Showing posts with label travel around the world. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel around the world. Show all posts

25 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE USA

August 13, 2020

25 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THE USA

Comprised of 50 states, the USA occupies an area that’s only just marginally smaller than Europe. It’s in this vast country that you will find an unbelievably diverse array of natural landscapes, cityscapes, people and cultures. From the tropical islands of Hawaii to the desert landscape of the Grand Canyon, as well as the multicultural cities such as Chicago and New York City, you’ll never be stuck for destinations to discover. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in the USA

NUMBER 1 : NEW YORK CITY
The jewel in the crown of the USA when it comes to urban areas, New York is a mega city that is absolutely packed full of iconic places,areas, and buildings. In fact, sometimes it feels like you’re walking through familiar territory, thanks to how often the city features in Hollywood films. There’s Central Park, the Empire State Building,Grand Central Station, Times Square – even the “Five Boroughs” that make up NYC are famous. Then there’s the culture: Korea town, multiple China towns, the remnants of Little Italy, and communities from Jewish to African American make New York a true world city made rich by the people who’ve flocked here from allover the world. 


NUMBER 2 : GRAND CANYON
Attracting millions of visitors every year,the Grand Canyon is one of those bucket list destinations in the USA. Located in northern Arizona, this massive natural wonder was carved by the Colorado River over a period of several million years. It is not the deepest or the longest canyon in the world but the overwhelming size and colorful landscape offers visitor vistas that are hard to match. Simply find a viewpoint and peer over the edge, or fly over it in a helicopter. If you want a really long hike, go for the Rim-to-Rim Trail but don’t forget to pack plenty of water, this is an unrelenting desert climate, after all. 

NUMBER 3 : SAN FRANCISCO
Set on the tip of a peninsula, San Francisco is a beautiful city in northern California that is famous for a lot of things. Undoubtedly, the Golden Gate Bridge is the city’s number one attraction. Tourists can drive, bike ride or walk across this famous suspension bridge to admire and photograph stunning views. There’s also the bustling Chinatown, the seafood at the ever-popular Fisherman’s Wharf, the notorious island prison of Alcatraz and the famously steep and winding Lombard Street. You’ll be hard pressed to get bored in this fascinating city. 

NUMBER 4 : LAS VEGAS 
You wouldn’t think a city in the middle of the desert in Nevada would be as popular as it is, but it’s thanks to the cavalcade of casinos here that Las Vegas is so famous. The most well-known casinos themselves are practically household names: Caesar’s Palace, MGM Grand, the Bellagio. In addition to gambling, show girls and lavish performances, Las Vegas offers plenty more to suit people of all ages and interests. On the main street called the Strip, there are the Bellagio’s impressive fountain shows, a replica of the Eiffel Tower and an Egyptian pyramid, amongst other landmarks. 


NUMBER 5 : YELLOWSTONE
Established in 1872, Yellowstone is famous for being the very first national park in the world. There are numerous geysers to watch here – notably Old Faithful, which is practically legendary; it never fails to erupt on schedule. And then there’s the multi colored Grand Prismatic Spring, ringed by rainbow colors thanks to different bacteria that live in the cooler sections of this boiling body of water. Yellowstone National Park is also home to more wild animals than just about any place in the United States. 

NUMBER 6 : CHICAGO
Nicknamed the “Windy City” and best known for its towering skyscrapers, sports teams and unique style of hot dogs and pizzas, Chicago is the third-largest city in the USA. Located on Lake Michigan in the heart of the Midwest region in northeastern Illinois, Chicago is a major hub for finance, industry, and commerce. The city’s numerous sites range from the futuristic Millennium Park and the iconic Sears Tower to the Navy Pier with its parks,restaurants, and amusements. Numerous genres of music such as Jazz, Blues,and House music have roots in the live music venues around Chicago. 

NUMBER 7 : LOS ANGELES
The second-largest city in the USA, Los Angeles is located in southern California surrounded by the Pacific Coast, mountains and valleys. Often regarded as the “Entertainment Capital of the World”, LA is awash with celebrity culture. You can see the hand prints of film stars on Hollywood Boulevard or go on a tour to see stars’ homes in Beverly Hills. For laid back days there’s the bohemian neighbourhood of Venice Beach, home to Muscle Beach and a rambling promenade that doubles as a stage for all sorts of quirky street performers. 


NUMBER 8 : WASHINGTON DC
The capital of the United States and seat of the federal government, Washington D.C. is located on the country’s East Coast. A cosmopolitan city that is home to many diverse cultures, Washington is widely known by its many iconic landmarks like the White House,Capitol Building, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Many of these monuments are all located with in the beautifully landscaped parkland known as the National Mall. 

