Something is happening in Colombia. Over the past few years the stigma surrounding the country is starting to fade. People are realizing that Colombia is not a dangerous drug haven anymore; it’s a beautiful, dynamic country.

Tourists are only starting to discover Colombia, a country that has everything from ancient ruins to beautiful beaches, huge cities and the Amazon. It’s so big and varied that it’s difficult to know where exactly you should plan to visit. Here is a primer to get you started:

1. Bogotá

Bogotá street art

The first stop on many Colombia itineraries will be the capital city. Forget the hackneyed images put forward by the movies: this is not a dirty, dangerous city. Bogotá is actually a breath of fresh mountain air (thin air; it’s the third highest capital city in the world). It’s also an enormous city with a population of nearly 7 million people and most parts of the city that tourists would want to visit are quite safe.

Bogotá is young and modern with international culture, great nightlife and a lively street art scene. You can browse the flashy Gold Museum or stroll through the colorful roads of La Candelaria. Many of the buildings have an old world elegance, although there are some impressive modern skyscrapers as well. For an understanding of how vast Bogotá is, take the cable car up to the peak at Monserrate; the view is spectacular.

Read more: Best of Bogotá

2. Cartagena de Indias

Colorful Cartagena

Cartagena is probably the most well-known city for tourists to Colombia due to its spot on many Caribbean cruise itineraries. It’s easy to understand why it is popular: the old walled city perched on the water is incredibly colorful and photogenic.

In truth, Cartagena is very different culturally from most of Colombia and has a serious Caribbean flair. The city was formed with strong influences from Spanish, Island and African cultures due to its strategic position as a fort and trading post. The historic old town reflects this cultural mishmash in its colonial architecture and spicy local food. The walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s possible to spend a couple of days just exploring there. When you’re ready for a change, hit up the beautiful nearby beaches.

3. Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona

Further east along the coast is one of Colombia’s most stunning national parks. Getting to Tayrona is an adventure in and of itself and it’s not for the lazy. To reach the beautiful beaches you will need to take a bus from Santa Marta, then either hire a horse to carry you through miles of thick jungle or do the steamy walk yourself.

It’s well worth the effort though: Tayrona is known for its stunning beaches with warm Caribbean waters. Massive stone boulders decorate the sand and palm trees blow lazily over the water. Just the feeling of being totally remote is beautiful in itself.

4. Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City)

From nearby Santa Marta you can also jump off to visit the Lost City, Colombia’s biggest archeological treasure. The enigmatic ruins consist of 196 stone terraces built into the hillside. The mysterious stone structures were founded around 800 AD, more than 600 years before Machu Picchu was built. The builders of the ruins and their purpose remains cloudy even today as little research has really been done on the area.

The only way to visit the Lost City is by tour. The tours are standardized in price and typically last 4 to 5 days. The journey to the ruins involves hiking through dense jungle and climbing over 1200 steps. Many tours will also include a visit with an indigenous tribe.

5. Medellín

Medellín

Only fifteen years ago Medellín was known as one of the world’s most dangerous cities thanks to Pablo Escobar and his drug cartel’s reign of terror. Today the city has been completely transformed into one of the country’s most livable and pleasant destinations.

The second largest city in Colombia, Medellín is known as “the city of eternal spring” because of its year-long sunny, 70-degree weather. It’s notable for its beautiful parks, easy-to-use subway and dedication to the arts. The neighborhood of El Poblado is home to many fancy shops and restaurants and is where most tourists will end up staying.

The biggest attraction in Medellín may be the nightlife. After dark the city goes crazy with salsa clubs, bars and flamboyant nightclubs, with the partying often going until dawn. Take note that the city also has a reputation for being home to the most beautiful women in all of Colombia.

6. Salento

Salento

Colombia is famous for its rich coffee, so a visit down south the the coffee growing area, the Zona Cafeteria, is a must. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, the Cocora Valley is stunning with lush green hills, grazing cows and rare wax palm trees. There are a number of pretty little towns in the area, but Salento is the best known.

A small town with less than 5000 inhabitants, Salento’s colorful shop fronts and pleasant town square are surrounded by rolling farmland in all directions. Local restaurants specialize in freshwater trout from nearby rivers. From here you can organize a tour to a coffee farm or go hiking or horseback riding. Oddly, even in the Zona Cafeteria it is difficult to find a decent cup of coffee: all of the good stuff gets exported.

7. Las Lajas

Las Lajas Cathedral

Perched on the border of Colombia and Ecuador, the city of Ipiales is fairly nondescript. It’s still worth a visit however, solely to check out the surreal Sanctuario de Las Lajas just 15 minutes out of town. It’s hard to believe that this grand, gothic style cathedral is in southern Colombia and not Germany or France.

It took over 30 years to build the enormous church which perches dramatically on the edge of a deep canyon. Many devout Colombians and Ecuadorians make pilgrimages to the church and their wishes are recorded on small tiles which line the walkways. The place is still far more popular with locals than foreign visitors due to its off the beaten path location.

There are many other places worth visiting in Colombia including San Gil (Colombia’s adventure capital), Villa de Leyva (a colonial town) and the San Andres Islands (remote and tropical). Colombia is enormous and so full of interesting things that you may need to plan a second visit!

 - Stephanie Yoder

All photos courtesy of Stephanie Yoder via Flickr.

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Colombia tours and things to do, Colombia attractions, and Colombia travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Colombia for a customized tour!

7 Highlights of Colombia by Stephanie Yoder from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. Throughout the summer, these teams will travel and film in some of the word’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch as their unforgettable journey unfolds!

After a fun time in Amsterdam, Ryan and Asha hopped on a train to Berlin. Read on to find out what they did on their first stop in Germany!

Here’s a look at some of the adventures they captured on their iPad:

Day 1

Team Europe spent most of the morning on a train from Amsterdam to Berlin. Asha checked out the lovely countryside from their window, while Ryan improvised another ditty about what was going on at the moment. Does a future career as a singer await once he’s done traveling?

That night they celebrated their German arrival with some beers at the Hofbräuhaus.

Day 2

On their second day in Berlin, Ryan and Asha saw lots of the major sights with the Charlottenburg Palace: Dinner and Concert with River Spree Sightseeing tour. This included a 3-hour sightseeing cruise along the River Spree, plus a 3-course dinner and Berlin Residence Orchestra concert at Charlottenburg Palace.

Day 3

Asha and Ryan started their last day with a Berlin Bike Tour – the second they’ve done so far. If you haven’t done one, bike tours are a great way to see a new city: riding is faster and easier than walking, but you can still stop whenever you’d like. This tour took them along the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz, and several other top attractions.

Afterwards, they learned more about the city’s Cold War history on a Berlin Walking Tour. Then, of course, they finished off the day with some German beers.

Next up: Prague!

Read more about Berlin in our Insider’s Guide to Berlin.

Charlottenburg Palace at night

Italian Opera in Berlin

Berlin Wall turned into street art

Berlin Wall

German beers

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Berlin tours and things to do, Berlin attractions, and Berlin travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in Berlin for a customized tour! Plus, read more about Team Europe in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team Europe Update: Ryan & Asha in Berlin by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Looking for something new and fun to do while traveling this week? Check out the Viator Member-Only Deals available around the globe this week and make the most of your travel budget! Member-Only Deals provide exclusive access to deeply discounted travel deals you won’t find on any other website, with savings ranging from 20% to 75%!

Viator members can enjoy instant, on-the-spot availability – but remember, these travel discounts are date-specific and go quickly – so when they’re gone, they’re gone! Choose from a wide array of activities each week in destinations from San Francisco to Paris, Rome to Dubai and save money on your next trip – including our Top Travel Deals for the week. Best of all, Viator membership is FREE!

Here are the top Viator Member-Only Deals through May 22, 2012:

Australia & the Pacific

See Sydney at a discount!

