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World's Best All-In-One Destinations

2010-11-07T14:40:00.000-08:00

No time or money to venture the world far and wide? Can't decide whether to go for a Caribbean-style beach vacation or explore the treasures of our globe's cultural heritage? Instead of sacrifying some of the options, you can go to only one country and have it all: exotic white sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, bucolic landscapes and great cities filled with superb monuments, great cultural offer and bustling night life.

Check out our selection of world's best all-in-one destinations.

FRANCE

Côte d'Azur. By CHRIS23

France is one of these particularly lucky beggars that can boast of everything the perfect travel destination is associated with. Let's start with Paris, which is, no matter if you love it or hate it, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The number of cozy cafes, superb restaurants, world renowned clubs, museums, theaters and galleries and other tourist attractions is uncountable and there are little chances you will be leaving the city disappointed.
No matter if you go north or south, winter or summer, France is a land of a thousand opportunities. A balmy breeze of the Mediterranean Sea, white beaches, and chic resorts of Nice and St. Tropez are the option for sunbath lovers. The wild and beautiful Corsica adds some 1000 km of coastline to the summer package and the western beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are home to some of the world's best surfing spots.

The Louvre Museum in Paris. By Christopher Chan

The picture of an ideal all-in-one destination would not be complete without the majestic French Alps with hundreds of kilometers of ski tracks and hiking trails, charming historical towns and hidden villages. Last but not least, the world's most appreciated wine accompanied by the world's best food, sampled in stunning vineyards of Burgundy or Boulogne is the icing on the cake.

Winter in the French Alps. By Huzhead

PERU

Peruvian girl. By dachalan

Peru is an all-inclusive package. The stunning Andes, beautiful coast, outstanding historical sites, legendary Inca ruins, vibrant cities, colonial towns, excellent cuisine and lush rainforest make the country one of the most rewarding destinations on the globe.
If culture is your priority, Peru is the place to be. Nowhere else will you find such an array of fascinating sites from Machu Picchu, Nazca Lines, Cuzco- the ancient capital, Huancavelica, the colonial town filled with churches to folklore, religious and guinea pig festivals.

Andes. By mtchm

If you come for beach life, Peruvian coast will not disappoint you, either. The absolutely fantastic stretch of white beaches, sunny weather, fantastic sea food restaurants, bargain accommodation and bustling night life of coastal resorts make Peru an excellent destination for beach addicts. And then there are the Andes. Superb hiking, trekking and other mountain possibilities plus jaw-dropping vistas, unconquered peaks raising at 6,000 m above the sea level, green valleys and azure lakes make Peru's highlands an ideal place for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts.

Surfing in Peru. By quiquemendizabal

JAPAN

Nishihama Beach. Okinawa. By ippei + janine

There's much more to Japan than busy fast and vibrant cities of Tokyo and Osaka. Japan is a place of thousand faces and images, from one of the world's oldest historical sites dotting the entire country to exotic islands, tropical jungle and splendid mountains.
Among the country's most amazing natural wonders is the Okinawa Islands, part of the Ryūkyū islands, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, which is the birthplace of karate and other forms of Japanese material arts. This highly spiritual place of unique traditions is also one of the country's best vacation spots of turquoise crystal waters, golden beaches, coral reefs and exotic nature that could be compared to tropical islands of South East Asia and the Philippines.

Kyoto. By syvwich

The historical heart of Japan, Kyoto, filled with hundreds of beautiful shrines, temples and gardens, is the tip of the iceberg of Japanese cultural treasures. One could spent months on discovering the rich and fascinating heritage of Japan's traditions, ancient sites, historical towns and villages such as Nara, Nikko or Takayama.
Given the fact that 80% of Japan's territory is covered by mountains, the country is a paradise for highlands' lovers. Be it skiing world's best slopes, or hiking unspoiled trails of Japanese ranges, Japan is a four seasons destination for outdoor addicts.

Odaiba. By Sprengben

SPAIN

A view of Barcelona from the terrace of the Park Güell. By MorBCN

Spain, hmmm...? Golden beaches? Yes! Historical sites? Yes! World's best nightlife? Yes! Spain is another European destination particularly blessed with splendid sites and attractions from fascinating ancient cities to outstanding coast and impressive highlands.
In the north, there are massive beautiful Pyrenees, dotted with extraordinary number of waterfalls, which are an excellent sports destination both winter and summer. Apparently, Spain is the second most mountainous country on the continent, so the number of excellent ski resorts and hiking trails may surpass your expectations.

By Jule Berlin

The mild climate of the Mediterranean coast is the main tourist magnet for holiday-makers and avid sunbathers. With such jewels as Barcelona, Valencia, Murcia, Grenada, Malaga and Cadiz, Spain is also the world's most interesting destination in terms of culture, history and art.
The Atlantic Ocean coast filled with never-ending white beaches and remote and unspoiled resorts is an option for those looking for less-travelled destinations.
Andalucía is a place to go, if you want to discover a "real" Spain of siesta, unbelievable hot summers, warm winters, flamenco, monumental architecture decorated with tiles, orange and olive groves, and world's best fish. Spain is and always will be one of the most rewarding destinations - so the fact that it is the second most visited country in the world after France is hardly a surprise.

Costa de la Luz. By wwwmanuelgracia

INDIA

Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. By Daniel Peckham

7,500 km of coast, home to the world's highest mountains, melting pot of religions, languages and nationalities, India is the most multidimensional country on earth.
Among the country's most stunning destinations is West Bengal, home to Darjeeling hill station, famed for its tea plantations. Surrounded by lush hills and impressive Himalayas, the district is also filled with sites from churches to Hindu and Buddhist temples.
If you feel like a beach life for a moment, you should head for Goa, the tropical charming summer destination that has it all: azure waters, long sandy beaches, slender palm trees and laid-back atmosphere.

Inside the temple. By Claude Renault

The sacred city of Varanasi, ancient ruins of Hampi, mysterious Ajanta Caves, iconic Taj Mahal, are some of the most impressive historical sites on the globe, that must be seen at least once in a lifetime.
India, the country of scents and colors, home to 1.2 billion people, the state of extremes where poverty mixes with splendor of modern Mumbai's developments, is truly all-in-one destination that, without doubt, is one of the world's most fascinating places to travel to.

Hampi. By premasagar

MEXICO

In Tulum. By Gret at Lorenz e una combattente

If beach-style vacation is your type of thing, Mexico is the right place for you. If you enjoy the city life, you will find it here. Culture is also right at your fingertips in this state of long history, unique traditions and enormous heritage.
In terms of nature, Mexico, the world's 14th largest country, has everything the traveler's heart could possibly desire. From Acapulco's surfing and snorkeling spots on the Pacific coast, to Cancun, the popular beach destination on the Yucatan peninsula, the Mexican coastline is heaven for sun bathers and water sports enthusiasts.

Guanajuato. By conejoazul

In Mexico City, you will find superb restaurants, excellent clubs, great museums and hundreds of other attractions. Guadalajara is home to Mexico's best known traditions: tequila, mariachi music and charros, while Monterrey will surprise you with first-class cultural offer from the Museum of Mexican History to the Monterrey Museum of Contemporary Art.
The country is also home to world's renowned ruins of the Aztec, Mayan, and the Olmec cultures and fantastic colonial towns and villages. The majestic pyramids of Teotihuacán, Merida's old town, ruins of La Ruta Puuc, or Chichén Itzá are only a few examples of hundreds of Mexican fascinating sites.
No wonder, tourism is such a large industry in Mexico. With over 20 million visitors per year, the country is the tenth most visited destination in the world.

Chichen Itza. By Mananetwork

Splendid Beaches in California

2010-11-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

With its incredible diversity and splendid coastline, California is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Every single spot along the coast has its own distinguishing attractions and flavor so selecting the best California beach for yourself is like choosing the perfect flavor of ice cream. With 1100 miles of shoreline beaches, California can certainly please all beach goers' tastes.

The Sonoma Coast State Beach

Sonoma Coast State Beach. By Troy Holden

The Sonoma Coast State Beach is one of the most magical beaches on the West Coast. It is ten miles away from the Bodega Bay and known for fantastically clean water. Furthermore, it catches the attention of around four hundred bird species. You can see osprey between January to September, gray whales between January to April and seal pups between the months of April and June.

Santa Cruz's beaches

Natural Bridges. By the_tahoe_guy

The Santa Cruz beaches can be the best choice to enjoy a fabulous vacation since they are cited as one of the best beaches in California. You will enjoy a variety of fun experiences, one of which could be awesome train rides through the woods. Santa Cruz has around thirty miles of beaches. In fact, it is enough to make swimmers, kids, beach buffs, surfers, and sailboarders more than happy. If you're not into water fun then go for a long walk and enjoy your summer season.

Pismo Beach

Pismo North. By Mimi Ditchie

Pismo Beach is yet another famous beach in California. It is in the heart of the wine country, so it's just a stone's throw from gorgeous Cambria, Santa Maria and Luis Obispo. Pismo has twenty three miles of beaches and is particularly popular among families. When you're done with surfing, swimming and fishing, there's plenty to do in town, including quads, dirt bikes, car shows, and splendid shopping.

Santa Barbara East Beach

Beach Wreck. By Damian Gadal

Santa Barbara East Beach is one of the loveliest beaches here. However, make sure that you check out the quality of water before going for a dive and stay away from the water during the rainy season. In that case, there are multiple places for dining, shopping and entertainment. Even a small zoo is nearby. Kids will have a great time here.

Malibu's beaches

Malibu sunset. By Schlüsselbein2007

Malibu's legendary beaches are not to be missed. Featuring 21 miles of coastline, Malibu's got something for everyone, from all sorts of aquatic activities to great amusement, shopping and dining. Even the media is attracted towards this place, let alone hordes of celebrities who flock to Malibu for their glam vacation experience.

This is just a handful of best beaches in California. They are all among the trendiest vacation spots in the US and guarantee unforgettable memories. According to the recent statistics, 54% of the country's residents live along the 60 miles of beach line, and it's not without reason. Visit these fantastic "sand pits" and enjoy your vacations

African Tourism Cash Cows

2010-11-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

lmost 50 million tourists a year venture into the wild African land to delight their eyes with the continent's spectacular vistas, from the wildlife of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and azure waters of Mauritius, to legendary Cape Town in the Republic of South Africa. Africa has it all: untamed nature, magnificent sights and historic towns, and some of the African countries certainly know how to derive benefits from their natural jewels and hotchpotch of cultures.

According to UNWTO, Africa earned $30.6 billion from tourism in 2008. Here's which countries contributed to this staggering result most, which might come in handy if you desperately want to avoid crowds on your African vacations.

5. Tanzania.

$1.35bn

Flying flamingos in the Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania. By Cris Pierry

Right in the heart of East Africa, Tanzania is home to a number of world's famed sites, including majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Victoria, and Lake Tanganyika. These record-breaking attractions lure millions of visitors who are willing to splash out to climb Africa's highest mountain or mingle with wildlife in Serengeti National Park. In 2008, 750,000 tourists left $1.35bn in the country, making Tanzania the fifth largest contributor to African tourism revenue. And the number of visitors is growing rapidly year by year.

4. Mauritius

$1.5bn

Mauritius. By KhayaL

The crystal clear waters, enchanting lagoons, sandy beaches, slender palm trees and lavish exotic resorts of Mauritius attract around one million tourists annually to this speck of paradise on Earth. However, the island has a lot more to offer than its tropical coast. It brims with quaint historic towns, thick virgin forests, and national parks loaded with hidden waterfalls and volcanic lakes. Thanks to its irresistible charm, welcoming people, and superb tourist infrastructure, Mauritius is one of the most visited destinations in Africa, with the fourth largest tourist revenues on the continent (totaling to almost $ 1.5bn in 2008).