NUMBER 9 : ORLANDO
Home to world famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios, Orlando is no doubt a favorite destination for family vacations. Located in central Florida, Orlando is a place where dreams and magic become reality. With several amusement parks, visitors to Orlando can meet their favorite storybook characters, reenact live famous movie scenes,ride thrilling roller coasters and watch dolphins performing marvelous tricks. 

NUMBER 10 : HAWAII
The Polynesian archipelago of Hawaii is a veritable paradise that’s spread across hundreds of islands in the Pacific Ocean. With its tropical climate, famously pristine beaches and wealth of natural scenery, Hawaii has been promoted as a tropical destination since the end of WW2. The islands are also a prime destination of surfers from around the world. Despite the steady influx of visitors, indigenous Hawaiian culture still thrives and can be seen in ceremonies, traditions and folk music. 


NUMBER 11 : SEATTLE
Home to global giants like Boeing, Starbucks and Amazon, Seattle is the largest city of the USA’s Pacific Northwest region. Seattle is nicknamed the Emerald City due to its lush scenery resulting from a rainy climate. The skyline of Seattle is a thicket of towering skyscrapers. The crowning glory is the futuristic 605-foot tall Space Needle, built in 1962. The city is well-known for it’s seafood,which you can try at the historic Pike Place Market. What’s more: the surrounding pine forests make for perfect hiking. 

NUMBER 12 : MIAMI
One of the most vivacious cities in the USA, Miami is best known for its sunny beaches, Latin culture and sizzling nightlife. Located in southeastern Florida off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami is also a major port city managing the world’s largest number of passenger cruise ships. Across the bay from Miami on a barrier island is Miami Beach, known for its Art Deco architecture and glamorous South Beach. 

NUMBER 13 : BOSTON
One of the oldest cities in the USA, Boston is best known for its wealth of American history, architecture and academic institutions. The capital and largest city in New England,Boston is spectacular sight in spring and autumn with flowering trees and fall foliage. As the setting of many historic events that led up to the American Revolution, Boston is steeped in early American history. 


NUMBER 14 : NIAGARA FALLS
The world-famous Niagara Falls straddle Ontario in Canada and the American state of New York. Located on the Niagara River, the falls area culmination of the flow of water that gushes out of the Upper Great Lakes and are actually made up of three falls – Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Six million cubic feet of water cascades over the ridge every second, making for an incredibly impressive site which draws an estimated 30 million tourists a year. 

NUMBER 15 : NEW ORLEANS
Regarded as one of the most unique cities in the USA, New Orleans is widely known for its distinctive French Creole culture, cuisine, and architecture as well as jazz music and the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Situated in southeastern Louisiana, New Orleans is the state’s largest city and a major US seaport. Devastated by heavy flooding from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans is now mostly recovered and remains one of the best places to visit in the USA. 

NUMBER 16 : DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Covering a massive expanse of mountainous land in Alaska, Denali National Park is the third largest national park in the United States. The piece de resistance of this incredible slice of wilderness is Denali. Once known as Mount McKinley, this is the tallest mountain not just in the USA, but the whole of North America. Bike, hike or mountaineer yourself through this region for stunning scenery and sights of grizzly bears, wolves, and moose. 


NUMBER 17 : SAN DIEGO
Centered around a natural harbor, the coastal Californian city of San Diego is located on the border with Mexico. It’s rich in Mexican culture, delicious seafood and blessed with a year-round mild climate. Visitors are attracted to the city for its laid-back mindset, and opportunities to soak up some beautiful sun, sea, and sand. Then there’s also the bustling Balboa Park,where you can find San Diego Zoo, among dozens of museums and botanic gardens. 

NUMBER 18 : SEDONA
Located in the north-central part of Arizona,the town of Sedona is known for its vibrant art scene and spiritual retreats. However, Sedona’s most popular attraction is the breathtaking array of red sandstone formations that create a striking red and orange backdrop to the town. Attracting artists, spiritual seekers and outdoor lovers alike, Sedona’s brilliant landscape offers much to see and do. Incredible natural landmarks like Airport Mesa and Cathedral Rock present excellent photograph opportunities. 

NUMBER 19 : PHILADELPHIA
Commonly referred to by locals as “Philly,”Philadelphia is major US city in southeastern Pennsylvania and home to the iconic Liberty Bell and the Philly cheese steak sandwich. Regarded as the “Birthplace of America,”Philadelphia is known as the city in which the country’s founding fathers signed the 1776 Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. There’s a host of interesting art museums to visit in the city, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is not only one of the largest in the world, but also famous for its long flight of steps which were featured in the 1976 film “Rocky”. 


