Individuals from around the country flock to the city streets in the wee hours of the morning hoping to get a great curb-side seat for three hours of balloons, bands, and , for some, 5 seconds of fame on national television.

The History behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Back in the early 1920’s, many of the employees of Macy’s stores were European immigrants. These first-generation immigrants wanted to show how proud they were of their new homeland by throwing a festival similar to what they and their parents would have enjoyed in their home countries.

The first annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held on Thanksgiving Day in 1924. The original parade included bands, live animals from the nearby zoo, colorful costumes, floats and – in a tradition that has never died – the last float carrying Santa Claus. More than 250,000 people came out to participate in and watch the parade, making it such a huge success that Macy’s promised to make it an annual event.

The parade evolved over the coming years. Soon the animals from Central Park Zoo were left in peace and were instead replaced with large inflatable versions created by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. In 1928, Macy’s began releasing balloons at the end of the parade, offering special gifts to anyone who found and returned them after they came back down to the ground.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade has gone on without fail every year except for the time period between 1942 and 1944 when the helium and rubber used for the parade became a scarce commodity needed for the war. The parade came back to the streets in 1945, bigger and better than ever before. The parade was regularly broadcast on the radio until, in 1948, it was shown on network television.

Preparing for the Parade

One of the most interesting parts of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the line of gigantic inflatable balloons that parades down the street. Preparing the balloons for the big day is no easy task and must be carefully done in time for the 9am start time. Balloons are usually inflated the day before the parade at sites surrounding the Museum of Natural History. A gigantic team of volunteers will work together with students from the Stevens Institute of Technology, where the balloons and floats are built, to get the job done.

Every year a new balloon or two is introduced to the parade. Some are brand new concepts while others are redesigned versions of previous balloons. In 2008, for example, Horton the Elephant, Buzz Lightyear, and Smurf were introduced. In 2009 you can expect to see a new Pillsbury Doughboy, a 4^th edition Mickey Mouse, a 3^rd edition Ronald McDonald, and a 2^nd edition Spider-Man balloon – amongst all of the others, of course!

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Entertainment

The balloons are not the only draw, of course. The Thanksgiving Day parade is littered with high school and college marching bands, many of which travel from locations around the country to participate in this special event. While most acts use prerecorded music while lip-syncing their performances, you can be guaranteed that every single marching band to stop in front of the Macy’s store on Broadway and 34^th will be offering an original, live performance.

That’s not to say that the opportunity to see other musical talents isn’t appreciated. In the past, performers like Miley Cyrus, David Archuleta, Inda Menzel, Dolly Parton, the Jonas Brothers, and many others have made appearances. It is rumored that Tiffany Thornton and Keke Palmer will be performing in the 2009 parade.

Other Thanksgiving Day Parades

While it is one of the largest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade certainly isn’t the only parade taking place on Thanksgiving morning. The 6abc-Ikea parade (formerly known as the Gimbels parade and then the Boscov’s Thanksgiving parade), held in Philadelphia, is one of the oldest running parades in the country. There are also major parades in Chicago Illionois, Seattle, Washington, and in several large cities.

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Want to get a great seat for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Try to book a New York City hotel room along the parade route so that you can enjoy the floats from the comfort (and warmth of your own room). If that’s not an option you’ll want to hit the streets of New York City as early as possible to ensure you get a seat with great visibility. The closer you are to the Macy’s building the better your odds of seeing live performances (although you’ll also stand a greater chance of getting lots in the crowd). The parade starts at 9am EST.

Not ready to travel to New York City? Join the 44 million other Americans watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade from their living room couches this year. No matter where you are when you watch, this parade is bound to catapult the holiday season into full-swing, bringing warmth and joy into every household.

Southward Car Museum

Run by a charitable trust, the Southward Car Museum is a short drive from Wellington in Otaihanga, on the North Island Kapiti Coast of New Zealand. The former car collection of Sir Len Southward and Lady Vera Southward features over 250 vehicles, from Marlene Dietrich’s Rolls-Royce to crime boss Mickey Cohen’s Cadillac.

Art Car Museum

As much about contemporary art as cars, the Art Car Museum of Houston, Texas is a strange and wonderful place. “Garage Mahal” is a celebration and commentary on contemporary car culture, where artists have free reign to trick out vehicles any way they see fit.