3. Tunisia

$3bn

Spice World of Tunisia. By pietroizzo

The great potential of Tunisian tourism laid dormant for many years, but today this compact country in northern Africa knows how to make the most out of its beautiful location, intriguing culture and Mediterranean climate. Thanks to its year-round sunshine, the unparalleled beauty of the Sahara, and excellent tourist resorts catering for all tastes, Tunisia is, literally, invaded with tourists. More than seven million people spend their holidays in the country, making it the third most wanted African destination. In 2008 Tunisia earned almost $3bn from tourism, which accounts for 10% of Africa's total revenue derived from the tourist industry.

2. Morocco

$7.2bn

Pension Cordoba. Morocco. By Ignacio Conejo

The runner-up on the African tourist market is Morocco. Around eight million people made it its travel destination in 2008, partaking in this stimulating blend of Middle Eastern and African cultures spiced up with European influences. Nowhere else will you find such a goodly mix of splendid architecture, vibrant cites (Marrakesh, Tangier and Casablanca to name just a few), ancient ruins, superb cuisine, and stunning mountains, all embraced by the wild coast of the Atlantic and the calm shores of the Mediterranean sea. Tourism earns Morocco $7.2bn a year, reflecting 23.6% share in Africa's total tourist revenue.

1. South Africa

$7.6bn

Houtbay. Cape Town. South Africa. By mallix

The Republic of South Africa is a number one destination in the region. It is visited by almost one million tourists per month and the tourism industry generates revenue of between 1% and 3% of the country's GDP. In 2008, South Africa earned 7.6bn from tourism, which accounted for 24.9% share of the African total tourist revenue. With such an array of natural wonders and cosmopolitan cities, it comes as no surprise that South Africa is an ultra popular tourist destination. Whatever you come for, be it strolling around fertile vineyards, sampling premium quality wines, venturing into wild safaris, exploring hidden villages, trekking the majestic mountains or surfing the ocean swells, the country never fails to awe. The 2010 World Cup will certainly help South Africa keep its leading position as Africa's biggest tourism earner as the event is estimated to have brought a record revenue of EUR 4.5bn ($5.5bn).

Most Controversial Tourist Attractions

2010-11-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

Some say it's about facing the truth, others call it tasteless tourism. A moral judgment of people's travel choices is never easy and perhaps shouldn't be attempted. However, there are some places on the world's tourist map that really give us mixed feelings and can hardly be called "attractions".

Dharavi Slum in Mumbai, India

Dharavi Slum in Mumbai. By marcusfornell

The idea to take the tour of Asia's largest slum may be quite hard to justify, but one thing is certain - it is a sobering visit. Oppressive odor, heart-breaking conditions and poverty that goes beyond imagination are a depressing reality for about 1 million people. Now that it's been popularized by the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire, Dharavi draws countless visitors willing to "get the real taste of distress". On the one hand, the revenues from the tours are said to go directly to the community, which is very honorable. On the other, there is something inherently strange about wanting to watch other people's suffering, isn't there?

North Korea

Mansudae Grand Monumen, Pyongyang. By John Pavelka

Landscape wise, North Korea could be the world's prominent tourist magnet. Dramatic mountain scenery, pristine lagoons, waterfalls and amazing Buddhist temples are enough to tempt a visitor. But there seems to be a moral dilemma whether to sponsor a state that's infamous for its nuclear weapons program and inhumane practices. Even if you decide to go to look for the truth, at all times you will be accompanied by a government-appointed guide. In the end, all you get is false historical accounts and laudatory speeches instead of a real experience. Then why go at all?

Plastinarium in Guben, Germany

Die Pokerrunde exhibit. By Pseudologia Phantastica

Plastination is a technique used in anatomy to preserve a body for study purposes, but it turns out that it can also be a good source of revenue. Dr Gunther von Hagen's museum has stirred as much controversy as it has received applause. What you can see here among other things are techniques of dissection presented interactively and real human bodies "involved" in all sorts of activities.

While nobody is denying the huge contribution Plastinarium makes to the training of medical students, was it really necessary to seat the exhibits at the poker table or on a bike? And why would anyone other than a doctor or a young adept of medicine want to see all this from up close? The truth is however that since the opening in 2006, Plastinarium has received over a 100 thousand visits.

Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

The shooting range. By archer10(Dennis)

A 75-mile-long tunnel system, bomb traps, scorpions, lethal spiders, unbearable humidity and lack of space - that's how Vietcong fighters hoped to ward off American soldiers. This underground fortress hidden beneath the jungles of South Vietnam was the site of several bloody campaigns during the Vietnam War.

Today, it is a prime example of how warfare can be turned into an attraction. The corridors have been widened for the comfort of tourists and a firing range set up for their entertainment. Visitors can pay $1 a bullet to shoot an AK-47 rifle used in the war as well as have a simple meal of food the guerrilla soldiers would have had. You don't have to look long for souvenir stalls either.

S-21, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Prisoner mugshots. By blake_lennon

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum is a dramatic reminder of a security prison set up in 1975 by the Khmer Rouge communist regime. The tortures inflicted on prisoners were so atrocious that, frankly, one may really wonder whether it's better to remember or forget. Skulls, rusting torture beds, shackles and countless mugshots of victims make the visit to the "Strychnine Hill" (Tuol Sleng) a shattering experience. The museum receives about 500 visitors every day.

Devil's Island, French Guiana

Prison cells. By J K Johnson

Known as "the Green Hell" and described as one of the world's most notorious penal colonies, Devil's Island ranks high among French Guiana's tourist attractions. Run-down cells, the prison headquarters and an infant cemetery are all part of the agenda. But is the once disease-plagued island, where thousands of convicts died in horrid conditions, really an attractive place to visit?

London Dungeon, UK

Macabre exhibit. By Lord Adrian's Photostream

Laughing at death is one thing, but making fun of somebody's suffering is quite another. The Dungeons are undoubtedly one of London's premier attractions, basically created to give an account of macabre medieval history. However, it has evolved into a graphic spectacle of torture and a bloody bunch of rather tasteless exhibits. There is a sense that all those special effects, fun rides, and grim humor do not serve educational purposes but only provide entertainment. And that's scary.

Chernobyl, Ukraine

Radiated apartment building. By Stuck in Customs

The whole world has heard of the Chernobyl disaster. Today, 24 years after the accident at the nuclear power station, more and more people decide to witness its shattering consequences. Tours include sightseeing of Reactor 4, a visit to Pripyat (a ghost town full of deserted apartment buildings)... and measuring of radiation. And although the Zone of Alienation (the 30 km/19 mi area around the power plant) is considered relatively safe, the tours stir a lot of controversy for obvious reasons.

Best Budget City Escapes in Europe

2010-11-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

For travelers on a budget, here comes a list of the most affordable cities in Europe. From the eastern borders of the continent to its western edges, Europe will not necessarily drain your pockets.

Check out these amazing European cities which will suit a shoestring budget and money conscious mind.

8. Lisbon

Lisbon. By McPig

Vibrant Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and the biggest cultural center in the country, is in fact a fairy tale colorful town sitting on steep hills, where modern touches of sophisticated restaurants and trendy night clubs mix with quaint atmosphere of cobblestone streets winding through the city, old trams, tiny espresso bars and rocking fado clubs. Lisbon is simply a legend. It is also reasonably cheap when compared to cities of similar qualities, such as Rome, Barcelona, Madrid or Athens.
Located on the Atlantic coast, the city is an excellent option for both the beach addicts and city dwellers. Truly, Lisbon is one of the most rewarding capitals in Europe, and one of the most affordable in the Western part of the continent. With delicious freshly ground thick cup of espresso costing €0.50, super tasty local beer for just €2, cheap public transport and affordable hostel prices, you could enjoy Lisbon even when on a shoestring budget.

7. Riga

Riga. By Desmond Kavanagh

Riga, the capital of tiny Latvia, is the biggest and most vibrant city in the Baltic region. Often called, the "Paris of the East", Riga is a truly beautiful and fantastic city that combines medieval architecture, relaxed atmosphere and modern developments.
Fortunately, the prices are not Parisian and they would rather be closer to Berlin's and Lisbon's daily traveling costs. Many visitors expect the Latvian capital to be ultra cheap, though. In fact, it is more expensive than other Eastern European capitals as its currency, the Lat, is pegged to the Euro. Still, you can easily get by on €30 a day.

6. Berlin

Berlin. By Aguno

It sounds a bit unreal that Berlin, the capital of Europe's financial centre, Germany, may be cheap but, honestly, the city is the most affordable metropolis in Western Europe, with prices being nowhere close to the costs of living and travelling in Paris, London or Moscow. You can eat, sleep, get around the town and party on a budget and the quality of all services is amazingly high for the price.
In many ways Berlin is so different from other German cities that tend to be well-organized, wealthy, neat and, as a result, dull. On the contrary, the German capital is everything but boring. Its clubbing, fashion, art and design scenes are worldwide known and acclaimed, and the city's laid-back atmosphere, ultra friendly locals and low cost of living will make you want to stay longer.

5. Prague

Prague. By aha42

Despite Prague's enormous popularity, this fabulous charming capital of Czech Republic remains affordable. In terms of attractiveness the city is put in the same league as Paris or Vienna, but, thanks God, the prices are lower. The trick is to avoid the typical tourists traps where prices are lifted beyond reasonable grounds and venture the back streets of the city where locals dine, drink and party for much less.
As long as you stay out the Irish pubs, a pint of beer will cost you around €1.5, hostel accommodation is between €10 and €15, and you will also pay around €15 for a nice restaurant meal. In search of budget Prague, do not hesitate to spend a bit more and visit the city's fantastic restaurants, splendid castle and amazing historical centre filled with superb architectural jewels. It is also worth it.

4. Budapest

Budapest's bath. By hettie gm

Another amazing and bargain destination in Europe is Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It is not as cheap as it used to be a couple of years ago, but you can still easily get by on between €30 and €40 a day without too much sacrifice. The city will amaze you with its baroque architecture, excellent museums, beautiful settings by the romantic Danube River, energetic nightlife, cheap food and wine of premium quality.
Budapest is the city to go now - the country, though entered the European Union structures in 2004, is still not in Euro zone so it is still much cheaper than their Euro-zone neighbours - Slovakia, Austria or Slovenia. Oh, yeah, and don't leave the city without trying a bath in one of the numerous thermal spa centers - not without reason the city is called the Spa Capital of the World.

3. Wroclaw

Wroclaw. By smif

Just a few hours away from Berlin, Wroclaw is another city destination where the package of good prices and great city ambience is guaranteed. While the capital of Poland, Warsaw, scares away tourists with high prices and Krakow is becoming overcrowded, Wroclaw enjoys both affordable costs of living and greets visitors with lots of fantastic verve, unforgettable vibe and undiscovered spots. Asking less than €2 for a pint, around €10 for a hostel and another €10 for a decent meal with a drink, Wroclaw is a splendid option for travelers who are short on money.

2. Vilnius

Vilnius. By aggrrh!

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is a cheaper version of Riga with a charm, magical ambience and vibe that could be addictive. The historical old town, declared Europe's largest baroque center by UNESCO, fairy-tale cobblestone streets, gorgeous people, and fantastic atmosphere make Vilnius one of the most interesting cities in the area.
No wonder the city was chosen the European Capital of Culture in 2009. To live up to this remarkable role, the city was renovated, many buildings and monuments were restored and the city's face became even prettier and more appealing. The prices are similar to those in Poland and the country also does not have Euro, so it's better to hurry up and head for Vilnius before it enters the Euro zone.

1. Lviv

Lviv. By Panoramas

Another European best-kept city secret is Lviv. This charming city, located in the western part of Ukraine, is the cheapest option among the cities mention above, and truly a rewarding destination. As the country is not part of the European Union, the prices remain low and affordable even for the most budget-conscious visitor. A room in the hostels will cost you as little as €10 and local beer in a bar is around €1. Of course, Lviv is worth a visit not only because of its low prices. The city will amaze you with exceptional architecture (its centre being listed a Unesco World Heritage site), fabulous local markets and restaurants, bucolic surroundings and one of a kind atmosphere.