Canberra Explorer: Australia’s Capital City Tour from Sydney – Save 20% on May 18, 2012

Enjoy this comprehensive day tour of Canberra, Australian’s capital city. Travel south by coach from Sydney through the Goulburn region, one of Australia’s premier sheep and wool growing areas, and on to Canberra.

Melbourne Cafe and Coffee Culture Walking Tour – Save 20% on May 21, 2012

Get your coffee buzz on with a small-group walking tour of Melbourne’s famed laneway cafes. As you follow your guide through the charming, narrow laneways, discover why the cafe has become an important part of Melbourne culture and daily life. Escape the crowds as you explore the city’s hidden cafes, where you will enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and a light cafe-style lunch.

Sydney, Manly and Northern Beaches Morning Tour with Optional Harbour Lunch Cruise - Save 20%: Tour & Lunch Cruise on May 22, 2012

See Sydney’s most famous icons in just one morning! Cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, for views of the world renowned Sydney Opera House at various vantage points, before strolling along Manly Beach and other picturesque surf spots on the Northern Beaches, to watch the waves from the Pacific Ocean roll in. Complete your morning with an optional lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Check out more Australia Member-Only Deals and Australia and the Pacific everyday deals!

Europe

See Florence on a Segway!

Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover – Save 20%: Departure in English on May 17, 2012

London is fabulous, of course, but you don’t want to leave without exploring the English countryside for at least one day. Head southwest of London to the picturesque, historic sites of Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover.

Perugia and Assisi Day Trip from Rome – Save 30% on May 18, 2012

Explore Perugia and Assisi, little Italian towns with larger-than-life histories, on a full-day trip from Rome. With an expert guide, you’ll take an Assisi walking tour, seeing sites once frequented by the town’s famous patron – St Francis of Assisi.

Florence Segway Tour – Save 30%: 9:30am Departure on May 19, 2012

Glide through the streets of Florence on the coolest ride of the 21st century – a Segway! You’ll have the time of your life while discovering the many wonders of this wonderful Renaissance city. Far easier than walking, and more unique and private than a coach tour, getting around Florence on a Segway personal transporter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Browse more Europe Member-Only Deals and Europe everyday deals!

USA

Ride into the sunset!

Private Tour: New York City by Chauffeured Classic Convertible - Save 50%: 5:15pm Departure on May 16, 2012

Experience New York City from the comfort of a 1975 Chevrolet Caprice classic convertible! Your private chauffeured journey with a knowledgeable native New Yorker will show you the most fascinating areas of New York.

V: The Ultimate Variety Show at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino – Save 20%: General Seating Ticket on May 17, 2012

“V: The Ultimate Variety Show” is changing the look of Las Vegas entertainment with an astounding, energetic and creative new concept. Staged at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, “V” features high-energy, out-of-this-world acts that work the crowd into a frenzy!

Wild West Sunset Horseback Ride with Dinner - Save 20% on May 19, 2012

Leaving your morning free to explore Las Vegas, ride into the sunset on an afternoon horseback riding adventure. Discover lands once used by Indians and legendary cowboys as you spot big horn sheep, jack rabbits and road runners. Your all inclusive horseback adventure includes a cowboy BBQ dinner and roundtrip transportation from Las Vegas.

Browse more USA Member-Only Deals and USA everyday deals!

– Viator Travel Team

To take advantage of Member-Only Deals exclusive discounts, simply sign up (or log in) to browse the week’s deals. Look for the ‘Deals’ tab in your next travel destination. When you see the ‘Member-Only Deals’ link, you know the deals are on!

Top Travel Deals of the Week by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

HURRY! On sale for 3 days only! Book select dinner cruises in New York City, Boston and Chicago at a 50% discount! For this limited time only, you can save 50% on cruises departing Sunday – Thursday! This deal is only available for 3 days – so hurry! You must book by May 17 to save 50%! This exclusive offer is available through December 30, 2012 (excluding July 4 and November 22).*

Save 50% on New York City, Boston and Chicago Dinner Cruises!

This is an amazing way to experience these waterfront cities! Dine on a delicious dinner as you enjoy a beautiful view of the city skyline. Feel free to explore the ship, while your crew casts off for a picturesque evening on the water. Experience a night of fine food and entertainment as you dine on an all-you-can-eat buffet in the elegant dining room, complete with attentive meal service. Then, gaze at the sunset and following star-studded skies from the outdoor deck and dance the night away to a live DJ!

Remember – you must book by May 17, 2012, to save 50%. Click here for the full dinner cruise  and deal details.

*Please note that this offer is available for new transactions only and cannot be applied to any existing booking. This deal is not valid for travel on July 4 or November 22, 2012.

- Viator Travel Team

Save 50% on Dinner Cruises in New York City, Boston & Chicago! by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. Throughout the summer, these teams will travel and film in some of the word’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch as their unforgettable journey unfolds!

From Dublin, Ryan and Asha flew to Amsterdam for their second stop. There they got to spend another four days touring the city and the surrounds. Here’s little a summary of what they did.

Behind-the-scenes footage from the “Rasha” iPad:

Day 1

The team arrived just in time to celebrate Queen’s Day (known locally as Koninginnedag) in the Netherlands. This involved lots of people wearing orange and celebrating on the streets and in the canals.

Ryan on Queen's Day

Looks fun!

Day 2

For their second day in the Netherlands “Rasha” headed to the famous Keukenhof Gardens, which is home to more than 7 million flowers. They filmed, they frolicked, and they had fun in the fields!

Asha at Keukenhof Gardens

That night they enjoyed an Amsterdam Canals Dinner Cruise along the city’s beautifully illuminated canals.

Day 3

Team Europe got an early start on Day 3 with a private tour of the Van Gogh Museum. Seeing such famous paintings as The Bedroom in real life is pretty exciting.

After the museum, they took a Amsterdam Canal Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour, which allowed them to see various attractions around the city at their leisure.

"We love Amsterdam!"

And of course, any trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a Red Light District tour. (Sorry, no photos.)

Day 4

Ryan, being the bike lover he is, was probably looking forward to this day the most! First the team went on an Amsterdam Historical City Bike Tour, which allowed them to see the city the “Dutch” way. Look at how happy he was:

After the bike tour, they learned some more about the interesting local culture on an Amsterdam Cannabis Walking Tour.

To recap: they participated in a massive holiday celebration, experienced beautiful Dutch nature, got some exercise on a bike ride, saw famous artwork, learned about the more “colorful” aspects of Amsterdam, and even tried on some clogs – all in just four days!

Next up: Berlin!

Read more about Amsterdam in our Insider’s Guide to Amsterdam.

First view of the Netherlands

Queen's Day craziness

Keukenhof Gardens

Tulips

Ryan's new wooden shoes

Amsterdam collage

Asha's Dutch dress

Clog tree

Dutch windmills

Behind the scenes

The Bedroom

Duzer on a bike!

Thousands of bikes

 - Viator Travel Team

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Amsterdam tours and things to do, Amsterdam attractions, and Amsterdam travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Amsterdam for a customized tour! Plus, read more about Team Europe in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team Europe Update: Ryan & Asha in Amsterdam by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Scotland’s rural islands are some of the best places to get away from the hustle and bustle of the British mainland. The Isle of Skye is arguably one of the prettiest of the isles, and certainly the most accessible.

The Isle of Skye, or An t-Eilean Sgiathanach in its native Gaelic, lies off Scotland’s north-west coast and is made up of six distinct peninsulas: Duirnish, Waternish, Trotternish, Minginish, Strathaird and Sleat.

Visiting the island can feel like stepping into a place out of storybooks; indeed the island is associated with a bounty of myths and legends: from the warrior woman and martial arts teacher, Scáthach, whose fortress Dún Scáith was located on the island, to local heroine, Flora MacDonald who, following the failed Jacobite uprising, smuggled Bonnie Prince Charlie off the island by dressing him as an Irish maid. The landscape is a treasure of jagged peaks, wild heather, sparkling lakes (lochs) and downy moors. Drivers share the narrow roads with wandering sheep and all signs are bilingual: Gaelic followed by English.