NUMBER 20 : SAVANNAH
The quintessential Southern city, Savannah draws millions of tourists every year to its charming scenes of Victorian architecture,cobbled streets and moss-draped oaks. Lying on the Atlantic Coast in eastern Georgia,Savannah is the state’s oldest city, rich in history, hospitality and natural beauty. A walk around the Historic District’s cobbled streets allows views of beautiful old mansions from the 19th century and historic sites. When you’ve had enough of old buildings,a stroll through the tree-lined paths of leafy Forsyth Park is bound to refresh you. 

NUMBER 21 : SAN ANTONIO
The jewel of Texas, San Antonio is a city steeped in both rich history and modern day appeal. Located in south-central Texas, the city is one of the largest in the United States and best known as the home to the Alamo. Another of San Antonio’s most visited attractions is the River walk, a vibrant pedestrian scene of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues stretching along both sides of the San Antonio River right in the middle of the down town area. 

NUMBER 22 : ZION NATIONAL PARK
Even among America’s National Parks, few can match the stunning beauty of Zion National Park. Situated near Spring dale in southern Utah,the park protects a series of incredible rock formations and high sandstone cliffs, and is a favorite spot for hiking, canyoneering and climbing. Unlike many other parks in the American Southwest,where visitors look down from the rim of a canyon, visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up. In addition to the magnificent monoliths and cliffs, the park is known for its desert landscape of sandstone canyons, mesas, and high plateaus. 


NUMBER 23 : YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
World-famous Yosemite National Park has become the iconic hangout for keen wilderness hikers, who enjoy spending weekends attempting the many trails that crisscross the parks. Yosemite is high on many bucket-lists, with people drawn to its dramatic scenery and beautiful wildlife, powerful waterfalls, impressive sequoias and jaw-dropping cliffs. Iconic and photogenic center pieces include the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome as well as the imposing Bridalveil Fall. 

NUMBER 24 : ATLANTA 
The capital and largest city of Georgia, Atlanta is a sprawling city with three urban skylines rising up from the picturesque scenery of rolling hills, pine forest, magnificent old oak trees and charming magnolia trees. Established as a railroad terminus in 1837,Atlanta has emerged as the leader of the New South. The city’s top attractions are the CNN Center,World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium, which features the world’s largest indoor aquarium. 


NUMBER 25 : ASPEN
Aspen, Colorado, is the place to go for skiing in the USA. Four separate skiing areas – Aspen Highlands,Ajax Mountain, Buttermilk and Snow mass further down the valley – make it a frosty playground for winter sports. Aspen exploded as a silver mining town in the late 19th century; something reflected in the architecture from this time. Summer is a good time for heading to the hills and there are hiking opportunities galore nearby. 

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25 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN EUROPE

July 30, 2020

25 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN EUROPE

25 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN EUROPE

Although it is the world’s second smallest continent, Europe welcomes more than half of all the tourists worldwide. In fact, 7 of the 10 most visited countries in the world are European nations. It’s easy to see why; a well-preserved cultural heritage, rich history, safety and efficient infrastructure makes visiting Europe a breeze. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Europe.

 1] ROME
The ancient Romans established outposts as far away as Great Britain. They didn’t ignore their home city, however, when it came to building great monuments. One must-see landmark is the Colosseum, an arena that could hold up to 80,000 people for gladiator contests. One of the biggest draws is a tiny country inside the city: The Vatican City, with its impressive St. Peter’s Basilica with art provided by Michelangelo. May be you’ll get a glimpse of the pope at his Wednesday audiences.

 2] PARIS
Songs laud Paris in the springtime, but anytime of year is a good time to visit this riveting city on the River Seine. It’s a city loaded to the brim with history, culture,  great food and high fashion. The iconic Eiffel Tower is one landmark you won’t want to miss. The Louvre houses one of the greatest art collections in the world. Its great churches include Sacred Heart and Notre Dame. When it comes to opulence, there’s Versailles with its famed Hall of Mirrors. 



 3] SANTORINI
When it’s time to sit back and relax, take yourself to to Santorini, an island in the Aegean. Top travel magazines consider this a prime destination; once there, you can’t help but agree. The island has picture-postcard villages,an active volcano and stunning sunsets. Be sure to visit Fira, a village perched atopa cliff. You’ll also want to sample wines, such as the dessert wine Vincanto as well as the produce that is made sweeter and tastier because of the volcanic ash soil it grows in. 

