Adventure Traveler

The World’s Top 25 Attractions

2011-11-25T08:59:00.001-08:00

So what’s different about this list of the world’s Top 25 attractions? This list represents actual trips taken by thousands of travelers, blended with data on what attractions were most frequently visited by the 20+ million travelers who researched and planned their travels on Viator in 2010.

#25. Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Uluru – or Ayers Rock – is Australia’s proud symbol, and site of spiritual significance for the Anangu people. Like an iceberg, it’s believed that only a third of the big red rock lies above ground. What we can see measures 3.6 km (2.5 miles) long, 348 meters (1,141 feet) tall, so Uluru is an awfully big rock. Ayers Rock is known for its fabulous colors at dawn and sunset, when the pitted rock surface turns from ocher brown to a rich burnished orange. Walking tracks lead around the base of the rock, ranging from easy 45-minute strolls to the circumnavigation which can take up to four hours and passes caves, paintings and sacred sites.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) - #25 on our list of the world's top attractions

#24. The Louvre
Paris is home to many world-class museums; few will deny the Louvre sits preeminently at the top of the list. The fruits of human civilization from antiquity to the Renaissance and French masterpieces of the 19th century, Michelangelo’s Slaves, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and works by Raphael, Botticelli, and Titian among many, many, many others.

#23. Dachau Concentration Camp
The Dachau Concentration Camp memorial was established in 1965, 20 years after Dachau was liberated by American forces. A visit to Dachau (located not far from Munich, Germany) is a sobering excursion – and an extremely important one. You will find no more moving and informative Holocaust site than Dachau.

#22. Kennedy Space Center
You don’t have to be a space junkie to enjoy NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the only spot in the United States from which humans have been hurled into space. The plethora of hands-on exhibits, IMAX movies, and sheer magnitude of the shuttles will impress. It’s located near Orlando, Florida.

#21. The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s greatest natural treasure, and the world’s largest coral reef. This underwater wonderland stretches for 2,300 km (1,426 miles) from Bundaberg to Australia’s northernmost tip. The reef encompasses almost 3,000 individual reefs and is home to around 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 breeds of clams, 500 types of seaweed, 200 species of birds, 1,500 different sponges and half a dozen varieties of turtles. Diving or snorkeling the reef is a true highlight of any visit to Australia.

#20. Palace of Versailles
Not far from central Paris, the Chateau de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) is a work of wonder and excess created by King Louis XIV. He took his father’s hunting lodge, transformed it into a work of wonder and excess and moved the whole court and government of France from Paris to Versailles in 1682. After the French Revolution in 1789, Versailles was no longer the seat of kingly power and, after 1830, it became the Museum of the History of France. See it all from the Hall of Mirrors to the King’s Grand Chambers, extensive formal gardens to Marie-Antoinette’s famous estate.

#19. The Pyramids of Egypt
The sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza still live up to more than 4,000 years of hype. Their extraordinary shape, geometry and age render them somehow alien constructions; they seem to rise out of the desert and pose the ever-fascinating question, ‘How were we built, and why?’

#18. Mont Saint Michel
The slender towers and sky-scraping turrets of the abbey of Mont Saint Michel are one of the classic images of northern France. Rising from flat white sands, the abbey sits atop a small island encircled by stout ramparts and battlements, connected to the mainland by an old causeway. The bay around Mont Saint Michel is famous for its extreme tides. Depending on the season and the gravitational pull of the moon, the difference between low and high tides can reach 50 feet (15 m), although the Mont is only completely surrounded by the sea during seasonal equinoxes.

#18 - Mont St. Michel

#17. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is the greatest symbol of ancient Chinese engineering and one of the world’s most famous structures. Its name in Chinese means ‘Long Fortress’, and it was built to protect the northern edge of the Chinese empire against invasions from Mongolian nomads. All up, the Great Wall, including trenches and natural defensive features such as rivers, stretches 8,850km (5,500mi). It was begun in the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) on a very simple scale, and was expanded and fortified in the Ming Dynasty.

#16. Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam (also known as Boulder Dam) is one of the largest in America. It was built between 1931 and 1936 across Black Canyon and above the mighty Colorado River. It’s a national historical landmark with remarkable views of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and the canyons and valleys surrounding it. Needless to say, Hoover Dam is a must-see attraction and is an easy day trip from Las Vegas.

#15. Grand Canal of Venice

The Grand Canal is the main street of Venice. Lined with beautiful, if aging, palazzo, you can hop aboard a gondola and imagine a time when these boats were the main means of transport (once there was 10,000 now there are 400). The impressive palazzo, homes to all the wealthy families, had highly decorated exteriors with colorful paintings and mosaics. These days they tend to have faded to one color but many still have the ornate, oriental facades influenced by the merchant trading with the East which made Venice rich.

#14. Alcatraz
The roster of Alcatraz inmates read like a Most Wanted list. America’s first military prison then maximum-security penitentiary is now a National Park, reached via a scenic ferry ride on San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz is one of the most iconic sites in one of America’s most iconic cities, so a visit is nearly mandatory.

#13. Dome of the Rock / The Western Wall
As both the oldest and most famous Islamic shrine in the world, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is one of the most sought pilgrimage destinations in the world. Constructed on top of the site of the Second Jewish Temple around 690 CE, its historical and religious value is unprecedented. Just below (though not mutually accessible) is the Western Wall, sometimes called the Wailing Wall. It is perhaps the most significant landmark of the Jewish people and symbol of the Old City of Jerusalem. Jewish pilgrims from all around the world visit the site and pray to the embodied spirit of the holy presence while mourning the fall of the temple by kissing the wall and putting notes into its crevices.

#12. La Sagrada Familia
Its multicolored towers piercing the blue sky, La Sagrada Familia is no doubt the most iconic structure in Barcelona. The church, located in L’Eixample, has been a fixture in Barcelona since construction commenced in 1882 and as building continues on today the structure’s fame only grows. Though still a work in progress, the church already is an amazingly intricate structure. Antoni Gaudí spent 43 years on this project and since his death in 1926 the duty to finish it has been passed on to several architects. Though the responsibility continues to change hands over the years, the architects have all respected Gaudí‘s vision and have made additions with his design in mind.

#11. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the Queen’s official residence since 1837 (when Queen Victoria decided St James’s Palace, just down the road, was too small and unimpressive). Nowadays Buckingham Palace is where the Queen holds her most important parties, gives out her annual awards, and meets and greets important people from other countries. Most of the year Buckingham Palace is closed to the public. However in summer, when the Queen heads on holiday to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, it’s possible to step inside Buckingham Palace. You can wander through 19 lavishly furnished staterooms.

#10. Keukenhof Gardens
Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Tulip Gardens cover some 79 acres (32 hectares) and are the world’s largest flower garden. Come springtime, the meandering, wooded gardens are visited by some 800,000 flower-lovers, who come to soak up the blaze of color that envelops the park, its greenhouses, brooks and shady ponds and winding paths. It’s truly a memorable sight.

#10 - Keukenhof Tulip Gardens in Amsterdam

#9. Stonehenge
Around 3,500 years old, Stonehenge is a massive circle of standing stones and earthworks in the middle of a green field in Wiltshire. Whoever built the monument, Stonehenge is Britain’s most important ancient monument. Since 1986, Stonehenge (together with nearby Avebury Henge) has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

#8. The Colosseum
Rome’s Colosseum is one of the world’s best known sites from antiquity. It was here that the Roman emperors liked to watch gladiators stage to-the-death battles as well as to hunt and kill wild animals. Gladiatorial games were banned in 438 AD; the wild beast hunting continued until 523.

#7. Grand Canyon Skywalk
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is an exhilarating experience, suspended 4,000 feet (1,219 m) above the canyon floor. The Skywalk is a glass-bottom “U”-shaped bridge that overlooks the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, and is the world’s highest man-made structure! Part of the draw, no doubt, is simply the magnificence of the Grand Canyon itself – truly one of the most remarkable natural settings in the USA.

#6. Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is the world-famous cabaret venue which opened in 1889. This was the time known as the Belle Epoque – France was not at war for a change, a century was coming to an end, creativity was blooming, and people were filled with the joys of life. What better time to launch a dance-hall of beautiful showgirls? The fact that Toulouse-Lautrec was obsessed with drawing them didn’t hurt, either. Opened by Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler, who were confident their place would outshine everywhere else, the Moulin Rouge had a huge dance floor, mirrors everywhere, and an atmosphere of total euphoria. Here aristocrats came to mingle with the riffraff and women of easy virtue. There were even donkeys for the ladies with an adventurous spirit. Today there are no donkeys, but the euphoria continues.

#5. Mt Fuji
The legendary Mount Fuji is 12,388 feet tall (3,776 meters) and is Japan’s highest mountain. With spectacular 360-degree views of Lake Ashinko, the Hakone mountains, and the Owakudani Valley, climbing Mt. Fuji is an unforgettable experience. Over one million people hike to the top of Mount Fuji each year. Mount Fuji is located in the heart of Hakone National Park. The climbing season is from July to August, when the weather is the mildest and there is the least amount of snow on the mountain. Named after Buddhist fire goddess Fuchi, Mount Fuji is a holy mountain: at its peak is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the goddess Sengen-Sama.

#4. Neuschwanstein Castle
Commissioned as the private refuge for Ludwig II of Bavaria and now one of the most popular castles in Europe, the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle is nestled into the idyllic scenery of the Bavarian Alps. It’s now recognizable as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. During the winter, some of the best views of the snow-capped mountains can be seen from the palace grounds.