Skye, which was once ruled by the Norse, takes its name from the Old Norse word for cloud, skuy. References to the sometimes-unwelcoming climate continue in its affectionate nickname, The Misty Isle.

Nevertheless, the ever-present threat of rain and clouds does little to deter visitors, who come prepared for changeable weather, and although the island gets inundated with tourists during its short summers, Skye is large enough that you can always find a remote, isolated corner to escape to.

When the sky is clear, Skye is blessed with a golden light that makes the island a favorite destination for artists and photographers. Opportunities for outdoor activities also abound, as do cozy pubs where you can just relax with a local beer or whisky.

What to see and do

Mountain Climbing and Hiking

The sharp mountain peaks of Skye’s Cuillin range are visible from all over the island, and the main draw for keen climbers. The Cuillins reach 3,255 feet (992.12 meters) at their highest point, Sgùrr Alasdair, and the range is home to 12 Munros — Munro is the Scottish name for a mountain higher than 3,000 feet (914.4 meters). Some routes are quite challenging and should only be tackled by experienced climbers.

The jagged rocks and pinnacles of the Quiraing landslip on the Trotternish peninsula offer an easier, though steep, hike. Also on Trotternish, a well-marked path leads uphill to the foot of a distinctive 165-foot rock column called Old Man of Storr, and the pretty Fairy Glen offers a gentler walk through a landscape of small lochs and conical hills that locals describe as ‘Scotland in miniature.’

Boat trips

From Elgol, on the Strathaird peninsula, you can take a boat across the Loch Scavaig to the entrance of Loch Coruisk, an isolated shaft of water that lies beneath some of the Cuillins’ tallest peaks. Two boats that currently offer this trip are Misty Isle and Bella Jane.

Historic Sites

Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of the Clan Macleod since the thirteenth century and is Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited castle. The castle is home to historical artifacts that include a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hair and the Fairy Flag, which was raised at clan battles during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and is said to possess magical properties.

The Clan Donald Centre occupies the 18^th-century, neo-Gothic Armadale Castle on Sleat. The center houses a library, for those interested in researching their Scottish ancestry; a museum that covers 1,500 years of history, and 40 acres of gardens.

When local heroine Flora MacDonald died in 1790, 3,000 people attended her funeral. Her gravestone lies in Kilmuir on Trotternish, and is inscribed with an epitaph by Dr. Johnson: ‘Her name will be mentioned in history and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour.’ A few steps from MacDonald’s gravestone you will find that of late fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who celebrated his Highland ancestry in many of his creations.

Trumpan Church, on the northernmost point of the Waternish peninsula, sits in ruins on a peaceful waterfront site that belies its role in one of Skye’s most violent episodes. The invading Clan McDonald set fire to the church in 1578, murdering all inside but a young girl who managed to escape through a window, severing a breast in the process. A revenge attack by the MacLeods soon followed: they slaughtered all of the McDonalds in a battle known as the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke.

Read more about the Isle of Skye

Food and Drink

Skye is home to two small scale breweries: the Isle of Skye Brewing Company, which is located in Uig, and the Cuillin micro-brewery, which produces four ales and is next door to the Sligachan Hotel, whose bar has a collection of 200 whiskeys.

Scotch drinkers should not miss the opportunity to visit the Talisker Distillery, the only whisky distillery on Skye, which produces a distinctly peaty single malt. Tours of the facility are led by extremely knowledgeable distillery staff and include a wee dram of Talisker 10-Year and a discount coupon for the shop.

If you are on a budget, and the weather is good, grab a portion of fish and chips from any of the takeaway chippies in Portree and a bench down by the pretty, colorful harbor.

For a splurge, you can’t get much better than the Three Chimneys restaurant on Waternish. The restaurant occupies a 120 year-old crofter’s cottage and specializes in fresh, locally caught seafood.

Fresh seafood is also on the menu at Lochbay Seafood Restaurant in the village of Stein on Waternish. The restaurant is housed in a tiny cottage with only a handful of tables and advance booking highly advisable in summer.

Accommodations

Portree, the biggest town on the Isle of Skye, offers the largest choice of accommodation options in a convenient location that is on the bus route and home to a helpful tourist office.

Elsewhere, budget travelers have a choice of three Scottish Youth Hostel Association-affiliated hostels located in Uig, Broadford and Glenbrittle.

Pricier options include the Duntulm Castle Hotel, which occupies a nineteenth century shooting lodge on Trotternish, and the five-star hotel at the Three Chimneys.

The island is home to dozens of small bed and breakfasts, which are usually family-run and offer a way to connect with local people that you might miss in a bigger hotel. Breakfast is always included in rates and is often a highlight of a stay. A traditional Scottish breakfast is a gut-busting affair of haggis, black pudding, eggs, bacon, sausage, porridge, breads and cereal. A good home-cooked breakfast will really set you up for a day’s hiking or exploring.

Getting there

By road

Since the mid-1990s Skye has been connected to mainland Scotland via the Skye Bridge, which reaches from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland to Kyleakin on Skye’s Sleat peninsula.

From Mondays through Saturdays, public buses run this route every hour, continuing to the town of Broadford, and to Portree five times a day. On Sundays, there are two buses a day from Kyle of Lochalsh to Portree.

By ferry

The CalMac ferry company serves the 30-minute sea crossing from Mallaig, on the mainland, to Armadale, on Skye’s Sleat peninsula, between four and eight times a day. Ferries also travel several times a day between Glenelg, 25 miles south of Kyle of Lochalsh and Kylerhea on Skye.

Visitors traveling with a vehicle should try to make reservations at least a day in advance (especially during the summer season), while foot passengers can just buy a ticket before boarding.

Getting around

While getting around the island by public transportation is possible, you will be left reliant on an infrequent timetable and limited routes. Sundays, when bus services all but close down, are especially difficult.

If you are limited to using public transportation, and watching your budget, be sure to only take the local blue Stagecoach buses while on the island. Citylink buses, which are bigger and travel between Glasgow and Skye, are considerably more expensive.

A ‘One Day Rover’ bus pass is available on-board Stagecoach buses and is worth the investment if taking more than two buses a day.

Traveling by car allows you to get away from the main towns and into the far corners of the island; it is the best way to really see Skye.

A few companies offer car hire on Skye, and will meet you at your ferry terminal or bus stop upon arrival on the island. Booking a car as far ahead as possible is advisable, as is requesting an automatic transmission if you are uncomfortable driving stick.

Skye’s roads are narrow and many are single lane. Pay close attention to passing places and always be prepared to pull over to let oncoming vehicles pass — and show patience in waiting for sheep to cross.

Read about more things to do in Scotland.

All photos courtesy of Karen Gardiner Dion.

- Karen Gardiner Dion

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Isle of Skye tours and things to do, Scotland tours and things to do, Scotland attractions, and Scotland travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in the United Kingdom for a customized tour!

The Isle of Skye: Explore Scotland’s ‘Misty Isle’ by Karen Gardiner Dion from Viator Travel Blog

Florence

Authorized Florence tour guide Valentina has been showing people around Tuscany for more than ten years. We asked for her expert opinions on the highlights of Florence – what to see, what to eat, and how to make the most of your visit – and here’s what she had to say:

Uffizi Gallery

One of my favourite paintings has always been Botticelli’s Primavera, also known as “Allegory of Spring.” The picture celebrates the arrival of spring and is filled with mythological symbolism. It was created at a time when religion no longer needed to be the main subject of artist work. If the mythological works had been painted 100 years earlier, they would not have been accepted by the church because the paintings were so different than traditional artwork.