National Car Museum of Iran

If you ever make it to the city of Karaj, home to more than 1.3 million people, check out National Car Museum of Iran. The museum features the classic car collection of the last Shah, left behind after the revolution of 1979.

AutoWorld

Parc du Cinquantenaire in the European Quarter of Brussels provides a cool home for AutoWorld. A vintage car lovers dream, the museum has over 350 vehicles on display.

BMW Museum

Perhaps the most futuristic and avant-garde car museum in the world, the ode to BMW in Olympiapark, Munich is a marvel. If you love the icon brand, this place offers the total experience.

Emirates National Auto Museum

In what is perhaps one of the most opulent personal collections in the world, the Emirates National Auto Museum puts all of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan’s cars on display. Best to call first before you drive out of Abu Dhabi on the E65 to visit.

California Automobile Museum

More than 160 classic cars inhabit 72,000 square feet of space at the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento. If you have the budget for it, you can even drive away with a vintage vehicle. The museum even has a throwback soda fountain, which takes the nostalgic motif to another level.

Mercedes-Benz Museum

Another German automotive gold standard gets the futuristic treatment in Stuttgart. The magnificent double helix interior contains a bevy of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, old and new, and welcomes almost one million visitors every year.

Porsche Museum

As with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, no expense was too large and no detail too small in the conception of the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. The sports car company spent €100 million on the facility … and it shows.

Galleria Ferrari

While Germany has some fabulous car museums, without a shred of doubt, Italy is up there as well. The home of some of the most desirable car brands in the world has a gem in the Galleria Ferrari, in the Emilia-Romagna town of Maranello.

Check out hotel deals in destinations all over Italy.

Lamborghini Museum

Another veritable hall of fame for high-performance luxury car purists is on hand in the tiny comune of Sant’Agata Bolognese. A recent influx of cash from the Volkswagen Group makes the Lamborghini Factory tour and museum a special treat. Well worth the trip from Bologna.

Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

As the headquarters of both Fiat and Alfa Romeo, former Winter Games host Torino is a major car city. The Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile is a beautiful piece of architecture for one and has some extremely rare and valuable vehicles on display. For serious car buffs, the museum has a library and documentation center with tens of thousands of items.

Haynes International Motor Museum

The best car museum in England provides lovers of Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Jaguar, not to mention Ferrari and Bugatti, with a place to pay homage.

Cité de l’Automobile

With the most prolific collection of Bugatti vehicles in the world, the Alsace city of Mulhouse has a terrific automotive mecca in the Cité de l’Automobile. Once the private collection of the Schlumpf brothers, both wealthy textile barons, the incredible museum is now a National Heritage site in France. Beyond Bugatti, the collection of 520 cars also features many rare French-made vehicles.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world amongst tourists and despite its exotic allure you don’t need to worry about your trip coming with a huge price tag. Here are a few things you consider if you want to plan a trip to Rome on a budget.

10. Choose the Right Time to Visit

Despite relatively hot weather, tourism in Rome is at its highest during the summer months. Your best options are to visit during the winter and spring months as prices will typically be a lot lower. The winter months will be cold but you most likely won’t encounter any ice or snow. If, however, you want to be in Rome for the Christmas Eve Mass at Vatican square you’ll want to book your hotel in Rome very early.

9. Plan to Walk

While Rome’s public transportation systems are easy to use, you’ll find that most of the attractions you want to see during the day are within walking distance of most hotels. Your best bet is to plan some walking tours and to save a few dollars for a taxi if you find yourself out and about during the evening hours.

8. Read about Rome’s History

As silly as it sounds you should read a book about the history of Rome before you embark on your journey. Knowing about the things you’re seeing in advance will make your trip far more valuable than spending a ton of money on souvenir books or guided tours and will give you a leg up when it comes to some of the free sites you may encounter from the outside alone.

7. Visit the Catacombs

Take a day to step outside of the main city and visit the Catacombs. They’re not the most talked about attraction but they’re definitely worth seeing. On the way you’ll get to see some of the old viaducts you learned about in grade school, too!

6. Appreciate Rome’s Style

Fashion and architecture are huge in Rome but you don’t need to spend a lot of money to appreciate either. Visit the Via del Corso to check out some of the hottest new styles, take a few pictures, and limit your spending to whatever you can conjure up during a window shopping session. Those high fashions are great to look at but you really don’t need to take anything home.