#3. Eiffel Tower
Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) in Paris was the world’s tallest structure at 1,050 feet (320 m) until Manhattan’s Chrysler Building was completed. Initially opposed by Paris’ artistic and literary elite, the Eiffel Tower was almost torn down in 1909. The tower’s salvation came when it proved an ideal platform for the antennas needed for the new science of radiotelegraphy. Today, the highlight of a visit are the views over Paris. When you’re done peering upward through the girders, three levels are open to the public.

#3 - The Eiffel Tower in Paris

#2. Empire State Building
The world’s tallest building from 1931 to 1977, the 102-story Empire State is currently the tallest building in NYC. The iconic skyscraper is topped with a stepped Art Deco pinnacle that’s floodlit at night and boasts holiday and commemorative colors throughout the year. The views from the building’s observation deck are superb.

#1. The Vatican
The popes were among the very first royalty to open their vast art collections to public viewing. Pope Julius II (1443 – 1513) began collecting sculpture during the Renaissance and, ever since, most popes have taken an active interest in art and in commissioning the best artists of their time. Today you can view the Vatican’s incredible collection while touring the so-called ‘Vatican Museums’, a huge complex of galleries and museums showcasing painting, sculpture, frescoes, tapestries and classical antiquities. Any visit to the Vatican should also include the famous Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

Exploring Athens: Agora, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum

2011-11-25T08:48:00.001-08:00

It would be fair to say that there aren’t all that many peaceful spots in Athens, but once the rowdy school group has toddled off around the corner, the Agora becomes beautifully tranquil. There’s a certain irony in this, as it was designed to be anything but. The Agora was the ancient Athenian market and meeting place; the hub of the city-state. It was the heart and the pulse of the truest democracy the world has ever known, and now it looks like a large field full of ruins.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus on side of Acropolis

Peace in the Agora

That it can be seen at all is rather remarkable. A whole quarter of the city had to be knocked down to reveal the remnants; it’s unthinkable that this could happen in such a big, busy city today.
The Agora was originally an open space crossed by the Panathenaic Way – the path you can still walk on today on the way up to the Acropolis – and finally took the form that the ruins indicate in the 2nd century AD. Since then, it has been repeatedly wrecked, plundered and reoccupied – latterly in the Greek War of independence in 1826-27.
The Agora was later discovered underneath the modern city, and it has been open to the public since 1957. Many of the ruins are now growing over with weeds and grass, but the signs still attempt to explain what they were. For example, the foundations of the Old Bouleuterion are all that’s left of the old senate house, where legislative bills were prepared for voting on.

Above it, on the hillside, is the best preserved building within the Agora. The Temple of Hephaistos was completed in 415 BC and served as a Greek Orthodox church for centuries, and it became a museum in the 19th century before being kept simply as an ancient monument. If you don’t mind the pun, it’s a classic example of a classical Greek building. With the Doric columns and story-telling metopes, it’s rather reminiscent of a more famous building – the Parthenon.

Old Byzantine Church within Agora

The Acropolis

The Parthenon, of course, sits atop the Acropolis, which is a relatively easy walk away from the Agora. It slowly snakes uphill past a gorgeous old Byzantine church. The Acropolis isn’t just about the Parthenon, however. Indeed, the World Heritage plaque outside says: “The Acropolis and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and culture, forming the greatest architectural and artistic whole that Greek antiquity has bequeathed the world.” That’s some statement, and you don’t half feel awed approaching this historic rocky outcrop.
Most of the monuments atop the hill were erected in the 5th century BC, following the major victory of the Persians. The politicians had the will to create something truly impressive, and a number of sculptors had the vision. I enter through the Propylaia, a building that is actually in a better state than the Parthenon itself. It’s obvious where the restoration has been done – the bright white marble looks rather plastic compared to its centuries-old counterpart. The columns flanking the path are thoroughly inspirational though – you feel like you’re entering somewhere truly important.

Temple of Hephaistos above remains of Old Bouleuterion

The Parthenon

The Parthenon sits pretty much in the middle of the hill, and it’s clear that most of the postcard shots are taken from the same angle. Look at it from other angles and the Parthenon seems to have just crumpled in on itself. The scaffolding surrounding parts of it may as well be permanent, and you’ll often have a rather anachronistic crane sat in the middle.
Much of the decoration that once adorned the Parthenon is no longer there. Famously, huge chunks of the friezes were cut away by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and now reside in the British Museum. To say this is a sore point would be an enormous understatement. Most Greeks think the Parthenon Marbles should be returned, and it’s hard to see the argument to the contrary.
As with many ancient sites, you either need a good guide book or tour guide to bring it to life. Go uninformed and it’s still great – even if only for the views out over the city – but when you start getting the detail and the stories it becomes more affecting.
On the way down, the route passes the Theatre of Dionysos. Time has not been kind to this stone construction, and it would have looked much grander back in the day, but history has a special place for it. This is widely credited as where theatre and drama began; it’s the ancient forerunner of Broadway, Hollywood and every other theatre or cinema across the world.

Parthenon

New Acropolis Museum

At the bottom of the hill is the Acropolis’ most recent big player. The new Acropolis Museum opened in 2009, with the aim of being the perfect showcase for all the treasures that have been removed from the hill for their own safety and preservation.
The museum cost around 130m euro to construct, and it replicates the sensation of ascending to the Acropolis by theming collections over different levels. The entrance hall slopes, guiding through the sanctuaries and temples of the hill’s lower levels. Unlike on the Acropolis itself, the signage is excellent here. You learn what everything was used for, whether funeral sacrifices, wedding customs or gathering places for cults.
The museum later becomes a highly impressive field of statues, busts and sculptures, but it’s the top level that’s the real scene-stealer. The Parthenon Gallery is superb, and the artefacts from the Parthenon that Greece still has are displayed as they would have been on the building itself. Created in the same proportions and facing exactly the same way, it allows you to take the building in as a proper whole. The intricacy of the stonework can be appreciated; the friezes depicting scenes from the Battle of Troy, mythical encounters and centaurs fighting lapiths are displayed in order. All have been cleaned using laser technology.
Where stones are missing, either through wear, vandalism or British thievery, faithful replicas have been put in their place. It’s a formidable showpiece for the city, and the perfect compliment for a trip up to the Acropolis itself.

New Acropolis Museum

Athens accommodation

If you want something at completely the opposite end of the scale from the Acropolis, then try the startling Semiramis in the northern suburb of Kifisia. Plastered with modern art, and dominated by lurid greens and pinks, it’s a world away from your bog-standard chain hotel. The outdoor pool area is a psychedelic, multi-coloured affair and just about everything in the room – from closing the curtains and dimming the lights to popping on the Do Not Disturb sign – can be done electronically from your bed. It’s luxury with a very big twist…

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

Europe’s Top 6 Eating Experiences

2011-11-25T08:37:00.001-08:00

Try this with your friends: say the name of a city they’ve been to and most likely they’ll come up with a one-word, sensory delight that sums the place up for them. For example, Lisbon – ‘oh, the fish; Munich – ‘ah, the beer’; Paris – ‘ooh, the croissants’. Well here are a few of my own favourites, in no particular order as television judges say. These are things that make me get dreamy eyed at the mere mention of that place’s name. And yes, they are all food-related, so… what of it?

#6. Ice cream in Nice

Not the first thing I expected to find when I recently went to the south of France. And yes, the views are nice, the water really is very blue, the people are stylish, the city is pretty, there is art everywhere and so on and so on. But the real jewel we uncovered was Fenocchio, an ice cream place.

fenocchio ice cream nice france

We found two branches in the old town, one quite close to our apartment (luckily or unluckily, depending whether you side with saving shoe leather or calories: we would have walked a fair distance for this ice cream, I assure you). There were about 90 flavours, seriously. My first night I had a scoop of violet and one of jasmine. Yes, I ate flower flavoured, purple food. And wow!
After that we began referring to each day as either a one scoop or two scoop day, depending on how far we had walked so how much we thought we deserved. Most days, strangely, we deserved two scoops. In five days we worked our way through fig, cinnamon, chocolate peppermint, ginger, rose, lemon meringue… I have to stop before I book another trip to Nice. (One word of warning: avoid the crepes at Fennocio, definitely not their specialty.)

#5. Sachertorte in Salzburg

This world-famous chocolate cake was developed in Vienna in 1832 by the second-year apprentice chef Franz Sacher. He worked in the court kitchens of Prince Metternich and on the day of an important dinner the head chef was ill, so Sacher whipped up the first Sachertorte. In 1876, his son Eduard began the first Hotel Sacher and registered a trademark on the Sachertorte.

I visited Salzburg to indulge a childhood whim to be a von Trapp for a day and stumbled over the Hotel Sacher almost by accident: it had a nice terrace overlooking the river, the old town, and, oh, a bridge made famous in The Sound of Music. On the table was a history of the Sachertorte so we thought we’d best try it. Sublime! Truly amazing.
Even if you’re not a complete chocoholic. And the tea they served, simply named Sacher Tea, was also great. A combination of bergamot (earl grey), jasmine and black tea, it had me heading round to the hotel’s shop to buy a tin. Apart from the tea, the shop sold cake. Lots and lots of Sachertorte, shipping it all over the world.
When I was in there a girl was having a whole cake sent home to her family in the USA; that’s how good it is! I toyed with sending a couple of pieces to my chocolate addicted sister-in-law but really couldn’t afford it. I did send her a photo of the piece I ate though.