My favourite artist is Caravaggio (1573-1610). Probably the most revolutionary artist of his time, the Italian painter Caravaggio abandoned the rules that had guided a century of artists before him, which idealized the human and religious experience. Caravaggio’s style of painting is easily recognizable for its realism that was hardly appreciated back then; the artist shows everything, from dirty fingernails, to the dirty bottoms of feet, to the bruises and worm holes on apples and the holes in pierced ears. Have a look at his painting Bacchus.

Uffizi Gallery at night

It is easy to walk through the Uffizi Gallery and miss the message, the meaning and history behind the key pieces. The best way to organize your visit is with an expert by your side explaining what you’re seeing and providing you with tools to understand the context of the artwork.

During peak season it will be very very crowded; if you book a tour that includes museums make sure you also ask your tour guide to make ticket reservations. This way you’ll have just a few minutes wait to get in and you’ll be able to skip the long lines outside. Or buy Uffizi Gallery Skip-the-Line tickets ahead of time.

Accademia Gallery

The famous David

My favourite artwork in the Accademia Gallery is David by Michelangelo. Everyone knows David, he’s the talk of the town. Michelangelo’s version of David is depicted differently than many other David statues, most of which make him a very young boy. Michelangelo makes him a muscular young adult. However, despite his athletic build, he still looks nervous about the upcoming battle, perhaps knowing he will be facing Goliath soon. He has a sling in his left hand slung over his shoulder.Michelangelo is able to catch an amazing amount of detail in marble, including veins and individual curls of hair. And it is enormous! 5.17 meters (17 ft) tall, made out of white marble from Carrara.

Before leaving the museum walk through the hall leading up to David to find Michelangelo’s fascinating works, the four famous nonfiniti (“unfinished”) Slaves, or Prisoners. I’d recommend to spend about an hour at the Accademia, visiting also the first floor and the musical instruments room!

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, just east of the center of Florence, and offers a stunning view of the city. I think the best time of the day to visit is at sunset. Colors and shades will be amazing at this time of the day.

If you are looking for more panoramic views of the city of Florence, you should definitely climb up the bell tower of the cathedral and its dome. They each have more then 400 steps… but trust me, it’s worth walking up there!

Gelateria dei Neri

Gelateria die Neri is my favorite gelato shop in Florence. Gelateria dei Neri has 3 display cases with upwards of 45 gelato flavors to choose from. They are all smooth and creamy and the flavors really pop in your mouth. Price-wise Neri is one of the most reasonably priced gelaterias in Florence! I love their ricotta and fig, chocolate mousse and soya vanilla.

Mercato Nuovo: The Straw Market

Looks like she'll have good luck! Photo courtesy of Paul VanDerWerf via Flickr

In the market you’ll find all kind of souvenirs, leather goods, and t-shirts. The market is often called Loggia del Porcellino (porcellino means “piglet”) in reference to Pietro Tacca’s fountain featuring a bronze wild boar. According to popular tradition, if you rub the nose of the statue, you’re guaranteed to make it back to Florence at some point in your life, and it’s also good luck. Needless to say, the porcellino’s snout is very, very shiny!

The market is open the second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November – daily 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and the Monday following the first Sunday in November to Saturday before the second Sunday in March – Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

And in case you get a little hungry stop by Roberto’s restaurant “Grotta Guelfa” just behind the market and enjoy Florence traditional Pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar) with a glass of red Chianti wine!

 - Valentina Bassi

Read more about Valentina’s private tours in Florence and browse Viator’s Florence tours and things to do, Florence attractions, and Florence travel recommendations!

Florence Insider Tips from a Local Expert by Valentina Bassi from Viator Travel Blog

In the summer of 2012, London will be awash with visitors from all over the world as the capital hosts the XXX Olympic Games from July 27^th to August 12^th and the Paralympics from August 29^th to September 9^th. While events will be scattered over venues throughout the southeast of England, the centrepiece of the Games will be the Olympic Park situated in Stratford in East London some six miles from the city centre.

Nine of the key sporting venues will be located here including the Olympic Stadium (opening/closing ceremony and athletics), the Aquatics Centre (diving and swimming), the Velodrome (cycling), the BMX Track, the Water Polo Arena, the Basketball Arena, the Riverbank Arena (hockey), Eton Manor (wheelchair tennis) and the Copper Box (handball, goalball and modern pentathlon).

Aquatic Centre

It will also play host to the Olympic and Paralympic Village catering for some 10,500 athletes in 2818 apartments on 11 residential plots and the International Broadcast Centre/Main Press Centre providing state of the art facilities for some 20,000 journalists, photographers and broadcasters bringing the Games to an estimated 4 billion people worldwide.

While VIPs will have preferential access to the Park on 48 kms of special Olympic Lanes and 4000 cars and 1500 coaches at their disposal, it is estimated that some 270,000 visitors will travel to the site each day placing enormous demands on the existing transport system and catering facilities. This will be compounded by the heightened security arrangements and the prospects of extensive delays.

Here then are some essential tips to make your visit a once in a lifetime experience.

Read about more things to do in London

Getting to the Olympic Park

Despite the fact that the government has invested over £6.5 billion in modernising the transport network, the sheer volume of daily visitors to the site will inevitably create congestion and delays. Given that the Park opens 2.5 hours before the events start, it is a good idea to get there early and to go to the gate nearest to your designated venue. The site is spread over 2.5 square kms, so leave plenty of time. With two turnarounds of spectators each day, there is likely to be congestion when these take place.

If you are coming from central London, the quickest way to reach the Olympic Park is on the Javelin, a specially designed bullet train that takes just 7 minutes from Kings Cross St. Pancras to Stratford International next to the stadium. There will be 8 to 10 trains per hour each with a capacity of 340.

Alternatively, there are direct links to Stratford on the Jubilee and Central Lines on the Underground. If you want to avoid the crush at Stratford, however, you might consider taking the District or City Line to West Ham station and making the 15-minute walk to the Park. National Rail also provides direct train services from East Anglia to Stratford, from Essex to West Ham and from London and Ebbsfleet to Stratford also using the Javelin.

If you are feeling energetic, however, there are six greenway walking routes to the site as well as cycling routes where you can use the Barclays Cycle Hire facility (Boris Bikes) which allows you to rent bikes from sites all around London. Remember that the purchase of a ticket includes free travel on the specific date, but for travel outside of this, it is well to purchase an Oyster card, which gives a discount of 40%. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) also provides access, as does the North London line from Richmond and the East London Line. A much enhanced bus service will also be available.

Security

Expect airport-type security with scan and search for all people entering the Park. Only one soft-sided bag is allowed per person (medium-sized handbag or small backpack (25 litres) and spectators are not allowed to take drinks or liquids in more than 100 ml containers, including sunscreen. All food except baby food and essential dietary food is forbidden as are alcohol, soft drinks, bottles, flasks and thermoses and large umbrellas, horns, whistles, drum, fireworks and weapons. To avoid any protracted delays it is, therefore, essential to travel light. Fresh water will be provided throughout the park free of charge. There will also be heightened security at all stations and on the trains themselves.

Food hall at Westfield Stratford City

Dining and shopping

McDonalds, being the major sponsor, has a monopoly of all catering outlets and is building four new restaurants at the Park. Its flagship will seat over 1500 persons and one sited somewhat contentiously in the Olympic Village. It is estimated that they will sell some 1.75 million meals and that 1 in 4 visitors will buy one of their products. Other caterers will, however, be operating in the fan zones outside the major venues and these have all signed up to the 2012 Food Charter, committing themselves to local, seasonal and healthier foods. Remember that payment will only be accepted in cash or by Visa, again one of the major sponsors. For American visitors, it is worthwhile remembering that Britain has a different banking system and the chip and pin mode is used not the swipe cards.

