an extensive stretch of silky white sand, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, sailing and surfing.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">3. Nantucket, Massachusetts</h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Nantucket, Massachusetts" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/e4/top-10-best-us-beaches-nantucket.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Nantucket, Massachusetts" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">The Image Bank / Getty Images</div></div><div class="topn-description">A trip to <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/nantucket-island-massachusetts">Nantucket</a> is like visiting a faraway fairytale land -- one set against a bright blue backdrop of ocean and bay in a community of simple, weathered white cottages surrounded by wild roses. This former whaling community has quaint neighborhoods and a beach for everyone, including Surfside Beach and Children's Beach, both of which feature calm waters and no shortage of sandcastles.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">4. Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii</h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/f9/top-10-best-us-beaches-kaunaoa-bay.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">Perspectives / Getty Images</div></div><div class="topn-description">Picture Hawaii and you're probably conjuring images of <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/kaunaoa-bay-hawaii">Kauna'oa Bay</a> without even realizing it. Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha-state's Big Island, Kauna'oa Bay is quintessential, picture-postcard Hawaii. With its abundant white sand, palm trees and clear, calm blue water, the crescent-shaped beach is a natural draw for sun worshipers, water sport enthusiasts and families in search of safe, sandy fun.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">5. Clearwater Beach, Florida</h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Clearwater Beach, Florida" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/c5/top-10-best-us-beaches-clearwater-florida.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Clearwater Beach, Florida" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">E+ / Getty Images</div></div><div class="topn-description"><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/clearwater-florida">Clearwater Beach</a> has lured countless families and couples to its broad, sandy shores and beachfront hotels. Spread along a narrow, 3-mile stretch of the Pinellas Peninsula on the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach straddles the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and tranquil Tampa Bay to the east. Visitors enjoy sunbathing on white sandy beaches, diving into a game of beach volleyball, renting fishing boats, taking a dolphin-watching cruise, parasailing or heading to a mainland museum or aquarium.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">6. Coronado, California</h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Coronado, California" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/8d/top-10-best-us-beaches-coronado-beach.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Coronado, California" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">OrangeandPark.com</div></div><div class="topn-description"><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/coronado-california">Coronado</a> Central Beach, stretches 1.5 miles behind the great houses along Ocean Boulevard in front of the glamorous Hotel Del Coronado. Swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie boarders, sand sculptors, tide poolers and, from December through February, whale watchers all take to the sand and sea. North Beach attracts surfers in the morning, and at the extreme north is Dog Beach, where leashless canines can frolic in the surf.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">7. Cape May, New Jersey</h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Cape May, New Jersey" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/3d/top-10-best-us-beaches-cape-may.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Cape May, New Jersey" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">CapeMay.com</div></div><div class="topn-description">As the farthest point south on the Shore, <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/cape-may-new-jersey">Cape May</a> is the crown jewel of the region with gorgeous beaches and a quaint town center filled with gingerbread Victorians and colorful bed and breakfasts. Bring your binoculars to the beach to spy the playful dolphins jumping in the wake.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">8. Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts</h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/24/top-10-best-us-beaches-marthas-vineyard.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">Martha?s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce</div></div><div class="topn-description">As summer commences, crowds swarm <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/moshup-beach-marthas-vineyard">Martha's Vineyard</a> in droves, but respite can be found in the Vineyard's far eastern reaches -- up-island, as it's known locally -- at Moshup Beach. Tucked beneath the infamous Gay Head Cliffs, Moshup Beach is an unspoiled paradise of soft, white sand framed by red, brown and tan striated cliffs looming from above.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">9. East Hampton, New York</h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="East Hampton, New York" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/c3/top-10-best-us-beaches-east-hamptons.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="East Hampton, New York" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution"><a href="https://flic.kr/p/gsu8mB">fabulousfabs</a>, flickr</div></div><div class="topn-description">Strolling along the broad stretches of white sand, listening to roaring waves and passing the glorious mansions of Lily Pond, it's easy to see why <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/target=_blank/interests/beaches/articles/east-hampton-new-york">East Hampton</a> is a beloved New York destination any time of year. The picturesque town is a favorite with A-listers, and at the end of Main Street ,past sprawling yards and fences surrounding huge homes, is Main Beach, where perfect white beaches and incredibly tasty lobster rolls await.</div></section></div><div class="topNItem parbase topNNonPOI section"><section class="topn-wrapper"><h2 class="topn-title">10. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina</h2><div class="topn-imagewrap"><img alt="Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina" height="347" src="http://travelchannel.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/travel/fullset/2014/07/23/08/top-10-best-us-beaches-cape-hatteras.rend.tccom.616.347.jpeg" title="Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina" width="616" /><div class="poi-imageAttribution">Panoramic Images / Getty Images</div></div><div class="topn-description">Stretching for 72 miles along the Atlantic coast on the <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/north-carolina/articles/outer-banks-travel-guide">Outer Banks</a>, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a skinny strip of barrier islands from Nags Head to Ocracoke Island. The beach’s hallmark high, sandy dunes front frothy surf perfect for swimming, beachcombing and body-surfing. Visitors can climb up 248 steps to the top of the nation's tallest lighthouse -- towering at an impressive 196 feet -- for a spectacular view of the seashore.</div><div class="topn-description">Source:http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/beaches/articles/top-10-us-beaches </div></section></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-8914834236725724932015-12-24T06:15:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:44.103-08:0015 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="article_intro"> <br /><div class="article_intro"> History, culture, and natural beauty perhaps best describe the essence of vacationing in Germany. With its historic cities and small towns, along with an abundance of forests and mountains, visitors are spoiled for choice. Those wanting to sightsee or experience the arts should head to the metropolitan areas, while those looking to engage in recreational activities should visit places such as the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, or the Mosel Valley. Lovely old cathedrals and grand palaces are everywhere, and in the smaller towns and villages, many centuries-old traditions continue. At the cultural heart of Germany is the capital, <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/berlin-d-bn-ber.htm">Berlin</a>, home to many fine museums and galleries, while nature lovers will find a world of possibilities in Germany's great outdoors.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BN-BBRG"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>1</b> <span class="editorspick">Editor's Pick</span> Berlin's Brandenburg Gate </h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Berlin's Brandenburg Gate " src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-brandenburg-gate.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BN-BBRG"> Berlin's Brandenburg Gate </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Modeled on the Acropolis in <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/athens-gr-ath-ath.htm">Athens</a> and built for King Frederick William II in 1791, the monumental sandstone Brandenburg Gate in Berlin's Mitte district was the city's first Neoclassical structure. Measuring an impressive 26-meters in height - including the spectacular four-horse chariot perched atop - its six huge columns on each side of the structure form five impressive passages: four were used by regular traffic, while the center was reserved for the royal carriages. Huge Doric columns also decorate the two buildings at each side of the Gate, once used by toll-collectors and guards. Undoubtedly Berlin's most iconic structure, it was also once part of the infamous Berlin Wall and for a few decades was symbolic of the division of Berlin into East and West.<br /></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-NW-COLD"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>2</b> Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-cologne-cathedral.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-NW-COLD"> Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The towering Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary, Kölner Dom, on the banks of the Rhine is Cologne's most impressive landmark. This masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, one of the largest cathedrals in <a href="http://www.planetware.com/europe-travel.htm">Europe</a>, was begun in 1248 and was the most ambitious building project of the Middle Ages. As imposing as its façade, its magnificent interior covers an area of 6,166 square meters and boasts 56 huge pillars. Above the high altar is the Reliquary of the Three Kings, a 12th-century work of art in gold designed by Nicholas of Verdun to house the relics of the Three Kings brought here from <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/milan-i-lo-m.htm">Milan</a>. Other highlights include the panoramic views from the <b>South Towers</b>, the 12th- and 13th-century stained glass in the <b>Three Kings Chapel</b>, and the <b>Treasury</b> with its many precious objects.<br /></div></div><h2 class="sitename"><b>3</b> The Black Forest</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="The Black Forest" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-black-forest.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BW-BF"> The Black Forest </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>The beautiful Black Forest with its dark, densely-wooded hills is one of the most visited upland regions in Europe. In the southwestern corner of Germany and extending 160 kilometers from Pforzheim in the north to Waldshut on the High Rhine in the south, it's a hiker's heaven. On the west side, it descends steeply to the Rhine crossed by lush valleys, while on the east it slopes more gently down to the upper Neckar and Danube valleys. Popular spots include Germany's oldest ski area at Todtnau, the magnificent spa facilities of <b>Baden-Baden</b>, and the attractive resort of Bad Liebenzell. Other highlights include the spectacular <b>Black Forest Railway</b> centered on Triberg with its famous falls, and Triberg itself, home to the <b>Black Forest Open Air Museum</b>.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BW-BF"><br /></div><span class="article_block adlgbox desktoponly"></span><div class="article_block site" id="D-BA-FUSNEU"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>4</b> The Ultimate Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="The Ultimate Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-neuschwanstein-castle.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BA-FUSNEU"> The Ultimate Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The old town of <b>Füssen</b>, between the Ammergau and Allgäu Alps, a popular alpine resort and winter sports center, is a good base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, one of Europe's most famous royal castles. From 1869-86, King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this many-towered and battlement-covered fantasy fortress - the inspiration for Walt Disney's famous theme park castles. A variety of tour options are offered, including guided tours of the sumptuous interior taking in the Throne Room, the Singers' Hall, and some of the country's most spectacular views.<br /> <div class="site_info"><br /></div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-HM-HAMPT"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>5</b> Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-miniatur-wunderland-port-of-hamburg.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-HM-HAMPT"> Miniatur Wunderland and the Historic Port of Hamburg </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> In the heart of the historic Port of Hamburg, the magnificent <b>Miniatur Wunderland</b>, the world's largest model railway, is an attraction that appeals equally to young and old alike. Boasting more than 12,000 meters of track, this massive scale model includes sections dedicated to the USA and Scandinavia (as well as <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/hamburg-d-hm-ham.htm">Hamburg</a>) and incorporates 890 trains, more than 300,000 lights and in excess of 200,000 human figures. It's not unheard of for guests to spend many hours exploring this fascinating world with its remarkably detailed miniature airports (and planes that actually take off!), crowded cities, quaint rural scenes, and bustling harbors. Speaking of harbors, be sure to explore the vast Port of Hamburg while you're there. Covering 100 square kilometers, this huge tidal harbor known as the Gateway to Germany is best explored by boat. Afterwards, visit the <b>harborside promenade</b>, a lovely pedestrian route, and the <b>Warehouse District</b> with its continuous lines of tall brick-built warehouses.