Surfing Europe

2010-11-05T12:19:00.001-07:00

Surfing in Europe for those who have never tried it before is like discovering an old continent all over again. We all know Europe for it great culture, fascinating cities, historic monuments but when we think about catching the waves Hawaii or Australian Gold Coast cross our minds. But the true is that Europe can rival any other world’s surf destination. The enormous variety of breaks, endless kilometers of sandy beaches and great surf culture make Europe the paradise for wave lovers.

Here are the best countries you can surf in Europe:

Great Britain

Believe it or not but chilly and cloudy Britain is a home to great surf waves. You can surf on four coastlines of Scotland, Wales and England where the breaks can rival any of the world’s surf spots. Starting from the top of the island the wild Caithness coastline is the place where you can find spots of great surf potential. And it is truly the place where you can escape the crowds. Continue downwards you can reach the breaks of Wales or head for Devon or Cornwall where you can find the waves that suit all abilities.

Ireland

Exposed coastline of green and hilly Ireland makes the island the perfect spot for wave-catchers. Basically the entire west coast of the country receives regular swells. The hospitality of the Irish and the beautiful landscape will make your surf trip a life-changing experience. Surf the Donegal Bay , Easkey or clear waters of Dingle bay and don’t leave without trying Guiness. Remember that the water can be freaking cold and wet weather can last for days.

Achill Island, Ireland

Spain

It is a paradise for wave lovers. Countless beaches of Atlantic coast mixed with the spirited culture of Spain makes the country the place you cannot miss. Most of the coastline from Basque region to Galicia is open to the swells of the North Atlantic. In the south the stretches of Andalucía’s sandy beaches provide great surfing spots. At last but not least you can head for the Canary Islands which are the tropics of Europe and a land of great surfing possibilities.

San Sebastian, Spain by envisionpublicidad

Portugal

The Portuguese coastline offers a massive variety of breaks. The country is a combination of excellent reefs, powerful swells and great climate. The northwest coast is literally a one long strip of beach where the local surfers can enjoy waves every single day of the year. Heading down on the coastal road you can reach the region of Peniche and Ericeira composed of long sandy beaches. And Algarve …place where you can escape winter in Europe. It is full of sun and breathtaking surfing beaches surrounded by cliffs such as Arrifana or Cordama .

Praia da Cordama, Portugal

France

France has it all – amazing wine, great food, beautiful people and above all the perfect beaches of eternal sunshine and unlimited surfing possibilities. Go there in autumn or spring when the swell is consistent. You can surf France from the top of its northwest coast to the crowded southern locations of Biarritz and Hossegor, near the Spanish border.

Over 50°C i.e. the hottest places on Earth

2010-11-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

In search for the perfect holiday spot with endless summer, shining sun and hot weather, be cautious not to pick up the hottest place on Earth. The extremely high temperatures may turn your paradise into the hell. Literally.
Here is the list of the hottest (in terms of temperature) places on Earth.

Africa 57.8°C

Danakil depression in Ethiopia is considered to be the world’s hottest places. During the dry season the average temperature totals to 48°C (118 °F)!

Desert in Ethiopia. By Terri O'Sullivan

However, that is EL Azizia in Libya that hit the record-breaking result of 57.8°C (135.9 °F). Well, that was on 13 September 1922, but, I bet, there’s still someone alive who remembers that hot day.

Libya by Lontananze d'Azzurro

North America 56.7°C

Death Valley, California, U.S.A reached 56.7°C (134° F) on 10 July, 1913.

Death Valley by Michael Ransburg

Deatn Valley by Michael Ransburg

Asia 53.9°C

Israel reported 53.9°C (°F 129) in Tirat Tzvi in 1944. It is still hot nowadays in the country where the temperature exceeds 40°C on average during the summer.

Israel by wheelo50411

Dried river bank, Israel. By frankdasilva

Australia 50.7°C

It can get really hot (and bad) in Australia when bushfires and droughts spread throughout the continent. 2008/2009 summer with its 47°C was close to the record of 1960 when Oodnadatta in South Australia reported 50.7°C (123.3°F).

Road in Oodnadatta by jwbenwell

Lake Hume, Australia. By suburbanbloke

Europe 50°C

Try to walk through the centre of Sevilla in Spain at noon in July and you will know what it means to live in the hottest place in Europe. It easily gets over 40°C during the summer in the town. That was on 4 August 1881, however, when Sevilla reported 50°C (122 °F) – the hottest day recorded in Europe.

Sevilla's street in shade by sjaces

The Remotest Places For the Lonest Of Wolves

2010-11-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Isolated, lonely, remote and hard to get to - such destinations have always tempted travelers with their beauty, magic and inaccessibility. Infinite steppes of Siberia or eternal glaciers of Greenland, though majestic looking, become less seductive when you picture living there permanently.

5. Siberia.

Lake Baikal. Siberia. By rasenkantenstein

Siberia, the land of endless steppes, is one on the last unspoiled tourist destinations in Asia. Geographically it is bounded to the west by the Ural Mountains and to the east by the Pacific and Arctic drainage basins. Its northern border is the Arctic Ocean and it extends to Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China in the south.
Although it makes up about 77% of Russia's territory, it accounts for only 25% of Russia's population. There are about 36 million people living in on an area of 13.1 million sq km (5.1 million square miles), so its population density is really low.

Siberia. By Lucy A Little

Baikal Lake by Ben Beiske

Winter in Siberia. By sashapo

4. The Pitcairn Islands.

Astronaut Photography of Pitcairn. By NASA

Lost in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, the Pitcairn Islands are four volcanic sisters named Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno. They are located about midway between Peru and New Zealand and the nearest (30 hours by boat) island where people can be found is Mangareva in French Polynesia. There are 48 people living permanently on Pitcairn, while the other three islands are uninhabited. According to Lonely Planet it is one of the remotest places on earth.

Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands. By wheatstrong

Pictarin Island by wheatstrong

3. Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego. By wili hybrid

The remoteness of Tierra del Fuego is fascinating. This beautiful archipelago shared by Argentina and Chile sits on the tip of the South American continent. Ushuaia, the archipelago's biggest city, holds the title of the World's Most Southerly City. The subpolar oceanic climate in the region, with long winters and short chilly summers is pretty unfriendly, but there are always some travelers around eager to reach the end of the world.

The lighthouse in the Beagle channel. By Macorig Paolo

Tierra del Fuego. By wili hybrid

Tierra del Fuego. By hiro008

2. Greenland.

Greenland's Glacier. By wili hybrid

Greenland is the world's largest and truly far-away island, situated between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic. Around 80% of its territory is covered with ice, so the little space left for people is inhabited by only 57,600 people - the island has the world's lowest population. The dramatic beauty and breathtaking alien-looking landscape of eternal glaciers make Greenland a totally unique, though a bit lonely destination.

Oqaatsut village, Greenland. By kaet44

Greenland's glacier. By basheertome

Kulusuk, Greenland. by nick russill

1. Tristan da Cunha.

Tristan da Cunha. By michael clarke stuff

Last but not least, Tristan da Cunha is the most tucked away and isolated inhabited archipelago in the world. The group of volcanic islands (Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale Islands, Inaccessible Island and Gough Island) is situated 2,816 kilometers (1,750 mi) from South Africa, and 3,360 kilometers (2,090 mi) from South America. Tristan da Cunha, which is the only inhabited island of the archipelago, has no airport, so it can be reached only by boat. The little society on the island comprises 271 people who live mainly in the Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the island's main settlement.

Tristan da Cunha houses. By michael clarke stuff

Tristan da Cuhna. By the Official CTBTO Photostream

Tristan da Cunha. By michale clarke stuff

World's Most Extreme Deserts

2010-11-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Around one third of the Earth's land is covered with deserts, the arid areas of little rain and poor vegetation. The most extreme non-polar deserts are some record-breaking destinations that feature the driest, hottest or saltiest places on our planet's surface.

The Namib Desert. Namibia. The world's oldest desert.

Namib Desert. By geoftheref

The Namib Desert, stretching along the coast of Namibia, Africa, has experienced arid conditions for at least 55 million years, making it the oldest desert in the world. Namib receives less than 10 mm (0.4 inches) of rain annually. This massive desert of an area around 80 900 square km (31 200 square miles) is almost completely barren and uninhabited, but it is home to one of the tallest sand dunes that exceed 300 meters (980 ft).

Namib Desert Dunes. By M0Rt3s

The Namib Desert by M0Rt3s

The Atacama Desert. Chile. The world's driest desert.

Tatio Geysers, Atacama Desert. By Gabriel Prehn Britto

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the driest places on Earth. It is literally rainless, as it is locked between the Andes and the Chilean Coast Range, and therefore, it receives almost no rain. The average rainfall in this part of Chile is 1 millimeter (0.04 in) per year, but some regional weather stations have never reported a single drop. It is so dry that the local mountains that exceed 6,500 meters (22,000 ft) have no glaciers.

Atacama Desert. By Gabriel Prehn Britto

By Phillie Casablanca

The Uyuni Desert. Bolivia. The world's saltiest desert.

Uyuni Desert. By Tati@

The Uyuni Desert in Bolivia is the world's largest salt desert. It covers 10,582 square km (4,085 square miles) and contains 10 billion tons of salt. This planet's largest salt flat used to be an inland sea called Lake Minchin that dried up and left behind a huge surface covered with salt. Besides salt, Salar de Uyuni holds half of the world's reserves of lithium.

Uyuni Desert. By weltumrunder

Uyuni Desert. By twiga269

The Aralkum. The world's youngest desert. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Where Aral Sea used to be. By neil banas

The Aral Sea that lies between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan used to be the world's fourth largest saline body of water that covered the area of 68,000 sq km. Since the 1960s, however, the sea has been gradually disappearing due to the Soviet Union irrigation projects. In 2007 the sea was 10% of its original size, and was replaced by the youngest desert on our planet - the Aralkum.

Aral Sea, Aral Desert. By martijnmunneke

Ship wrecks. Aral Sea. By neil banas

The Sahara. The world's largest desert.The North Africa.

Sahara Desert. By nunavut

The Sahara, "the Greatest Desert", covering most of Northern Africa is almost as large as the continent of Europe or the territory of the USA. It takes up 9,000,000 square kilometers (3,500,000 sq mi) and is bounded to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east by the Red Sea. The desert covers huge parts of eleven African countries such as, among others, Egypt, Morocco or Tunisia. The Libyan Desert, part of Sahara, reported the world's highest temperature of 57.8 °C (136.0 °F) in 1922.

Sahara. By nunavut

The Carcross Desert. The world's smallest desert. Canada.

Carcross Desert. By teamscuby

The Canadian Carcross Desert, located outside Yukon, has only 1 square mile (2.6 km2). It is considered to be the world's smallest desert, though it is actually too humid to be called a true desert. Nevertheless, it is much drier than the surrounding region, with less than 50 cm (19 in) of rain annually.

Carcross Desert. By jkbrooks85

10 Best Wildlife Watching Places

2010-11-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Observing wildlife in its natural environment is an amazing feeling. Since most of us live far from nature, seeing wild animals becomes more and more rare, and hence a special and unforgettable experience. See the world's best locations for coming face to face with incredible wildlife, be it the polar bears living in the cold North, funky orangutans of Borneo, or nimble cheetahs in Africa.

10. The Yellowstone National Park. USA.

Elk. By sacred destinations

A wild destination close to those living in the USA is the Yellowstone National Park, shared by Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. It is the world's oldest national park (established in 1872), and home to wonderful wildlife. The park is considered to be the finest megafauna habitat in the lower 48 states. There are almost 60 species of mammals living in the Yellowstone, such as, among others, the bison, grizzly bear, elk or mule deer.