Stratford Centre

If you don’t want to pay what will be inevitably inflated prices within the Park, then the Westfield Stratford City centre located right next to Stratford station is the largest urban shopping precinct in Europe with 1.5 million square feet of space and home to 70 restaurants, 300 stores (John Lewis, Waitrose, Marks and Spencer), a 17 screen all-digital Vue cinema as well as two hotels (Premier Inn and Holiday Inn). There are some very good low budget cafes within the complex including Franco Manca, which has wood- burning brick ovens and excellent pizzas from £4.50; Wahaca, offering burritos from £6.40; Busaba Eathai with main courses from £5.50, and PastaRemoli with handmade pastas and sauces from £7. Good beer can also be had in the Tap East on the lower ground floor.

There will also be street vendors on the routes to the Park and local cafes, pubs and restaurants. Again, there are likely to be queues at lunch and dinnertime.

Read more about eating and restaurants in London

Accommodation

If you haven’t already arranged accommodation, a range of hotels is available, and LOCOG (London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games) have recently released an additional 120,000 hotel nights previously reserved for dignitaries and athletes. At the upper end, prices will tend to be high around $500 per night, although guesthouses offering bed and breakfast offer lower rates. Alternatives to hotels include the 5 campsites located around London and charging $25 per night; houses and flats which are being rented out (HomeAway.com, Airbnb.com) or moving out of London altogether and travelling in for the Games.

Other attractions and things to do at Olympic Park

ArcelorMittal Orbit

Apart from the various venues on the site and their unique architecture, there are other attractions. The most iconic is the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a 115-metre high observation tower, designed by Anish Kapoor in collaboration with engineer Cecil Balmond. This is situated between the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre and allows visitors to view the whole Olympic Park from two observation platforms. Costing over £19 million, this steel structure is Britain’s largest piece of public art.

The southern part of the Park will focus on retaining the festival atmosphere of the Games, with riverside gardens, markets, events, cafes and bars. The northern area will use the latest green techniques to manage flood and rain water, while providing quieter public space and habitats for hundreds of existing and rare species, from kingfishers to otters.

Read more: What to Do With Two Weeks in England

Freebies and non-ticketed events

If you don’t have a ticket and still want to enjoy the Games, there will be giant screens erected in Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and Victoria Park where spectators can watch for free. There are also some events that are free to watch, including the marathon, which starts and ends in The Mall and winds its way through the City of London, passing St. Paul’s, the Guildhall and Leadenhall Market; the cycling time trials that start and finish at Hampton Court Palace and pass through Richmond, Kingston and Bushy Park; and the Triathlon, which starts and finishes by the Serpentine in Hyde Park and weaves its way through Kensington and Knightsbridge and passes Buckingham Palace.

London has spent some £9.3 billion on the Olympic Games including £1 billion on security. In addition over £6 billion has been injected into improving transport infrastructure in the region. All this is designed to produce a Games that will thrill competitors and spectators alike and leave a lasting legacy, not only for those who attend the Games but also for the local community once the Games are over!

Read more: Things To Do in London in 2012

- Graham Walker

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s London tours and things to do, London attractions, and London travel recommendations, or book a private tour guide in London for a customized tour!

London 2012: A Guide to London’s Olympic Park by Graham Walker from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. Throughout the summer, these teams will travel and film in some of the word’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch as their unforgettable journey unfolds!

For their first stop, Team Europe left San Francisco behind and flew to Dublin, Ireland! There they spent four days exploring the sights in and around the city. Here’s a recap of their adventures.

Behind-the-scenes clips from the Team “Rasha” iPad:

Day 1

Upon arriving in Dublin, they rented a car, and – as it happens – they got a little lost. But with some Irish luck they made it to their hotel in time to rest up before their busy night at the Guinness Storehouse.

Looks tasty!

There they also made some new friends–it’s always easy to bond over a good drink, right?

Day 2

Ryan and Asha spend the morning at Wicklow Mountains, and while driving through the Irish countryside Ryan realizes it is GREEN!

You’re right, Ryan! It is green… and yellow!

Irish countryside

That night they spend time at a traditional Irish house party, where they witness lots of music, storytelling, and dancing in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Day 3

The team met up with Viator Private Guide Rob McElroy, who was full of energy and eager to show them the sights. He showed them around Poulnabrone dolmen, Doolin, and the incredible Cliffs of Moher, and he even serenaded them with some Irish tunes.

Day 4

On their last day in Ireland, Private Guide Rob took Ryan and Asha on another fun tour, and this time it was around the city. After meeting at Trinity College, they saw the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin backstreets, Ha’penny Bridge, and Temple Bar.

Dublin Private Guide Rob McElroy - he comes highly recommended!

The team spent their last night on a Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl, where they enjoyed some more live music, Guinness, and fun company. They did a pretty good job at hitting all the top attractions in just four days, yeah?

Next stop: Amsterdam!

Read more about Dublin in The Insider’s Guide to Dublin

New Guinness friends

Guinness!

Medieval cemetery

Beautiful Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

A wee Irish castle

St Patrick's Cathedral

Asha filming musicians

Ha'penny Bridge

- Viator Travel Team

Planning a Trip? Check out Viator’s Dublin tours and things to do, Dublin attractions, and Dublin travel recommendations. Or book a private tour in Dublin with Rob McElroy for a customized tour! Plus, read more about Team Europe in our Dream Travel Job updates, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for more photos and news!

Team Europe Update: Ryan & Asha in Dublin by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Editor’s Note: Viator has it’s own travel videos to watch! We recently held a contest to “Win Your Dream Travel Job” where we selected 4 finalists to travel the world shooting video. Throughout the summer, these teams will travel and film in some of the word’s top destinations, documenting their experiences along the way. Go here to watch as their unforgettable journey unfolds!

When we can’t head out on our own adventures, sometimes we have to settle for the next best thing: living vicariously through myriad programs designed to tap into our inherent wanderlust and desire to experience something outside of our own backyard.

Ryan from the Dream Travel Job: Team Europe filming in Dublin

Fortunately, the television programmers know what we want and have created plenty of opportunities for us to see the world, from the big cities to the jungle villages, and everything in between. Whether you’d rather see Samantha Brown check into some of the world’s most beautiful hotels, watch Rick Steves explore Europe, or enjoy Anthony Bourdain’s acerbic wit as he eats his way around the globe, there’s a show for just about every taste.

There are plenty of shows on television (hello, Travel Channel) that give you insight into life and travels, but these are some of our favorites. What’s your favorite travel related show?

Amazing Race

This reality show is packed with adventure and challenges. At the start, 11 teams embark on a 25-day race around the world. Each spot lends itself to a new challenge before they can move to their next destination. Along the way, teams are eliminated as they fall behind. The first team to arrive at the final destination wins $1 million. While the focus of the show is the teams and their challenges, it also opens viewers’ eyes to parts of the world they’ve never seen, and the obstacles that travelers face in foreign countries. The show airs on CBS.

An Idiot Abroad

Poor Karl Pilkington. His travels lie in the hands of his former radio show host colleagues, funny man Rickey Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Swearing he has no desire to see the world, Gervais and Merchant make him do just that — send him around the world with an enormous bucket list of both tourist and crazy things to check off while they hang out in London and check out what he does from afar.

Travels go from the typical bucket list items like climbing Mount Fuji to the downright crazy. The normal? Pilkington heads to Machu Picchu to cross this world wonder off the list. The insane? He’s dropped into the Amazon jungle and told he has to survive.

On this show, it’s all about pulling the unexpected on Pilkington, whose reactions to his experiences are the focus of the show. While Gervais and Merchant often promise easy travels and comfortable living, they often sneak behind his back and throw in curve balls to spice things up. While the two seasons of the show have wrapped, you can catch repeats nearly all of the time on the Science Channel. Plus, fans of the show can also check out Pilkington’s book, “The Travel Diaries of Karl Pilkington,” which sheds more light on his personal experiences while shooting the show.