5. Visit a Tourist Office

Visit a tourist office for the most accurate and reliable information available when it comes to Rome’s attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The main office can be found at Piazza della Repubblica atVia Parigi5 and another can be found within the Fiumicino Airport near International Arrivals. There are others around the city as well. Can’t make it to a tourist office? Ask your hotel concierge for tips on what to do and see as well.

4. Look for Discounts

Some major cities sell tourist passes that allow you to get discounted admission to most of the area’s major museums. This type of program doesn’t really exist in Rome but if you ask in the tourist office they’ll be able to tell you about any available specials. Senior citizens should not expect to receive discounts, especially if they aren’t European citizens. Students with an International Student Identity Card can receive discounts at tons of different attractions, in restaurants, an even on transportation lines.

3. Look for Standing Room

If you’re headed into a bar or café for a simple snack or refreshing drink you should head towards the bar and just stand while you enjoy your break. The prices for food and drink will automatically be higher if you sit down at a table and allow a waiter to serve you. The same applies to small cafes during the lunch rush – you can save as much as $15 per meal standing instead of sitting down.

2. Eat at a Trattoria

If you don’t want to stand while eating, make sure you visit a local trattoria. Local trattorias aren’t designed as tourist traps. You won’t feel rushed or overcharged and the owner, who is probably the chef as well, will probably come out to say hello. Eating in a local restaurant is one of the best ways to experience a true Italian meal.

1. Visit Free Sites

There aren’t as many free sights to see in Rome as you might wish for but there are a few and you’ll be able to fit them into your itinerary if you plan carefully. The Vatican Museums, for example, are free in the morning on the last Sunday of the month. The Basilica, Bernini’s Colonnade, and the Papal Tombs are free as well. Head towards the tourist office near St. Peter’s and you may be able to catch a free tour offered by a local religious group.

Ready to embark on your journey throughout Rome? Pack some good walking shoes and hit the road. This is one trip you’ll always remember!

Yet for all of Hamburg’s achievements, one can’t help but feel that tourism levels are not where they should be for a German city of this stature. Sure, millions visit Hamburg every year, but where does that rank in comparison to Munich or small towns with a dense concentration of sights, such as Weimar, Bamberg, Calw and Quedlinburg? At the end of the day, perhaps all that matters is that Hamburg has these ten must-see attractions.

10. St. Nikolai’s Church

A Gothic Revival masterpiece, St. Nikolai’s Church stands out on the Hamburg skyline. Though mostly in ruins, the tallest structure in the world for a brief two year period from 1874 to 1876 is still majestic.

9. Kunsthalle Hamburg

The Kunsthalle Hamburg encompasses three connected buildings near the shores of Inner Alster Lake. With a vast collection that spans over seven hundred years of European art, the museum is world class.

8. Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg

A massive late 19th century brick warehouse is the ideal home for the Internationales Maritimes Museum. A vital landmark in the ambitious HafenCity quarter of Hamburg, the private museum has over 36,000 items on display in a space of 12,000 square km.

7. Hamburg State Opera

A vital opera company not just in Germany, but Europe, the Hamburg State Opera dates back to 1678. Because of World War Two air raids, the current facility was built relatively recently, in 1955, yet has won “Opera House of the Year” twice by the monthly magazine Opernwelt.

6. Alter Botanischer Garten Hamburg

Though signs for the botanical garden of Hamburg may read Schaugewächshaus or Tropengewächshäuser, the verdant confines of the park are easy to spot. The immense and completely free of charge facility is almost two hundred years old and features five distinct sections.

5. Helms-Museum

Metro Hamburg has been a boon to archaeologists over the decades, with countless cultural artifacts unearthed. If you want to see the best of them, head to the splendid Helms-Museum, where exhibits cover the Paleolithic to the Medieval Era.

4. Thalia Theater

Even if your German needs work, there’s no need to dismiss the Thalia Theater from your Hamburg itinerary. The fabulous state theater is one of the most important in the country and puts on a diverse line-up of plays every season.

3. Deutsches Schauspielhaus

More culture is on tap in Hamburg at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus. The lynchpin of the old St. Georg quarter of the city, the gorgeous theater provides Hamburg with yet another gem. Check out a performance if you can, as the ensemble is excellent. If not, the Schauspielhaus also has a fine restaurant and bar.