#4. Lokum (a.k.a. Turkish Delight) in Istanbul

I know it sounds really obvious. But Turkish Delight made properly is a completely different taste sensation to the overly sweet and cloying stuff I grew up with. I dragged my feet a little when my travel companion, Steven, wanted to find the original Turkish Delight shop opened in 1777 by Haci Bekir (on Hamidiye Caddesi, near the Egyptian Spice Market) but I gave in, I mean he had just made a full-day trip to Gallipoli with me (9 hours in the car), and the map assured us this shop was only two blocks away. Although two blocks in Istanbul can still be quite an adventure – the traffic!
We found the shop quite easily and it was a delight. The men in there gave us some samples to try and, more from a lack of language and inbuilt politeness than genuine desire, I stuck an apple-flavoured square in my mouth. Oh my! The taste sensation. It tasted like apples! Really! I bought a box. And the rose! Wow! Flavours derived from the real natural article – apples, rose petals etc – it can’t be beaten. Why have we put up with artificial flavouring for so long? Evil incarnate. Anyway, we ended up with about four boxes of Turkish Delight in our luggage and it’s not light. But I would almost have ditched a pair of shoes for it. Almost.

Yum!

#3. Apple Cake in Amsterdam

Apple Cake. High tinned, full of apple and cinnamon, thin cakey crust, served with lashings of cream – divine! And the best one is at the Noordermarkt on Prinsengracht. You can go there during the week and sit outside in summer or at a communal table inside during winter.
But the time all the Amsterdammers go is Saturday morning when the Noordermarkt is full of stalls selling organic food. It’s not a huge market but it is quality through and through and the place to be. The queue outside the café with the apple cake makes it easy to find, as do all the people with slices of apple cake in various stages of demolition. Do not eat breakfast: the slices are generous. And do not dare to order anything else but apple cake and a drink – the demand is so high, there are presliced apple cakes covering the counter and the staff run to keep up with the demand. Oh, and it’s counter-service, no table service at this time of day so join the queue. Then hop on your bike to ride off the excess you just gained – although with that much apple involved, can it really be bad for you?

#2. Hot chocolate in Venice

Yes, hot chocolate is available around the world and many countries stake a claim to it: Holland, Belgium, Switzerland. But No! Italy wins my vote. This hot chocolate is so thick, the spoon stands up in it, really!
The first one I had was in Calle Rasse, a small backstreet behind San Marco; a rainy day, the acqua alta threatening our ankles, we took refuge in one of those narrow sandwich bars the Italians do so well. We had no idea that life was about to change. But it did.
I have been back to this place every visit since and the quality is maintained. I have cheated on this, my first hot chocolate love, by dating a couple of others in Piazza San Marco itself but have only been disappointed. Once I tried the Caffe Florian. They’ve been making hot chocolate since 1720 so they should have it down to a fine art. And if it wasn’t for the Calle Rasse experience, I probably would have been impressed. Then I tried crossing the square to Quadri, but it was a similar experience. And eating or drinking anything on the Piazza San Marco is going to be a costly exercise: we’re talking a 10 euro hot chocolate as opposed to 4 euros in Calle Rasse. Besides, can anything really match the perfection of your first love?

#1. High tea at The Ritz Hotel in London

Elegant, calm in the midst of crazy London dirt and traffic. Established as a tradition during the Victorian era, high tea in London is not cheap but then you won’t need dinner afterwards so it’s totally practical: an elegant room, pages of tea choices, and three tiered towers of delicate sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and little cakes – yum.
There are other high teas in London but the Ritz has the history; it’s also the only one I’ve been to so I can’t bear witness to any others. (Editor’s note: also try high tea at the Grosvenor House.) And the Ritz on Piccadilly is just one of those must-have London experiences. High tea is served in the elegant Palm Court which is all columns and chandeliers and has a dress code that bans jeans and trainers; it really feels like London as it once was – or still is if you have money, a title or are Madonna. You do need to book well ahead if possible – they recommend six weeks – unless of course you are moneyed, titled or Madonna.
A couple of quickies to finish with: In Prague have a Budweiser beer – a completely different flavour to the Bud in the rest of the world. In Bratislava try Becherovka, a kind of herb-based liquor. Delicious but can prove potent. You were warned. In Zagreb try the Paprenjak, pepper flavoured biscuits. Sublime. Also the Bajadera chocolates made by local company Kras. Mmmm. And finally, a second bite at Istanbul: Fish in bread with onions, served directly from boats tied to the dock just under the Galata Bridge. Locals everywhere squatting on low, no frills plastic chairs. Cheap, delicious, authentic. Do it.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

5 Can’t-Miss Destinations in Eastern Europe

2011-11-25T08:26:00.001-08:00

Move over Spain. Beat it, Italy. There’s some competition over in Europe these days. While Spain, Italy, France and the rest of Western Europe will always remain as some of the best spots for European holidays, Eastern Europe is picking up steam and grabbing the hearts of travelers around the world.

Why holiday in Eastern Europe? For one, it’s cheap. Maybe not Southeast Asia cheap, but prices are significantly less than the western counterparts. Food is cheap (and seriously delicious), and in some countries, the price can be negotiated. Drinks are super cheap (less than $1 for a liter of beer!). Lodging, depending on your tastes and travel style, can cost around $10 a night for a shared room.
What’s more – Eastern Europe isn’t nearly as crowded as Western Europe. You can easily travel to places of interest without hearing your own language more than the native tongue. Sure, summer time on the Adriatic will still have packed beaches, and you will have to book lodging ahead of time, but for the most part, even those tourists aren’t Americans. Ironically, they’re Western Europeans headed away from their tourist-packed towns to their own secret enclaves.
There are plenty of towns in Eastern Europe worth a visit. They’re packed with history, beauty, culture, good food … and of course, aren’t pricey.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

While Croatia is one of the more expensive countries in the region, the Balkan city of Dubrovnik is also one of the most stunning. The old city, set inside enormous walls, is romantic. Complete with refreshing water to cool off in during the summer months and cliff-side bars to enjoy the pinks and reds of the sunset reflected in the azure Adriatic, this town has been described as “paradise.” Whether or not you agree, it’s worth a visit. Plus, there are plenty of trips you can take from there – up the coast to the seaside town of Split, which is where the ferries to islands operate, or down the coast to Montenegro (which is on the Euro, but very inexpensive).

Easily travel to Montenegro on a day trip from Dubrovnik

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A blending of old and new happens in Sarajevo. A stroll through the heart of the city takes you through different periods in the town’s history – from its Turkish roots to Austro-Hungarian roots and to the sad reality of the ethnic cleansing that went on in the 1990s. It’s hard not to notice the pock-marked buildings, the red cement roses that signify losses of life on the street and on walls. But, more than the history, Sarajevo tells a tale of redemption. All around, life flourishes. Sidewalk cafes are packed all day. Museums proudly educate visitors on the country’s morbid past, and show off its present day accomplishments.

Brasov, Romania

Located in the heart of Transylvania, Brasov is a perfect launching point for tours of the region. Nearby is Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle), along with the stately and ornate Peles Castle in Sinaia, Poiana Brasov, a mountaintop town. In town, there are plenty of places to explore, including taking a tram (or braving it and hiking) up the Brasov hill. From the top, you can see the entire town and the South Carpathian Mountains. Also be sure to check out Rope Street, perhaps the narrowest street in Europe, measuring approximately four feet in width. In the heart of the expansive town square is the Gothic and gorgeous Black Church. And while there aren’t any vampires here … you can imagine the spooky Transylvania depicted in the books.

Be careful at Bran Castle, there may be vampires lurking in the shadows... photo courtesy of jtriefen via Flickr

Goreme, Turkey

Home to the fairy chimneys and caves, Goreme, in Turkey’s Cappadocia region, is a sight. Treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and float over the amazing stone formations in Love Valley. Stay in a real cave hotel. Dine on authentic Turkish dishes served in clay pots. While the prices here are more expensive than other places in Eastern Europe, it is the only place to experience these stunning formations from your own point-of-view.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Interesting houses along one of the many winding roads in Veliko Tarnovo - photo courtesy of aneye4apicture via Flickr

A charming mountain town with a fort at the top, Veliko Tarnovo is a place to go and unwind for a few days. Tsarevets Castle, an old fortress, stands at the top of this town on a hill, and features nighttime events in the summer months. Spend time wandering the meandering streets, checking out local restaurants and exploring the beauty of the surrounding lush green mountains. Be sure to sample any of the local rose products – this region is known for its roses and mingles them with water, liquor, soap and more.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

Indonesia: 5 Reasons You Won’t Leave Kuta

2011-11-25T08:16:00.001-08:00

There is a reason Kuta district is Bali’s most popular destination among young travelers these days. It has some of the best waves in the Eastern hemisphere, a terrific nightlife, has an unparalleled and unique scenic beauty… oh, and it is totally affordable.

Located in southern Indonesia, Kuta, and its five plus kilometers of white, sandy beachfronts, has quickly emerged in just 10 years as a favorite of Indonesia-going backpackers, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Below are five reasons that once you get to Kuta, you may very well be spending the rest of your break there.

Surfing, Surfing, and more Surfing

Year round since the early 1970’s, the beaches of Kuta jolt to life with seasoned surfers, and with a lack of obstacles along the lengthy beachfront to deter beginners, the location has become a well-known haven for the sport. Although it seems the surfing pros have moved on to other things, the area is also known to have beginner- and intermediate-friendly waves, making it a choice destination for those in that weight class; and now, complete with its own affordable professional surfing academy, and convenient guesthouses, who could resist at least giving it a try?

Spa Days

Kuta is well-known as a resort town, between the fabulous beaches and nightlife to keep you busy throughout the day, you may need to take some time to pamper the mind and body. With a plethora of wonderful options to choose from, you are in luck.
There are a number of spas located within close proximity to the town center. Although the quality of services can vary a bit, they tend to be very light on the wallet, so one cannot be too disappointed. It is recommended that you have a look around town to find the kind of package you are looking for, and to follow hear-say, but amongst some of the more well-known are Dupa Spa and Amoaras Spa. Also keep in mind that many hotels are affiliated with certain spas and offer deals, if they don’t already have a spa in-house.