Departures

Airing on Halogen in the US, Departures follows friends Justin Lukach and Scott Wilson as they abandon their stationary lives for new experiences around the world. Together, the two, along with cameraman Andre Dupuis, expose viewers to remote locales, new cultures and their own personal journeys only the ups and downs of travel can provide. While there are no new episodes being produced, you can check it out on DVD and online.

House Hunters International

The original show, House Hunters on HGTV, journeys abroad in its latest incarnation, taking want-to-be international home owners on tours through some of the most magnificent cities in the world with one quest: to find a home to buy. While this show focuses more on the buildings, it is a great way to see how locals live, along with getting a feel for architecture and lifestyle in each city. Not only is this show a great way to see other cultures, but it is also educates those who have dreamed of owning property in another country to each locale’s own rules for buying real estate.

Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe

Internationally-acclaimed photographer Art Wolfe lets viewers journey the world with him, giving them a view of some of the most beautiful places and nature as seen behind his lens. Airing on PBS, he introduces the audience to some of the most remarkable places, culture and nature the world offers, all the while educating people on the art of taking photos. Great for travel photographers and those who simply want to see the beauty in the world, Art Wolfe lends his own expertise to the program, creating a unique way to view the world.

Globe Trekker

Since 1994, Globe Trekker (originally broadcasted as Lonely Planet and called Pilot Guides in some areas) the Globe Trekker series sends one traveler to a different location each episode. From Argentina to Zimbabwe, in big cities and more remote locales, the hosts have covered the world, checking out traditional festivals, exploring the culture, eating, drinking, hiking, and interacting with local people. One of our favorite hosts was Brit Ian Wright, known for his unbridled enthusiasm for just about any adventure, even the ones that didn’t go as planned.

- Diana Edelman

Watch more travel videos on Viator’s YouTube channel and don’t miss the videos and photos from the travels of our Dream Travel Job finalists!

6 Best Travel TV Shows to Fuel Your Wanderlust by Diana Edelman from Viator Travel Blog

To be truly happy on vacation, psychologists have found you need to feel in control of the itinerary and activities. This is a subtle but important point for vacationers: for a great vacation, you need to do what you want to do, not what your traveling companions want, and not necessarily what the guidebook suggests.

I often hear from travelers who have visited perfectly wonderful destinations yet returned disappointed; after a little searching I generally discover that they didn’t enjoy being dragged along to museums or cathedrals or shopping districts that their partner (or their partner’s guidebook) had recommended, and that they were too shy or embarrassed to insist on the things they wanted to do.

Don't let your guidebook plan your whole vacation - you never know what kind of fun you'll have on your own!

Embarrassed? Yep, that happens a lot. I have a friend who likes nothing better than spending an afternoon wandering through the aisles of a foreign supermarket, picking up their packaged foods, greeting cards and cleaning products while marveling at the cultural differences that could produce such strange offerings. Odd? Maybe… but understandable, and a great way to spend an afternoon if that’s what floats your boat.

A cousin of mine is a schoolteacher who always finds the time to visit local schools when she is abroad. It’s easy nowadays to research this type of thing, make contact and arrange things in advance, but even before the internet she would roll up to the village school and introduce herself. Invariably they were delighted to have her and she would spend hours in classrooms and common rooms, building bridges and forming friendships that in many cases have lasted to this day. I’ve heard of firefighters doing the same thing; it makes so much sense to take advantage of these ties that bind us, even across borders.

Some predilections are more nuanced: there are travelers who photograph graffiti, others who fixate on doors. I’ve a relative who does nothing on vacation beyond sitting in bars, drinking with locals. He comes home with the very best understanding of the culture, politics and sports, though admittedly little first-hand knowledge of the scenery. Still, that’s what turns him on, and he’s strong enough to insist on doing just that.

Guidebooks are great for finding out about local markets, foods, and languages.

Use guidebooks for logistical help—maps, transportation advice, calendars of events, and the like. Knowing that there’s a great outdoor market held only on Tuesday mornings, and getting your family there on a trolley car with the locals will make you feel good about your planning skills. But don’t let any guidebook tell you what is or is not interesting or worthy of your admiration. For those things… go with your gut. It’s usually a better guide.

- Rod Cuthbert

Browse more of our travel tips!

Don’t Let Your Guidebook Rule Your Vacation by Rod from Viator Travel Blog

Enter now for your chance to win a $5,000 Dream Vacation!

Enter your favorite travel photos on Viator’s Facebook page this summer and you could win a $5,000 Dream vacation or a number of other travel-related prizes!

All summer long our 4 Dream Travel Job finalists will be traveling around Europe and North American having the adventure of a lifetime! But we have a feeling that Ryan, Asha, Juliana, and Brock aren’t the only ones traveling this summer – we want to see what YOUR summer plans are! Show us how you’re spending your time this summer by entering Viator’s Summer Photo Contest – every 2 weeks they’ll be a new chance to win!

About the Contest

Every 2 weeks, we’ll post a video of one of our Dream Travel Job finalists announcing a new photo contest topic and prize. You’ll then have 14 days to submit a photo related to that week’s topic. We’ll select one winning photo for each topic (6 winners in total), all leading up to the end-of-summer grand prize of a $5,000 Dream Vacation!

The 6 winning photos will automatically be considered for the grand prize, as well as a handful of other photos that our moderation team has chosen (that means even if you’re not selected as that week’s winner, you can still win the $5000 Dream Vacation!).

Once the final photos are selected, our Facebook fans will have 3 weeks to vote on the winning photo. The photo with the most votes at the end of the contest will be announced as our Grand Prize Winner and win a $5,000 Dream Vacation!

How to Enter

1. Go to Viator’s Facebook Page (Facebook.com/ViatorTours) and Click the “Photo Contest” Tab.
2. Watch the video to find out that week’s topic.
3. Click “Enter Now” and upload a photo related to that week’s topic
4. You’ll receive a confirmation e-mail after your photo has been approved by our moderation team.
5. Stay tuned to find out the winner!

Every two week we’ll announce a new winning photo and give away a prize! At the end of the summer, our team will name the best submission as finalists, entering them to win the Grand Prize of a $5,000 Dream Vacation!

What’s this week’s topic?

Topic #1: Airports & Airplanes (May 9, 2012 – May 22, 2012)

- Viator Travel Team

Follow Team Europe, Ryan and Asha, and Team North America, Juliana and Brock, as they travel the world this summer shooting video. And don’t miss a single Viator contests, deal, or promotion by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, or Pinterest!

Viator’s Summer Photo Contest – Win a $5,000 Dream Vacation! by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Know the feeling? We’ve all been there at one point or another. It’s the feeling you get when you’ve been dedicating yourself to something for a long time—longer than you’ve ever dedicated yourself to anything before, and now the end is fast approaching. You can feel it in your bones. The indescribable rush of pride and energy that comes with being young and embarking upon a new adventure is upon you. Let’s just come out and say it: You’re graduating.

They call it commencement for a reason. It’s the end of your college years, but the beginning of a different phase of your life. You will be setting out into the world, into the workforce, and your school days are now to be relegated as flashes in your fond memory banks.

But stepping right out of school and into the workforce doesn’t sound like the bag of fun we expect after all this trouble. Not by any means. We want to celebrate, take our first full-fledged steps out into freedom. So let’s take off! Be it partying or adventure travel, vacation looms large on the horizon. And if you’re just graduating, here a list of the top places to go after university.

1. Cancun, Mexico

Cancun ATV tour

Although you may have heard this before, Cancun is still on the hotlist of places to go if you haven’t been before. Miles of white beach, cheap beer, and an overabundance of young club-goers fills this once-small Mexican town with revelers. The parties are notorious, the clubs hedonistic, and the outdoor activities fantastic.