2. HSH Nordbank Arena

For top-flight Bundesliga action, head to HSH Nordbank Arena to catch Hamburger Sport-Verein. With a capacity in excess of 57,000 spectators, the UEFA Elite Stadium is a suitable home for one of the best and most consistent clubs in Germany.

1. Fischmarkt

The immense port of Hamburg is a tourist attraction for a variety of reasons. The St. Pauli Landungsbrücken, or landing bridges, draw a fair number of onlookers, as do several other features of the port that display obvious signs of superior civil engineering. One place you have to visit in Hamburg’s port however, is the fischmarkt. Get here early to catch all the frenetic fishmonger action.

Check out superb hotel rates in Hamburg.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

So what are you waiting for? Play “Pillow Fight Club” NOW!

Millions of Americans will take a long weekend to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, take an extended weekend trip, or simply start preparations for the next holiday. What about those who want to enjoy an entire week away from home, though? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving vacation destinations for you to consider!

10. Hawaii, United States

The Hawaiian Islands are a perfect warm-weather option for anyone who wants to get away from the chilly fall or winter air. The islands, especially Big Island, are great for kids so there’s no reason to hesitate about bringing the entire family with you, either. Spend your Thanksgiving week surfing, water skiing, dancing, and enjoying all there is about Hawaiian culture.

9. Paris, France

No one said you had to stay in the country during your Thanksgiving vacation. Why not take a trip to Paris, enjoy the sights, and dine on some authentic French cuisine? It may not be a homemade turkey dinner but we’re pretty sure you won’t mind what you end up with.

8. Denver, Colorado

Want to get a sneak peak at the winter white stuff? Head to Denver, Colorado for a week of skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Most of the area’s hottest ski resorts open for the season in November, including Copper Mountain, Aspen, and Vail. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to visit – cold enough to ski but not so cold you find yourself wishing you’d stayed indoors.

7. San Diego, California

Do you live in an area that’s already a bit chillier than you like? Consider heading towards the west coast to spend a week in sunny San Diego. While there you’ll have the chance to participate in the Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival in between trips to other local favorites like Sea World or the San Diego Zoo. This is an excellent Thanksgiving vacation destination for those of you who want to travel with the family this year, too!

6. Brussels, Belgium

Head towards the capital of Belgium for an incredible Thanksgiving week vacation you’ll never forget. The city is full of incredible cobblestone streets, historic squares, palaces, museums, and decadent restaurants. The flight from the United States is about 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to rest on the way there and back.

5. Whistler, British Colombia, Canada

Head on up towards Whistler to spend the Thanksgiving holiday snuggled up by the fire in between trips down the slopes. As the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is bound to be buzzing with activity but you’ll have a better chance of booking a Whistler hotel room now than you will right after the New Year. Besides, when the Olympics begin you can tell all of your friends you were just there!

4. Disney World, Florida

The gang in Disney World is always ready to celebrate and Thanksgiving is no exception. Mickey and the gang will dress as pilgrims, extend their holiday hours, serve special meals, and host a number of fun Thanksgiving-themed parades. Disney is, of course, and incredible place to spend an entire week and the costs of hotel rooms in Orlando or Disney itself may be a bit less than they will be during the Christmas rush.

3. New York City, New York

If you head towards New York you will, of course, have a chance to see the incredible Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade (a tradition since the 1920’s) but there is a lot more to see and do while you’re in the Big Apple.  Visit the Central Park Zoo, stroll the city’s numerous museums, dine in a few stunning restaurants, and take in a show or two. You could easily spend an entire week exploring.

2. Chicago, Illinois

A trip to Chicago isn’t out of the question. You’ll find plenty of amazing attractions in the Windy City and the cost may even end up being a bit less than a trip to New York City. There are plenty of theaters, museums, and outdoor attractions to enjoy as well as a cool Thanksgiving Parade that doesn’t really rival New York’s but certainly gives it a run for it’s money!

1. Plymouth, Massachusetts

Why not take a trip down memory lane (albiet, not your own memory) and take a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts during the week of Thanksgiving? While you’re there you’ll have a chance to see Plymouth Rock, the Plymouth Plantatino, and a stunning replica of the Mayflower. There are dozens of incredible historic attractions to keep you busy in Plymouth and you’ll have no trouble finding an incredible place to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner.