Enjoying Natural Springs

Another popular spa, called Banjar Hot Springs, is a relaxingly hot and calm spring nestled within a tropical forest north of Kuta. The heat is mainly concentrated in a smaller pool, but opens up into a refreshingly cool, larger pool, where you can swim to your hearts delight. This particular spring is located a little less than an hour from the main part of town, but is well worth the visit.
This is a very popular destination amongst backpackers, so for a taste of serenity, try and arrive early enough to avoid the tourist crunch.

Sunset on Kuta Beach

Sunset and Nightlife

One of the most romantic things to see in Kuta is its famous sunset. There is little more that can be expressed in words than by simply enjoying an exotic country with a loved one and watching the sun subside over the beachside horizon with the breeze kicking at her skirt. Once the sun comes down over the backpacker hub however, howling begins to emanate from the popping bar and club scene, beckoning even the most stringent romantic. Kuta is a place where you let your hair down.
Head down to Poppies Lane II to begin your evening with a selection of more relaxed atmosphere bars and restaurants. Once the night picks up, the scene tends to move to Jalan Legian, the most popular area of the Kuta expat nightlife. Equipped with both large bars and clubs that stay open until 4 am, these places offer a range of low-cost, high-punch drinks that should to be managed responsibly.
For a more tamed atmosphere you can head beachside, where there is a nice choice of bars, eateries, restaurants and lounges to fit a more stylish taste. Although these places tend to be a little more expensive, they are worth the price of an elegant evening on the beach.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

The 5 Taoist Great Mountains of China

2011-11-25T07:57:00.001-08:00

Part of imperial China’s “nine great mountains” from Taoism and Buddhism, the five sacred mountains of Taoist China are not only symbols of a natural wholeness, serving as major pilgrimage destinations for the natives, but are also amongst some of the loveliest natural landmarks in the country. Located in varying points on the easternmost parts of China, a trip to each is a feasible venture for those interested in the philosophical, religious and altogether cultural history of one of the world’s most renowned countries.

East Great Mountain: Tài Shān

Listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, Tai Shan Mountain in Shandong province is the breeding ground for a number of Chinese poems, as well as a place for historical scholars to have a think. Given its scenic beauty and array of spots, including historical temples and other structures, it’s not hard to see why.

West Great Mountain: Huà Shān

Also known as “Splendid Mountain”, Hua Shan, is located in Shaanxi province about 74 miles (120 km) away from Xi’an. It has a prosperous history in religion, as well as in the past having been a destination for pilgrims looking to use locally grown plants to concoct a medicine said to make you immortal. Though this may longer be the case, the views from any one of this mountain’s five peaks is simply breathtaking.

The view from one of Huà Shān's five peaks - photo courtesy of chensiyuan via Wikimedia Commons

Though some of its paths require walking up the steep natured mountains, the exercise and majestic beauty of its surroundings are well worth the mission. If you decide to take a pre-dawn hike up to the East Peak from one of the many nearby hostels, get ready for one of the most thrilling sunrises in the country.

South Great Mountain: Héng Shān

Situated in central Hunan province, Heng Shan Mountain is considered one of the most beautiful of the five great mountains. Rich in numerous peaks, the mountain has more than 70, towering one behind and aside the next, the tallest reaches 4,230 feet (1290 meters) above sea level.
Translated as the “balancing mountain,” at its foot lies some of the most ancient structures in Hunan, including the Grand Temple of Mount Heng, believed to have been built more than 1300 years ago. Though it has undergone numerous renovations, it is still an iconic structure in the area. Guests can stay at a nearby resort, from where you can explore both the historical centers and the mountain itself.

North Great Mountain: Héng Shān

Also called Heng Shan, this lovely temple-laden mountain in Shanxi province contains one temple in particular you are going to want to see, the Hanging Monastery, located at the foot of the mountain. Placed right along a cliff, the temple has more than 1,400 years of history — 1,400 years more than one might think it should have lasted, as it is held up by merely a few wooden supports.

The Hanging Monastery of Héng Shān - photo courtesy of Patrick Streule via Wikimedia Commons

The mountain itself, just 38 miles (62 km) from Datong City, has spectacular views, rare flora and grass, and even a few lovely hidden pockets of caves all for your perusal. The mountains’ numerous landscapes are a photographers dream, creating dream-like natural paintings that are as peaceful as scenic.

Center Great Mountain: Sōng Shān

Song Shan: the 4,921 foot (nearly 1,500 meters) high “lofty mountain” located in Henan province is not just the center mountain of the five great mountains, but just may be considered the centerpiece of any naturalist’s day out in China. Boasting a plethora of cultural relics, such as the Zhongyue and Fawang temples, the Songyue Temple, at 15 stories high and 1,500 years of age is an astounding polygonal Buddhist structure nestled between the sky-reflected blues of the mountains and the greens and yellows of nearby flora. With 36 peaks and spanning more than 37 miles, (60 km) this destination is as wonderful as its name suggests.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Mongolia

2011-11-25T07:47:00.001-08:00

As the largest and most heavily populated city in Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar is a logical place for many visitors to start their exploration of this beautiful country. Though the city itself can hardly be recognized for having a particularly clean environment, the pulsating hub of Mongolian commerce is home to both modern ways of life and the quaint and serene tradition of Mongolia’s rich culture and religion.

Nestled between four pine-laden sacred mountains on the bank of the Tuul River, there is a lot to do in Ulaanbaatar, from exploring its somewhat naughty and fast-paced nightlife to strolling through the relative ease and peacefulness of its temples and select nooks within the city, there is something for everyone. These are our top five things to see and do in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

1. Gandan Monastery

The foremost religious structure in the country, the 85-foot-high (26 meters) Gandan Monastery is one of the only Buddhist structures to survive the religiously oppressive communist regime of 30 years ago. The largest in the country, inside the temple is a wonderful gilded and jewel adorned 82-foot-tall (25 meter) statue of the Magjid Janraisig. Coming in at 20 tons, this behemoth is a functioning symbol of Mongolian post-communist revival. With services going on every morning, see entrancing Buddhists flock to the temple to pay homage to their spirituality and new freedoms.

Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar - photo courtesy of Vadara via Wikimedia Commons

2. The Museum of Natural History

For a real insight into Mongolia’s natural history, there is no better place to go than this museum. Complete with two full dinosaur skeletons, that of the 15-foot tall (4,5 meter) flesh-eating Tarosaurus and the duck-billed Saurolophus, the museum is an old but provides a detailed account of Mongolia’s storied natural past. Full of wonderful exhibits, be sure to see the geology section, full of interesting meteorites and minerals, or get to the several rooms displaying embalmed native animals. It has a terrific section showing ancient and modern flora and also includes a section on the origin of humans, so grab an English-written guide and wind your way through this insightful national landmark.

3. Naadam Festival

This is a bit of a special order, since it only happens in July, but if you can make it, you are in for a heck of a time. The biggest festival in Mongolia, this three-day annual event is a feast of national pastimes and tradition. “The three games of men” as they might call it, see celebrated Mongolian wrestlers pick their opponents and face off in a single elimination tournament as zasuuls sing in praise. The other two events, horseracing and archery, are a bit more close to home though with a bit of a twist.

Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar - photo courtesy of Vidor via Wikimedia Commons

4. The Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan and Museum

Certainly one of the most interesting places you can go in Ulaanbaatar, the spanning complex contains six temples containing the many possessions of the early 20th-century Great Khhan known as Bogd Khan. It is the last remaining residence of the emperor and it contains his throne, bed, beautiful collection of art, and oddly enough, stuffed animals. It even has his boots, given to him as a gift by the famous Russian Tsar Nicholas II. Beyond this, there is much more to see, such as the Palace Museum.

5. Get to the Theaters

Mongolia has a pretty vibrant arts and culture community under several establishments. With places and groups around town such as the State Academic Drama Theater, the National Academic Ensemble of Folk Dance and Music, and the Mongolian State Puppet Theater, you get the chance to see one of the world’s most storied cultures at work. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet or check out the Symphony Orchestra or the Mongolian State Philharmonic. There’s something for all tastes.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

Top 12 Festivals around the World

2011-11-25T07:38:00.001-08:00

Need some help with your travel itinerary? Why not take inspiration from the world’s rich smorgasbord of festivals, and plan your next vacation around the dates and locations of some of the planet’s most exciting events. To get you started, here’s our top 12 far-flung festivities, one for every month of the year…

1. January: Viking Festival, Shetlands, Scotland

Ritual bonfires and processions of axes are held during Lerwick’s annual Up Helly Aa fire festival, held on the last Tuesday in January. There are also torch-lit parades and processions, culminating in dancing and the burning of a Viking galley to warm the Shetland Islands’ winter throngs.

2. February: Carnevale, Venice, Italy

February around the world means Carnevale, the madcap lead-up to Lent that takes the Latin world by storm. You could choose any number of locations to celebrate – Rio’s Mardi Gras and Spain’s Carnival spring instantly to mind – but we’ve selected Venice for its sense of history, sequined masks, Casanova costumes and Vivaldi concerts.

Masked participants at the Carnevale celebrations in Venice

3. March: Holi, India

The March full moon is the signal for sheer mayhem on the streets of India, and Little Indias across the globe. Known as the Festival of Colours, the final day of Holi sees adults and children alike hurl brightly coloured powder and balloons full of water at complete strangers. The result is highly coloured anarchy, and as a visitor you’ll be especially targeted during this free-for-all. Wear old clothes and expect to get very wet (and dyed).