Bufallos. By Alaskan Dude

Elk. By NDomer73

9. Gorilla Trek. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. By Kaj17

The rich jungle forest of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a sanctuary for the Bwindi gorillas - it is inhabited by half of the world's population of endangered Mountain Gorillas. The popular gorilla trekking activity involves walking in the forest in search for these amazing animals. The park is also a great location for bird watching - there are 348 species of birds that can be found in the Bwindi.

Gorillas. By Graham Racher

Gorillas. By Stefan Gara

8. Kangaroo Island. Australia.

Koala. By M Kuhn

Thanks to its isolation from the mainland Australia, Kangaroo Island, or KI as the locals call it, has remained a truly wide destination featuring the iconic animals of the continent. Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas and sea lions that live in the numerous national, conservation and private parks can be seen almost everywhere on the KI. Moreover, the island is inhabited by the unique KI Kangaroo, which is smaller and darker than its mainland brother.

Kangaroos. By Marco Fedele

Sea Lions. By Tati@

7. The Komodo and Rinca Islands. Indonesia.

Rinca Island. By nkenji

Komodo and Rinca, two of the 17,508 islands of the Republic of Indonesia, are famous for its unusual giant inhabitant - the Komodo Dragon. It is the largest living species of lizard - it can be between 2 to 3 m (6.6 to 9.8 ft) long, weighing approx. 70 kilograms (150 lb). The lizards are carnivores, and although they eat mostly carrion, and attacks on humans are very rare, it is smart to keep them at the distance. The islands are also great for seeing dolphins, mantas, sharks, whales and sea turtles.

Komodo Dragon. By Jungle Boy

Buffalo and young Komodo Dragon By whl.travel

6. The Denali National Park. Alaska

Grizzly Bear. By Alaskan Dude

The scenic beauty and the enormous population of wild animals make the Denali National Park in Interior Alaska another great destination for wildlife viewing. The park is home to grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, dall sheep, moose and many species of birds (such as ptarmigan, waxwings, Arctic Warblers, pine grosbeaks) and fish. With the Mt. McKinley towering above the landscape, the park is one of the most enchanting wild destinations in North America.

Ptarmigan. By wisconsinhiker

Bull moose. By Alaskan Dude

5. Borneo Island

Borneo. By Niq Scott

The mighty rainforest of Borneo, the world's third largest island, is the only natural habitat for the Bornean Orangutan. Watching these amazing animals in the wild is an exceptional experience not to be missed while visiting the island. There are around 45,000 Bornean Orangutans existing in the wild, but they are becoming increasingly endangered due to rainforest lumbering.

Orangutan. By Marina & Enrique

4.The Hudson Bay. Canada.

Polar bears. By joanmazza

The small town of Churchill, Manitoba, located along the shores of the Hudson Bay in Canada is the "Polar Bear Capital of the World". Every year during autumn (October, November) the polar bears move toward the shore from inland to wait until the water freezes so they can hunt seals. Once the ice forms, the bears are out of the town.

Hudson Bay. By Ian BC North

Polar Beer. By dogrando

3. Kaikoura, New Zealand.

Kaikoura. By Ozboi-nz

The beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula in New Zealand that extends into the sea south of the town is one of the world's best locations for viewing the whales, dolphins and seals. The peninsula has a splendid geographical setting and the upwelling currents bring an abundance of marine life from the depths of the nearby Hikurangi Trench. At different times of the year visitors can see several species of whale, though the giant Sperm Whale is almost always there.

Seals .By timparkinson

Sperm Whale. By SBishop

2. Galapagos Islands

Sea Lion. By kookr

Wildlife is the most notable feature of the Galapagos Islands, the archipelago located around the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are famous for their most prominent visitor Charles Darwin, who developed his theory of evolution by observing the archipelago's wild inhabitants. A bit moon-looking islands are home similarly alien-looking animals such as marine iguana or weird Riftia pachyptila - giant tube worms. Besides, Galapagos are inhabited by sea lions, whales, marine turtles, Nazca boobies, Galápagos Penguins, Pelicans and Flightless Cormorant .

Marine Iguana. By Scot Ableman

Galapagos Tortoise. By kookr

1. Kenya

Cheetah. By Andries3

An array of amazing, wild, beautiful animals can be found in Kenya, the country of national parks, exceptional wildlife and fascinating nature. Be it the huge elephants of the Amboseli National Park, the Lake Nakuru National Park filled with stunning flamingos, or the Tsavo National Park, the most untouched and the wildest of all reserves, Kenya is a truly great and rewarding destination to admire the animals in their natural habitat.

Waterbuck. By iaindc

Elephants. By Ferdinand Reus

Be a responsible observer, always keep a safe distance, and don't distress the wildlife. Remember that most of the animals mentioned here are endangered species, and you may always help to protect and preserve them by supporting the local and international conservation projects.

Top Ten Backpacking Countries for 2010

2010-11-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

It goes without saying that backpacking is one of the most incredible, challenging and rewarding forms of traveling. Freedom, the scent of adventure, the sense of achievement - it all comes in a package, or, actually, a backpack. Whether you follow typical tourist routes or choose to stay off the beaten track, backpacking is a life changing experience for every independent traveler. Have a look at our selection of the best backpacking destinations for 2010 and choose your option for the days to come.

10. India

Ladakh in the Himalayas. India. By Magda & Maciek

India. Some love it, others hate it. It is the country of contrasts and many dimensions. The marvels of the Himalayan peaks, steppes, exotic beaches and magical tea plantations blend with over-populated, dirty, and far too noisy cities. Still, this huge country located in the Southern Asia is a magnet for hundreds of backpackers. Adventurous travelers will not be disappointed. India is simply fascinating and addictive. And yes - it's also super inexpensive. Backpacker lodgings are a bargain, food is extremely cheap, and even cheaper in the local restaurants and eateries.
Among main attractions are the Taj Mahal mausoleum, beaches of Goa, Darjeeling hill station, Varanasi holy city of Shiva, and the Himalaya regions such as Ladakh and Leh. Although these are popular tourist tracks, the vibe, beauty and charm of these places is well worth experiencing.
The country has a great rail service, which is quite inexpensive, but the huge distances between the cities and major attractions make the journeys very long and tiring. There are also plenty of public and private buses that run very frequently. Planes are also an option; if you book in advance you can get a good price.

Khajuraho Temple. India. By Tati@.

9. Georgia

Ananuri Church. Georgia. By onbangladesh

Georgia seems to be a forgotten land. This tiny Caucasian country inhabited by only 4.4 million people is one of the most spectacular and worth-visiting spots in Eastern Europe. It is a paradise for backpackers as most of Georgia still remains unspoiled and untrodden.
Most travelers start their Georgian adventure in Tbilisi, the country's capital, where the main international airport is located. The city is one of the oldest European capitals with history dating back to the 5th century. Among other amazing sites are Kazbegi village, the most accessible mountain destination in Georgia and a home to the symbol of the country - the Tsminda Sameba church. Among other Georgian highlights are Gori, the town where Joseph Stalin was born, and Uplistsikhe - a huge cave town founded around 1,000 BC and one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus.
Above all, Georgia is famed for its good humored, hospitable and high spirited people. Georgians are considered to be one of the friendliest nations in the world.
The best, the cheapest and sometimes the only option to travel around Georgia is Marshrutkas, minibuses that run even to the remote mountain towns. The main routes are also covered by a train service (that runs West/East) and buses, which are a bit more pricey than Marshrutkas.

A view of Tsminda Sameba Church (Church of the Holy Trinity) in Kazbegi, Georgia. By GoGap

8. Uganda

Lake Mutanda. Uganda. By JulioGonzalez1

Uganda is Africa's best kept secret. The natural sights of this amazing country are one of the most stunning highlights in Africa: the Mountains of Moon- the highest mountain range in Africa, Murchison Falls, or Rwenzori National Park. Backpacking in Uganda is not as cheap as in Asia or South America, but still, an ultra-budget traveler can get by on US$ 20 per day. Visiting Uganda's cities is inexpensive, but being an active tourist raises the costs. By the way of example, seeing Murchison Falls costs around US$100 per day, while rafting the Nile is at least US$120 per day.
Among the country's main attractions is Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi National Park. The rich jungle of the park is inhabited by half of the world's population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas. The popular gorilla trekking activity involves walking in the forest in search for these amazing animals. Unfortunately, the cost of the trip is at least US$ 500.
Buses cover all main routes in Uganda, they are inexpensive, though quite crowded and slow. Getting to the country's national parks tends to be more expensive as you have to hire a private car or jeep.

Murchison Falls National Park - Uganda. By God is all over

7. Poland

Old Town in Torun. Poland. By janusz l

While backpacking the old continent, you cannot miss Poland, one of the most fascinating countries in Central and Eastern Europe. It is a country of intriguing history, amazing cultural treasures, medieval towns, hundreds of castles, spectacular mountain vistas and strings of sandy beaches.
Of course, most backpackers end up in Kraków, one of the most amazing towns in Europe that can easily rival Prague, Budapest or Vienna in terms of charm, cultural offer and prices. Due to its growing popularity, the prices in Krakow have gone up significantly, but it is still much cheaper than other European cities - a pint stands at US$ 2.5, while accommodation in a hostel ranges between PLN 40 and PLN 60 per night (US$ 14 and US$ 20). Another superb Polish city is Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia region, which sits on 12 islands of the Odra River connected by over 130 bridges.
The country's nature is as stunning as its cities - if you want to escape crowds head for Słowiński National Park filled with lakes, peat bogs and shifting sand dunes, or Bieszczady, the largely forgotten region of the country, dominated by mountains and wild forests.
The best way to move around Poland is by rail. The train system covers the entire country and it is reasonably priced. However, the Polish trains are definitely not fastest in the world, so keep some extra time in reserve for getting from one place to another.

Niedzica and Czorsztn Castles, Poland. By janusz l

6. Argentina

Backpaking in Patagonia. Argentina. By andysternberg

With its mountains, glaciers, steppes, lakes, cosmopolitan cities and affordable prices, Argentina is a heaven for backpackers. This huge country, almost the size of India, is a glorious destination for independent travelers. It has it all: superb landscapes, truly untouched regions and amazing food.
In comparison to nearby Brazil and Chile, the country is a bargain. After the economic crisis in 2001/2002 Argentina became super cheap for travelers. At present the prices have increased, but you can easily get by on ARS 70 (US$ 20) per day, if sleeping in hostels and eating in local inexpensive restaurants. While in Argentina, you just cannot miss the steaks. Not only are they best in the world but also reasonably priced.
Among the most amazing places in Argentina is Patagonia, a wild, vast and beautiful region, where you can easily escape crowds. For crazy nightlife, head for Buenos Aires, the country's bustling and vibrant capital, filled with great clubs, bars and restaurants.
While backpacking Argentina the major cost is, of course, transportation. It gets more expensive when you have to pay for flights, but if you are not short on time, try buses, which are rather inexpensive and the quality of service is quite high.

Perito Moreno. Patagonia. Argentina. By Mel Toledo

5. Australia

Melbourne. By Linh rOm

Australia is filled with backpackers. It is smooth and easy to travel around this amazing continent, though huge distances make the trip a bit more costly. Australia does not belong to cheap destinations as the prices of food, transport and accommodation are high in comparison to the countries of Eastern Europe or South America. Still, visiting Australia is a great experience. From bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne, filled with superb clubs, restaurants and cultural highlights, to the remote outback, magnificent Great Ocean Road, magical Uluru, and the famed Great Barrier Reef, the country is a must for every traveler.
Moving around Australia is super easy. The rail, buses and mini buses cover the entire country; there are also several budget airlines such as Jetstar or Virgin Blue. If you stay longer and travel with several people you can split the costs and buy an old car or campervan.