You deserve a break. Take some time off from work, pack your bags, and hit the road for a week of fun, excitement, and relaxation you’ll be thankful you took!

While Vilnius is the European Capital of Culture for 2009, Lithuania has many other fine destinations to explore. Check out what else the Baltic Sea state has to offer.

Kaunas

With over 350,000 people, Kaunas is second only to Vilnius in population. The city was the capital of Lithuania in the interwar period and sits at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers. Points of interest in Kaunas include Pazaislis monastery and church.

Perhaps the best example of Baroque architecture in the country, the monastery complex dates back to the late 17th century and hosts a popular classical music festival every summer.

Though Kaunas is full of historic monuments, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city was built relatively recently. Completed in 2005, Christ’s Resurrection Church is a magnificent representation of Functionalism architecture and offers supreme views of Kaunas.

Strategically located where the Neris and Nemunas meet, Gothic Kaunas Castle was built in the mid-14th century. Though more than two-thirds of the castle is in ruins today, it still forms a vital tourist attraction and hosts many events throughout the year. Thankfully, restoration plans are underway.

Discover great hotel deals in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Klaipeda

The only port city in Lithuania is a marvelous destination. As a gateway to resorts on the Baltic Sea, Kursiu Nerija National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Spit, Klaipeda is first-rate. While nearby towns like Nida, once home to Thomas Mann, offer wonderful escape, take the time to explore the city of 240,000 people.

While a new crop of skyscrapers have put Klaipeda on the map, the best attractions for tourists remain in the old city center. A former domain of the Teutonic Order, Memelburg Castle dates back to the 13th century. Iron Age hill forts still stand on the shores of the Smiltele River and the city has a notable and massive maritime and sea museum built into a former fortress.

Palanga

After Klaipeda, Palanga is a logical next stop on your Lithuania itinerary. The Baltic Sea resort town is the most popular summer holiday destination in the entire country, famous for swaths of idyllic coastline. While gorgeous summer weather and 18 km of sandy shores draw the interest of most, Palanga has other points of interest as well.

The awesome, Neo-Renaissance Tyszkiewicz Palace for one, is a marvel. Built in the very late 19th century for a prominent noble family, the palace complex is home to two of the best attractions in Lithuania: Palanga Amber Museum and Palanga Botanical Garden.

Seaside Regional Park protects over 12,300 acres of land and sea that spans from Old Palanga to Klaipeda. A haven of biodiversity, the park has vital cultural monuments to explore as well, via horseback, bicycle or on foot.

Of course, no visit to Palanga is complete without a walk on the pier. At close to 500 m, the Baltic Sea promenade is a phenomenal place to stroll and mingle with locals and visitors alike. A first-rate congregation spot in Palanga, if ever there was one.

Just outside of Palanga proper, the small resort town of Sventoji beckons. Smack on the border of Latvia, the community is a major base of archaeological excavation, with a treasure trove of artifacts that date back to 3,000 B.C. A hill in Sventoji is also a hub of Baltic Pagan worship, with eleven folk sculptures to represent various gods. A good place to visit come vernal equinox or summer solstice.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

When to Visit Cape Town

Cape Town is a beautiful place to visit just about any time of the year. That is, of course, except for the windy months during which the wind gales are so strong the mountain passes end up shut down.

Cape Town is at its windiest between October and March and things are at their absolute worst during December when winds can blow as rough as 37 miles per hour on a regular basis. The strong winds also blow Portuguese men-of-war (aka stinging jellyfish) towards the shores, making it nearly impossible to swim.

The best time to visit Cape Town is during the month of April. The wind and summer heat will have tamed themselves and you can enjoy the warm weather and beautiful colors of autumn. The winter months are usually rainy but are stunningly green as well. If you wait until the spring months to visit you’ll be greeted by beautiful wildflowers and may even have an opportunity to spot a whale or two off of the shoreline.

Transportation throughout Cape Town

Believe it or not, the city of Cape Town doesn’t really have a large public transportation system and what they do have isn’t really cost effective to use. Consider asking the concierge at your Cape Town hotel where you can rent a scooter or bicycle. They’re cheaper and will afford you a better view of the city as you explore.

Health and Safety in Cape Town

Cape Town is generally a safe city to visit but, like just about every other major city, there is some level of petty crime and drug use. It is in your best interests to avoid traveling near the center of the city at night. The weekends in the center of Cape Town should be avoided as well because the area is quiet because of the end of the business week.