<br /></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-RH-RHI"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>6</b> The Rhine Valley</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="The Rhine Valley" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-rhine-valley.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-RH-RHI"> The Rhine Valley </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The Rhine is Europe's most important waterway, and its most beautiful. With a total length of 1,320 kilometers, this magnificent river stretches from <a href="http://www.planetware.com/switzerland-tourism-vacations-ch.htm">Switzerland</a> through Germany all the way to the <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/netherlands-nl.htm">Netherlands</a>. While there are many places in Germany to enjoy this majestic river, the lovely Upper Middle Rhine Valley section is probably the best place to see it. Here, this often-dramatic 65-kilometer stretch of river boasts more than 40 castles and some 60 picturesque medieval towns all just waiting to be explored either by river cruise or by car. <b>Bingen</b>, where the river cuts through a deep gorge before entering the <b>Bacharach valley, </b>is a good place to start .<br /></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BN-BMI"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>7</b> Museum Island in Berlin</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Museum Island in Berlin" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-museum-island-berlin.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BN-BMI"> Museum Island in Berlin </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> World-famous Museumsinsel, or Museum Island, lies between the River Spree and the Kupfergraben - a 400-meter-long canal off the river - and includes many of Berlin's oldest and most important museums. The heart of this pedestrian-friendly district is the <b>Old Museum</b>, constructed in 1830 as a place to exhibit the royal treasures. Soon after, the land behind the museum was set aside for art and the "knowledge of antiquity." Between 1843-55 the <b>New Museum</b> took shape, and the <b>National Gallery</b> was added in 1876, along with the <b>Bode Museum</b>, built in 1904 and home to collections of antiquities. Another highlight of a walking tour of these spectacular museums is the <b>Pergamon</b> with its recreated historic buildings from the Middle East. But be warned: there's so much to see among these amazing museums that you can't possibly cram it all into a single day.<br /></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BA-BAM"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>8</b> Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-bamberg-burgerstadt.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BA-BAM"> Bamberg and the Bürgerstadt </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> In the valley of the Regnitz where the river divides into two arms, Bamberg, the old imperial city and the most important town in Upper Franconia, is one of the best preserved of Germany's many charming old towns. Its old episcopal quarter is home to the 13th-century cathedral and the old Benedictine abbey of <b>Michaelsberg</b>. It's between the two river branches that you'll find spectacular <b>Bürgerstadt</b>, a small borough of Bamberg that contains the <b>Grüner Markt</b>, an excellent pedestrian zone that's home to the 17th-century Baroque church of <b>St. Martin</b> and, to the north, the <b>New Town Hall</b>, or Neues Rathaus, built in 1736. Perhaps the town's most important structure, however, is the <b>Old Town Hall</b>, built on top of the Obere Brücke (Upper Bridge).<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BA-ZUG"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>9</b> Zugspitze Massif</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Zugspitze Massif" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-zugspitze-massif.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BA-ZUG"> Zugspitze Massif </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Part of the Wetterstein mountain range, the Zugspitze massif straddles the frontier between Germany and <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/austria-a.htm">Austria</a> and is surrounded by steep valleys. The eastern summit, at 2,962 meters, is crowned by a gilded cross and can be reached by the <b>Bayerische Zugspitzbahn</b>, a cog railway, or by cable car. Another great way to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty is aboard the <b>Tiroler Zugspitzbahn</b>, a railway that runs to the Zugspitzkamm station at 2,805 meters. From here, the journey can be continued via a cable car to Zugspitz-Westgipfel Station at 2,950 meters with its excellent panoramic restaurant. A highlight of the journey is the chance to walk through an 800-meter-long tunnel, complete with viewing windows, to the <b>Schneefernerhaus</b> station at the top of the Bavarian cog railroad, from where you can ascend the eastern summit with its viewing platforms.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-MV-RUG"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>10</b> The Island of Rügen</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Sea bridge of Sellin, Rügen Island" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-island-of-rugen.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-MV-RUG"> Sea bridge of Sellin, Rügen Island </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Rügen is the largest and most beautiful of the German Baltic islands, separated from the mainland by the Strelasund and linked to the mainland town of Stralsund by a causeway. The island's beauty stems from its diversity of landscape, including everything from flat farmland and forest-covered hills to expansive sandy beaches, lagoons, and lovely peninsulas. Highlights of a visit include the <b>Jasmund Peninsula</b>, reaching heights of 161 meters, and the beautiful Stubnitz beech forests, which come to a dramatic end on the Königsstuhl where a sheer chalk cliff plunges down to the sea from a height of 117 meters. Another must see is the little old resort town of <b>Putbus</b>, seat of the Princes of Putbus and with numerous Neoclassical buildings and parks.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BA-BERKO"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>11</b> Königssee (King's Lake)</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Königssee (King's Lake)" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-konigssee.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BA-BERKO"> Königssee (King's Lake) </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> This lovely Bavarian lake is one of the great beauty spots of the region known as Berchtesgadener Land. Also known as the King's Lake, this area near <a href="http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/salzburg-a-s-salz.htm">Salzburg</a> is a walker's paradise. One of the most popular routes is the attractive footpath along the east side of the Königssee to the Malerwinkel, or Painters' Corner, with its superb views of the lake and the mountains. Another equally attractive sightseeing option is a boat trip to the 17th-century <b>Pilgrimage Chapel of St. Bartholomew </b>at the south end of the lake, and to walk from there to the Obersee. <b>Berchtesgaden</b>, at the end of the Deutsche Alpenstrasse, is perhaps the best-known tourist town and one of the most popular mountain resorts in the Bavarian Alps.<br /> <div class="site_info"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsNear-g187299-d620490-Konigssee-Berchtesgaden_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="nobr"><br /></span></a> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BA-ROT"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>12</b> Rothenburg ob der Tauber</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Rothenburg ob der Tauber" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-rothenburg-ob-der-tauber.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BA-ROT"> Rothenburg ob der Tauber </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> The old Franconian imperial city of Rothenburg, one of the most attractive places on Germany's famous Romantic Road tourist route, lies on the steep banks of the picturesque River Tauber. With its walls and towers untouched since the Thirty Years War of 1618, this completely preserved picture-perfect medieval town offers endless charm. Individual buildings of note include the imposing 13th-century <b>Town Hall</b> (Rathaus); the wonderful <b>Ratstrinkstube</b>, or Council Tavern, built in 1466 with its interesting clock; <b>St.-Georgs-Brunnen fountain</b>, built in 1608 near the end of Herrngasse; <b>St. James's Church</b> with its fine high altar dating from 1466; and the <b>Imperial City Museum</b>. Simply walking the old streets past these beautiful buildings is a timeless experience, especially if it involves the <b>Plönlein</b>, one of the town's most picturesque spots.<br /></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BR-PTK"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>13</b> Sanssouci Park and Palace, Potsdam</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Sanssouci Park and Palace, Potsdam" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-sanssouci-park-palace-potsdam.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BR-PTK"> Sanssouci Park and Palace, Potsdam </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div>Spectacular Sanssouci Park, laid out between 1744 and 1756, is considered the most celebrated example of Potsdam Rococo. Reflecting the personal influence of Frederick the Great, the park includes a lovely Baroque flower garden, more than 3,000 fruit trees, and numerous greenhouses. It's a pleasure strolling around this huge park, especially the straight-as-an-arrow, two-and-a-half-kilometer-long avenue, shielded on each side by trimmed hedges, perfect lawns, and gorgeous gardens. A number of park buildings are worth exploring, too, in particular the <b>Picture Gallery</b> with its many works of art; the exquisite <b>Chinese House</b>, an extremely elaborate garden pavilion; and the wonderful <b>Roman Baths</b> complex. The Palace itself, a single-story Rococo building with an elliptical dome in the center and a circular room at each end, is notable for its large oval Marble Hall and sumptuous apartments. <div class="site_desc"><div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BW-KONMAI"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>14</b> Insel Mainau: the Flower Island of Lake Constance</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="Insel Mainau: the Flower Island of Lake Constance" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-insel-mainau.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BW-KONMAI"> Insel Mainau: the Flower Island of Lake Constance </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div></div><div class="site_desc"> Insel Mainau, the spectacular Flower Island on beautiful Lake Constance, covers an area of 110 acres and attracts many visitors with its beautiful parks and gardens, luxuriant with semitropical and tropical vegetation. Access to the island is by boat, or via a pedestrian bridge connecting it to the mainland, so be sure to allow a little extra travel time in addition to the two or more hours needed to properly explore this stunning property. Another highlight is the 18th-century Schloss, notable for its lovely White Hall, the old defensive tower, and the gatehouse.<br /> <div class="site_info"> </div></div></div><div class="article_block site" id="D-BN-BW"> <h2 class="sitename"><b>15</b> The Berlin Wall</h2><div class="site_photo"> <div class="photo"> <img alt="The Berlin Wall" src="http://www.planetware.com/photos-large/D/germany-berlin-wall.jpg" /></div><div class="phinfo"> <div class="phcaption" id="phcaption_D-BN-BW"> The Berlin Wall </div><div class="phshare"> <span class="lbl"><br /></span> </div></div>While not exactly the most picturesque of places, the Berlin Wall - or what's left of it - is one of those attractions that any visitor to Berlin simply must see, if only to say they've been there. Built in 1961, the wall was the most visible manifestation of the Cold War mentality that existed after WWII, and by the time it was torn down in 1990, it extended some 155 kilometers. Thankfully, all that remains of the wall today are small graffiti-covered sections, stark reminders of the more than 70 people who died trying to escape from the East. Sections of preserved wall include a short stretch at infamous <b>Checkpoint Charlie</b>, as well as a section at Humboldthafen opposite the Reichstag Building on which the victims of the wall are listed. Also of note is the excellent <b>Berlin Wall Exhibition</b>, with its permanent exhibits relating to the Berlin Wall, and the <b>Berlin Wall Memorial</b>.</div><div class="site_photo"> </div><div class="site_photo"><b>Source:http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/germany-d.htm </b></div><div class="site_photo"><ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-9048970005946433" data-ad-region="test" data-ad-slot="2046319943" data-adsbygoogle-status="done" style="display: inline-block; height: 250px; width: 300px;"><ins id="aswift_4_expand" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; display: inline-table; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"><ins id="aswift_4_anchor" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"> </ins><ins id="aswift_4_anchor" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"> </ins><ins id="aswift_4_anchor" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 300px;"> </ins></ins></ins></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-11507375216930910292015-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:44.140-08:00London's Best Museums<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style><![endif]--><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> 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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/london"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">London</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is rich in art, history and culture. Immerse yourself in all 3, and visit the vibrant, diverse museums located in the UK’s capital city. For history buffs, visit the Imperial War Museum. For the art aficionado, check out the art at Tate Modern. And for the sports fan, explore the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. There’s something for everyone at one of London’s12 must-see museums.