Australian Coast. By Andrew Hux

4. Morocco

The Erg Chebbi Dunes, Morocco. By Robbie's Photo Art

The country of scents and colors, wild desert, superb coast, fabulous mountain vistas and of course excellent food, Morocco is a paradise for an independent traveler. The vibe of the country comes from a unique blend of Europe, Africa and the Middle East cultures. In contrast to other African states where backpacking can be more challenging and expensive, Morocco is a perfect destination for independent voyagers. A budget traveler can get by on between US$ 20 and US$ 30 per day, the cities brim with hostels, and a convenient train network links the country's main cities: Marrakesh and Tangier via Casablanca and Rabat.
While in Morocco, try one of the best African cuisines: couscous that comes in hundreds of varieties, pastille (meat pie), and a vast array of Moroccan pastries. The best time to visit Morocco is spring (mid-March to May), and autumn (September to November).

Chefchaouene. Morocco. By rytc

3. Ireland

North Ireland's coast. By sgirolimetto

Backpacking Ireland is one of the most rewarding experiences you can get as a traveler. The republic that occupies about five-sixths of the island of Ireland is home to the world's most spectacular vistas, super nice people and a great travel infrastructure. From the breathtaking coast to the bustling pubs of Dublin, Ireland will not disappoint any independent traveler. Its vastness, wildness and unspoiled natural sights combine with hospitable locals, rich history, well-guarded tradition, and a pint of Guinness to guarantee loads of fun and relaxation.
Don't leave without seeing Connemara, a spectacular remote coast, magical Aran Islands, and the misty mountains of Killarney National Park.
Relatively short distances are a big advantage of traveling around Ireland. Still, the public transportation services are quite expensive when compared to other backpack destinations. There is a good network of roads so hiring a car can be a good option, especially if you travel in a group.

A hostel in Glencolumbcille, Ireland. By bertishki

2. Turkey

Butterfly Valley. Turkey. By Jason Tabarias

Turkey's uniqueness is a magnet for many backpackers and adventure lovers. This giant country, a melting pot of European and Asian cultures is extremely fascinating, culturally rich and jaw-droopingly beautiful. The list of Turkey's highlights seems never-ending: from the stunning scenery of Nemrut Dağı Milli National Park, ancient ruins, historical towns such as Ani or Ephesus, to hip Istanbul, the array of Turkish attractions is unbeatable.
Turkey is also good value for money. It is becoming more expensive as more tourists visit the country and the value of the Turkish currency has been gradually increasing over the last years. Still, the country is a bargain in comparison to other Mediterranean destinations such as Greece or Italy. The most expensive areas are Istanbul and the coastal tourist cities, while in the eastern part of the country and in less visited areas you can travel on as little as US$ 35 per day.
Turkey has a great bus system which covers the entire country and is much cheaper and faster than trains. Ferries to Greece and Italy are quite expensive (about US$ 500 to Italy).

A mosque in Istanbul. By Minamie's Photo

1. Bolivia

Altiplano. Bolivia. By Andras Jancsik

Bolivia has everything a backpacker could wish for. It is the cheapest country in the region (unfortunately the poorest), but also one of the world's richest destinations in terms of spectacular vistas. Truly, Bolivian landscapes are considered to be the most stunning on the entire continent, if not in the world. The country's jewels such as Bolivian Altiplano, Salar de Uyuni (the world's largest salt flat), amazing old towns such as Sucre or La Paz, and many Inca Trails are magnets for independent travelers from around the globe.
You can easily live on less than US$ 20 a day, especially if you eat like locals. Hostels cost around US$ 10 per night or less. Again, transportation is the biggest cost - especially getting to Bolivia. Traveling by buses is cheap and faster than trains.

Backpacking Bolivia. By dckf_$êr@pH!nX'

Are you an experienced backpacker and want to share your opinion with others? Go ahead! Or perhaps you're just dreaming of getting away from it all and preparing for the trip of your lifetime. Let us know where you go and why...

Most Extreme Hiking Trails from Around the Globe

2010-11-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you are an adrenaline addict and adventure lover, plus you can boast excellent psychical condition and strong nerves, you should try one of these mountain routes. Called iron ways or via ferratas, these paths will provide you with a bunch of challenges and thrills. Not for acrophobes!

Michielli Strobel

Michielli Strobel via ferrata is a popular mountain route, equipped with fixed cables, located in the Italian Dolomites, near Cortina. Apparently, the trail is not extremely difficult in comparison to other European "iron roads"; still, it is worth mentioning that the route derived its name from a famous guide who died trying to climb Pomagagnon, a vertical rock wall surrounding the Boite valley, where the ferrata leads.

The trail is very exposed and there are several precipices underneath. You'd better stay within your technical, physical and psychological limits, and choose other options, if you sense this one could be too difficult for you.

Michielli Strobel. By pracucci

By pracucci

By bugmonkey

El Camino del Rey

El Camino del Rey (the King's little pathway) is extreme. The route leading along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, Spain, was constructed in 1905 for the workers building the hydroelectric power plants so they could cross between the falls. In 1921 King Alfonso XII crossed the walkway and it became known by its present name.
Today the route is in a hazardous condition as some parts of the concrete path have collapsed and there are only steel beams that allow you to cross the walkway. There is no handrail and the stability of the cable that runs along the length of the path is, actually, unknown. In recent years several people have lost their lives on the route, so think twice before you decide to go.

By Omad

By goesberlin

By Omad

By omad

To give you a better idea of what it looks like:

Roche Veyrand

France is home to around 120 via ferratas, ranging from easy to extremely difficult routes. Roche Veyrand is definitely a fine example of one of these quite difficult and challenging tracks. The path is located in St Pierre d'Entremont, in the Rhône-Alpes region, which stretches in the south-eastern part of the country.
The ferrata is actually divided into two parts, of which one is moderately difficult and suitable for accompanied beginners, while the second one is only for advanced hikers. There are many vertical passages on the way, so good climbing abilities are really required. For those who conquer the trail, the breathtaking view over the Chartreuse Mountains is waiting at the top. Worth trying!

By clobs

By webermat

By clobs

Lukerbad

This is the most demanding and the longest route in the entire Switzerland. The Lukerbad via ferrata, located in the Bernese Alps, in Dalatal, is dotted with vertical and extremely exposed ladders. The walls are really steep and climbing demands a super good physical condition accompanied by strong nerves. The path is very steep and dangerous throughout the climb, so if the weather is bad, don't go!
The ferrata comprises two parts. The small via feratta, where the toughest part of the route has three ladders, one after the other, with a total length of 76m! The big via ferrata part is even more demanding, with pins as footholds and a serious danger of loose rock falling.

Mountains above Leukerbad. By Olivier Bruchez

By Sean Vos

Hua Shan

Last but not least, Hua Shan, located in the Shaanxi Province, China, is considered one of the most challenging routes in the country. The mountain, called Mount Hua, is one of Five Sacred Taoist Mountains and has a long history of religious significance. Today, the plank pathway leading all the way up to the peak has become a paid tourist attraction. Before the 1990s the route was actually very dangerous, but since the boom in tourism the local government has installed some railings and built wider paths and stone steps.
Still, the Hua Shan trail is considered to be the most dangerous tourist mountain route in the world. Is it, really? It‘s hard to say as there aren't any statistics on accidents occurring there. Despite that, more and more inexperienced tourists take the route and, in some cases, a lack of good hiking abilities appears fatal for irresponsible hikers.

Mt. Hua Shan. By Clint Koehler

By Clint Koehler

By Aaron D. Feen

By Aaron D.Feen

By Aaron D. Feen

The Roof of the World

2010-11-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

You don't need to climb Mt. Everest to reach some of the highest points on earth. There are some more accessible locations bearing the name of the highest ... though in their own hight category.

La Paz. Bolivia

The highest capital: Up to 4,100 m (13,450 ft)

La Paz. By guillermo.d

Thanks to its high location, La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, is the city of record-breaking extremes. Situated at an elevation of 3,660 meters above sea level (12,000 ft), it is the world's highest capital city, with some of its districts rising as high as 4,100 meters (13,450 ft). Due to its altitude, La Paz can boast one of the highest major airports in the world, the world's highest golf course, football stadium and velodrome.

The Tilicho Lake. Nepal.

The highest lake: 4,949 m (16,236 ft)

Tilicho Lake. By Andy Hares

High in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas in Nepal there is the Tilicho lake, world's highest located body of water. Also called 'tarn', i.e., a pool formed by glacier, the lake is difficult to access due to its extremely inhospitable surroundings. Nevertheless, in 2000, a Russian diving team conducted the world's highest scuba dive in Tilicho.

The Qingzang Railway. China.

The highest railway: 5,072 m (16,640 ft)

By reurinkjan

The almost 2,000 km long Qingzang railway, called the train to the roof of the world, is the highest railway on earth. Connecting the Qinghai Province in China with Tibet, the line was specially built for high altitude environment - the carriages have an oxygen supply for each passenger and several oxygen factories were constructed along the track. Also, toilet water must be heated to prevent freezing. The highest part of the railway is the Tanggula Pass, rising at 5,072 m (16,640 feet) above sea level, making it the highest rail track in the world.

Chacaltaya. Bolivia.

The highest ski resort: 5,421 m (17,785 ft)

Chacaltaya. By wili hybrid

The Chacaltaya ski resort, located in the Chacaltaya mountain range in Bolivia, used to be the highest ski area in the world. The 18,000-year old glacier that served the ski resort has completely melted down though. Whether the disappearance of the glacier was caused by global warming or a natural variation in climate is still a matter of dispute. At present, what is left of the ski resort is a 600-foot (180 m) stretch that receives sufficient snowfall during the winter.

Khunjerab Pass. China-Pakistan

The highest border: 4,693 metres (15,397 ft)

Khunjerab Pass. By germeister

Khunjerab Pass, strategically located between Pakistan and China, is considered to be the highest paved border crossing in the world. The pass is also the highest point of the Karakoram Highway, the highest paved international road in the world. Rising at an altitude of 4,693 metres (15,397 ft), the border is often covered with snow and therefore it is closed during the winter, from November to May.

Semo La. Tibet.

The highest vehicle-accessible road: 5,565 m (18,258 ft)

Semo La. By John Town

The Tibetan road Semo La leading to the Chang Tang region in Central Tibet is the highest vehicle-accessible pass in the world. The old unsurfaced road is travelled only by a weekly bus, some trucks and adventurous travellers that use Semo La as an alternative access road to western parts of Tibet and Mount Kailash, a sacred peak in Hinduism and Buddhism. By the way, the mount has not seen any known climbing attempts, as climbing it would be considered an offence against the latter religions.

La Rinconada. Peru.

The highest permanent settlement: 5,100 m (16,732 ft)

La Rinconada. Peru. By Hildegard Willer

La Rinconada is renowned for being the highest permanent settlement in the world. Despite its magnificent location in the Peruvian Andes, the town is one of the filthiest places to live in, with no running water and no sewage system. Its economy is based on the production of gold in the local mine. Apparently, the mine's employees work under the cachorreo system, which means that they work without payment and on the last day of the month they are allowed to take as much ore as they can carry on their shoulders. There is no guarantee, however, that the ore will contain gold.

The Burj Al Arab tennis court. The UAE

The highest tennis court: 210 m (690 ft)

By DarthAbraham

Last but not least, one of the world's most striking constructions - the Burj Al Arab hotel, located in Dubai, is home to the highest tennis court on the globe. Situated 210 meters above sea level, the setting of the court is as impressive as the whole complex. Burj Al Arab is the only 7 star hotel on the globe and the second tallest building in the world that is used exclusively as a hotel.