4. April: Semana Santa, Philippines

Holy Week in the Philippines is taken very literally, with Way of the Cross processions of self-flagellating true believers on Good Friday. Some devotees even go so far as to be crucified. A Passion Play is also performed on Good Friday, and Easter Sunday is celebrated with statue processions of Jesus and Mary, followed by Easter Mass. The town to head to for the most fervent Good Friday celebrations is San Fernando in the Pampanga region.

5. May: Rocket Festival, Thailand

Yasothon, in northeastern Thailand, honours the rain god with the bun bang fai rocket festival. The rockets are displayed in colourful parades and on decorated podiums before being fired into the air to bring rain. Held in mid-May, the festival features competitions for the best rocket flight and highest explosion. Those firing less than spectacular rockets can expect to be unceremoniously thrown in the mud.

6. June: Midsummer Festival, Sweden

After months of dark winter and a spring that takes a long time coming, summertime is something to really celebrate in Europe’s cold northern climes. Maypole dancing, drinking songs and special menus of herring, potatoes, schnapps and strawberries are served. Midsummer is also celebrated with gay abandon in Finland with bonfires and saunas and in Estonia with the athletic tradition of fire jumping.

7. July: Bastille Day, Paris, France

Where else but Paris would you want to be on 14 July? The French capital goes nuts to celebrate the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, with military parades down the Champs Elysees, concerts, the firemen’s ball, and to end the day in style, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky over the Eiffel Tower.

8. August: Tomato Festival, Pennsylvania, USA

You don’t have to travel to the Spanish town of Buñol to engage in flying tomato fights. Pittston in northeastern Pennsylvania is giving La Tomatina a run for its money during the town’s four-day tomato festival held around 20 August. Unlike in Spain, you’re provided with safety eye goggles if you get caught up in the pandemonium, and all proceeds go to charity. Along with the tomato fights there are games, rides, tomato tastings and a parade.

9. September: Festes de La Mercè, Barcelona, Spain

Celebrate the last days of summer during Barcelona’s week-long extravaganza of concerts, parades of giant figures, human towers, foot races and competitions. Held a few days either side of 24 September, it’s the city’s biggest knees-up. Festivities are citywide, focusing on the Placa de Sant Jaume in the Gothic Quarter, and a special highlight is the noisy Correfoc, or Fire Run, of fireworks.

10. October: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

Grab a beer and join the Oktoberfest festivities in Munich!

Prost! It’s time to clink beer steins at the world’s biggest beer fair, Oktoberfest. As well as foamy tankards of Lowenbrau and Hofbrau ales, Bavarians celebrate with wurst sausages, pretzels, potato dumplings, sauerkraut and bratwurst. The beer festival to end all beer festivals begins in late September and carries on until the first weekend in October.

11. November: Dia de los Muertos, Mexico

Mexicans remember their beloved dead on the 1 and 2 November celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Graves are visited for all-night vigils, but the atmosphere is festive and celebratory rather than sombre, with picnics and mini shrines to the dead erected from flowers, mementos and the favourite foods of the departed. The festival’s signature sweets include chocolate skulls, candy skeletons and sugar coffins.

A market altar from Dia de los Muertos in Mexico

12. December: Christmas Mass, Bethlehem, Israel

When the bells of Christmas begin to peal, you’ll want to be where it all began, Manger Square in Bethlehem. During December, the streets of Bethlehem are festooned with Christmas lights, Christmas markets are held and homes display Nativity scenes. The real celebrations begin on Christmas Eve, with processions through Manger Square to the Nativity Grotto in the Orthodox Basilica of the Nativity, followed by midnight mass at St. Catherine’s Church. On Christmas Day, worshipers make a pilgrimage to Shepherds’ Fields, where the Star of the Nativity was seen to shine over Bethlehem.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

Top 5 USA Spring Break Cities

2011-11-25T07:19:00.001-08:00

Over the years, students and adults alike flock to Spring Break destinations varying from USA beach towns to European and Mexican getaways. However, one truth remains, Americans started the party 50 years ago, making Spring Break a cultural phenomenon. Here are the Top Five American cities on the coast in which you should spend your Spring Break.

1. Key West

With warm waters, unique residents, and plenty of bars (on Duval Street), Key West is both a friendly and fun getaway for Spring Breakers both gay and straight, and is America’s only Caribbean island. Visitors can partake in a variety of activities from parasailing and kayaking to barhopping and relaxing on beautiful beaches with ribbons of turquoise waters.
The island is home to quirky locals and considers itself an independent republic. In 1982, Key West government had seceded, declared war, surrendered, and requested $1 billion in foreign aide all in one day – a feat that lends humor and a laid back, island vibe. The locals love tourists who are respectful and fun-loving.

Lounge around the island of Key West

2. Miami

South Beach Miami is the place to be for the ultimate nightlife experience. Commonly known for sidewalk cafes and never-ending parties, South Beach is also home to one of the largest dance music festivals in the U.S. The Winter Music Festival houses 20-40 events at varying hotels and nightclubs, many of which have spin-off poolside events during the day. Additionally, Spring Breakers can find corporate sponsored events by MTV and Playboy as well as plenty of beachside boozing.

It's always a party in Miami

3. Orlando

For those looking for a more wholesome Spring Break experience, including the beautiful weather, Orlando has been growing as a safe spot away from some of the more wild Florida parties. Kids and kids-at-heart looking for a more unique experience can enjoy Disney jetski adventures or learn about Florida’s flora and fauna at Forever Florida wildlife conservation and eco-ranch.

4. San Diego

Known for beautiful weather, Spanish influenced architecture, and beautiful beaches, San Diego boasts a sunny culture and is a great Spring Break destination. In addition to its beauty, the city is also known for its numerous tourist attractions, including Balboa Park, the Gaslamp District, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, La Jolla Sea Caves, and much more. Spring Break in San Diego offers a variety of options for both families and party-goers alike.

Stroll the Sunset Strip & Beverly Hills

5. Los Angeles

For those looking to see the sun and the stars, Los Angeles is the place to be. Learn how movies are made, visit the homes of your favorite movie stars, hike to the Hollywood sign, walk through the oldest street in Los Angeles (Olvera St), and enjoy the numerous museums with grandiose views like the Getty. With perfect weather, great nightlife, and unique activities, Los Angeles remains one of the best travel destinations year-round.
Wherever you choose to spend Spring Break, don’t forget to bring sunscreen!

Top 5 Things to See in Nepal

2011-11-25T07:06:00.001-08:00

Long thought of by globe trekkers as the literal and figurative pinnacle of the great outdoors, many travelers quickly find that culturally rich Nepal is not just a country of natural attractions, but a historically affluent testament to anthropology, whilst being both encouragingly and (through poverty) disastrously subversive to modernity. Either way, Nepal is an adventure, full of all the right elements that make it an ideal destination for the adventurous traveler. Below are 5 places you simply cannot miss.

Kathmandu

If you’re flying into Nepal, you’ll land in its largest city, Katmandu. Look no further for your first destination in this attraction-dense country. For a better understanding of Nepal’s religion-rich tradition, the most impressive monument has to be Swayambhu, a massive Buddhist stupa famous to Buddhists worldwide. Monkeys can be seen strolling the temple’s interior while you observe carved statues and painted symbols.
At the heart of Kathmandu is the ancient Durbar Square, full of structures and statues that explore over 1000 years of history. Kathmandu is ideal for a short stay of a few days, exhibiting a number of Buddhist structures and museums worth seeing in such a timeframe. If you’re lucky, you will arrive when one many cultural festivals such as Tihar (Festival of Lights), New Years, Holi, or women’s festival Teej kick off.

Annapurna

One of the most popular trekking spots in the world, the Annapurna region located in western Nepal is a subrange of the Himalayas: expansive, tall, and one of the most prestigious summits in the world, and stunning in its natural perfection as a lived experience. You can explore the depths of the world’s deepest valley in Kaligandaki River Valley, or if you can afford 3 weeks, sweep through the exotic diverse villages, rampant elevations and majestic subtropics of the Annapurna circuit. Where it was once less catering to the adventurous traveler, the numerous villages you will pass in a day during this trek have all the amenities one could possibly need, making Annapurna more accessible than ever.

See amazing views along the Annapurna trek in Nepal - photo courtesy of Ben Tubby via Wikimedia Commons

Bhaktapur

Though it is the allure of its exalted elevations that brings some trekkers to Nepal, one must understand that is not only what makes Nepal an experience. The ancient town of Bhaktapur, just east of Katmandu Valley, embodies the history, culture and expression of the Nepalese that one needs for a heightened understanding of these uniquely indigenous people. Between its Pottery Square, where local potters create the animal guardians of the Siddhi Lakshmi mandir in open-air kilns, and nearby former royal residence of Palace of 55 Windows, Bhaktapur proves that it did not become a UNESCO site for nothing.

Experience the culture of Nepal in Bhaktapur - photo courtesy of Artha via Wikimedia Commons

Bandipur

This stunning 18th century hilltop settlement in Tanahu district, Bandipur, provides the perfect opportunity to soak in terrific views of the Himalayas, get a hearty taste of an aged culture, and swoop and scurry through scenic hills, peaks, Magar villages and largest caves in Nepal. The naturally attuned composition of Bandipur is romantic in its own right as a place of reclusion and thought, but also as the definition of both Nepalese distinction and ethnic diversity. Enjoy the village’s centralized library and Bindyabashini temple while descending through the village and lush gardens.