<br /><br /><b>1. </b></span><a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The British Museum</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over 2 million years of human history, with more than13 million pieces in its collection. Visitors can enjoy a unique comparison of the treasures of world cultures under one roof, centered on the magnificent Great Court. World-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies are visited by up to 5.8 million visitors per year. There is also a program of special exhibitions and daily gallery tours, talks and guided tours.<br /><br /><b>2.</b> </span><a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/modern"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tate Modern</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art from around the world is housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the Thames. The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building, and you can see amazing work for free by artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.<br /><br /><b>3. </b></span><a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Natural History Museum</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />The Natural History Museum contains hundreds of exciting, interactive exhibits in one of London’s most beautiful landmark buildings. Highlights include the popular Dinosaurs gallery, the Mammals gallery, with its unforgettable model blue whale, and the spectacular Central Hall, home to the museum’s iconic diplodocus skeleton. The state-of-the-art Cocoon building is where, on a self-guided tour, you can see hundreds of fascinating specimens, as well as look into laboratories and view scientists at work. The museum offers a wide-ranging program of temporary exhibitions and events, including chances to join experts in topical discussions about science and nature.<br /><br /><b>4. </b></span><a href="http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The National Gallery</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The National Gallery displays Western European painting from approximately 1250 to 1900. Visitors can view amazing works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir, Cezanne and van Gogh. There are special exhibitions, lectures, video and audio-visual programs, guided tours and holiday events for children and adults. <br /><br /><b>5. </b></span><a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Victoria and Albert Museum</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Victoria and Albert Museum is arguably the world's greatest museum of art and design, representing over 3,000 years of human creativity, with collections unrivaled in their scope and diversity. Situated in South Kensington, the V&A has recently undergone a dramatic program of renewal and restoration. Highlights include the Medieval Renaissance Galleries, containing some of the greatest surviving treasures from the period, the breathtaking William and Judith Bollinger Jewelry Gallery and the stunning British Galleries, illustrating the history of Britain through the nation’s art and design. In addition to the free permanent collection, the V&A offers an internationally acclaimed program of temporary exhibitions and an extensive events program.<br /><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6. </span></b><a href="http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The London Science Museum</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The London Science Museum displays life-changing objects from Stephenson's Rocket to the Apollo 10 command module. Visitors can catch an immersive 3D movie, fly with the RAF Red Arrows in a special-effects simulator, and even encounter the past, present and future of technology in 7 floors of galleries.<br /><br /><b>7. </b></span><a href="http://www.dickensmuseum.com/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Charles Dickens Museum</span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />The year, 2012, marks the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’ birth. The Charles Dickens Museum is located in the building he lived in from 1837 to 1839, with an outstanding collection that includes letters, pictures, first editions, furniture, memorabilia and lovingly restored rooms. There are also temporary exhibitions celebrating the bicentenary throughout 2012.<br /><br /><b>8. </b></span><a href="http://www.wimbledon.com/visiting/museum"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum provides a remarkable, multidimensional tour of the traditions, triumphs, sights and sounds that have made Wimbledon the most coveted title in tennis. Visitors can explore the game’s evolution from a garden party pastime to the multi-million dollar professional sport played worldwide today. The museum uses interactive touchscreens and audio guides to bring the history of tennis to life. <br /><br /><b>9. </b></span><a href="http://www.rmg.co.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Royal Museums Greenwich</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 2012, the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House, the Royal Observatory and the Peter Harrison Planetarium joined together under a new name: the Royal Museums Greenwich. Located in the beautiful World Heritage Site of Greenwich, these 4 top attractions welcome thousands of people each year. Visitors can stand in 2 hemispheres astride the Prime Meridian, touch a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite, view Harrison's timekeepers and Nelson's uniform, before traveling to the stars in London's only planetarium. In 2012 the National Maritime Museum is celebrating both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and its own 75th anniversary with a major exhibition about royalty and London’s River Thames.<br /><br /><b>10. </b></span><a href="http://www.rmg.co.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The National Portrait Gallery</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The National Portrait Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of personalities and faces, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Artists featured range from Holbein to Hockney, and visitors are able to come face to face with British history’s most influential people in the form of paintings, sculptures, photography and video. The National Portrait Gallery has a diverse range of exhibitions, free events and a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views across the London skyline. www.npg.org.uk<br /><b>11. </b></span><a href="http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Museum of London</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Museum of London offers an unforgettable journey through the capital’s turbulent past. Visitors can discover prehistoric London, how the city changed under the Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. The Galleries of Modern London allow visitors to walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor’s Coach.<br /><br /><b>12. </b></span><a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Imperial War Museum</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Imperial War Museum tells the stories of people’s experiences of war from World War I to the present day. The galleries depict what life was like during both world wars, at home and abroad, from a frontline trench to a blitzed street in 1940. The Large Exhibits Gallery shows the impact of modern warfare on people and places. The Holocaust Exhibition traces the Nazi persecution and murder of Jews, and the extraordinary stories of bravery behind Victoria Cross and George Cross in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Link: <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/united-kingdom/london/articles/londons-best-museums">http://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/united-kingdom/london/articles/londons-best-museums</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-6839848778147498102015-12-24T05:56:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:44.183-08:00 Best Travel Destinations in Europe <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy--feature">Europe is a magical miscellany of peoples and places, and the range of destinations can be overwhelming if you’re planning a trip. To narrow down the choices, we asked our team of Europe-based editors and authors to pick a list of 10 destinations looming large in their travel plans right now. This year’s list features a mix of rejuvenated classics, up-and-coming places making a bid for our attention, and a few out-of-the-way spots that just make us want to book a ticket, throw some stuff in a bag and go. Welcome to Lonely Planet’s best places in Europe for 2015.</div><h3 class="copy--h3">1. Akureyri, Iceland</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/06/453198909_high.jpg&description=Colourful%20building%20on%20Akureyri" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="Colourful building on Akureyri's shoreline" class="wp-image-90807 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/06/453198909_high.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">Akureyri sits at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord. Image by Federica Gentile / Moment / Getty Images</span></div>Five years ago tourism to <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland">Iceland</a> was low-key. Now, after a currency crash, two volcanic eruptions, and five seasons of <em>Game of Thrones</em>, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and distinctive culture are firmly on the map. For most visitors, that means the south of the country – the <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/reykjavik/the-golden-circle">Golden Circle</a>, <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/reykjavik">Reykjavík</a>, and the mountains and glaciers of Skaftafell. Less visited <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/the-north/akureyri">Akureyri</a>, in contrast, sits on the north coast under snowcapped peaks at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord. It’s Iceland’s second biggest urban area, and while you shouldn’t expect a big-city vibe (the population is only 18,000), this easy-going place has more buzz than anywhere outside of Reykjavík. It’s also a great base for exploring the north's green pastures, fishing villages, mudpots, waterfalls, ski fields and whale-filled bays. Signs of the earth’s power – glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields and stacks of basalt – are everywhere, while strange underwater features lure divers and offshore islands are home to colonies of seabirds.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">2. Leipzig, Germany</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/185973060_super.jpg&description=Leipzig%20is%20gearing%20up%20for%20a%20year%20of%20festivities.%20Image%20by%20Oliver%20Hoffmann%20/%20iStock%20/%20Getty%20Images" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="Leipzig is gearing up for a year of festivities. Image by Oliver Hoffmann / iStock / Getty Images" class="wp-image-89682 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/185973060_super.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">Leipzig is gearing up for a year of festivities. Image by Oliver Hoffmann / iStock / Getty Images </span></div><div class="halfway-links--related media"><span class="copy--h2 halfway-links--related__title media__img">Related articles: </span><div class="media__body"><a class="halfway-links--related__link" data-lpa-action="related-article" data-lpa-category="interaction-logging" data-lpa-value="/portugal/the-north/porto/travel-tips-and-articles/porto-on-a-plate-a-perfect-day-in-portugals-food-capital" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/the-north/porto/travel-tips-and-articles/porto-on-a-plate-a-perfect-day-in-portugals-food-capital">Porto on a plate: a perfect day in Portugal's food capital </a><a class="halfway-links--related__link" data-lpa-action="related-article" data-lpa-category="interaction-logging" data-lpa-value="/serbia/belgrade/travel-tips-and-articles/daytime-belgrade-for-beginners" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/serbia/belgrade/travel-tips-and-articles/daytime-belgrade-for-beginners">Daytime Belgrade for beginners </a><a class="halfway-links--related__link" data-lpa-action="related-article" data-lpa-category="interaction-logging" data-lpa-value="/serbia/travel-tips-and-articles/europes-foodie-secret-serbian-cuisine" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/serbia/travel-tips-and-articles/europes-foodie-secret-serbian-cuisine">Europe’s foodie secret: Serbian cuisine </a></div></div>It’s easy to see why this ramshackle yet chic city has been touted as the ‘new <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/berlin">Berlin</a>’: students, artists and entrepreneurs are flocking here in search of cheap digs and a fresh scene. But <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/saxony/leipzig">Leipzig</a> is no mere imitation – this place is as plucky as they come. A Stasi headquarters (now a public <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/saxony/leipzig/sights/museums-galleries/stasi-museum">museum</a>) still looms over the city, and it was the mass demonstrations held here in 1989 that fuelled the revolution culminating in the fall of the Berlin Wall. This year sees the 850th anniversary of the <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/saxony/leipzig/sights/religious/nikolaikirche">Church of St Nicholas</a>, the stage upon which many of these political protests played out. Leipzig Central Station will celebrate its 100th birthday and, as if that wasn’t enough, 2015 marks 1000 years since the city’s first documented mention. Unsurprisingly, this summer will be an extravaganza of festivals and exhibitions. Get there before the cool kids catch on.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">3. The Azores, Portugal</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/480243955_high.jpg&description=The%20Azores%20are%20famed%20for%20their%20eye-popping%20crater%20lakes.%20Image%20by%20mgokalp%20/%20iStock%20/%20Getty%20Images" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="The Azores are famed for their eye-popping crater lakes. Image by mgokalp / iStock / Getty Images" class="wp-image-89685 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/480243955_high.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">The Azores are famed for their eye-popping crater lakes. Image by mgokalp / iStock / Getty Images </span></div><a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/this-other-eden-the-azores-europes-secret-islands-of-adventure">The Azores</a> are a long way from anywhere, which helps to explain why they’re one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets. This spectacular chain of nine islands, which belongs to <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/">Portugal</a>, lies in the mid-Atlantic about 1500km west of Lisbon. Nature reigns supreme here: the few who’ve been wax lyrical about the archipelago's emerald landscapes, abundant marine life, and the sort of environmentally friendly adventures that lead to the Azores being named as the world’s top sustainable tourism destination last year. Climb the perfect cone of Mt Pico, Portugal’s highest mountain; glimpse whales in the nutrient-rich waters around Sao Miguel; or hike, bike and canyon your way around Sao Jorge, an island-sized adventure playground for grown-ups. The list of outdoorsy things to do goes on and on. You can fly direct to the Azores from the US, Canada and Europe, and the start of budget flights from the UK late last year suggests the secret might finally be out.