Fancy a horseback ride through the beach or jungle? You can find that here. How about an ATV tour with tequila tasting? Also here. Want something a little more exotic? How about a spa day where little tropical fish nibble the dead skin off your toes? Yep, if you can stomach it, they have that too.

Read more about things to do in Cancun

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu

Many people like to travel with a purpose, to accomplish something. You’ve just finished acquiring that long sought-after degree, so you can do anything, right? Well, maybe not anything, but certainly a trek through the pristine cloud forests of Peru wouldn’t do you any harm. Check it off the bucket-list; Machu Picchu is high atop the Inca Trail and is known world-wide for its stunning views, the incredible stone-masonry, and the sense of deep peace that comes with visiting this sacred once-royal retreat.

Read more about things to do in Peru

3. Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland skyline

What’s doing in Auckland? Most Zealand trips originate in this capital city, and though there’s plenty to see here, many visitors just want to get out and explore the rugged coastline famous for its boating, skydiving, sailing, white-water rafting, hang-gliding, canyoning, hiking, parasailing, skiing, heli-skiing, para-skiing… you get the picture.

Filled with all the majesty of never-never land, New Zealand, either north or south, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the outdoorsy. Filled with excitement, spectacular vistas, and wine-tasting extraordinaire, New Zealand’s got it all should you desire it.

Browse outdoor activities in Auckland

4.  Cinque Terre and the Italian Coast

Enjoy the sun in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, meaning literally “Five Lands” in Italian, is, as you might expect, a great place for a couples retreat. Five picturesque mountain towns join together on a strip of rocky and olive tree-lined coastline to complete a beautiful Italian escape. Long a backpacker favorite, in recent years Cinque Terre has become something of a luxury hotspot, particularly the town of Monterosso which has a more modern feel to it. Spend your time getting to know the old Italian way and fall in love all over again under a moon over the Mediterranean.

Read more about Cinque Terre

5. Greek Isles in the Early Season

Santorini

If you plan well, the Greek Isles can be an incredible escape and dirt cheap too. The early season starts in May, and the tail-end belongs to the month of September, so if you wind up getting finished with finals early, or your thesis runs a tad bit overdue, there’s celebration to be had either way. Hostel prices can drop by half, and eager hoteliers often treat their guests to free lunches, ATV rides, ouzo tastings, you name it. And then there’s always the glittering Aegean, a healthy nightlife, and the beautiful seascape to contend with…

Read more about things to do in Greece

6. Patagonia

There are lots of adventures to be had in Patagonia! Photo courtesy of Ana_Cotta via Flickr

Spanning Chile and some of Argentina, Patagonia has long been on the list of adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Known for being a mythical nature preserve of small mammals and plants of lore, today Patagonia serves as a fly-fishing hotspot, a glacier-hiker’s dream, and the place to go when you’re looking to get away.

Here, you have you choice of places to jet in from, but the most popular is Buenos Aires (a party town not to be overlooked in its own right) and then a skip over to the mountain town of Trelew. From there you can hike all the trails your heart desires. Or, if you decide to go half-way in, you can just jump on a catamaran and coast the rest of the way. It’s your vacation, after all.

Read more about things to do in Chile

7. Egypt’s Mighty Pyramids

Camel ride to the pyramids

It’s been on your To-Do list for so long it’s practically your father’s To-Do list. You must see the pyramids. Why? For whatever reason, the pyramids and their illustrious draw have pulled visitors to their dusty steps from all nations and races for centuries. Perhaps that’s why we still go.

The greatest standing testament to the origins of the species we call Homo sapiens is nestled in a bustling, winding, conurbation called Cairo that smells of all the wonders of the old world. Ride a camel through the Sahara or smoke shi-sha (hookah) with the locals by the Sphinx. Here, you can unwind, explore a bit of the Middle East, and go back to a place where, somewhere down the line, we all called home.

Read more: The Other Pyramids of Egypt

8. Dublin, Ireland

Guinness Gravity Bar

Ask a Dubliner and he’ll tell you: there’s only one city in Ireland. Yep, you guessed it—it’s Dublin. Though understandably biased, their statements aren’t wholly without merit.  If you want to see the famous green grasslands of Ireland, this is a great place to start. If you’re looking to party, here too is where the nightlife lies. And if you’re of a more literary sect, again, this is your town.

Writers in Ireland pay no income tax, have their run of the numerous bookstores here, and are generally a welcomed breed. Perhaps that is why literary greats such as Joyce, Wilde, Swift, Seamus Heaney, and Eavan Boland all have left their light on, at some point or another, in this great town.

Read more: Dublin Literary History

9. Thailand

Thailand is a great place to relax after finals

While the whole of Thailand is beyond the scope of this article, the whole of Thailand is a great place to visit. Here you can lose yourself at a Full Moon party, wade through crystal clear waters while living on dollars a day, ride an elephant, and pay spiritual homage to the Buddha of your choice. And though June through October is roughly considered the rainy season, rarely does it rain for days on end, while serious financial gains are to be made when booking for this time of year.

Read more about things to do in Thailand

10. Baja Surf Trip

Baja California - photo courtesy of Di Sanders via Flickr

This is the one to send postcards home about. There’s no specific destination in mind, but you’ve gathered your buddies, you’ve cast off your trappings, and you’ve all piled into your VW Vanagan. Here, you’ve got your surf breaks picked out, your travel guidebook and your pocket Spanish phrasebook and you’ll be sure to stop in Rosarito for cheap spiny lobster and a few Coronitas. Here, it’s all about the uncharted dusty path and the friends you make along the way. Hunh, sorta sounds like college, doesn’t it?

Read more about things to do in Mexico

- Hudson Hornick

Planning a graduation trip? Browse Viator’s Europe tours and things to do, Central and South America tours and things to do, and Asia travel recommendations.

Top 10 Places to Go After You Graduate by Hudson Hornick from Viator Travel Blog

Drink like a Bavarian for free!

Will you be in Munich on May 11th? Join Viator on a FREE tour!

RSVP today at rsvp@viator.com – Limited space!

Viator’s Team Europe from the Win Your Dream Travel Job Video Contest will be filming a Bavarian Beer and Food Tour on Friday, May 11th and we invite YOU to join us! For as long as there have been Germans, there has been beer. Sample the best traditional Bavarian food including Weisswurt veal sausage, dumpling, roast pork, Obatzsa cheese and more. There’s an exclusive private tour through the beautiful new Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, and a lovely outdoor beer garden to enjoy the flowers in bloom!

Are you a fun, engaging person or group who doesn’t mind being on camera? Then we’ll see you there!

When: 3pm, May 11, 2012

Where: Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) at Arnulfstr. 3 Munich, Germany 80335

Duration: Approx 3.5 hours

RSVP by E-mail Now: rsvp@viator.com

- Viator Travel Team

Enjoy a FREE Bavarian Beer and Food Tour in Munich! by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Traveling in Thailand today is a far cry from the days when you could get a picture-perfect bungalow on a white-sand beach for less than two dollars a night. Accommodation, transport, food and drink have all risen in price, and many visitors find their baht doesn’t go as far as they had hoped. All the same, there are still plenty of places where it is possible to survive – and even pretty comfortably – on $20 per day, or even less. By sidestepping the most overrun tourist hotspots, it can be easy to get more bang for your buck, and still have a great (even better) break in paradise.

Prachuap Kiri Khan

Prachuap Kiri Khan

While looking out over the curving golden bays and majestic limestone outcrops that lie just off the shore of this stunning fishing port town and provincial capital, you could easily believe you were much further than 3.5 hours from Bangkok. Yet Prachuap Kiri Khan is much cheaper than places like Krabi or Phi Phi on the Andaman coast.

Prachuap Kiri Khan largely slips off the radar of the majority of Thailand’s tourist arrivals, which is definitely a case of their loss and your gain. A lack of foreign tourists – those visitors who do come here are largely Thais – means prices are much lower than elsewhere, particularly in the nearby tourist center of Hua Hin, in the same province and just an hour away to the north.