Pokhara

The beautiful terrain of Pokhara - photo courtesy of Laxman Thapa via Wikimedia Commons

After your journey through Annapurna, make sure you spend some time in Pokhara. One of the most popular hotspots in Nepal, this city is an outdoorsman’s paradise, with opportunities to boat, safari, trek, bike, glide, and raft through some of the world’s most beautiful terrain. Head down to Phewa Lake in the morning and notice how the lake perfectly reflects the lush mountainous ranges and blue skies. Then go over to Devi’s Fall for one of the greatest views – where the stream of the Pardi Khola crash down and disappear into the depths of the earth. When you’re done with that, hire a guide and go cave diving at Mahendra, or get a workout hiking the difficult grounds at Sarangkot.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

Top 10 Foods to Try before You Die

2011-11-25T06:27:00.001-08:00

Ever wanted to eat your way around the world? All diets are off on this no-limits top 10 list of iconic dishes from around the world. Try them at least once, before it’s too late!

1. China: Peking duck

The imperial dish Peking duck is synonymous with superior Chinese food of the non-takeaway variety. What makes this particular roast duck a standout ‘try before you die’ candidate is the garlicky sweet crispy skin. Plating up the dish is an event in itself: order the whole duck, and the bird will be carved in front of you.

Carving up a crispy Peking duck

First you’ll be served the famously crispy sweet skin. Next, juicy slivers of meat will be carved and served with steamed pancakes, spring onions and a sweet hoisin sauce so you can create your own Peking duck pancakes. If you’re still hungry, the remaining duck will be served as a stir fry or broth.

2. France: Escargots

You’ve got to try snails at least once in your life, if only to try to distinguish their flavour lurking beneath all that garlic butter. The ancient Romans ate snails, and they’re eaten across the globe from Morocco to Cambodia. However, it’s the French who are most readily identified with these tasty morsels, ideally sourced from Burgundy.
Escargots are generally eaten as an appetiser, served in the shell and cooked in a delicious melange of garlicky parsley butter. And what do they taste like? As you might expect, the texture is firm, but shouldn’t be chewy, and the flavour underneath all that garlic and butter is similar to mussels.

Look out for snails hidden among the many gems in French seafood markets

3. Greece: Moussaka

The Greek national casserole is a certain must-try dish, and these days there aren’t many of us who haven’t succumbed to this melting concoction. The Greek answer to the Italian lasagne, the dish is made by smothering layers of ingredients in a cheese béchamel sauce, and baking until creamily melted and golden.
Along with ground beef or lamb, the major ingredient in a traditional moussaka is eggplant; regional varieties might use other vegetables following this method, such as artichokes and potatoes. The salted and browned slices of eggplant are layered with meat stewed with onions, garlic, tomatoes and spices. Wherever you live, the resulting cheesy casserole is a heart-warming dish to serve in winter.

4. India: Masala dosa

If one subcontinental meal could persuade a committed carnivore to order vegetarian, my vote would go to a South Indian masala dosa. The plate-covering, paper-thin pancake is made from rice and lentils, cooked to lacy perfection on a hot griddle. What creates the more-ish flavour is a spiced concoction of mashed cooked potatoes and fried onions, served with a liberal dose of garlicky chutney.

5. Italy: Zucchini flowers

Everyone who’s eaten Tuscany’s fiore di zucca, or deep-fried zucchini flowers, says they’re to die for, so it makes sense to add them to our list. The tender yellow zucchini flowers are stuffed with a delicious filling, maybe herbed ricotta or mozzarella, then dipped into a simple tempura-like batter and sizzled in olive oil. The result is a melt-in-the mouth, sweetly crisp sensation that must be eaten immediately.

The market: where every Italian food adventure begins

6. Japan: Teppanyaki

If you like a little theatre and audience participation with your food, don’t miss the experience of dining at a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. With much flame-fuelled drama, sometimes accompanied by juggling of utensils and flipping of ingredients, the skilled chefs grill your steak right in front of you, via a sizzling-hot gas-powered griddle.
Order grilled Kobe beef, seafood or chicken, or ask for a signature flaming volcano of onion rings, and get ready to be amazed by your teppanyaki chef’s superb knife skills.

7. Malaysia: Seafood curry laksa

Malaysia’s king of soups is a spicy, tangy, coconut-creamy soup packed full of noodles, seafood, fish sticks, puffed tofu, vegetables, a hard-boiled egg, coriander and chilli sambal.
The Chinese-Malay dish is a classic of Peranakan cuisine, merging elements from Malaysia and Singapore. There are heaps of regional variances, and some seafood laksas also include chicken. If you come across assam laksa, you’ll find it has a fish rather than coconut broth.
The general rule is the simpler the surroundings, the tastier the curry laksa, so pull up a stool at a streetside stall in a Penang backstreet or Singapore food court and tuck in. A curry laksa really is to die for!

8. Thailand: Som tam (green papaya salad)

To savour Thailand’s four essential flavours – sour, salt, sweet and chilli – in one dish, load up a bowl of som tam and prepare for sensory overload. The base ingredient of shredded unripened papaya is combined with any or all of the following: palm sugar, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, tamarind juice, dried shrimp and, quite often, seafood, tomatoes, carrot, beans and peanuts. Simply add the ingredients to a mortar and start pounding.

Thai food: colorful, spicy, and delicious

A northern Thai dish from the Isan region, som tam is typically served with grilled chicken and sticky rice. If you’re making the dish at home, and can’t source a green papaya at your local supermarket, you can substitute unripe mangoes, apples or cucumbers for a similar, but not as authentic, result.

9. Australia and New Zealand: Pavlova

Fiercely competitive Australia and New Zealand vie for ownership of this iconic dessert. Currently the odds are on a hotel in Wellington, New Zealand as having invented this heavenly melange of meringue and cream.
The dish is named for the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, and indeed the meltingly soft light-as-air meringue does bring to mind the fluffy tulle of a ballet tutu. A classic pavlova is topped with lashings of whipped cream daubed with passionfruit, strawberries and kiwi fruit.

10. USA: BBQ ribs

If there’s one US cuisine that has aficionados frothing at the mouth, it’s the holy grail of smoked pork ribs: the BBQ. Kansas City, Memphis and St. Louis are US BBQ capitals, not forgetting Texas, the Carolinas … hell, it seems everyone has their favourite local.
Memphis ribs get their extra belt of flavour from a dry rub made from garlic and spices, which is slapped on prior to smoking. The ribs are generally served with a tomato and vinegar BBQ sauce on the side.
Kansas City style ribs are prepared with a sweetly spiced rub before being extra slow-smoked, and sugar, honey and molasses add a sweet edge to the BBQ sauce served alongside.
St. Louis pork spare ribs are grilled, and served with lashings of tangy tomato-based BBQ sauce.
Whichever style of BBQ you choose, get ready to tuck in your bib for a messy feast.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

Top 11 Most Popular Things to Do Around the World

2011-11-23T09:58:00.001-08:00

We compiled a list of the 11 most popular activities as booked by actual travelers for Friday, November 11th. With everything from a 5-day Moroccan adventure to a tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel and even a helicopter wedding at the Grand Canyon, our travelers are making the most of the special day, anywhere they are traveling in the world.

1. Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Wedding

– The first of two sets of travelers will have an unforgettable wedding (and anniversary date) that takes place on a bluff in the Grand Canyon accessible only by helicopter, overlooking the Colorado River.

2. Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour

– A fan-favorite all year long with 5-stars and more than 2,000 traveler reviews.

3. Eiffel Tower, Paris Limousine Rouge Show and Seine River Cruise

– Likely to sell out on an ordinary night, Our travelers booked this Parisian gem, which combines a number of iconic experiences, in advance.

4. Moulin Rouge Paris Dinner and Show

– Also likely to sell out, this experience focuses on the extravagant and historic show and gourmet meal. See all the famous Parisian sights on a Seine River Cruise

5. Skip the Line: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour

– The quickest way to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk from Vegas starts with a scenic helicopter flight over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the Las Vegas Strip.

6. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour

– including Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and St Peter’s – Smart travelers are avoiding the very long lines that often queue to view Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, saving sometimes hours for additional exploration.

7. Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York by Air

– Travelers will be treated to an exploration of the falls on both the U.S. and Canadian sides including a ride on the historic “Maid of the Mist”.

8. Valley of Fire Wedding by Private Limousine

– The desert’s red rock formations form the backdrop for another couple choosing to let us plan their nuptials.

Get married at the Valley of Fire!

9. 5-Day Morocco Tour: Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes, Fez and Rabat

– Some travelers are setting off for a multi-day escape across Morocco’s top cities with the choice of three- or four-star hotel accommodations.

10. Private Tour: Manhattan Helicopter Tour –

Like the wedding couples, this romantic excursion could very well be the backdrop for a romantic proposal soaring over the Big Apple.

See NYC from above on a private Manhattan helicopter tour

11. Granada – The Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens

– Travelers will be experiencing two of the best-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the gardens of the Generalife and the exquisite Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace.

Adventure Traveler - Viator Team

The World’s Top 50 Travel Destinations

2011-11-21T07:45:00.001-08:00

So what’s this list all about? In a nutshell, it covers the world’s top 50 travel destinations in 2010 blended with data on what destinations were most frequently visited by the 20+ million travelers who researched and planned their travels in 2010.

Unlike so many other ‘top destination’ lists out there, this list was not chosen by some desk-bound travel editor. It was not selected by a committee. Instead it was created by you, by real travelers, by people who didn’t talk about traveling in 2010, but actually did some traveling and travel planning in 2010!

No doubt some of you will complain this list is missing some well-known destinations. Fair enough. Others may complain that Europe is too heavily represented, at the expense of up-and-coming travel hot spots in Asia and South America. Too true. We also recognize this list largely reflects travel patterns of Americans, Brits and Aussies – the three largest groups of travelers.