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">4. Málaga, Spain</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/178637651_medium.jpg&description=M%C3%A1laga%20has%20added%20the%20lure%20of%20world-class%20art%20to%20its%20traditional%20charms.%20Image%20by%20Tupungato%20/%20iStock%20/%20Getty%20Images" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="Málaga has added the lure of world-class art to its traditional charms. Image by Tupungato / iStock / Getty Images" class="wp-image-89681 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/178637651_medium.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">Málaga has added the lure of world-class art to its traditional charms. Image by Tupungato / iStock / Getty Images </span></div>Laid-back <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/malaga">Málaga</a> boasts sunshine, beaches, seafood and a historic centre crammed with atmospheric alleyways. So far, so good. But one thing you might not have expected from a city that’s the gateway to the resort-lined <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/costa-del-sol">Costa del Sol</a> is a world-class cultural scene. Recent years have seen this 3000-year-old port invest heavily in art – with spectacular results. The <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/malaga/sights/museums-galleries/museo-picasso-malaga">Museo Picasso</a>, with over 200 works by the Málaga-born painter, and the <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/malaga/sights/museums-galleries/museo-carmen-thyssen">Museo Carmen Thyssen</a>, which explores Andalusian landscapes and life, are both relatively recent arrivals, and 2015 saw the opening of the Pompidou Centre’s first branch outside France (<a class="copy--body__link" href="http://centrepompidou-malaga.eu/">centrepompidou-malaga.eu</a>), and the Russian State Museum (<a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.coleccionmuseoruso.es/">coleccionmuseoruso.es</a>) in a converted tobacco factory. Combine Málaga’s traditional charms – eating fried fish and sinking beers on the beach, or clambering up the 14th-century <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/malaga/sights/castles-palaces-mansions/castillo-de-gibralfaro">Gibralfaro fortress</a> for glorious views – with its galleries and redeveloped port and you’ve got a great city break.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">5. Belgrade, Serbia</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/466379740_high.jpg&description=Belgrade" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress is a stunning backdrop for a festival. Image by Lunja / iStock / Getty Images" class="wp-image-89684 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/466379740_high.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress is a stunning backdrop for a festival. Image by Lunja / iStock / Getty Images </span></div>Wearing its elegant but crumbling facades as a badge of honour, <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/serbia/belgrade">Belgrade</a> has emerged as Europe’s in-the-know destination in recent years. Its <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/serbia/belgrade/travel-tips-and-articles/belgrade-bacchanal-a-night-out-in-serbias-capital">boisterous nightlife</a> has brought comparisons to those much more famous (and expensive) ‘Bs’ in the west, Barcelona and Berlin. Add in <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/serbia/belgrade/travel-tips-and-articles/europes-foodie-secret-serbian-cuisine">hearty cuisine</a>, a blossoming hostel scene and improved air connections to the rest of Europe, and the stage is set for exploring beyond the river-barge clubs. Destroyed and rebuilt countless times in its 2300-year lifetime, Belgrade is a history buff’s dream: the <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/serbia/belgrade/sights/military/kalemegdan-citadel">Kalemegdan Fortress</a> (hosting a new festival this summer – <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.kalemegdansummerfestival.com/sr">kalemegdansummerfestival.com/sr</a>), the Royal Palace and a handful of fascinating museums have stories to tell. For a unique perspective, join new kayaking, biking or underground tours (<a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.tob.rs/belgrade-sightseeing-tours/other-sightseeing-tours">tob.rs/belgrade-sightseeing-tours/other-sightseeing-tours</a>). Historic hoods and destinations du jour include the cobblestoned bohemian <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/serbia/belgrade/sights/neighbourhoods-villages/skadarska">Skadarlija</a> strip and the creative hotspot of Savamala (home of the hip Mikser Festival – <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://festival.mikser.rs/">festival.mikser.rs</a>). And with a Dubai-style makeover of the waterfront slated to start this autumn, you'd better catch some of that spirit before it’s gone.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">6. Piedmont, Italy</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/shutterstock_193541066.jpg&description=The%20rolling%20countryside%20of%20Piedmont%20is%20dotted%20with%20vineyards%20and%20hilltop%20towns.%20Image%20by%20Rostislav%20Glinsky%20/%20Shutterstock" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="The rolling countryside of Piedmont is dotted with vineyards and hilltop towns. Image by Rostislav Glinsky / Shutterstock" class="wp-image-88953 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/shutterstock_193541066.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">The rolling countryside of Piedmont is dotted with vineyards and hilltop towns. Image by Rostislav Glinsky / Shutterstock</span></div>As host of Expo 2015, Milan might be hogging the headlines right now. But turn your sights west to the nearby region of <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/liguria-piedmont-and-valle-daosta/piedmont">Piedmont</a> and you'll discover there's a lot going on in <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/liguria-piedmont-and-valle-daosta/turin">Turin</a>. The city recently gave the Holy Shroud a rare public outing and is currently halfway through its stint as European Capital of Sport. Events in the pipeline range from rugby matches – Italy play Scotland on 22 August – to street golf and beach volleyball. If you're more interested in mummies than marathons, the city's celebrated <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/liguria-piedmont-and-valle-daosta/turin/sights/museums-galleries/museo-egizio">Egyptian Museum</a> just got better after the completion of a five-year revamp. For a change of pace, the vine-clad slopes of southern Piedmont are ideal for touring. Pick up a car and explore the Unesco-listed landscape of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato as you meander your way through wine towns like Barolo, Barbaresco and La Morra.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">7. Baku, Azerbaijan</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/520612343_super.jpg&description=Baku" target="blank"> <span class="accessibility"></span><span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="Baku's skyline contains some striking modern architecture. Image by Wilfred Y Wong / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Image" class="wp-image-88949 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/520612343_super.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">Baku's skyline contains some striking modern architecture. Image by Wilfred Y Wong / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images</span></div>Although it sits on the Caspian Sea between Russia and Iran, <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/azerbaijan">Azerbaijan</a>’s capital <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/azerbaijan/baku-baki">Baku</a> sees itself as a part of Europe... and it’s one of the continent's fastest-changing urban spaces. The city's Soviet-era concrete is being rapidly replaced by Dubai-meets-Paris glitz. New architectural icons include Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre (<a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.heydaraliyevcenter.az/">heydaraliyevcenter.az</a>), whose fluid white form makes it photogenic from any angle. Meanwhile, towering above the stone battlements of Baku’s Unesco-listed medieval Old City, the three blue Flame Towers skyscrapers actually appear to burn each evening thanks to an imaginative light show. Until recently Azerbaijan's awkward visas and oil-economy prices put off tourists. However, a 35% currency devaluation in February this year has lowered prices. And with the Baku 2015 European Games (<a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.baku2015.com/">baku2015.com</a>) and 2016 Baku Grand Prix coming soon, there are hopes that tourist-visa restrictions will ease.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">8. Amsterdam, the Netherlands</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/91133209_medium.jpg&description=Check%20out%20the%20views%20from%20the%20deck-like%20roof%20of%20Amsterdam" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="Check out the views from the deck-like roof of Amsterdam's NEMO science centre. Image by Anik Messier / iStock / Getty Images" class="wp-image-89680 stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/91133209_medium.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">Check out the views from the deck-like roof of Amsterdam's NEMO science centre. Image by Anik Messier / iStock / Getty Images</span></div>With its photogenic canals, masterpiece-packed museums, ubiquitous bicycle paths, flower-filled markets, nightlife that needs no introduction, and a cosmopolitan foodie scene (including a new food hall inside the converted tram sheds of the cultural and design complex De Hallen (<a class="copy--body__link" href="http://dehallen-amsterdam.nl/">dehallen-amsterdam.nl</a>), there's never a bad time to visit <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/the-netherlands/amsterdam">Amsterdam</a>. But 19 to 23 August 2015 sees the Dutch capital host Sail Amsterdam (<a class="copy--body__link" href="https://www.sail.nl/en/">sail.nl</a>), a once-every-five-years extravaganza that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors (so start making your travel plans now). Highlights of this huge event – the Netherlands' largest – include tall ships sailing into the city, nautical-themed performances and concerts, and the opportunity to climb aboard old and new vessels. Seafaring enthusiasts can also check out year-round attractions like the <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/the-netherlands/amsterdam/sights/museums-galleries/het-scheepvaartmuseum">Het Scheepvaartmuseum</a> (Maritime Museum), just across from the boat-shaped <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/the-netherlands/amsterdam/sights/museums-galleries/nemo">NEMO science centre</a>, where the deck-like roof terrace has panoramic views of the city.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">9. Tromsø, Norway</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/shutterstock_184432991.jpg&description=The%20floating,%20snowflake-shaped%20Krystall%20hotel%20will%20become%20another%20good%20reason%20to%20visit%20Troms%C3%B8.%20Image%20by%20V.%20Belov%20/%20Shutterstock" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="The floating, snowflake-shaped Krystall hotel will become another good reason to visit Tromsø. Image by V. Belov / Shutterstock" class="wp-image-88950 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/shutterstock_184432991.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">The floating, snowflake-shaped Krystall hotel will become another good reason to visit Tromsø. Image by V. Belov / Shutterstock</span></div><a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/norway/northern-norway/tromso">Tromsø</a>'s star has been rising and rising in recent years. The ‘Arctic capital’ abounds with adventures thanks to snow-crowned mountains and big wilderness in its backyard. Season permitting, you can hike, kayak, whale watch, ski, snowmobile and dogsled. And come winter or summer, the city brims with events, from midnight sun marathons in June to the reindeer-racing in February. Excitement is already snowballing about the Krystall, which is slated to open for Christmas 2016. What’s the deal? Picture a whopping snowflake-shaped, five-star hotel cast adrift off Tromsø's rugged coastline. Now imagine 86 minimalist-chic rooms with glass roofs that allow you to gaze up at the Northern Lights while snuggled down in bed. Cool? You bet. Floating between two fjords, its blend of Nordic architecture and close-to-the-elements setting is bound to leave guests smitten.<br /><h3 class="copy--h3">10. Porto, Portugal</h3><div class="stack__article__image-container"><a class="social__item social__item--pinterest social__item--pinned" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015&media=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/517614339_high.jpg&description=Porto%20is%20experiencing%20a%20creative%20rebirth%20%E2%80%93%20and%20it" target="blank"> <span class="social__icon icon--pinterest icon--white"></span></a><img alt="Porto is experiencing a creative rebirth – and it's also a bargain. Image by rusm / E+ / Getty Images" class="wp-image-89686 size-full stack__article__image is-landscape" src="http://images-resrc.staticlp.com/S=W748/O=75/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-blog/tip-article/wordpress_uploads/2015/05/517614339_high.jpg" /> <span class="copy--caption img--caption">Porto is experiencing a creative rebirth – and it's also a bargain. Image by rusm / E+ / Getty Images </span></div>Move over Lisbon – now everyone is talking about the Portuguese capital's bright, soulful, party-loving northern sister. Scooping awards left, right and centre as one of Europe's best (and cheapest) destinations, <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/the-north/porto">Porto</a> has the verve of a city finding its creative feet. Porto's delights go beyond tasting tawny port in venerable cellars like Taylor's (<a class="copy--body__link" href="http://taylor.pt/en/visit-taylors/port-cellars">taylor.pt/en/visit-taylors/port-cellars</a>) and strolling its Unesco-listed centre, Ribeira, where the candy-coloured houses spill down to the banks of the Douro. Street art has injected cool into these medieval lanes, with names like artist Hazul Luzah bringing a splash of colour to streets like the Rua Miguel Bombarda, a hipster haunt of cafes, boutiques and galleries. Into your food? You'll be in your element, too. Celebrity chefs like Rui Paula and José Avillez have given the city kudos in the kitchen, and the 19th-century <a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/the-north/porto/restaurants/market/mercado-bolhao">Mercado do Bolhão</a> is receiving some much-needed TLC in 2015. For an indulgent half-day walk, hook up with the terrific Taste Porto Food Tours (<a class="copy--body__link" href="http://www.tasteportofoodtours.com/">tasteportofoodtours.com</a>).