World's Most Amazing Caves and Grottos

2010-11-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Used for shelter or as religious sites by ancient people, today caves surprise us with exceptional beauty and absolutely unique features. From glacier caves formed by ice and water, to limestone formations of thousand of shapes and sizes, the world's caverns are truly amazing microcosms.
Here are some of the most stunning images of the world's grottoes and caves:

Hamilton Pool

This amazing natural grotto pool in Texas was created thousands of years ago due to the collapse of the dome of an underground river. Among the most striking features of this beautiful pool is a 14 m (45 ft) waterfall, spilling from the dome.

By Frank Jaquier

Hamilton Pool. By DaveWilsonPhotography

Škocjan Caves

Slovenia is home to impressive Škocjan Caves, one of the world's largest canyon hidden deep underground. This outstanding formation is considered a natural phenomenon of global significance, ranking side by side with the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, or the Galapagos Islands.

Skocjan Caves. By StrudelMonkey

By Kalense Kid

Underground Pools in Škocjan Caves. By Hannu Salama

Patagonia's Glacier Caves

Far at the southern tip of Argentina, Patagonia is home to amazing Parque Nacional Los Glaciares , where the world's most impressive glaciers can be found. Among one of the most stunning ice formation are the glacier caves that have been formed by water running through or under the glacier. Such caves can also be seen in Iceland, Alaska, Norway and New Zealand.

Ice Cave, Glacier Grey. By Tom Holub

By fylin

Lehman Caves

Delicate rare limestone formations make the Lehman Caves one of the most wonderful underground chambers on the globe. Located in the Great Basin National Park, Nevada, USA, the cave was discovered in 1885 by Absalom Lehman.

By caddymob

Batu Caves

Only 13 km from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, there are Batu Caves, an outstanding complex of chambers and grottoes housing Hindu temples. The caves are formed by limestone which is believed to be 400 million years old. The main feature of the complex is a 100 m high open vault called the Cathedral Cave.

Batu Cave. By Stuck in Customs

By ccdoh1

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The tiny creatures inhabiting Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand are the complex's main tourist magnet. These unique glittering cave animals called Arachnocampa luminosa lit up the interior of the limestone complex, making it an absolutely extraordinary location.

By davidagalvan

Reed Flute Cave

Located in Guilin City in China, the Reed Flute Cave, also called the Palace of Natural Arts, is 240 m long cave network discovered some 1,200 years ago. This scenic complex of karst caves is filled with amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillar formations of many different shapes and sizes, which, enhanced by multicolored lighting, form a one-of-a-kind underground world.

Crystal Lake, Reed Flute Cave. By Cheddarcheez

By Proggie

Hang Sung Sot

Hang Sung Sot, or the Cave of the Surprises, is one of the most amazing caves in Halong Bay in Vietnam. The two chambers that form this amazing grotto are decorated with thousands of spectacular stalactite and stalagmite forms. The cave was discovered by the French in 1901.

By Jrwooley6

By JWU

World's Most Scenic Restaurants

2010-11-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Dietitians say you should never get off the table full, and in some restaurants it is exceptionally easy. When there's such dramatic beauty all around, food becomes a less important factor and it's impossible to concentrate on eating. Have a look at some of the world's most scenic places to dine.

8. Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room - Arizona, USA

View from Grand Canyon Lodge. By Julie A Green

Most visitors to the Grand Canyon flock to its spectacular South Rim, take hasty pictures, have a short walk and leave. But it is the guests of Grand Canyon Lodge who experience the place's real character - wild, lonely, and unpredictable. Watch the day go by from the sun terrace and dine with the view of the world's greatest natural miracle.
The timber-smelling, rustic restaurant may not be hitting the height of gastronomy, but who cares about food when there's such a spectacle going on outside. The menu features quite a lot of choices, including regional as well as 1930's themed foods. The dining room is very spacious, but compared to the grandness of the Canyon, it feels really warm and cozy.

7. 360 Restaurant - Toronto, Canada

CN Tower Revolving Restaurant. By Sifter

At Toronto's 360 Restaurant, dining is brought to a whole different level. Firstly, because the restaurant sits 351 meters (1151 ft) above ground on top of the CN Tower. Secondly, because it slowly revolves to give you 360 degree views of the magnificent city.
After major remodeling in 1995, the restaurant is no longer just a tourist magnet but a truly sophisticated dining experience. Some say the menu has left them with taste buds unsatisfied and wallets emptied. But even if you're not satisfied with food, the bill pays for the ticket to the observation deck without queuing. Just pick a cloudless evening and take in the splendor of Toronto from up high, preferably having a glass of wine from the restaurant's award-winning "cellar in the sky".

6. Piz Gloria - Mürren, Switzerland

Piz Gloria Revolving Restaurant. By РОБОТ-ФОТОМAТ

Perched on top of 2,970 m (9,744 ft) Schilthorn, in the Swiss Alps, Piz Gloria was a prominent location for the 1969 film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' of the famous James Bond series. Since then, both the restaurant and the funicular have undergone a major facelift and draw countless visitors willing to get 360-degree views of the dramatic alpine spectacle over a bowl of steamy chicken soup. The dining area can accommodate 400 patrons and takes about an hour to completely rotate.

5. Ambrosia Restaurant- Oia Santorini, Greece

View from Ambrosia Restaurant. By Simply Stella

Santorini is by far one of the most romantic places in Europe, so it's not really difficult to set up a business that makes it to the 'World's Most Scenic Restaurants' list. Ambrosia is definitely one that deserves the title, and it's not only thanks to its cozy atmosphere, unique decor, and fantasy-like views of the volcanic sea caldera. The food and service are said to be excellent, so you don't have to compromise on quality for the sake of beautiful surroundings. Candlelight, rose petals, stars above your head and food that's really tasty - can you really ask for more?

4. Floyd's Pelican Bar - Negril, Jamaica

Floyd's Pelican Bar. By doscabeza

The only way to get there is to hire a boat and you can have a swim while waiting for your seafood to be served. Can you imagine a more unusual restaurant? Situated a mile from the shore, the bamboo construction rises out of the infinite blue and looks as if it was just about to be blown by the wind. Floyd's is almost a legend and once you have a cold one here, you'll want to come back over and over again. A 6-hour trip for two, including private transportation, boat to Floyd's and lunch, is around $180.

3. Red Sea Star - Eilat, Israel

Red Sea Star underwater restaurant. By neonium

Red Sea Star is a place like no other on the planet. This first and only underwater restaurant looks like a beautiful coral garden itself, and there's still the better part outside. 5m (16 ft) below the surface of the Red Sea, you can enjoy you meal while watching unbelievably colorful creatures swim by right next to the window. The food is said to be average, but the experience unbeatable. Soft light comes in to illuminate the unique décor, and you'll really find yourself in two minds whether to focus on the interior or gaze outside.

2. Sunset da Mona Lisa - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

View from Sunset da Mona Lisa Restaurant. By Bachspics

Cabo San Lucas is a dreamlike destination and the premises of Sunset da Mona Lisa expose its beauty in a way that's hard to forget. Multileveled terraces hang above crystal-clear pools, giving you a sense of floating on water. The Italian chef makes sure the dishes are genuine and range from the simplest to most sophisticated specialties of Italian cuisine. Wash them down with the best of Italian wines and watch the sun disappear in the waters of Cabo San Lucas Bay. Pure magic.

1. Cova d'en Xoroi - Cala'n Porter, Spain

Cova d'en Xoroi restaurant and discotheque. By E-S-E-L

Carved in the cliff on the south coast of Menorca, with multileveled terraces spanning on rock shelves, the Cove d'en Xoroi is a bar, a restaurant, and a nightclub in one. Enjoy a morning coffee with the heavenly beach and cove of Cala 'n Porter in front of your eyes, hide from the heat in the legendary grotto and dine watching the sun roll down beyond the horizon. And when the stars are up, there's no better place to get the taste of nightlife in Menorca .

Most Fabulous Casino Hotels

2010-11-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

They may not be the most luxurious hotels in the world, but they definitely take the gambling experience to another level. In these locations, the designs, views and attractions are so rewarding that even huge losses at the table may seem less bitter. See some of the most fabulous casino hotels on the planet:

Atlantis Resort & Casino

Atlantis Royal Tower. By intothelens4149

Atlantis Resort and Casino has been expertly designed to set a new standard of excellence. Its modern, luxurious design, oceanic ambiance and tropical feel combine to give you a vacation to never forget. Countless guestrooms, suites and villas accommodate wide budget rages (rates start at around $250), the fabulous waterpark will give you the fun of your life, and nightlife is hard to beat. If you're interested in the casino part, there's even poolside gaming available, so this is definitely a place to come and play if the setting matters to you. The resort has been heavily featured in popular culture (Casino Royal, Friends, and After the Sunset, among others).

Glass sculpture inside the casino. By scmikeburton

Palace of the Lost City

Palace of the Lost City. By Imagine Global

Located in a remote part of South Africa and literally drowning in greenery, this amazing residence is a fabulous combination of mosaics, frescoes, sophisticated furnishing and wildlife statues. Huge, luxurious and decorative, it looks totally surreal in its fantasy-like setting. Sample Africa's royal past and indulge in the comforts of the present times, including the most advanced Waterpark in South Africa. A stay at the Palace of the Lost City is no doubts a lifetime experience, to be gotten for not less that $600.

The restaurant. By Espiritu viajero

The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel - Macao

The Venetian. By Samurai "R"

Sparkling with 3,000 fabulous suites (min $200), thousands of lights and 1,600,000 sq ft (149,000 m2) of shopping space, this landmark hotel is Asia's real pearl of entertainment. Area wise, it is the fifth largest building in the world, and indeed, its spaciousness makes a staggering impression. The casino itself is divided into themed areas named Golden Fish, Imperial House, Phoenix and Red Dragon. And although the property can really give you a feel of old-world Venice, its 2 billion dollar technology is truly far from renaissance.

In the lobby. By whc7294

Mohegan Sun - Uncasville, CT, USA

Mohegan Sun at sunset. By deekea

A player or not, if you happen to be around Uncasville, CT, don't miss out on its fabulous entertainment hub. With 1,200 high standard guest rooms and suites (starting at $250), luxurious spa, shopping, golfing options, and headlining music events, Mohegan Sun has everything to bewilder and please its non-gambling guests. However, it is the second largest casino in the United States that makes it a real pearl among the gaming establishments. A 35-foot high animated water wall inspires luck in the Casino of the Wind, the world's largest planetarium dome takes you to the stars in the Casino of the Sky, and the howling of wolves mixes with the jingling of slot machines in the Casino of the Earth.

Shopping at Mohegan's. By charterpilot

Hotel de Paris - Monte Carlo, Monaco

Casino de Paris. By BillGraf

Surrender to the calling of bliss at one of Europe's most beautiful hotel spas, dine at the world's finest restaurants and relax in lavishly decorated rooms. Hotel de Paris is actually a palace rather than a hotel, and don't expect anything cheaper than $600. Although it doesn't have a gaming space of its own, it's located right next to Monaco's legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, which hosts the annual European Poker Tour Grand Final. Pure class and glamor!

In the lobby. By philaveller

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort

Niagara Fallsview Casino. By ChairmanJ

The complex may not be the most impressive building in the world, but the view you get from your hotel window more than compensates for any deficiencies (rates start at $200). Situated at the foot of Horseshoe Falls, the hotel is one of the most fabulous places to stay... and lose money. The casino itself is so big that it could house 3 foootball fields and has enough gaming options to perplex even the most hardened player. Sophistication and classy decor are a huge attribute of the resort.

Overlooking the Niagara

Bellagio - Las Vegas, USA

The dancing fountains in front of the hotel. By 5348 Franco ON/OFF

The best thing about Las Vegas is that its hotels are really affordable, no matter how many stars they boast. Bellagio, which is definitely top of the range, can be booked for as little as $200. Of course, it's not the most luxurious hotel in Las Vegas, but it's not always standard that matters. Here, the competitive advantage is at least three-fold: celebrity spotting is almost guaranteed, the dancing fountains take the breath away, and the lobby is magically colorful. The casino? Well, it's Las Vegas so it's hard to tell kitsch from sophistication.