 4] DUBROVNIK
As European cities go, Dubrovnik isn’t very big, but don’t let its size deter you. This little jewel, with less than 43,000 people,is one of the most visited cities on the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik transports visitors back to a time when the fortified city was a major maritime power commanding the third-largest navy in the Mediterranean. As you wander the streets, you’ll likely come across sculptures of St. Viaho, the city’s patron saint whose life is celebrated every February. 

 5] BARCELONA
Founded by the Romans, Barcelona today isa bustling city on the Mediterranean Sea. As the capital of Catalonia, it is a power house in the region. It is perhaps best known for the unusual buildings designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi. These landmark structures include La Sagrada Familia, a church that’s been under construction since 1892. You could build your entire visit around his buildings, but then you’d miss out on other Barcelona delights, such as La Rambla, a popular pedestrian street in the central part of the city. 



 6] GEIRANGERFJORD
When the summer heat of Europe gets you down,head to Norway with its pretty cool scenery. Geirangerfjord is a 9.3-mile long fjord withcrystal blue waters fed by picturesque cascading waterfalls. Take a sightseeing trip on a car ferry through the fjord, passing villages on the shores. Look out for the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls so named because legend says he’s trying to court the sisters. Also look for Bridal Veil – when the light is right, it looks like a thin veil covering the rocks. 

 7] ISTANBUL
Istanbul may be on the outer fringes of Europe but well worth a visit when you’re traveling abroad. Turkey’s biggest city is a fascinating place,filled with rich history, colorful markets and mosques. Top attractions include the Bosporus that separates Europe and Asia; the ecumenical Hagia Sophia that’s been a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, then an imperial mosque and now a museum, and the 15th century Topkapi Palace, also a museum today. Get in a little shopping at the Grand Bazaar that’s been in operation since 1461. 

 8] PRAGUE
Prague, with a long history of war and destruction,is considered one of the best places to visit in Europe. Despite devastation caused by World War II,Prague has a very nice Old Town that is worth more than a few hours of your time. Prague has many pedestrian zones, which making walking a delight, as you wander by Prague Castle, through the Jewish Quarter and over the Charles Bridge. Wencesl as Square, situated in the New Town,hums with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment air. 



 9] AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is a pleasant city marked with meandering canals lined with tall, narrow row houses. It is the city where Anne Frank kept her famous diary, so visiting the house where she wrote is a must. This “Venice of the North” also is a city of great art, beginning with the Rijks museum, home to great European masterpieces; Rembrandt’s house and the more modern van Gogh museum. Take a break from sightseeing to tour and sample Holland’s beer at the Heineken Brewery. 

10] NEUSHWANSTEIN CASTLE
“Fairy tale castle” is a phrase that aptly describes Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. This 19th century Romanesque Revival castleslooks like it just stepped out of a fairy tale; some say Neuschwanstein provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The castle was built as a retreat for King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who viewed it as a romanticization of the Middle Ages The castle was built of brick, then covered in rock, including the white limestone that is visible from a far. 

11] LONDON
English history buffs will have a field day in London. This city on the Thames is chock full of palaces,from Buckingham Palace to Hampton Court Palace . More a prison than a palace, the Tower of London is home to the crowns jewels. And from Knights bridge – don’t forgetto visit the magnificent food halls at Harrods – to Carna by Street, the shopping is awesome. You can get around London quickly and efficiently by riding the famous Tube. 

12] FLORENCE
If it weren’t for Florence, the Renaissance might not have happened. Florence is generally credited with bringing Europe out of the dark ages with great artists like Michelangelo. You can see their works at the Uffizi gallery,or the Academia that displays the original David. Eat a gelato while strolling the Ponte Vecchio that bridges the Arno River. Ogle the over-the-top riches of the Medici family at the Pitti Palace. Marvel at the early engineering that created the great Duomo. This is Florence at its best. 



13] ALHAMBRA
The Alhambra is one of the great wonders of Spain. It’s a gorgeous palace-fortress complex that can be found in Granada in southern Spain’s Andalusia province. This imposing complex started out as a small fortress in the late ninth century, though it was built on the ruins of a former Roman fortress. Taken over by Christian rulers, it is the site where Columbus got the go-ahead to discover the New World. The blending of architectural styles over the centuries is stunning. You’ll find great art and grand gardens throughout. 

14] MONTE CARLO
If you’re into glitz and glamour, look no further than Monte Carlo, the major city in the tiny principality of Monaco. Monaco has always been known for these qualities which reached new heights when its prince made Grace Kelly his princess. Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean,Monte Carlo is known for fast car races and its elite casino. Take a walk along the harbour to see yachts that belong to the rich and famous. 