Prachuap Kiri Khan

A basic but comfortable double room at the Yuttichai Hotel, within walking distance of the centrally located train station, will set you back just 250 baht; that’s around $4 per person. Central Prachuap Kiri Khan is small enough to get around on foot, and the attractions in town are within easy reach – take a walk up the hundred or so steps to the top of Mirror Mountain (Khao Takiab), to get a splendid view out to sea, wander around an abandoned temple complex and mix with the local monkey population.

The nearby town shrine is also worth a visit, and a 100 baht ($3) tuk-tuk ride will get you to the practically deserted Ao Noi, where you can climb a few more steps to discover a slightly spooky cave temple with two enormous reclining Buddha statues, and row after row of smaller sitting Buddhas. There are more great views from up here – just pack some lunch, as there is nowhere to buy a thing.

Prachuap Kiri Khan

A similar tuk-tuk fare will get you to Ao Manao, a stunning stretch of beach inside a protected Thai air force base – expect to have to sign in before spending a day of paradise on this sheltered cove, relaxing on the wide stretch of sand as you tuck in to spicy papaya salad and a selection of rice and fresh seafood dishes at dirt cheap prices (think about 200 baht, or $6, for a decent spread). Back in town, you can satisfy all your cravings at one of the many street-side restaurants or the fabulous night market, where you’ll find vendors with every Thai speciality under the sun for as little as 20 baht ($0.60).

Yuttichai Hotel, 115 Kong Kiat Road, Prachuap Kiri Khan. Tel: 0066 3 261 1055

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

At the opposite extreme from Prachuap Kiri Khan, Kanchanaburi is anything but off the tourist circuit. In fact, this provincial capital two to three hours north-west of Bangkok is the destination of many a visitor to Thailand, and for good reason. The town has a good party scene on Maenam Kwai Road, dubbed a lower-key equivalent of Bangkok’s infamous Khao San. It is also famous as the home of the Bridge Over the River Kwai, constructed by prisoners of war in World War Two, and there are also several cemeteries and memorials to the war dead within easy reach in the town center.

Finally, out of town but cheap and easy to get to by public bus (90 minutes, bus number 8170, fare 45 baht, $1,45), the stunning Erawan waterfalls are a must-see – chances are, if you have seen a photo of a waterfall in Thailand, it was one of the seven levels at Erawan. A trek to the top is hard work but rewarding for the clear, swimmable pools and all but deserted area you will have to yourself. Fish in the pools will also nibble away at the dead skin on your feet for a free pedicure – an interesting experience, but not one that everyone is fond of! Note that there is a 200 baht ($6.50) entrance fee to Erawan.

Read more: Soak up nature in Erawan National Park

Thanks to the high number of tourists who descend on Kanchanaburi, and the relatively high number of foreign expats who also call the town home for at least part of the year, prices are low – in fact, it is one of the cheapest places in the country for a beer, and the infamous 10 Baht Bar on Maenam Kwai Road will serve you a local whisky and soda for $0.30 (just expect to pay a deposit on the glass, which you will lose if it ends up broken).

Kanchanaburi

There are cheap eats to be had at stalls and restaurants along Maenam Kwai Road – favorites include Mangosteen for their friendly service, authentic food and wallet-friendly meal deals – and even cheaper ones at the regular night market near the bus station in the town center. A delicious plate of Indian-inspired southern Thai style chicken biryani and infused yellow rice (khao mok gai) will set you back 25 baht ($0.80).

Sleeping is cheap here too: the cheapest rooms at well-known and long-running Jolly Frog Backpackers go for as little as 70 baht ($2.25) per night, but we are talking basic – think dark and rundown, with grimy shared bathrooms. A better choice is Tamarind Guesthouse, where the beds are a little hard but you will get more privacy, better service and a nicer bathroom. Fan rooms range between 150 and 350 baht ($4.85-$11.35) depending on whether you want a shared or private bathroom.

To get to Kanchanaburi, take a minivan from Bangkok’s northern bus terminal (Mo Chit), southern bus terminal (Sai Tai Mai), or from outside the Royal Hotel near Khaosan Road – wherever you leave from, expect to pay between 100 and 120 baht ($3.25-$3.90). Regular buses are also available from both terminals for a similar price; they take slightly longer but tend to have more room for luggage, which is very limited on the minivans.

The most scenic way to arrive is by basic but comfortable and atmospheric third-class train, from Bangkok’s Thonburi station – twice daily departures take around three hours in the week and cost 100 baht ($3.25), while at the weekend there are tourist excursion trains which make a return day trip from Bangkok for 120 baht ($3.90). Moving on from Kanchanaburi, experience more seclusion in the remote town of Sangkhlaburi, near the Burmese border – the laidback atmosphere makes it one of this author’s favorite spots in the whole country, and a three-and-a-half-hour minivan journey from Kanchanaburi will get you there for 175 baht ($5.65).

10 Baht Bar, Maenam Kwai Road, Kanchanaburi.

Mangosteen Café, 13 Maenam Kwai Road, Kanchanaburi. Tel: 0066 81 793 5814

Jolly Frog Backpackers, 28 Soi China, Kanchanaburi. Tel: 0066 3 451 4579

Tamarind Guesthouse, 29/1 Maenam Kwai Road, Kanchanaburi.

Read more: Sangkhlaburi

Khon Kaen

Thailand’s northeastern region, known as Isaan, is far less visited by tourists and retains much of its original character. With that comes lower prices and, despite it being touted as the ‘gateway to Isaan’ and one of the area’s more developed cities, Khon Kaen is really no exception.

Far from Bangkok, perhaps your greatest expense in visiting Khon Kaen will be getting here. The cheapest way to make the trip is by bus, leaving from the capital’s northern bus terminal (Mo Chit) – the seven-hour journey costs 193 baht ($6.25), with 17 departures a day. The train, leaving from Hualumphong Station in Bangkok, is more scenic and perhaps more comfortable, but also more expensive – anywhere between 227 baht for a third-class seat to 1,068 baht for a first-class sleeper cabin on the eight to ten hour ride.

Khon Kaen

Once there, explore the stimulating day and night markets and chow down on an assortment of Thai and local Isaan food. Spicy papaya salad (somtum) and grilled chicken (gai yaang) are in abundance, while stacks of pork satay skewers will set you back less than a dollar. You can rest your head at the First Choice guesthouse, with rooms from 150 baht ($4.85) per night and levels of luxury to match; you will sleep better at the Saen Samran Hotel (single rooms from 170 baht, $5.50, per night) or the D’Ma Hotel, where standard doubles go for 350 baht ($11.35) but where it is also worth upgrading to a deluxe room for 480 baht ($15.55) if you can, since you will see a massive jump in comfort levels.

Sometimes the best things to see and do are free, and that is certainly the case in Khon Kaen – just wandering the streets and observing everyday life can be enjoyable, while a stroll around the huge, grass-banked Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake is a pleasant escape from the sweltering heat of the city center. Bicycles can be rented for 20 baht ($0.65) per hour, and a lakeside market springs up in the late afternoon, with several food stalls staying open into the evening. If the walk from town to the lake is too much, one of the light-blue number 8 share taxis (songthaews) will take you there for the flat fare of 8 baht ($0.25) – just hail it down from the side of the road.

First Choice, 18/8 Phimphaseut Road, Khon Kaen. Tel: 0066 81 546 2085

Saen Samran Hotel, 55-59 Klangmuang Road, Khon Kaen. Tel: 0066 4 323 9611

D’Ma Hotel, Chi Tha Khon Road, Khon Kaen. Tel: 0066 4 332 1562

Read more: Top Travel Tips for Thailand

- Chris Wotton

All photos courtesy of Chris Wotton.

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Thailand on $20 a Day by Chris Wotton from Viator Travel Blog