The list reflects the actual itineraries of travelers who’ve been there and done that over the past 12 months. We hope you use it in a similar fashion, to inspire your next trip and discover some of the world’s most travel-inspiring attractions in 2011.

Want to know the #1 destination of 2010? Keep reading...

#50. Boston, Massachusetts

Take a walk through Harvard Yard, cruise down Boston Harbor, and take in the old-world appeal of New England’s most historic cities. Boston just barely made the list in 2010, and we think that’s wicked cool.

#49. Maui, Hawaii

Experience traditional Hawaiian luaus, take the road to Hana, visit the Haleakala or Molikini craters, and make the most of one of Hawaii’s top getaways.

#48. Brussels, Belgium

See the medieval Grand Place, visit the EU Commission and European Parliament (more interesting than it sounds!), taste gourmet chocolate and mouth watering beer. Brussels is all about European history and culture on a manageable scale.

#47. Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand had a rough year, with political and social instability that kept some travelers away. Fortunately the attractions of Thailand kept many travelers coming, if in slightly smaller numbers than in 2009. Here’s to hoping 2011 is a better year for Thailand’s slightly beleaguered tourism industry.

#46. Miami, Florida

Miami has culture (think: Little Havana), outdoor beauty (thing: Biscayne Bay) and, of course, nightlife (think: clubs and bars that cater to a beach-loving crowd). What’s not to love about Miami??

#45. Nice, France

The French Riviera is all about relaxing in the sun and sea. Nice is one of the area’s crown jewels – enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Boron and take in the breathtaking vistas of Nice. It’s also a good spot for day trips up and down the coast.

#44. Cancun, Mexico

Relax in beach paradise and soak up the natural beauty of Xcaret, Tulum and Xel-Ha. For more adventure there’s always the nearby ruins of Chichen Itza, the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire. Got kids? Then plan on a dolphin swim or snorkel in the warm waters of the Caribbean.

#43. Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

Explore the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of New Zealand’s South Island. As you make your way through Franz Josef & Fox Glacier your options for getting up-close and personal with a glacier include by foot or by helicopter!

#42. Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is not a destination in and of itself (despite what locals will tell you!). Instead, Auckland is all about doing things in and around the city. Sail along the Auckland Harbour, admire Mt Eden, tour the Waitomo Caves, or spot whales and dolphins in the waters surrounding Auckland.

#41. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik itself is not the destination, it’s Iceland itself (at least the bits you can easily cover on a day trip from Reykjavik). Relax at the Blue Lagoon, take a night trip to view the famous Northern Lights, snorkel (yes – snorkel!) in magnificent glacial waters, or sit back and watch Minke whales and puffins passing by.

#40. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai has made a name for itself as both a shopping paradise and as a place where the sky knows no limits (it’s home to one of the world’s tallest buildings). Dubai is also a popular transit hub en route to Asia and the Australia from Europe. So whether you have a few hours or a few days, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Dubai. Even an indoor ski slope!

#39. Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane doesn’t receive a lot of international press, which is a shame. Within Australia it’s a hugely popular holiday destination, and it’s slowly getting on the radar of Brits and Americans looking for more than a “Sydney – Melbourne – Uluru” experience Down Under.

#38. Costa del Sol, Spain

The appeal of Spain’s Costa del Sol are obvious: beaches, great seafood, nightlife, and quaint medieval towns dotting the coastal mountains. Drive along the Costa del Sol to the port of Gibraltar, visit the Saint Michael caves, explore Málaga and Benalmádena, and just enjoy the spectacle

#37. Montreal, Canada

Cities like Montreal don’t happen very often. By day, Montreal bubbles with Eurocharm and North American pizzazz. After dark, its nightlife sizzles with creativity and abandon. It’s the city of 100 nations, all lured by Montreal’s intoxicating mix of Gallic tradition and joie de vivre.

#36. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has grown from nothing to a bustling city of more than two million people. It’s a modern city of gleaming skyscrapers, but it retains much of the local color that other Asian boom-cities have lost. Kuala Lumpur has plenty of colonial buildings in its center, a vibrant Chinatown with street vendors and night markets, and a bustling Little India.

#35. Perth, Australia

Perth claims to be the sunniest state capital in Australia, though more striking is its isolation from the rest of the country – Perth is over 2,750 miles (4,400km) from Sydney by road. The recent resources boom has seen Perth blossom into a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city with bars, restaurants, cultural activities and myriad things to do. Ride up the Swan River, tour Western Australia’s wine country, and relax and swim along the local beaches.

#34. Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand’s cities. But for all its self-consciously inherited charm, it can hold its own as a thoroughly modern New Zealand city. Kiwi art has pride of place in the city’s gallery, the wildlife reserves teem with native animals, and the multitude of great cafes, restaurants and bars that fill the city center prove that Christchurch has a special charm. The highlights? A whale-watching trip to Kaikoura, Mount Cook, and the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

#33. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg’s Altstadt (old town), on the south bank of the river, is a Baroque fiesta of churches, plazas, courtyards and fountains, oozing the waves of charm that you would expect from this Mozart mecca. Museums, houses, squares, chocolate bars and liqueurs are all part of one giant homage to Wolfgang. From Salzburg travelers can explore the Bavarian Moutains and Salt-Mines, the hunting castle Hellbrunn, Hitler’s infamous Eagle’s Nest, and Mozart’s birthplace.

#32. Ayers Rock, Australia

Nothing in Australia is as readily identifiable as Uluru (Ayers Rock). If you travel to Ayers Rock during the afternoon, it appears as an ocher-brown color, scored and pitted by dark shadows. As the sun sets, it illuminates the rock in burnished orange, then a series of deeper and darker reds before it fades into charcoal. Don’t assume, however, that a distant glimpse of this geological marvel will suffice – a close-up, extended viewing of the rock’s contours is a must.

#31.Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is an all-out assault on the senses. Known as the ‘Mother of the World’, this vibrant, chaotic city is home to more than 16 million. Noisy, polluted and totally unpredictable, the sheer intensity of Cairo can seduce or overwhelm. Cairo’s historic buildings are buried in age-old quarters of the city that have yet to be tamed and made tourist-friendly, so take a tour to get beneath the skin of this man-made wonder. While the Giza Pyramids are right on Cairo’s doorstep, the city is also a great base for excursions to destinations further afield like Memphis, Luxor and Alexandria.

#30. Oahu, Hawaii

When most people think of Hawaii, it’s typically the island of Oahu and its famous landmarks – like Waikiki and Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and Sunset Beach – that spring to mind. Oahu is where the action is, whether you’re looking for nightlife or surf.

#29. Naples, Italy

Naples (Napoli if you live here) is raucous, polluted, anarchic, deafening, crumbling and grubby. It’s also a lot of fun. Superbly positioned on a bay, Naples has a little – and often a lot – of everything. It pulsates with noisy street markets and their colorful characters. Naples is a convenient jumping-off point for nearby Pompeii, and to the stunning Amalfi Coast.

#28. Vancouver, Canada

There aren’t too many cities in the world that offer Vancouver’s combination of big-city lifestyle and outdoor fun in such cheek-by-jowl proximity. Ski in the morning, sail in the afternoon, and still make it back to town in time for a cocktail or three. No wonder it’s one of the cities that routinely tops those lists of the world’s greatest places to live. Highlights for travelers include the Victoria and Butchart Gardens, and Mount Whistler.

#27. Hong Kong

Hong Kong has the big city specials like smog, 14 million elbows and an insane love of clatter. But it’s also efficient, hushed and peaceful: the transport network is excellent, the shopping centers are sublime, and the temples and quiet parks are contemplative oases. Just remember: Hong Kong is about savoring new tastes, weaving through a human gridlock and humming some dumb Cantopop tune while slurping your noodles.

#26. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, has a magic that seldom fails to captivate visitors. Modern sophistication melds with staunch tradition from both ends of the social spectrum to create a unique whole, built in noble stone in the most spectacular of settings. It is no exaggeration to describe it as one of the most lovable, and livable, cities on the planet.

#25. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is the rarest of beasts: a capital that puts an equal premium on the joys and benefits of heritage and hedonism. History and culture rise up from the foundations, but what’ll put a smile on your face is the city’s garrulous sociability and irrepressible humor. Though Dublin’s in a slightly sour mood these days, thanks to its troubled economy, the city does its very best to welcome visitors. Grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, explore Dublin Bay and Malahide Castle, drift down the River Liffey and enjoy Dublin’s rich literary history.

#24. Singapore

Singapore has traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens for towers of glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for hi-tech wizardry, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. At first glance Singapore appears shockingly modern, but this is an undeniably Asian city with Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions. It’s these contrasts that bring the city to life.

#23. Washington DC, USA

Washington DC means white marble, verdant lawns, and the colorful, ritualistic pageantry of American politics: the Capitol dome; limousine processions on Inauguration Day; the mournful, somber, stately changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery. There more museums in DC than you could see in a year, monuments and historical sites to keep you busy for a lifetime.

#22. Zurich, Switzerland

This formerly staid banking capital has experienced such a creative explosion in recent years, and such a mushrooming of innovative bars, restaurants and shops, that Zurich resembles Berlin’s salad days of the mid-1980s and early ’90s. Zurich remains Switzerland’s commercial and financial hub, and the canton is the country’s most affluent. Explore the city’s atmospheric cobblestone Old Town, window-shop glittering boutiques and jewelers lining upmarket Bahnhofstrasse, take a cruise on the lake or stand on the Top of Europe in the surrounding Alps.