15] VENICE
Venice is for romantics who love gliding through the Grand Canal with a gondolier singing Italian love songs. This is, after all, the city that sent Marco Polo off on his journey to China. Start your exploration of Venice at San Marco Square, the city’s most famous square. Here you’ll find the Doge’s Palace, the seat of Venetian government, and St. Mark’s Basilica, the main church in Venice with stunning views from the tower. Venice also is famous for its bridges across the canals. 



16] MOSCOW
For nearly 900 years, Moscow has been the capital of Russia. As such, this old city has plenty to offer visitors. Let’s start with the 15th century Red Square since many of the city’s key attractions surround it. A top landmark is the Kremlin, a former fortress that houses museums and the president of the Russian federation. Lenin’s Tomb sits in the middle of the square,while the iconic onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral, now a museum, is on one side. 

17] BAY OF KOTOR
When you’re hungry for breathtaking scenery, feast your eyes on Kotor Bay in south western Montenegro. This bay off the Adriatic is just down right picturesque: hemmed in by mountains, with quaint villages sandwiched between the cliffs and the gorgeous blue water. Several well-preserved medieval towns ring the bay. People make pilgrimages here, not only to take in the scenery but also to visit the many Orthodox and Christian churches spread among the villages. 

18] ATHENS
Athens, a city that’s been inhabited since the fifth century BC, gave the world the concept of democracy and is the birthplace of Western civilization. Many of the city’s major landmarks can be found in the old town, particularly around the Acropolis. The list includes the temple of Zeus; the Theatre of Dionysus where Sophocles works were performed and the Parthenon, which sits a top the Acropolis. 



19] GULLFOSS
You probably don’t know too too many people who’ve been to Iceland. But it may be worth a trip there to visit the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls. Located in southern Iceland, Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions. At times it almost appears glacier-like, appropriate,perhaps, since it is fed by a glacier. The waterfalls begins just after the Ölfusá River makes a perpendicular turn and then cascades down a three-step staircase in to a canyon that is 115 feet deep. 

20] LISBON
The Portuguese capital of Lisbon lies on the Tagus River along the Atlantic coast. It is this location that encouraged explorers to sail far and wide around the world in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. One of the things you’ll want to see is Belem Tower, a 16th century fortress on the Tagus’ north bank. If you’re looking for good views of old Lisbon, head to Saint George Castle that was built on a hilltop by the Moors. 

21] BUDAPEST
Budapest was already an established city when the Hungarians took over in the ninth century. Today, Budapest is the country’s capital and largest city. In between these two events, Budapest was ruled by the Mongols and Ottomans, among others. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest is home to the Museum of Fine Arts with its collection of more than 100,000 works. Be sure to visit the centrally located Old Town with its many museums, churches, palaces and Parliament building. 



22] PLITVICE LAKES
The Plitvice Lakes are so pretty, officials turned them into a national park. Located in central Croatia, Plitvice Lakes consists of 16 lakes that attract more than a million visitors a year. The lakes are surrounded by lush forests and connected by waterfalls cascading down from one lake to another. The lakes are divided into two sections, lower and upper, because of the difference in elevation. The best way to see the lakes is walking;on the route you might even see some wildlife. 

23] MATTERHORN
Egypt may have its pyramids, but Italy and Switzerland have a nature-made pyramid of their own: the Matterhorn. At 14,692 feet high, this famous mountain is one of the highest in Europe. The mountain has four faces, each equally rugged. The legendary mountain has been popular with climbers since the first ascent in 1865; during the summer 150 people a day try to climb it. Couch potatoes may be just as happy to stay below and gaze in awe at the summit playing hide and seek with the clouds. 

24] STONEHENGE
You have to marvel at the determination of prehistoric man when you look at Stonehenge. Construction started about 3000 BC on what was originally burial grounds. Huge monoliths, weighing 25 tons, were dragged 150 miles to the site a few hundred years later. It’s not known exactly how many humungous rocks were moved to a field near Amesbury but there are 13 standing today. It’s also not known why Stonehenge was built,but many believe this great English landmark is associated with early astrology.



25] VIENNA
As the former seat of the Hapsburg Empire,Vienna is awash with impressive imperial buildings and palaces, which so comprehensively convey the wealth and power of its former monarchs. Now the capital of Austria, the city is a delight to get lost in. Nicknamed ‘the City of Music’, the names of its famous residents roll off the tongue, with Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert among those who once graced its streets. 
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