Petty theft is prevalent in the center of Cape Town and may be experienced in other areas as well. Thieves have in the past been bold enough to steal people’s cell phones right out of their hands (while they’re talking) and others will reach right through your open car window to take things off the seats.

Use caution if you use an ATM machine. Cancel your transaction right away if anyone attempts to “help” you and always make sure that you get your card back from the machine. Conceal your cash immediately after withdraw.

Glue sniffing is the drug of choice amongst children in Cape Town. While you may at first feel bad for a child begging at a street corner, it is important for you to understand that any cash you give him will likely go towards supporting his glue sniffing habit. Give them food instead, if you are so inclined, or find a reputable charity, like The Big Issue magazine, where you can donate cash.

Things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town, set at the base of the astounding Table Mountain, is full of incredible educational, interesting, and enjoyable attractions. The only problem you’ll have is deciding where to start once you arrive.

The best way to get a bird’s eye view of Cape Town is by taking a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The ride up the mountain only takes 3-5 minutes but you’ll have some of the most incredible views of the sea, bay, and city below. Check the operating times before you head out to the station – times change seasonally.

The South African National Gallery is one of the most phenomenal museums in the area. Inside you’ll find an extensive collection of art from the 19^th and 20^th centuries as well as some contemporary works of South African art depicting the area’s incredible history. Exhibits change regularly so you never know what you might find upon arrival.

If you love marine wildlife, or if you’re traveling with children in tow, you’ll definitely want to take a trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium. The aquarium, considered one of the best on the planet, houses aquatic wildlife from the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic, and from bodies of water around the world. There are dive tanks, touch pools for children, and dozens of other interactive (and hands-off) displays.

Cape Town has a lot to offer visitors from surrounding areas and the rest of the world. Plan your trip during South Africa’s fall months and prepare to be astounded!

Back in 2006, the staff at the USA Today newspaper decided to let the American public vote for what they believed were the 7 wonders of the world. They worked in conjunction with the morning television show Good Morning America and after their panel of judges chose the 7 winners they were revealed, one at a time, over the course of a week on the television show. An 8^th wonder was later added to the list based on the overwhelming request of the viewers.

8. Grand Canyon – Arizona, United States

Earning honorable mention based on the request of Good Morning America viewers is the stunning Grand Canyon. Carved by the Colorado River over a period of more than 5 million years, the canyon stretches more than 277 miles and ranges from anywhere between 4 and 18 miles wide depending on the area you visit. Grand Canyon National Park was one of the first national parks in the country to be officially established.

7. Great Migration of Serengeti and Masai Mara – Tanzania & Kenya

The Serengeti National Park is one of the largest in Tanzania and continues over the border into Kenya where it is known as the Masai Mara, also a gigantic park reserve. This section of the park is well known because of the annual migration of zebra and wildebeest to the park grounds. Between the months of July and October you’ll find an astounding number of creatures in the park, including more than 1.3 million wildebeests, 200,000 zebras, and more than 350,000 gazelles. Lions and hyenas, their most feared predators, usually follow along as well.

6. Maya Ruins – Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

The Maya Ruins are amongst some of the most beautiful and extensively studied ruins in Mexico. Spread throughout the entire Yucatan Peninsula, there are dozens of sites where you can stop to view the few remaining examples of Mayan architecture, writing, and artwork. You’ll find the best sites in Quinta Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche.

5. Internet – Global

Believe it or not, the people spoke and voted the creation of the Internet as the 5^th wonder of the world. As odd as it seems, we’re really not surprised. No one could have imagined the creation of a virtual infrastructure as massive as the “network of networks” that creates what we know as the internet today. Providing an endless array of services and information, the internet has certainly grown from what it was when it originated in the 1960’s.

4. Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument

The Papahanamokuakea Marine National Monument is one of the most astounding national monuments in the United States. It spans over 140,000 square miles and is comprised of 10 islands and the rest ocean water. When it was declared in 2006, President George W. Bush originally called it the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument but it was later renamed. The site is not considered a sanctuary, although the ocean is considered part of the country’s national marine sanctuary system.