<br /><br /><b>Source</b>: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/lonely-planets-best-places-in-europe-2015<br /><em></em><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-7199388464068907402015-12-24T05:47:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:44.218-08:00The 20 best things to do in Switzerland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="hero-text">Finding things to do in Switzerland isn’t hard. It may be tiny, with a population of just eight million, but Switzerland's cities pack in a lot of sights, culture and activity. From UNESCO-protected medieval town centres to world-class festivals, <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/en_GB/pages/759?preview=true">museums </a>and music venues and of-the-moment independent <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/en_GB/pages/3297?preview=true">shops,</a> restaurants and bars, Swiss cities combine a strong sense of history and tradition with a thriving contemporary culture. It’s evident in the former industrial area of Zurich West, now a hub for inventive start-ups, the regenerated train depot in St Gallen, now a contemporary arts centre, and the cellars of Bern’s Old Town, home to tiny bars and artist workshops. Eating and drinking rivals hiking as the country’s national hobby of choice, and Swiss cities are packed with <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/en_GB/pages/3235?preview=true">restaurants </a>reflecting the country’s quadrilingual culture. All the while that rich, fertile, highly photogenic landscape sits on the doorstep, beckoning you to a lake, a river or a mountain top – which, given Switzerland’s famously punctual public transport system, is only a short journey away.</div><article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="1. Ride into Europe’s biggest waterfall" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746951/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746951/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 1. Ride into Europe’s biggest waterfall </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> After starting life at the source in Graubünden, the Rhine river passes through northern Switzerland before continuing on its long journey to the North Sea. And what a palaver it makes in Schaffhausen, where the water rushes over a 150m-wide stretch of rock to create Europe’s biggest waterfall. A rather hypnotic site, the Rhine Falls are Schaffhausen’s biggest attraction and the town makes the most of it by offering visitors the chance to get up close to the falls through boat trips, viewing platforms and an adventure trail. Take a boat to the rock in the middle of the falls for a heart-pumping view of the rushing water, or have dinner overlooking the falls at Laufen castle. The centre of Schaffhausen is worth exploring too – its car-free medieval Old Town is one of the prettiest in the country. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="2. Visit the country’s most beautiful library" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746967/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746967/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 2. Visit the country’s most beautiful library </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The university town of St Gallen was founded by a monk in the 7th century, and its focal point remains the abbey district, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a landmark of the city thanks to its imposing Baroque cathedral. The highlight here is the monastery’s incredible Rococo library, a museum piece in itself. Over 170,000 books and documents – some a thousand years old – are displayed around the walls on wooden bookcases which stretch from the floor to the ornate painted ceiling which must have been something of a distraction to the Benedictine monks trying to concentrate on their reading material. Outside the monastery, wander through the pretty pedestrian streets of St Gallen’s Old Town, which now bustles with restaurants and cafés. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="3. Wander the streets of Bern’s Old Town" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746923/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746923/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 3. Wander the streets of Bern’s Old Town </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> One of the prettiest and best preserved in Switzerland, Bern’s Old Town is understandably UNESCO-protected. Stretching from the train station to the bear park, the medieval cobbled streets, ornate fountains and raised, arched walkways (called ‘lauben’) are a photographer’s dream. Stop by the beautiful Zytglogge on the hour to watch the mechanical figures on this 16th-century astronomical clock whir into life. On the Bundesplatz, home of the country’s parliament buildings, you’ll see kids playing in the pavement fountains in summer, or tottering about the <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/kunsteisbahn-bundesplatz"><strong>pop-up ice rink</strong></a> in winter. Best of all are the cellars strewn along every Old Town street which throw up artisanal workshops, independent shops and idiosyncratic bars stuffed with character. Round off your day with a drink or dinner at the <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/restaurants-and-cafes/kornhauskeller"><strong>Kornhauskeller</strong></a>, a former grain store whose High Baroque architecture now houses a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant. For a fun way to combine a trip round the Old Town with food, take a fondükscha tour, where you’ll be driven round the city in a rickshaw while tucking into a warming fondue. In December, <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/shopping/bern-christmas-market"><strong>Bern’s Christmas markets</strong></a> and festive decorations make the Old Town even prettier. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="4. Get snap happy in Winterthur" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746969/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746969/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 4. Get snap happy in Winterthur </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> For an insight into Swiss life and culture, spend a day browsing the diverse collections at the <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/attractions-and-museums/fotomuseum-winterthur"><strong>Fotomuseum</strong></a> in Winterthur. From displays dedicated to the work of 20th-century master photographers to collections of documentary-style photography in fashion, architecture and medicine, it’s easy to while away an afternoon here. With so much competition for your attention in Winterthur (the Fotomuseum is just one of 17 museums packed into this culturally rich but manageably small city), standards are high. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="5. Take a walk along Zurich’s lakeside promenade" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746963/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746963/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 5. Take a walk along Zurich’s lakeside promenade </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The best way to get to know any city is to people-watch, and the promenade in Lake Zurich’s Seefeld district, known as the Zurich Horn, allows plenty of opportunity for that. It’s here that people come to stroll, cycle, in-line skate (in practice for the city’s regular mass skates), lounge about on the shore and have a dip in summer. Watch street artists gather crowds around their trompe l’oeil chalk drawings, pick up handmade jewellery at street stalls or sit on a bench and scoff an ice cream. Rather incongruously, at the end of the promenade there’s a pretty Chinese-style garden complete with colourful pagodas, which was gifted to the city from the Chinese town of Kunming, twinned with Zurich. A bit further on, stop at Tiefenbrunnen beach for a swim in the lake and use of its water slides, diving boards and children’s playground. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="6. Explore Zurich West" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101745867/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101745867/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 6. Explore Zurich West </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> Switzerland may not be a country you immediately associate with the word ‘hip’, but look hard enough and there’s definitely an alternative to its reputation as a place of lakes, mountains and bankers' bonuses. One example is Zurich West, a regenerated former industrial area of Zurich that is now a dynamic, arty district heaving with independent shops, emerging designers and youthful start-ups. For shopping, choose furniture with an industrial bent at interior design store <strong><a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/shopping/walter">Walter</a>,</strong> learn to knit at concept shop <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/shopping/senior-design-factory"><strong>Senior Design Factory</strong></a> and grab yourself a custom-designed sweatshirt at <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/shopping/edition-populaire-townhouse"><strong>Townhouse</strong></a>. At <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/viadukt"><strong>Viadukt</strong></a>, numerous independent boutiques, cafés and delis are now nestled under the arches of a late-19th century viaduct, while the covered market hall plays host six days a week to a fabulous food market selling local farmers’ produce and ready-to-eat snacks and drinks. If you’d rather a sit-down lunch, bistro <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/restaurants-and-cafes/im-viadukt"><strong>Im Viadukt</strong></a> offers market-fresh dishes. For culture, head to the former Lowenbrau-Areal brewery whose imposing red-brick building now houses several museums and galleries including the <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/kunsthalle"><strong>Kunsthalle</strong></a>. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="7. Have some down time in Lindenhof" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746973/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746973/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 7. Have some down time in Lindenhof </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The historic centre of Zurich is up on this hill. Overlooking the Old Town, Limmat river and cathedral, the elevated spot of Lindenhof is the former site of a Roman castle, around which the city of Zurich grew. There are still remnants of Roman and medieval settlements up here, earning its status as a site of national importance. But these days people come here to relax rather than ruminate on history. As an established recreational area it’s a good place to head with a book or a dog for a sit or a stroll, while several giant chess boards provide entertainment for players and spectators alike. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="8. Have a cultural afternoon in St Gallen" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746943/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746943/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 8. Have a cultural afternoon in St Gallen </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> In stark contrast to the centuries-old abbey district, St Gallen’s <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/attractions-and-museums/lokremise"><strong>Lokremise</strong></a> proves that while the town is rooted in history, it’s a thoroughly modern place too. Just a short hop from the main train station, this urban contemporary arts centre was converted in 2010 from an early 20th-century circular train depot and is a rather funky addition to the city’s cultural life. Housing a theatre, cinema, art gallery and restaurant, it presents a rich array of shows, dance, film and music in large spaces that allow plenty of room for artistic expression and experimentation. Regardless of what’s on, the Lokremise is an interesting place to hang out during the day, too. Get the measure of the place by having lunch at the Lokal restaurant, whose tables spill onto the outdoor terrace formed by the building that encircles it. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="9. Get cultured in Lucerne" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101749855/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101749855/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 9. Get cultured in Lucerne </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> As the home of numerous festivals throughout the year, the central Swiss city of Lucerne is a favourite destination for classical music, jazz, blues and much more. Its ability to host such events is boosted considerably by the <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/music-and-nightlife/kkl-luzern"><strong>KKL Luzern</strong></a>, a huge arts centre on the waterfront containing a concert hall whose architecture and acoustics ensure Lucerne’s place on the international circuit and afford the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra a beautiful home. The KKL is the centrepiece of the Lucerne Festival, whose summer, Easter and autumn piano festivals attract big international names from the world of classical music. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="10. Catch Basel’s biggest show" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746903/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746903/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 10. Catch Basel’s biggest show </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> Visit Basel in spring and you have to stop by <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/art-basel"><strong>Art Basel</strong></a>, the oldest and most important contemporary art fair in the world, which makes headlines every year for its record-breaking sales. Whether you’ve got the necessary purchasing power or you’re simply there to browse both the artworks and the jewellery-jangling clientele, a visit makes for an eye-opening day out. After a busy day’s gawping, relax with a drink in one of Kleinbasel’s numerous bars, such as the lovely <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/bars-and-pubs/consum"><strong>Consum</strong></a> on Rheingasse, where you can sample Swiss and international wines and nibble on tapas plates of salami and cheeses. