Refusing to visit a particular country has become a popular form of protest in recent years. Don’t go to Russia because of its brutal unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Don’t visit Israel because of its also brutal treatment of Gaza and the West Bank and the mass slaughter and displacement of its people. Stay away from China because of its oppression of Tibetans and of Uigurs in its western Xinjiang province. And most high-profile of all (and injurious to many tourism and tourism-adjace
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Straddling Europe and Asia,Turkey´s largest city (pop. around 16½ million) is onewith a long history of culture and history dating back to the Neolithic Age, with an astonishing menu for visitors of mosques, palaces, ancient bazaars and more. Here are ten of the ones you shouldn´t miss:
Hagia Sophia
Its name meaning "Holy Wisdom" in Greek, this masterpiece of Byzantine engineering (below) was inaugurated in 360 under the emperor Justinian, and its huge dome (102 feet or 31 meters in diameter)
The USA´s northeasternmost state punches well above its weight for skiing and snowboarding: a diverse array of terrain; get legit vertical; reliable snowmaking; and a mix of big-resort convenience and small-town charm—often without those darn crowds. And there are nearly 20 alpine skiing/snowboarding areas (even more if you count small hills, crosscountry ski centers, and non-lift areas). Here are five standouts:
This classic, quirky gem (top), considered the
Cherry blossom season in the Land of the Rising Sun, known as sakura, is one of the most magical natural events in the world. Every spring millions of cherry trees burst into delicate pink and white blooms, transforming the landscape into a dreamlike wonderland. If you're planning a this year to witness this fleeting beauty, you're in for an unforgettable experience. In this detailed guide, we'll cover the best viewing times, top locations, hanami traditions, practical tips, and how to book Japa
You´re retired, but the spirit of travel and adventure, having fun, learning new things, has no age limit. If you can't make your travel passion enough of a reality during your working years, then take advantage of retirement to explore the world, either solo or with your better half. And there are airlines and online agencies that specifically provide discounted senior airfares, but at the same time, it’s challenging to find the right flight deal at the right time and the right place.
Eligi
Every year since 1985, the cultural grand poobahs of the European Union have designated one to three of the continent's cities as Capitals of Culture, focusing not only on their own cultural offerings but also allowing them to organize a series of wider cultural events (many with a strong pan-European dimension) - which bring in considerable additional revenue; foster urban renewal; and raise their international profiles and images. Since the first was Athens (then Gre
Tanzania offers an unparalleled safari experience with its vast wildlife reserves, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture. Whether you're keen on spotting the Big Five in iconic parks like the Serengeti or unwinding on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania promises the adventure of a lifetime. Here we´ll highlight a Tanzania safari combined with a Zanzibar culture and beach getaway, providing the perfect mix of wildlife, culture, and relaxation.
Safari in Tanzania: A W
Founded in 1535, this country´s largest city (pop. 2.7 million) and business capital sits on the steamy Pacific coast, near where Guayas River drains into the ocean, and except for business travelers it´s not as popular a destination as, say the Galápagos, Quito, and Cuenca. But Guayaquil is still very much worth a visit, starting with this quintet of highlights:
Santa Ana Hill
One of Guayaquil’s oldest neighborhoods and a cornerstone of the city’s history, the 60-meter-high (1
Sometimes last-minute flights are not only lifesavers but can also be an opportunity to travel in first class. If there are no seats available in the economy for last-minute or you wish to experience luxury or comfort at a bit higher cost. Most travelers associate first-class airfare with plush seats, gourmet meals, and impeccable service. This is a luxury experience reserved for a select group of passengers -usually reserved for those who are prepared to take risks because they can both be a
Azul
Nestled in the heart of the largest and most populous of the Canary Islands, Teide isn´t just Spain´s highest peak (3,718 meters/12,198 feet)) but also a gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical experiences in the world. With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, the night time transforms the mountain into a perfect canvas for stargazing. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a casual observer, a tour operator called Mount Teide Night offers invaluable information on
Lisa-Blue
U.S. cities throw some of the world´s best parties to ring out the old and ring in the new. In fact, there are so many options that it would take many thousands of words to cover So here´s my quick take on five great ones - a mix of the usual suspects and at least a couple that perhaps may not have occurred to you. Let the countdown begin!
Chicago
The Windy City delivers a dramatic winter New Year’s Eve with world-class dining, architecture, and a dazzling downtown celebration.
High
Wait, isn´t India majority Hindu and large-minority Muslim, with Christians only about two to three percent of the population? Absolutely, but as with other Asian countries like Japan, Christmas has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends religions, and Indians love a good festival! So apart from places like Goa, Kerala, northeastern states like Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which hold large church services, street decorations, p
by Felice Hardy
Apart from those who want to try something a little different, the main reason for choosing Eastern Europe for a skiing/snowboarding holiday continues to be value for money whilst still enjoying decent quality. Lift passes, for example, are almost a quarter of the cost of those in French or Swiss resorts, while après-ski prices are pleasingly low. You can expect to pay around £2 for (67 US cents) a local beer and £6 (7.75 USD) for lunch on the mountain. Ski tuition is
Cars and motorcycles battled for space in the traffic, their horns raising a constant din. Lighted signs for McDonald’s, Burger King, and other well-known fast-food joints vied for attention with billboards touting trendy women’s fashions.
Gradually, less familiar touches of the destination began to catch my attention. Street vendors maneuvered pushcarts laden with foods that were new to my eye. Towering minarets pierced the skyline. Ramshackle apartment buildings festooned with laundry dry
Travel is more than just visiting a new place and ticking destinations off your bucket list; it’s about discovering cultures, creating memories, and stepping outside your comfort zone. As 2026 approaches, the world is brimming with places that promise adventure, luxury, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in cultural gems, explore natural wonders, or embark on a backpacking journey,f rom the icy wonders of Greenland to the vibrant streets of
The advent of quantum artificial intelligence - machine learning paired quantum computing which can evaluate multiple solutions to a problem simultaenously - signals the beginning of a new age in travel, one marked by unrestricted creativity, unmatched customization, and environmentally-friendly discovery. Imagine setting out on an adventure that goes beyond the typical, where each day is a creative and fascinating painting. Advanced technologies such as quantum AI are revolutionizing the trav
Europe is home to some of the most luxurious and picturesque resorts in the world, offering everything from pristine beaches and mountain escapes to cultural experiences and world-class amenities. From the sun-kissed beaches of Greece to the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland, the continent offers a wide variety of landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re looking for a summer escape or a winter adventure, you’ll find resorts that cater to all seasons and preferences, with luxury se
The “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and I go way back, as one of my earliest travel memories, in the 1970s, though my family only visited Minneapolis and the also appealing city of St. Cloud, about an hour north. And of course one of my favorite TV shows when I was a kid, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, was set in Minneapolis.
And while Minnesota ranks somewhere around the middle of U.S. states in terms of tourism popularity, it does boast one of the country´s top draws – the Mall of the Americas
Stepping off the plane in capital Kingston earlier this year, I was immediately greeted by a symphony of sounds: reggae beats drifting from open-air cafes, the chatter of street vendors, and the distant buzz of traffic weaving through the city. The colors of murals, tropical flowers, and painted storefronts created a kaleidoscope that dazzled the senses. The air smelled of salt, spices, and something uniquely Jamaican, a promise of adventure waiting to unfold.
This journey was set to be more