#21. Cairns, Australia

Tropical, wild and rugged, Queensland’s Far North )(the region surrounding Cairns) proves the theory that size doesn’t matter. Although small geographically, this stunning destination contains the richest pockets of biodiversity in Australia, if not the world. The dense and ancient rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area coat the landscape, spilling out onto gorgeous beaches. Offshore lies the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. From Cairns you can easily swim the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel past tropical fish, cruise from Port Douglas, and trek through the rainforest.

#20. Vienna, Austria

Grandiose Vienna was the showpiece of the all-conquering Habsburg dynasty. Monumental edifices line the city center, world-class museums burst with treasures, white stallions strut their way down mirrored halls, and renowned orchestras and angelic choirboys perform in lavish concert halls. Vienna has plenty of lower-brow pleasures too – walks in the woods, the river, indulgent evenings in its renowned wine taverns.

#19. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is many things to many people. If you have kids, Orlando is home to the planet’s top theme parks (Disney and Universal). If you love the outdoors, Orlando is within easy reach of the Florida Everglades and untrammeled natural areas. If you love space, you’re not far from the Kennedy Space Center.

#18. Athens, Greece

Redolent with mythology, loaded with art and architecture, Athens is an affable city enlivened by outdoor cafes, gardens and urban eccentrics. The city may look like a concrete jungle, but beyond this off-putting veneer it has heaps of charm. Almost every house and apartment has a balcony hanging with geraniums, and many of the city’s streets and squares are fringed with orange trees. Away from the museums and monuments, the Acropolis and Omonia Square, Athens has a lively outdoor culture and zest for life. Get to know the city better on a private walking tour, or use Athens as a base to tour surrounding highlights like the Temple of Apollo at Delphi or to cruise to the islands.

Mycenae, on a day trip from Athens (#18)

#17. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the world’s best hangouts, a canny blend of old and new: radical squatter art installations hang off 17th-century eaves, BMWs give way to bicycles, and triple-strength monk-made beer is served in steel and glass cafes. Amsterdam combines big city exuberance with small-town manageability; it doesn’t take more than chaining your bike to a bridge to feel like you’ve got a handle on the place.

#16. Los Angeles, California

The City of Angels is home to Hollywood, mega-amusements such as Disneyland and Universal Studios, and some of the world’s fanciest homes and neighborhoods. And you will not be the first visitor to LA who wants to see and do it all! Throw in beaches, great food and a stellar nightlife, and LA does a good job pleasing its visitors. Just please, let’s not talk about the traffic.

#15. Milan, Italy

Milano is Italy’s economic engine room, home to Italy’s stock market and business centers. This stylish city is also the world’s design capital and rivals Paris as a leading fashion center. Milan is all about worldly pleasures and getting around with good Milan tips and suggestions is key. Shopping is of almost religious significance. Theater and film flourish in this fashionable milieu, as does a hopping club scene and a slew of tempting restaurants. For visitors one of the highlights is Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie. Milan’s La Scala is one of the world’s best known opera houses.

#14. Madrid, Spain

Madrid may not have the Roman origins that get city historians excited, but it oozes an ebullience that rarely fails to move. This is Spain’s headiest city, where the reveling lasts long into the night and life is seized with the teeth and both hands. Strangers quickly become friends, passion blooms in an instant, and visitors are swiftly addicted to the city’s charms. After a few days in Madrid you will not want to leave. Glide your way through the Royal Palace, the Paseo del Prado and the Puerta de Alcalá, watch a dazzling flamenco show, or simply sample the delicious tapas of Spain’s capital.

#13. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has transformed itself from smug backwater into one of the most dynamic and stylish cities in the world. Summer is serious party time, with week-long fiesta fun. But year-round the city sizzles – food, fashion, style, music and good times. The buildings, many the work of the eccentric genius Gaudí, will blow you away. The art, with significant collections by Picasso and Miró, will make you giddy all over.

#12. Munich, Germany

Munich, rivaled only by Berlin as Germany’s most popular destination, is a sophisticated city that enjoys contradicting itself. Don some ironic lederhosen and head down to the capital of Bavaria, where cutesy folk traditions ride alongside BMWs and Black Forest cake shares the table with haute cuisine. The city is a haven for all sorts of culture, with a staggering array of museums, a vibrant arts scene and the infamous revels of Oktoberfest. It’s also a handy jumping-off point for visiting the “fairytale” castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof.

#11. Venice, Italy

For a thousand years Venice was one of the most enduring mercantile sea powers on the face of the earth. Today the brilliance and influence have long since faded, leaving a town of tarnished glories, out of time and out of place, so achingly beautiful it’s hard not to look for the back of the set. It is possible to get beneath the surface of this city, you just need patience (and a good guide!). The highlights for travelers here include a gondola ride down the canals, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the labyrinth of narrow passageways, alleys, and delicate bridges that make up this one-of-a-kind city.

#10. Melbourne, Australia

One of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne is cosmopolitan and cultivated. The city’s shopping, dining, coffee culture and sheer style are legendary, and its lively music scene has launched some of Australia’s most iconic bands and musicians. While sightseeing in Melbourne, you’ll discover Melburnians are equally passionate about football and ballet, fashion and restaurants. They are ravenous for music and hot for theater. For travelers highlights include Melbourne’s wine country (Yarra Valley), Phillip Island, and the famous Great Ocean Road.

#9. San Francisco, California

San Francisco has an atmosphere of genteel chic mixed with offbeat innovation and a self-effacing quality so blatantly missing from brassy New York and star-struck LA. Its hilly streets provide some gorgeous glimpses of the sparkling bay and its famous bridges. The treats of San Francisco are not just for locals. The basic pleasures of life here – wonderful food, sparkling nightlife and those glorious views – are there for everyone. Watch the fog roll across Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, as the sunset lights up the windows across the bay, and prepare to leave your heart.

#8. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is Australia’s oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country’s capital in everything but name. It’s blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk. And want to know what to see in Sydney? Although it’s come a long way from its convict beginnings, Sydney still has a rough and ready energy, an invigorating blend of the old and the new, the raw and the refined. While high culture attracts some to the Opera House, bohemian history and gaudy nightlife attract others to Kings Cross.

#7. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is a place where the urgent rhythms of consumer culture collide with the quieter moments that linger from older traditions. It is hectic madness leavened by the most Zen-like calm; a wonderful and worldly culture where tradition constantly mixes with the modern. From visiting ancient shrines to the latest in shopping, watching Sumo wrestling to learning calligraphy, the range of things to do in Tokyo is breathtaking. It’s also a good jumping-off point for trips to iconic Mt Fuji.

#6. Florence, Italy

The cultural and historical impact of Florence is overwhelming. Cradle of the Renaissance and home of Machiavelli, Michelangelo and the Medici, the city seems unfairly over-blessed with art, culture and history. Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had set on the political and economic horizon, Florence upheld its elegant appearance: its skyline, all russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque. Roll into Florence and experience the panoramic views, the wondrous sight of Michelangelo’s David, and the incredible history of the old city center.

#5. London, England

London – the grand resonance of its very name suggests history and might. Its opportunities for entertainment by day and night go on and on and on. It’s a city that exhilarates and intimidates, a Monopoly board studded with stellar sights. It’s a cosmopolitan mix of Third and First Worlds, the stubbornly traditional and the proudly avant-garde. But somehow – between ‘er Majesty and Boy George, Bow Bells and Big Ben, the Millennium Dome and the 2012 Olympics – it all hangs together.
Coast along the Thames River, pass Big Ben and Parliament, and take part in history as you walk through Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

#4. New York City, New York

New York is a city made for explorers: the more you roam in New York, the more you discover, the more you’ll want to see — and the more you’ll be thrilled by the range of things to do in New York City. New York is a densely packed mass of humanity. Whomever you encounter, from New York’s famous Broadway to the Empire State Building, in giddy spring or gilded fall, in quiet summer or cozy winter, you can be sure of one thing: it’ll be the real deal.

#3. Rome, Italy

It’s hard to say what you’ll find most breathtaking about the Eternal City – the Vatican, the Forum, the top speed of a Fiat Bambino, the Colosseum, or the bill for your caffe latte. Make like the locals and indulge your senses in the pleasures the city has to offer, from the grandiose thrill of feeling centuries of turbulent history under your feet to the small but potent intoxication of eating chestnut gelato on a hot day. Browse all things to do in Rome or check out some highlights below.

#2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Not so long ago, people came to Las Vegas for the gambling and buffets. Today Las Vegas is all about serious fun – from big-name shows and events to after-hours night clubbing. Las Vegas is also a popular destination for family trips and fine dining. And if you tire of the action and gambling on The Strip, take in some of America’s most beautiful desert scenery on a day trip to the Grand Canyon’s West and South rims, the Hoover Dam… the possibilities here are truly endless.

#1. Paris, France

Paris is a city to be immersed in, with boulevards, monuments, works of art and magical lights. It’s a city to taste: cheese, chocolate, wine, bread. And it’s a city to hear: opera, jazz or world music, or perhaps you just like the sound of the metro cars whooshing by on their rubber wheels. First-time visitors often arrive in Paris with all sorts of expectations: of grand vistas, of intellectuals discussing weighty matters in cafes, of romance along the Seine, of sexy cabaret revues. It’s all here, but don’t forget to explore a little and see Paris’ backstreets too.

The #1 destination is.... PARIS!

Now, are you itching for a vacation? Our Adventure-Traveler top 50 list of travel destinations is all about getting inspired and motivated to take that next trip. Wherever you travel we’d love to hear about it. Share your top destinations with us, your wishlist vacation ideas, your favorite holiday moments – whatever it is, we’d love to hear about it.

Happy travels!

-The Adventure Traveler - Viator Team