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="11. Drift over the Rhine in Basel" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101775995/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101775995/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 11. Drift over the Rhine in Basel </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The Rhine river is the heart and soul of Basel. It divides the city neatly in two, and yet brings its inhabitants together – whether to stroll along its banks, take to the water for a summer swim, or have a drink in one of the numerous cafés and bars strung along it. One of the best ways to experience the river is to cross it on one of four tiny boats which ferry a handful of passengers at a time between Grossbasel and Kleinbasel. These environmentally friendly vessels are driven solely by the power of the river current, making this both a noise-free and PC way to cross the Rhine. In the run up to Christmas one of the boats, the Vogel Gryff at Klingental, gets dolled up in sparkly lights to offer passengers a particularly jolly <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/basel-christmas-ferry"><strong>Christmas ferry</strong></a> service. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="12. Join in Switzerland’s biggest party" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101776005/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101776005/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 12. Join in Switzerland’s biggest party </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> Basel’s <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/festivals/fasnacht"><strong>Fasnacht</strong></a> must be experienced at least once. The biggest carnival in the country isn’t for wimps – the partying starts at 4am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday and carries on for three days straight. Roaming bands of costumed and masked musicians will entertain you in the streets, while thousands turn out to watch the parades, including one featuring Basel’s children on the Tuesday. The festivities keep going until 4am on the Thursday morning, after which time you are finally allowed to go back to your home or hotel and sleep it all off. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="13. View modern masterpieces at the Fondation Beyeler" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101749953/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101749953/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 13. View modern masterpieces at the Fondation Beyeler </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The bonus of being a private art collector is that no one can dictate your artistic tastes. The superb <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/attractions-and-museums/fondation-beyeler"><strong>Fondation Beyeler</strong></a> on the outskirts of Basel showcases the gloriously diverse preferences of the late Hildy and Ernst Beyeler, art dealers whose private collection was built up over 50 years. Now housed in a museum designed by star architect Renzo Piano, it’s one of Basel’s top cultural attractions. In the permanent exhibition, paintings by Monet, Picasso, Lichtenstein and Bacon share space with rare tribal sculptures, while its regular temporary exhibitions make this a place to return to again and again. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="14. Hop on a boat" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746929/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746929/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 14. Hop on a boat </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> As the region’s plaything, Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman in local parlance) provides myriad opportunities for entertainment, not least the chance to hop on a ferry and explore the towns that sit on its vast shore. The Compagnie Générale de Navigation provides the service, whisking passengers from Geneva and <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/cgn-lausanne-ouchy"><strong>Lausanne-Ouchy</strong></a> to destinations around the lake including Montreux and its striking Chatêau Chillon, the medieval French village of Yvoire, and the famous spa town Evian-les-Bains. Sitting on the sun deck of one of the CGN’s beautiful old paddle steamers is a lovely way to travel and really appreciate the vastness of central Europe’s largest lake. Plus if you’re embarking at Geneva you’ll get a rather special view of the <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/jet-deau"><strong>Jet d’Eau</strong></a> as you cruise past. CGN also offers a variety of dinner cruises and themed evenings, including an evening cruise with dinner prepared by Swiss celebrity chef Philippe Chevrier. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="15. Muse on the meaning of art" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746935/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746935/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 15. Muse on the meaning of art </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The term ‘art brut’ – literally ‘raw art’ – was coined by Jean Dubuffet, a private collector who sought to collect art from all over the world created by untrained artists on the fringes of society. After several decades spent gathering up some 4,000 pieces he donated it all to the city of Lausanne, and thus the <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/attractions-and-museums/collection-de-lart-brut"><strong>Collection de l’Art Brut</strong></a> opened in 1976. It’s hardly your average art gallery, but that’s what makes it such a find. The difficult lives led by many of the artists – some with social or psychological problems, others who languished in prison – have resulted in drawings, paintings and sculptures that are beautiful and eyebrow-raising in equal measure. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon browsing its permanent collection, stroking your chin and ruminating on the nature of art. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="16. Join the crowds in Montreux" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746949/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746949/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 16. Join the crowds in Montreux </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> For a tiny place, the town of Montreux at the eastern end of Lake Geneva certainly knows how to throw a party. Quiet and unassuming most of the time, twice a year it attracts hordes of people to two tremendously fun events. Firstly – and most famously – for two weeks in July the <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/festivals/montreux-jazz-festival"><strong>Montreux Jazz Festival</strong></a> transforms the place into the world’s premier live music venue with a line-up of huge stars in jazz, rock, pop and much else. At Christmas the crowds are back, this time to descend upon <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/montreux-noel"><strong>Montreux Noël</strong></a>, the town’s package of festive activities including one of the biggest <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/montreux-christmas-market"><strong>Christmas markets</strong></a> in Switzerland, a mountaintop Santa’s grotto and a Christmas village. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="17. Potter through Carouge’s age-old market" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746927/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746927/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 17. Potter through Carouge’s age-old market </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> There’s never a bad time to hang out in Carouge, Geneva’s Italianate district created by a bunch of architects from Turin in the 18th century as an independent town. Its shuttered townhouses are attractive, it’s packed with great restaurants and nightlife (try <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/bars-and-pubs/le-cheval-blanc"><strong>Le Cheval Blanc</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/bars-and-pubs/chat-noir"><strong>Le Chat Noir</strong></a> for starters), and the area’s numerous independent shops and artisanal workshops mean the shopping is, for the most part, way more interesting than the chain shops in the centre of town. On Wednesdays and Saturdays Carouge gets a further boost with the arrival of the market on the lovely Place du Marché. Take a big bag and fill it with fruit and veg, cheese, honey, fresh bread, flowers, wine and locally made treats. </div></div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="18. See Lugano from on high at Monte Brè" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746945/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746945/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 18. See Lugano from on high at Monte Brè </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> </div>Since 1912 the people of Lugano have been escaping the city on a sunny day and heading to the hills. Specifically, they’ve been catching the funicular railway from the lakeshore at Cassarate which trundles at an impressive angle up to the summit of Monte Brè, the city’s local mountain. At the top, active types can opt to follow a number of hiking trails or race down the 30 mountain bike runs. Have lunch in one of the mountaintop restaurants or explore the pretty village of Brè, a short walk down from the summit. Those who would rather not move at all can just sit and ogle Lake Lugano and the mountains beyond.<br /> </div></div></div></article> <article class="feature-item category_10 no_count "> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="19. Chill out in Locarno" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746939/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101746939/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 19. Chill out in Locarno </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> As Locarno’s meeting place, market square and people-watching hub, the beautiful Piazza Grande earns its keep year round, but come at certain times and you’ll find an extra buzz about the place. In winter the square hosts pop-up ice rink <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/locarno-on-ice"><strong>Locarno on Ice</strong></a>, one of the country’s biggest ice rinks and a lovely place to hang out of an evening watching the disco lights flutter over skaters as they stumble and glide about the ice. In August, the square turns into a huge outdoor cinema to welcome a crowd of 8,000 to nightly film screenings as part of the longstanding <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/festivals/locarno-film-festival"><strong>Locarno Film Festival</strong></a>. </div></div></div></div></article> <div class="feature-item__content"> <div class="row"> <div class="feature-item__column feature-item__column--image"> <div class="feature-item__wrapper"> <div class="image_wrapper aspect-ratio-4-3"> <img alt="20. Tuck into a risotto in Ticino" class="imager tile__image image-replace" data-imagesrc="https://media.timeout.com/images/101749857/{width}/{height}/image.jpg" src="https://media.timeout.com/images/101749857/350/263/image.jpg" /> </div></div></div><div class="feature-item__column"> <h3> 20. Tuck into a risotto in Ticino </h3><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> The canton of Ticino is rather obsessed with risotto, so it’s hardly a surprise that the creamy Italian rice dish forms a central part of the area’s <a href="http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/festivals/rabadan"><strong>Rabadan</strong></a> celebrations every February. On the Tuesday after the weekend’s carnival, people gather in the town centre to chow down on a communal risotto with luganighe (local sausage), whipped up in massive pots in the open air. It’s a tradition that’s been going since the late 19th century and is still hugely popular – get down there early to make sure you nab one of the 2,500 portions dished out by the hard-working chefs. </div><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"><b> Source</b>: http://www.timeout.com/switzerland/things-to-do/the-20-best-things-to-do-in-switzerland</div><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"><br /></div><div class="feature_item__annotation--truncated"> </div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-25039657203384661152015-12-24T05:42:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:44.261-08:00Top Attractions & Things To Do In France<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="topIntro prettyText"> <div style="text-align: justify;">France has it all - enviable beauty, refined architecture, cultural sophistication, and infectious romance. Every little corner of the country is worth visiting regardless of season, and deciding on a compact itinerary given all those unmatchable attractions can really give you a hard time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Following some research into the preferences and opinions posted by users of various social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as own resources and reviews by the most popular travel sites, Open Travel has compiled a list of top 25 things to see or do on your France Vacations. We are sure it will convince you of the country's uniqueness and help you to plan your trip. France is not just a recommendable destination, but a definite must on the list of both an amateur tourist and a conscientious traveler.</div></div><ol class="" id="attraction-list"><li><span class="attrNum"></span> <div class="top"><h3> Musee du Louvre </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Paris-France-Vacations-Guide">Paris</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Musee du Louvre" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/musee-du-louvre-paris-france-47_4.jpg" /> <span><br /></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText">As befits the most visited museum in the world, even the main entrance to the Louvre is a work of art. But don't linger for too long marveling at the glassy pyramid. Inside await the riches of world's most exquisite artistic legacy, from Egyptian mummies and Code of Hammurabi to Venus de Milo and Leonardo's Mona Lisa. The museum has absorbed the centuries of transformations in the French political and social sphere, as well as managed to show the beauty and vastness of human mind under one roof, making in accessible to the common eye, and thus becoming a potent symbol of French sensitivity and finesse.