In the lobby. By steve mw

Extraordinary Bars

2010-11-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

Clinic - Clarke Quay, Singapore

Clinic Bar. By ronaldwidha

Among the kaleidoscope of extravagant shops, restaurants and entertainment spots at Clarke Quay, you'll find Singapore's weirdest establishment. The Clinic is a hospital themed bar and club, where attention to detail in decoration is truly admirable. Get seated in a wheelchair and sip your drink out of a drip bag, all in the gloomy atmosphere of syringes, pills, test tubes and surgery lamps. And if you've had too much and feel dizzy, the waitress-turned-nurse will certainly know what to do.

The Pub - Brno, Czech Republic

The Pub. By rizio

At first glance, it looks like a regular bar, and frankly, it doesn't seem that the owners got to the heights of interior decoration. But wait a minute... Is there a beer tap on the table? I mean ... every table?

The Pub in Brno, Czech Republic, may not be a designer's dream, but it is certainly one of those experiences you remember long after the morning headache is gone. Build a strong team of any size, pour yourselves your own beers, and monitor how those guys at other tables are doing. The Pub takes the concept of drinking competition to a whole new level.

Absolut Icebar - Stockholm, Sweden

Absolut Icebar. By Lina Ardila

What do you do when it's freezing cold and everything is completely ice-bound? You get a drink of course! And the owners of Absolute Icebar in Stockholm, Sweden, certainly know that dependence. Here, the temperature is never higher than -5°C and the entire interior, including chairs and glasses, is made from pure ice. On entering you get wrapped up in a fur lined outfit and off you go into the abyss of cool.

Of course, the Swedish establishment has numerous followers, and ice bars can be found in entertainment hubs such as London, Las Vegas, Barcelona, Paris and Seoul. Whichever you choose, you're sure to get the coolest beer you've ever had before.

Dick's Last Resort- San Diego, USA

Dick's Last Resort. By DMF Photography

If you're constantly in search of the wacky and wild, you'll just love San Diego's most off-beat bar, where folks typically come before and after all the games. Famous for its BBQ, obnoxious wait staff and rowdy atmosphere, Dick's Last Resort is a place for those who like to take life with a pinch of salt.

If you're in on the joke, the idea of waiters throwing napkins at you and serving you with all sorts of verbal abuse will definitely appeal to you. You'll even enjoy wearing a dunce cap with personalized insults.

Alux Lounge - Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Alux Lounge. By Bernsteins in Viroqua

Thousands of years to give the interior an interesting shape, some furnishing and lighting works, and there you go ... Mexico's most awesome lounge is ready! Ajux draws numerous tourists and locals alike with its extraordinary location. The club is set underground, in a large cave, and is complete with spiky stalactites and stalagmites that glitter with shades of green, blue, violet, and pink. Prices are rather on the expensive side, but if you're looking for an unusual bar experience - a little spooky and a little magical, head to Alux next time you are in Playa del Carmen.

Zetor - Helsinki, Finland

Zetor Bar. By mikestuartwood

You may have been inside a tractor cab while on your countryside vacation. You may well have had a shot of home-made booze there. But you certainly have never done those two things inside a bar. And it doesn't seem likely that you can do it in a country as sophisticated as Finland. Well, you can.

Right in the heart of Helsinki, there's a crude barn-looking locale, with old Zetor tractors turned into tables and the most outdated country kitsch décor you can imagine. Some typical Finnish food, plenty of rye bread to go around, a little bit of culture shock and a huge amounts of fun await you in the least sophisticated place in the whole of Finland.

Baobab Tree Bar - Modjadjiskloof, South Africa

Baobab Tree Bar and Wine Cellar. By hannes.steyn

Fancy a drink inside a baobab? It only takes a trip to South Africa's Limpopo province and a stroke of luck to get in. Visited by 7,000 people every year, this surreal watering hole can house only around 25 patrons at a time (although the owners claim to have squeezed in more that 50 at one occasion).

The Baobab feels like a regular bar, with draught beer, stools, and a dartboard, but the fact that, according to scientists, it is about 6.000 years old, makes it by far the most exhilarating place to get a beer... if you don't mind the ants. Besides, the Baobab is a sacred tree in African culture, so lend your ear to amazing myths and legends about its extraordinary qualities.

Christon Cafe - Tokyo, Japan

Christon Cafe. By spof

What an incredibly weird place to have a drink! Would you dare, first of all? Christon Cafe is a Christian-themed restaurant and bar, with heavy touches of strictly Goth stylistics fitted into a chapel-like interior. Chandeliers, candles, red latex booths, coffin-shaped menus and other goth paraphernalia are mingled with stained glass windows, crucifixes, images of Mary and figurines of angels. Small Devil, Joan d'Arc, and God-hand-made humberger is what you may expect to find on the menu...

Some say it borders on blasphemy, others call it a rather harmless way of showing the light-hearted, Japanese attitude to Christianity. The idea has actually become so popular that Christon Cafe now has as many as 8 locations throughout Japan.

H.R. Giger Bar - Chur, Switzerland

Skeleton Bar. By Daniel and Annie Watts

Giger Bar in Chur, Switzerland, has tourists flocking from far and wide just to have a cold on in the amazing skeletal structure modeled by the Swiss surrealist artist H. R. Giger. The interior is themed along the lines of Ridley Scott's Alien scenography, and you really do get the impression that a blood-thirsty extraterrestrial creature is lurking somewhere there and eager to get you. Admirable attention has been put to detail, producing a place that is a little creepy but hugely fascinating.

World's Most Fashionable Nations

2010-11-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

French and Italian fashion houses have dictated clothing trends for many years, but are these nations really the most stylish in the world? In fact, when you take a look around the world's biggest cities, you will soon discover that Barcelona, Melbourne, Copenhagen or Sao Paulo easily rival Paris, Milan or Rome. Today, the best fashion scenes are not the catwalks but the streets where people are dressed with style, look uniquely and sexy.
Below are five most fashionable nations presented in alphabetical order:

1. The Australians.

In melbourne. Australia. By herwordskill

It must be the sun, ocean and a laid-back attitude towards life that make Aussies look so great, relaxed and well-dressed. Australian fashion, with its casual and individualistic approach, can be clearly distinguished from European style that is still a bit conservative. Let's make it clear - no one wears flip-flops to the theatre in Europe. Most of the clothing designs in Australia are influenced by the surf culture, outdoor activities, graffiti and arts that form impressive fusion of styles and colours.
Still, Australian dress-code is more than foot thongs, swimming suit and a pair of old jeans. Today, the country's fashion industry has grown big and its designers are world-renowned and internationally acclaimed. The streets of Sydney, Melbourne or Perth are filled with super-dressed people wearing innovative unique clothing that can rival the best European haute couture.

2. The Brazilians.

By combustionchamber

Sao Paulo Fashion Week, one of the flagship events of the Brazilian clothing world, provides some evidence for Brazil's passion for fashion. It is not the latest trends straight from catwalks that make the Brazilian fashion so interesting, however. The nation's great sense of style, full of colors, mosaic patterns and well fitting or actually, skin-tight clothes, capture the optimistic spirit of Brazilians best. Exotic and sexy style of the women is admired and envied all around the world and the Brazilians' unique mix of different cultural influences, from Africa to Europe and Asia, make the country's fashion extraordinary and internationally acclaimed.
Today, Brazilian clothing industry has grown strong on the global markets. Original design and custom-made lines rival the world's largest industries - the country is currently the second largest denim fabric producer and fifth largest apparel producer in the world.

3. The Danish.

Bike fashion in Denmark. By stefanravn

Oh, Denmark is trendy! The Danes have this great fashion sense simply running through their veins. It can be easily observed on the streets of Denmark's largest cities, Copenhagen, Aarhus or Alborg, where literally everyone is dressed with style. Still, the Danes don't seem to care as much about the latest trends, they rather follow their own fashion rules - the clothes are somehow both classical and innovative - their simple cut, organic colours, perfect fit and top quality materials accompanied with stylish patterns and original detail make Danes look absolutely gorgeous.
Today Danish fashion is one of the main pillars of the country's export industry. Despite its small size, Denmark is the 9th largest exporter of clothes among the OECD states, and it holds 2.8 % of the international export market.

4. The Japanese.

Street fashion in Osaka. By bruceley

Fashion in Japan is not only the bizarre and insane look of crazy teenagers occupying the streets of Harajuku, the trendy shopping district in Tokyo. Actually, Japanese have an amazing sense of aesthetics and there are no other countries in the world where art plays such a big role in the history of the nation. From ink painting on silk and paper and subtle calligraphy to more recent manga and cartoon, Japanese's need for expressing themselves through art can be observed in every aspect of their life. Also in the clothing world, Japan is a place where fashion meets art.
The way Japanese dress is refined to the last detail, unique and rich. Fashion in Japan reflects the latest trends of the world's biggest fashion houses but it can also perfectly combine modern ideas with classical Japanese look.
With such big names as Yohji Yamamoto, Kenzo, Issey Miyake and Comme des Garçons 's Rei Kawakubo, who developed a new way of cutting, today Japan is one of the most interesting fashion markets in the world.

5. The Spanish.

Pez shopping street in Madrid. By gaelx

The time is now for Spain. In fact, saying that Paris, Rome and Milan are fashion capitals of the world would be a bit of cliché - today these are Madrid and Barcelona that dictate fashion trends in Europe and worldwide. Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Mango and El Corte Ingles dress Europeans, Americans and Asians and it is the Spanish designers like Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Pura Lópe, Pedro del Hierro and Paco Rabanne that have revolutionized the international fashion industry.
Fashion has always been an integral part of the Spanish culture where people look sophisticated and stylish. They just know how to combine sleek, casual and smart pieces of clothing into one perfect outfit. And the shoes. The shoes are always bang up to date. Spain, with its rich tradition of leather craftsmanship, is the second largest shoes producer in the European Union, after Italy.

World's Most Boring Cities to Visit

2010-11-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

1. Brussels. Belgium.

Brussels. By WaveCult

If it weren't for beer and chocolate, Brussels could really bore you to death. Labeled as the capital of the European Union, Brussels is a city of red tape and Eurocrats. Home to numerous international institutions and organizations such as the headquarters of the NATO, the European Commission and the European Parliament, Brussels has become an administrative centre of the continent, with more ambassadors, politicians, civil servants, journalists, and office workers than any other city in the world. Fortunately, Brussels' gastronomic offer is quite impressive, with apparently around 2,000 restaurants and bars to cater for all tastes. So if you happen to be in the city, at least you have plenty to choose from to kill the time.

2. Houston. The USA.

Houston. By telwink

You really have to look hard if you want to find something interesting in Houston. This is a city of heat, humidity, shopping malls, highways and traffic-jams. Houston is the fourth largest city in the USA, the largest town in Texas and its climate is hardly bearable. Apparently, there are around 100 days a year when the temperature exceeds 90 °F (32 °C) and the humidity adds extra degrees to the temperature. So, while in the city, you have no choice but to spend most of your time in air-conditioned buildings. Thanks to its huge energy industry, the city has become a playground for national and international giants. How romantic...

3. Zurich. Switzerland.

Stock Exchange in Zurich. By Toni V

According to the readers of Trip Advisor, Zurich, Switzerland, comes second (after Brussels) in the race for the dullest city on the European continent. The financial hub of the country and the whole Europe, Zurich is home to corporations, banking giants as well as one of the world's biggest stock exchange, and it is often called the Singapore of Europe. Despite the fact that this Swiss metropolis has been cited as the city with the best quality of life and the wealthiest city in Europe, it is hardly a fascinating place to visit. Put into apple-pie order, Zurich is simply too sterile and predictable.