3. Polar Ice Caps – Polar Regions

The polar ice caps, always found in high latitude regions, were added to the list of world wonders as well. Traditionally, a polar ice cap is any area that is covered in ice, whether or not it is over land or water, found in a polar region. Polar ice caps aren’t only found on earth and the makeup of the ice can vary. On Mars, for example, the ice caps aren’t only made up of water but include carbon dioxide as well.

2. Old City of Jerusalem – Jerusalem, Israel

The Old City of Jerusalem is a large, walled in area taking up only .35 square miles of land. This area used to encompass the entire city but is now a key historic focal point housing several temples and religious sights. Inside you’ll find the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Temple Mount, amongst other incredible sights.

1. Potala Palace – Lhasa, Tibet, China

The Potala Palace, located in Lhasa, is named after Mount Potala. The palace was traditionally the main residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959 when the 14^th Dalai Lama was forced to flee the region for India after the invasion. Potala Palace was taken over by the Chinese who converted the 1,000 room palace into a museum. Inside you’ll find more than 200,000 statues and 10,000 individual shrines.

While you really don’t need to plan a special trip to visit the Internet, you should definitely consider working one of the other fantastic wonders into your next travel itinerary. We’re sure you’ll find them as breathtaking the rest of the country!

Which is why we turn our attention now to the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The Java island province is home to just over 3 million people and the capital city of the same name. Just over 500 km from Jakarta, the capital is a notable pulse point of arts and culture in Java and like the province, has a wealth of attractions. Here are some special points of interest in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Kraton Yogyakarta

Kraton is the word for palace on the island of Java and within the city of Yogyakarta is a spectacular one. The home of the Yogyakarta Sultanate is magnificent, with several inherent landmarks open to the public.

Museum Kereta

The Sultan’s Carriage Museum, or Museum Kereta, is within the Kraton complex and contains a fabulous collection of ornate, bygone-era carriages.

Museum Kekayon

The Museum Kekayon puts one of Java’s native arts on display, in the form of wayang puppets. The lush botanical garden backdrop is more than picturesque.

Museum Sonobudoyo

More wayang puppets, in addition to other native arts and crafts from Java and the rest of Indonesia, are on exhibit at the archaeology-centric Museum Sonobudoyo.

Benteng Vredeburg

Lest you forget, Indonesia was a foremost Dutch colony once upon a time. The colonial fortress of Benteng Vredeburg makes the point quite clear, in austere, vivid fashion.

Kotagede

Prior to independence, Kotagede was the economic focal point of Yogyakarta and once upon a time, the capital of the ancient Mataram Kingdom of Central Java. All in all, a superb place to explore, with handicrafts and traditional architecture galore. Be sure not to miss the mausoleum of the first Mataram king.

Kotabaru

For more colonial Dutch architecture, most of which remains intact, visit the area of Kotabaru. The former compound of the Dutch includes a monastery, stadium, cathedral and heritage estates.

Candi Sambisari

Ancient temples in Java go by the name candi, with several excellent examples all over Yogyakarta. Candi Sambisari is thought to have been built as far back as the 9th century and is relatively close to Adisucipto International Airport. The complex is actually several temples in one and stands apart from most others in the Special Region.

Candi Kalasan

The senior Buddhist temple in Yogyakarta is a mere 14 km from the capital city. Built in the 7th century, Candi Kalasan is within Prambanan valley. As a result, the temple is close to other gems like Candi Sewu, Candi Plaosan and superb UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan complex, all in the province of Central Java.

Candi Sari

Another fine temple in the province of Yogyakarta, Candi Sari is about a two hour drive from Candi Kalasan. Like the other temples in the region, Sari dates back to the late 8th century and contains ornate and elaborate Sanskrit inscriptions. Originally a Buddhist monastery, the fragile deity figures that dot the outer walls make Candi Sari a target for careful restoration.

Handicrafts

While the Buddhist complex of Borobudur and Hindu temple compound of Prambanan draw millions through Yogyakarta every year, one specific way people can give back to the earthquake-torn region is to purchase local handicrafts. From silverware to ceramics, sculpture to batik textiles (a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity), Yogyakarta is awash with beautiful products. Just beware that some markets may sell handicrafts from other parts of Indonesia, such as Bali for example. At any rate, head to Sultan’s Square in Yogyakarta city, where artisans and vendors often sell traditional wares.

Check out superb hotel deals in Yogyakarta.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11