</div><div class="attrRating rabidRating" id="rabidRating-99255-4.46_5"> <span class="info"><br /></span> <div class="wrapper"> <span class="ratingFill" style="width: 128px;"> <span class="ratingStars"></span> </span></div></div><span class="attrNum"></span> <div class="top"><h3> 2.Abbaye du Mont Saint Michel </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Le-Mont-Saint-Michel-France-Vacations-Guide">Le Mont-Saint-Michel</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Abbaye du Mont Saint Michel" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/abbaye-du-mont-saint-michel-le-mont-saint-michel-france-48_4.jpg" /> <span><br /></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Where the forces of nature meet the artistry of medieval architecture and Brittany melts with Normandy, there rises one of the first sites to obtain UNESCO World Heritage listing. Atop a rocky tidal island sits the legendary abbey - a symbol of the French national identity and heroic resistance to English attacks during the Hundred Years' War. The fortified walls stretching at its foot embrace a picturesque village that grew up from the Middle Ages and flourished in the pristine setting of the bay. If you happen to be there at the time of the spring tides, you'll be in for a mesmerizing natural performance of a range unseen elsewhere in Europe.</div></div><div class="attrRating rabidRating" id="rabidRating-99276-4.44_5"> <span class="info"><br /></span> <div class="wrapper"> <span class="ratingFill" style="width: 127px;"> <span class="ratingStars"></span> </span></div></div><div class="top"><h3> 3.Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Paris-France-Vacations-Guide">Paris</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/eiffel-tower-tour-eiffel-paris-france-40_4.jpg" /> <span><br /></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Built to mark the centennial celebration of the French Revolution, it lays claim to being the most visited paid monument in the world. On a gloomy morning you may not even find it attractive - a mere pile of welded metal. Yet standing on its top observation deck on a cloudless afternoon and gazing at the infinite panorama, you are likely to change your mind to the point of calling it awesome. Even better, when the night catches you on Champs de Mars and the construction suddenly starts to twinkle with millions of multicolored lights, you immediately realize why it is by far one of the most popular proposal spots on Earth. But regardless of weather and time of day, the Eiffel Tower is a mighty symbol to all Frenchmen alike, and symbols don't have to be beautiful. Their task is to unite, commemorate, and stir emotions. La Tour Eiffel does all that and more.</div></div><br /> <div class="top"><h3> 4.Cathedrale de Chartres </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Chartres-France-Vacations-Guide">Chartres</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Cathedrale de Chartres" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/cathedrale-de-chartres-chartres-france-51_4.jpg" /> <span><br /></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">All we know about the creator of Chartres is that by outlining some entirely new principles he inspired all distinguished architects for years to follow. The soaring spires, the glowing 12th- and 13th-century stained-glass windows, and the porches elaborately adorned with detail-faithful sculptures mark the high point of French Gothic art. The cathedral seems all the more impressive since it miraculously survived a fire in 1134 that destroyed much of the town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage destination, Chartres is a masterpiece of architecture and a true spectacle of detail.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles) </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Versailles-France-Vacations-Guide">Versailles</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Versailles Palace (Chateau de Versailles)" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/versailles-palace-chateau-de-versailles-versailles-france-52_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ranopamas/" target="_blank">Panoramas</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Having access to grand pieces of fine art on a daily basis must be entirely rewarding, but living in one is a totally different affair. Louis XIV certainly knew what he was doing when he moved to the court of Versailles in 1682. Today the gilded royal apartments, the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors, the intimate cabinets, and the dazzling enfilade of other rooms - all of them masterpieces in their own right - as well as the meticulously manicured garden straight from a fairy-tale make for not only an awe-inspiring symbol of absolute monarchy, but also the finest example of artistic creation, and one of France's foremost tourist attractions. To double the impact, ask your guide to tell you about the complex court etiquette.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> 6.Le Val de Loire (The Loire Valley) </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Departement-De-Maine-Et-Loire-France-Vacations-Guide">Département de Maine-et-Loire</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Le Val de Loire (The Loire Valley)" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/le-val-de-loire-the-loire-valley-departement-de-maine-et-loi-59_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ranopamas/" target="_blank">Panoramas</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">The twisting Loire cuts through the landscape of rolling hills and rocky protrusions to provide a soothing spectacle of nature, and set stage for a stupefying fit of architecture. This fabulous land of vineyards and blooming flowers has both river banks dotted with more than a thousand of unbelievably elaborate chateaus, and as you follow the 280 kilometer long route from Sully-sur-Loire in the Loiret to Chalonnes-sur-Loire in Anjou, you can't help but agree the valley deserved its UNESCO recognition. Stretches of scenic beauty enhanced with an immense doze of history.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Musee d'Orsay </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Paris-France-Vacations-Guide">Paris</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Musee d'Orsay" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/musee-dorsay-paris-france-38_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gilles_itzkovitchklein/" target="_blank">gillesklein</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">If the Louvre is the most splendid museum in France, then the Musee d'Orsay is right behind. Housed in the former railway station on the left bank of the Seine, it holds mainly paintings and sculptures by French artists, all of great merit and stunning sensitivity to detail. And much as the entire space is definitely worth perusing, the museum is perhaps best known for its extensive assortment of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. Nowhere else in the world can you take in the genius of Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, and Monet displayed under one roof. It doesn't take expertise in the fine arts to fall in love with this place.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Reims-France-Vacations-Guide">Reims</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/cathedrale-notre-dame-de-reims-reims-france-42_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davelau/" target="_blank">Chi King</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">A runner-up in Europe, after Chartres, in terms of bedazzling sculpted ornamentation, the former coronation site is an outstanding blend of royal history and architectural artistry. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rheims displays the perfect synthesis of Gothic elements distinguished by remarkable unity, harmony, and balance. The subtle contrast in adornment between conspicuous realism and rigidly formal classicism may not be noticed by a lay eye, but the overall grandness will definitely make a lasting impression. Together with the 9th-century Abbey of Saint Remi and the Tau Palace, the RheimsCathedral has been drawn on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Arenes de Nimes </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Nimes-France-Vacations-Guide">Nîmes</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Arenes de Nimes" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/arenes-de-nimes-nimes-france-50_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgangstaudt/" target="_blank">Wolfgang Staudt</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">By far the best preserved Roman amphitheater in the world, the arena has been dominating the city of Nîmes for nearly 2,000 years, bearing a testament to the genius of Roman engineers. It is down to the enviable degree of perfection they achieved that we can today enjoy numerous contemporary events, from two annual bullfights to congresses and popular concerts, in so venerable a setting. Most importantly, the amphitheater rests in the close vicinity of Orange and the Pont du Gard. What of feast of antiquity!</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris) </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Paris-France-Vacations-Guide">Paris</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris)" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/notre-dame-cathedral-cathedrale-de-notre-dame-de-paris-paris-37_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergemelki/" target="_blank">Serge Melki</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Victor Hugo's novel and the hugely touching characterization of the hunchback, Quasimodo, has served the cathedral's popularity well, but no attention seeking was necessary at all. No measure was spared in conceiving of a church that would reflect the capital's prestige, and the result proved to be incredible. The lofty archways, rose windows of stained glass, ornate spires, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and the indispensable Gargoyles all constitute the essence of Gothic at its most exquisite. A witness to historic events, an inspiration for artists, and a major landmark, Notre Dame de Paris deserves a place in anyone's itinerary.</div></div><div class="attrRating rabidRating" id="rabidRating-99228-4.48_5"> <span class="info">RATE IT</span> <div class="wrapper"> <span class="ratingFill" style="width: 128px;"> <span class="ratingStars"></span> </span></div></div></li><li> <div class="top"> <span class="attrNum">11</span> <h3> Arc de Triomphe </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Paris-France-Vacations-Guide">Paris</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Arc de Triomphe" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/arc-de-triomphe-paris-france-41_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidgardner/" target="_blank">David G...</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Evidently under the spell of the ancient Roman architecture, Napoleon I commissioned Jean Chalgrin to design a triumphal arch dedicated to the glory of the imperial armies. The world's largest monument of this kind, today it links old and new Paris, forming a backdrop for the precious urban ensemble. The impressive sculptural reliefs adorning the pillars epitomize French artistic sensitivity, and the names of 558 generals as well as major victories engraved all over the arch symbolize the pride all Frenchmen take in their military history. Underneath, the arch shelters the tomb of France's Unknown Soldier, and the panoramic terrace that it carries on top offers a fine panorama of Paris. Some bash it for being nested in the middle of traffic hustle and bustle, but the fact remains that the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most eagerly visited sites in France.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Centre Pompidou </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Paris-France-Vacations-Guide">Paris</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Centre Pompidou" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/centre-pompidou-paris-france-44_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/89649959@N00/" target="_blank">Jaz8085</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Centre George Pompidou perfectly epitomizes all those cases when the very building competes for supremacy with its contents. Named after a former President of France and completed between 1971 and 1977, the center is truly a weird construction. Representing hi-tech architecture, it's a skeleton of shapes, colors, cables, boxes, and tubes, as if the designer wanted to turn a complex machine inside out. The composition provides distinctive home for a public library, the Bibliothèque publique d'information, the Musée National d'Art Moderne, and a centre for music and acoustic research (IRCAM). Most importantly, the center succeeds in thriving as a space with ordinary people at the heart of art and culture. Surrounded by artistic creation, the public feels at home, rather than at a cold gallery that stands aloof over the society.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Moulin Rouge </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Paris-France-Vacations-Guide">Paris</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Moulin Rouge" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/moulin-rouge-paris-france-53_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherseydc/" target="_blank">stevehdc</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Toulouse-Lautrec adored Moulin Rouge, and he certainly had good reasons to do so. Located in the vicinity of Montmartre in the Paris red-light district of Pigalle, the cabaret was a hotbed of brash entertainment, and the lithe, long-legged dancers had a special appeal to the crippled painter. Today, thousands of tourists take obligatory pictures under the replica of the original red windmill, but the real attraction only comes with the evening performance of cancan. Lively and seductive, the dance is a spectacle of whirling costumes, slender legs, sexy loungerie, and outstanding technique. You'll have to loosen the purse strings a bit to enjoy the show, but it's still not much for a trip to turn-of-the-century France and its unbridled romance hoovering in clouds of cigar smoke.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> La Valle de Chamonix (The Chamonix Valley) </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Chamonix-Mont-Blanc-France-Vacations-Guide">Chamonix-Mont-Blanc</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="La Valle de Chamonix (The Chamonix Valley)" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/la-valle-de-chamonix-the-chamonix-valley-chamonix-mont-blanc-64_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/81596301@N00/" target="_blank">ti lapin tom</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Backdropped by the monumental wall of Mt Blanc, the Chamonix valley is a year-round paradise not only for enthusiasts of outdoor sports, but for anyone who appreciates a speck of history wrapped in heart-melting vistas. Lifts transport visitors into the heart of the massif, endless trails unveil indescribable panoramas, mountain torrents challenge rafters, and cozy hotels warm up frozen limbs. Add to it an exploding calendar of events in downtown and you have a comprehensive holiday multi-pack. Unforgettable fun guaranteed.