Sunday, October 19, 2014

6 Destinations for the Avid Traveler

U.S. News Travel recently put up a list of the top 25 places in the world to visit. A quick peek reveals the list to be Europe- and North America-heavy, so we have pulled the top destination from every continent (excluding Antarctica) to discuss what makes these places so special.

6. Cape Town, South Africa (Africa)—The top spot in the African continent for tourism, Cape Town has not only great landscapes but a social atmosphere to complement it.  The chain of mountains and specifically Table Mountain offer great sight-seeing targets for any adventurous tourist. Cape Town also offers a great nightlife and vineyards for the oenophiles. Some of the best attractions include the District Six Museum and the site of Nelson Mandela’s jail cell on Robben Island.

5. Maldives (Asia)—The islands of Maldives make a great vacation spot with the beautiful scenery and picturesque sunsets. If you enjoy exploring the water or even relaxing on the beach, Maldives may be a place you want to save up to visit. Having long been an Islamic nation, the attire tends to be rather conservative amongst the citizens, meaning one should dress accordingly upon attendance (specifically at mosques). If you love to sample seafood, Maldives offers many kinds of fish in its local cuisine, though hungry tourists must be careful if their body is not yet adjusted to the new environment.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (South America)—Like the country from which it hails, Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its party atmosphere. Citizens stay out late to dance and eat and often  dress up in very flamboyant costumes for special occasions. The primary language is Portugese, and some of the main attractions include the beautiful rainforests and its massive Christ the Redeemer statue.

3. Sydney (Australia)—It wasn’t the host of the 2000 Olympic Games for nothing. Sydney is renowned for its diverse population that ensures a wide-ranging variety of arts, food, and many other multi-cultural aspects.  English is the primary language and the currency is nearly equivalent to the U.S. dollar, but the similarities stop there. Aussies drive on the left side of the road and have swapped seasons.

2. Maui, Hawaii (North America)—Though it seems silly to have to state a case for a Hawaiian island, here it goes: the beach, water sports, hula dancers, and of course, the rich history of the islands. Several intriguing stories explain the current culture of Maui and many other Hawaiian destinations.

1. Paris, France (Europe)—U.S. News points out that while the landmarks offer the biggest attractions, what tourists love most are the cafes, markets and shopping centers.  While a quick trip to the Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower will shorten the bucket list, the heart of the culture lies in its many other facets.

Honorable mentions: Puerto Rico, Bora Bora, U.S. Virgin Islands
Agree or disagree with our list? Leave a comment.


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