4. Singapore.

Singapore's cityscape. By williamcho

When it comes to Singapore, the opinions are divided. Some people absolutely love the city's spotlessness, others would say there's nothing to do there besides shopping and eating. Singapore, an island, a city, and a state in one, is inhabited by 5 million people of which 36% are foreigners. Thanks to its business-friendly economy that attracts millions of expatriates, great shopping opportunities and favorable location (important transportation hub), Singapore receives around 7 million tourists a year. Cleanliness, organized lifestyle and super low crime rates have earned the city-state a funny moniker: the Asia for beginners. Still, if you are searching for the ultimate Asian city adventure, you'd be better off heading for Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo or Bangkok.

5. Bratislava. Slovakia.

Bratislava's panorama. By Eole

The tiny capital city of tiny Slovakia, Bratislava has only 400,000 residents, ten square kilometers of the city center and only about 40 hotels to be found in the entire metropolis. In comparison to other Central and Eastern European cities such as vibrant Cracow in Poland, stunning Prague in the Czech Republic or fascinating Budapest in Hungary, from a tourist's point of view, Bratislava does not have much to offer. As far as architecture goes, the city (except in the very downtown) is nothing but 9-storey apartment blocks, so literally half a day would be enough to stroll around the historic center. The city's cultural offer and a nightlife scene are also quite limited - thanks God, Vienna is less than 60 km away.

6. Wellington. New Zealand.

Wellington. By greendott

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, known for being the windiest city in the country, is a medium-sized town of about 400,000 inhabitants. Although its natural setting is quite impressive as the city is surrounded by a pretty harbor and lush green hills, its attractiveness as an urban tourist destination is open to doubt. While Wellingtoners could argue all day long for Wellington's superiority over Auckland and other cities of the region, the truth is that New Zealand's capital is far from appealing. So, while in New Zealand, you'd better stay focused on nature (which is absolutely stunning, by the way) and for a vibrant city life choose Sydney or Melbourne instead.

7. Oslo. Norway.

Oslo. By Vinje

Unless you are an avid cyclist, hiker or museum buff, the boredom may hit your senses quite quickly in Oslo. Inhabited by around 600,000 people, the capital city of Norway might be good for outdoor activists, but travelers looking for an active city life will get disappointed. Moreover, Oslo is one of the most expensive capitals in the world so killing time in the city will be certainly disastrous to your wallet. Scandinavian reserved and cold manner, the country's geographical isolation from the rest of Europe, rather dull urban architecture, and depressing lack of daylight for fairly six months a year may make you want to leave the town sooner than you expect.

The Most Beautiful Destinations In east of Asia

2010-11-03T02:32:00.000-07:00

1. Mongolia

Mongolia, Gobi Desert.

Mongolia, with its vast, intact, and rough landscape, is considered by Lonely Planet to be one of the last unspoiled travel destinations in Asia. The country is located on the Central Asian plateau and it takes up 1.5 million square kilometers. It is the world's nineteenth largest state, but its population is very small - the country is home to around 2.9 million people, and around 40% of Mongols live in the capital - Ulaanbaatar.

Mongolia by abate busoni

Mongolia's geography is diverse and beautiful. The Gobi Desert, the biggest desert area in Asia, spreads in the south, and the mountain ranges cover the northern and western parts of the country. Mongolia's climate is harsh during winters (down to -40 °C) and extremely hot in summers (30°C). The country is home to a huge population of horses (more than 3 million), which outnumbers Mongolia's human population.

Mongolia. By Michael Foley Photography

2. Thailand

Koh Lipe. Thailand. By captainblackadder

Millions of tourists cannot be wrong - Thailand in one of the most beautiful Asian destinations in terms of landscapes, people's hospitability and the richness of culture.
Exotic, lush islands surrounded by azure waters of the Andaman Sea from the west and the Gulf of Thailand from the east are excellent diving and snorkeling destinations as well as one of the world's most popular vacation spots.

Bu Islands at Kata Beach Phuket, Thailand. By Rene Ehrhardt

The wonders of Thai's old and rich culture can be spotted at every step of the way in the country. The beautiful and colorful Buddhist temples called wats sprinkle the country and the scent of Thai's excellent cuisine fills the air with the aroma of chilies, lemon grass and coconut milk.
Thailand is fully devoted to Theravada Buddhism, the national religion practiced by 95% of all Thais.

Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai, Thailand. By Taiger808

3. Tibet

U Tsang, Tibet. By reurinkjan

Tibet, the roof of the world, with its average elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft), is the mountain land covered by Himalayas towering proudly above the magical landscape. Tibet is a truly spiritual place in terms of both the nature and religion. The incredible Tibetan monasteries fit perfectly into the remote and beautiful surroundings.

Yamdrok Tso Lake, Tibet. By Mel F

Tibet houses the highest world's mountain - Mount Everest (8,848 m), which is located on the Nepali border. The Tibetan land is also dotted with turquoise high-altitude lakes called tso or co .
Tibet's history begins in seventh century when Songtsan Gampo founded the Tibetan Empire. Today the region is controlled by People's Republic of China that enforced its claim on Tibet in 1950. China set up the Tibet Autonomous Region that covers about half of cultural Tibet and other areas were incorporated into nearby provinces of PRC.

Tibet. By ~FreeBirD~

4. Angkor. Cambodia

Angkor Wat. Cambodia. By flydime

Angkor in Cambodia is a spectacular religious complex featuring the world's largest religious building, Angkor Wat. The temple was constructed between 1113 and 1150 by King Suryavarman II as a funerary temple - the complex is orientated towards the west, the symbolic direction of death.
The ruins of Angkor, which comprised around 1,000 temples, are located on a 3,000 square kilometer site - it was the largest preindustrial city in the world that could have supported the population of one million people.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia. By tajai

Angkor amazes with its magnificent beauty and breathtaking architecture. The whole complex was built between 802 and 1120 by the Khmer civilization. Today visitors can admire around 100 temples - the spectacular remains of a huge religious and social complex.

Ta Prom. Angkor Wat. Cambodia. By TaylorMiles

5. The Maldives

Maldives from the air. By sleepychinchilla

The Maldives is the pearl of Asia. This shinning azure jewel is located southeast of India in the middle of crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. The country is comprised of twenty-six atolls featuring 1,192 islets.
It is a heaven on earth for honeymooners, divers, surfers and holiday makers. The landscape is lush, exotic and unbelievably beautiful.

Dhonveli Beach, Maldives. By sleepychinchilla

Most of the coral islands are uninhabited. The abundant marine life, sandy beaches and warm waters attract thousands of visitors a year, but still many places and beach resorts remain remote and unspoiled getaways.
The Maldives is the smallest Asian state by both population (309,000 residents) and area (298 km2 ). It is also the lowest country in the world, with the average natural ground level of 1.5m above the sea level. Due to the global warming and a rise in sea level, the Maldives may, sooner or later, disappear from the world's map.

Maldives. By daniel pozo

6. The Great Wall. China

Great Wall, China. By Christopher Chan

The Great Wall is...great. It is one of the most unique constructions in the world and a must-see site for visitors to China. The first fortifications defending the borders of Chinese states had started to emerge in the fifth century BC. In 221 BC Qin Shi Huang unified all separated Chinese states and ordered the construction of a new wall to connect the old fortifications with the wall protecting the borders of the new empire.

Great Wall, China. By franz88

The Great Wall stretches across the country's landscape, passing by the deserts, mountains, grasslands, and plateaus, from the Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west. It is around 6,400 km (4,000 miles) long and the entire wall with all its branches measures 8,851 km (5,500 miles).

Great Wall, China. By betta design

7. Sri Lanka.

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. By muhuns19

Sri Lanka, with its exotic beaches, green tea plantations and tropical forests, is one of the most astonishing places in Asia. It is an island country located about 31 km off the southern coast of India.
The lush tea plantations are among the most dazzling sights here. The history of Ceylon tea begins in 1869 when the coffee rust had devastated the coffee plantations on the island. As a result the plantations' owners decided to cultivate tea to diverse the crops. By the late 1880s almost all the coffee fields had been converted to tea.

Sri Lanka. By ColbyOtero

Today the tea plantations cover 4% of the island's area (around 221,000 hectares). The main tea growing regions are the Central Province, the Uva Province, the Southern Province and the Sabaragamuwa Province. Nuwara Eliya, one of the most important tea growing places, which lies in the Central Province, produces a unique tea flavor.

Aluthgama Beach, Sri Lanka. By cpathirana2002

beautiful beach pictures

2010-11-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

beach picture - sunset with big tree

beach picture - before the eclipse, Malaysia

beach picture - Fuerteventura beach

beach picture - old wooden pier in HDR

beach picture - lighthouse, coming storm

beach picture - Maldiives

beach picture - sand sculpture, DaVinc

beach picture - sunset in Spain

beach picture - sunset and palm trees

beach picture - Trindade, Parati, Brasil

beach picture - incoming waves

beach picture - beach umbrellas in Belgium

beach picture - sunset on the beach, Praia

around the world

2010-11-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

Catalina Island, California

Cuba, landscape picture

autumn colors, fall leaves

fog, trees, nature picture

green forest, sunshine, nature picture

moon and forest fire

roller coaster and superman

spiral sea shells, black and white picture

fisherman fishing at sunset

light in the trees, nature picture

winter ice crystals

Sikh religion, Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

World Trade Center, twin towers, New York City, 9/11

Flower pictures

2010-10-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

Flower picture - beautiful color, Mimbrava

Flower picture - wild flower, bent beauty

Flower picture - chrysanthanum

Flower picture - crowned lily

Flower picture - explosion of beauty

Flower picture - Just a Flower

Flower picture - Labor and Delivery

Flower picture - macro photography, pink flower

Flower picture - macro photography, pollination

Flower picture - macro photography, reflection, flower multiplied

Flower picture - macro photography, road of life

Flower picture - macro photography, rose

Flower picture - macro photography, Stapeia flavopurpurea

Flower picture - macro photography, white rose

Flower picture - macro photography, yellow rose

Flower picture - wild flowers, from Namaqualand

Flower picture - wild flowers, France

Flower picture - Sadbahaar flower

Flower picture - water lily

Flower picture - where have all the flowers gone

Flower picture - wild flowers, Austrian mountains

Funny picture funny photo

2010-10-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

Funny picture / funny photo - car accident

Funny picture / funny photo - 3241 Bethania Village

Funny picture / funny photo - funny cat

Funny picture / funny photo - funny cat tail

Funny picture / funny photo - funny cat, Victor Bagging

Funny picture / funny photo - child, toilet, potty training

Funny picture / funny photo - funny animal, dog, Jack Russel terrier

Funny picture / funny photo - funny animal, dog, hot dog, chicken costume

Funny picture / funny photo - funny animal, elephants

Funny picture / funny photo - funny animal, squirrels kissing,

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, bathroom

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, blond

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, political

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, jellyfish

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, New York City

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, ninjas

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, Paris

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, Tokyo

Funny picture / funny photo - funny sign, women

Funny picture / funny photo - tree

Funny picture / funny photo - funny animal, zebra

Funny picture / funny photo - blow up doll

Baby boy baby girl

2010-10-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

Baby picture - baby boy - bathing Tyler

Baby picture - baby boy - Dream to make Believe

Baby picture - baby boy - Marcus the modest

Baby picture - baby boy - Noah and Lucas

Baby picture - baby boy - Our angel is home

Baby picture - baby girl - do the happy dance

Baby picture - baby girl - do you love me

Baby picture - baby girl - Guarani baby

Baby picture - baby girl - Julieta

Baby picture - baby girl - Little hands

Baby picture - baby girl - mmmm Hand

Baby picture - baby girl - my new best friend

Baby picture - baby girl - new hat

Baby picture - baby girl - Oh

Baby picture - baby girl - sisters

Baby picture - baby boy - feet

Baby picture - baby boy - foot

Baby picture - baby boy - Lucas gets delivered