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Pèlerinage de Lourdes (The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes) </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Lourdes-France-Vacations-Guide">Lourdes</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Pèlerinage de Lourdes (The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes)" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/pelerinage-de-lourdes-the-sanctuary-of-our-lady-of-lourdes-l-65_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/http2007/" target="_blank">http2007</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">The news spread fast that Our Lady of Lourdes had appeared to Bernadette Soubirous several times, and a tranquil market town nested in the foothills of the Pyrenees turned into a major pilgrimage destination, which today is believed to have the second greatest number of hotels in France after Paris. Every year millions of Christians flock to the Sanctuary, whose most sacred site is the Cave of Apparitions. Devout or not, you will be moved on seeing people engrossed in reverence, immersing themselves in the allegedly healing waters of the grotto's 17 pools, and leaving petitions in a handicraft box. A touching experience.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Pont du Gard </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Languedoc-Roussillon-France-Vacations-Guide">Languedoc-Roussillon</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Pont du Gard" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/pont-du-gard-languedoc-roussillon-france-61_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zakmc/" target="_blank">zak mc</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">2000 years ago over 1000 people spent 5 strenuous years constructing the Pont du Gard - a spectacular compilation of stones weighing up to 6 tons. Constructed entirely without the use of mortar, which makes it even more impressive, it was part of a nearly 50 km aqueduct designed to carry water through the Gardon River valley to the Roman city of Nemausus (Nîmes). Yet for some reason, from the 4th century onwards its maintenance was neglected, and although it soon fell into complete oblivion, thousands flock today to marvel at what is considered one of the most outstanding pieces of the Roman legacy. With plenty to do around, including an awesome swim, the site is a major highlight of a stay in France.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Lascaux II </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Montignac-France-Vacations-Guide">Montignac</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Lascaux II" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/lascaux-ii-montignac-france-57_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jackversloot/" target="_blank">JackVersloot</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">A little oak forest south of Montignac, France. Four boys are desperately trying to rescue their dog trapped in a cave, the depth of which it's hard to tell. As they lower one another into the darkness, little do they realize that the trusty companion has lead them to make a groundbreaking discovery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What the children accidentally discovered in 1940 was a system of Paleolithic caves with over 1500 well-preserved paintings and engravings of wild animals. Believed to have been a sanctuary for the performance of sacred rites, and estimated with to date back some 17,000 years, the finding sheds light on the dawn of European art and provided further information on the nature of the early Homo Erectus. Immediately made accessible to visitors, the artworks quickly started to fade, and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs took the dramatic decision to close the caves to the public. To compensate for the major loss, a detailed replica was created in 1980, and Lascaux II opens a door into the past for anyone who's willing to follow the footsteps of their early, talented forefathers.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Carcassonne Medieval City </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Carcassonne-France-Vacations-Guide">Carcassonne</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Carcassonne Medieval City" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/carcassonne-medieval-city-carcassonne-france-46_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pentaxtic/" target="_blank">Wy@rt</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">To be precise, there are two Carcassonnes: the famous walled City (<em>Cité</em>) and the adjacent town spreading at its foot (<em>ville basse</em>). A visit to the fortified settlement is a true step back in time. Its narrow cobblestoned streets, medieval buildings, and little squares filled with atmospheric restaurants make for a unique experience you're going to love no matter if you dig castles or not. During the day it's obviously going to be flash-flooded with tourists, but it gets enchanting and quiet towards the late evening, and who knows, perhaps you'll feel like staying overnight. Not a budget option, but well worth it.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Theatre Antique d'Orange </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Orange-France-Vacations-Guide">Orange</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Theatre Antique d'Orange" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/theatre-antique-dorange-orange-france-54_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/http2007/" target="_blank">http2007</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Orange is an ordinary town devoid of that touristy luster you expect to find in a place of this significance. Agricultural in its heart, the modest setting doubles the aesthetic impact of the ancient heritage it unveils to visitors. Orange is home to one of the most complete and best preserved Roman theaters in the world, if not the superior one. Built early in the first century AD, it displays such distinct features that one almost feels it's part of extremely well-staged contemporary mystification. Not to be missed, especially in summer when it becomes a venue for the annual opera festival, the Chorégies d'Orange.</div></div><div class="attrRating rabidRating" id="rabidRating-100034-4.38_5"> <span class="info"><br /></span> <div class="wrapper"> <span class="ratingFill" style="width: 125px;"> <span class="ratingStars"></span> </span></div></div><div class="top"><h3> Oradour-sur-Glane old town </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Limoges-France-Vacations-Guide">Limoges</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Oradour-sur-Glane old town" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/oradour-sur-glane-old-town-limoges-france-45_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/atwj/" target="_blank">Around the World Journey | 2009-20xx - mhoey</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">10 June 1944, in retaliation for the sabotage attacks by the French Resistance, the idyllic village of Oradour-sur-Glane was razed to the ground and 642 innocent residents massacred by Waffen-SS soldiers. A new settlement was built post-war but the ruins of the martyred village have been preserved to bear silent witness to the atrocities of war, to serve as a startling reminder of barbarity, to commemorate the dead and ensure that nobody forgets. Each entrance to the ruins bears a notice that say "Remember", and having seen the crumbling walls, wrecked cars, and abandoned houses, you'll be haunted by this image for a long time.</div></div><div class="attrRating rabidRating" id="rabidRating-99242-3.92_5"> <span class="info"><br /></span> <div class="wrapper"> <span class="ratingFill" style="width: 110px;"> <span class="ratingStars"></span> </span></div></div><div class="top"><h3> Route des vins d'Alsace </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Alsace-France-Vacations-Guide">Alsace</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Route des vins d'Alsace" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/route-des-vins-dalsace-alsace-france-62_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/andreea_blog/" target="_blank">Andreea - www.onfoodandwine.com's buddy icon Andreea - www.onfoodandwine.com</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Stretching from Marlenheim to Thann, winding through endless terraced vineyards and flower-decked adorable villages, passing medieval castles and myriad free degustation spots, Alsace's Wine Route cannot be missed on any account. The region may be in less spotlight than Bordeaux or Burgundy, but it boasts two millenniums of agitated vinification history, and attracts rapidly growing tourist attention, enchanting visitors with both the quality of its flag product and the settings in which it is born, then matures, and is finally sent away to conquer the world's restaurants and the taste buds of wine connoisseurs. Lots of special taste and appeal.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Disneyland Park Paris </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Marne-La-Vallee-France-Vacations-Guide">Marne-la-Vallée</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Disneyland Park Paris" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/disneyland-park-paris-marne-la-vallee-france-56_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/samlavi/" target="_blank">samlavi</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">A paradise for kids and an opportunity for adults to be kids again, Disneyland Resort Paris is the second one to open outside the United States. As you enter the "Happiest Place on Earth, you are immediately possessed with the magic you so happily yielded to years ago. Scream, chant your favorite Disney songs, and shuttle between Captain Hook's Pirate Ship and Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Two theme parks, a retail, dining and entertainment district, and seven Disney-owned hotels provide for so much fun that even the most die-hard grouches can laugh their head off and have their hearts melted.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Champagne Route (Route Touristique du Champagne) </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Champagne-Ardenne-France-Vacations-Guide">Champagne-Ardenne</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Champagne Route (Route Touristique du Champagne)" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/champagne-route-route-touristique-du-champagne-champagne-ard-63_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tavallai/" target="_blank">Tavallai</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Celebrated around the world for the sparkling wines, the Champagne region has more highlights than just the fizzy beverage. It's a picturesque oasis of tranquility, pristine beauty, and fine historical heritage sprawled over five wine producing districts with the commercial centers in the towns of Reims and Épernay. The very Champagne Route meanders through the region's diverse vineyards, adorable villages, and elegant champagne houses whose owners await the visitor to be able to share their passion. If you try hard, an obligatory glass of champagne may be followed by a candlelit dinner in a cellar ... and yet another glass.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> St Tropez beaches (Plages de St Tropez) </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/Saint-Tropez-France-Vacations-Guide">Saint-Tropez</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="St Tropez beaches (Plages de St Tropez)" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/st-tropez-beaches-plages-de-st-tropez-saint-tropez-france-67_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/francapicc/" target="_blank">jezpahjoy</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">Famous for Brigitte Bardot and the clumsy gendarme, this sparkling pearl of Cote d'Azur is able to cast a spell on everyone from history buffs to cinema aficionados. But it is beach bums, including the red carpet crème de la crème, that will have the time of their life in St Tropez. With the choice of locations ranging from the rather family-oriented La Bouillabaisse and the secluded Plage de la Briande to the trendy Plage de Pampelonne, celebrity-ridden Plage de Tahiti and the naturist Les Salins everyone will find their sun-kissed niche along the brilliant coast of St Tropez Bay.</div></div><span class="attrNum"></span></li><li><div class="top"><h3> Aquarium La Rochelle </h3></div><div class="labels"> <div class="location"><span class="bold">Location:</span> <a href="http://opentravel.com/La-Rochelle-France-Vacations-Guide">La Rochelle</a>, <a href="http://opentravel.com/France-Vacations-Guide">France</a></div></div><div class="imgContainer"> <img alt="Aquarium La Rochelle" src="http://opentravel.com/img/TravelGuide/aquarium-la-rochelle-la-rochelle-france-55_4.jpg" /> <span>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zemoko/" target="_blank">zemoko</a></span> <br /> </div><div class="prettyText"><div style="text-align: justify;">La Rochelle is an ocean packed into just two floors. From the dancing jellyfish and dazzling Mediterranean coral to zooming shoals of piranhas and the king of the depths - the shark, the riches contained in all those tanks are so well displayed that visitors gaze at the species as if hypnotized and move on reluctantly as if their noses were glued to the glass. Millions of cubic liters of water, a comprehensive collection of all oceanic biosphere representatives, and an interactive display informing about potential perils to the underwater realm make for a day of awe, discovery and aesthetic impressions.</div></div><div class="attrRating rabidRating" id="rabidRating-99590-3.17_5"> <span class="info"><br /></span> <div class="wrapper"> <span class="ratingFill" style="width: 91px;"> <span class="ratingStars"></span> </span></div></div><div class="attrRating rabidRating" id="rabidRating-99590-3.17_5"> <span class="info"><b>Source:http://opentravel.com/Things-To-Do-In-France-Attractions</b></span> <div class="wrapper"> <span class="ratingFill" style="width: 91px;"> <span class="ratingStars"></span> </span></div></div></li></ol><div class="adv336"><ins id="aswift_2_expand" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; display: inline-table; height: 280px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 336px;"><ins id="aswift_2_anchor" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; display: block; height: 280px; margin: 0; padding: 0; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 336px;"><br /></ins></ins></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041226612350524724.post-54313046710387816762015-12-20T02:51:00.000-08:002016-01-01T03:32:44.300-08:00Europe Travels Guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09832841026978026311noreply@blogger.com0