Didwin972
Did you know that there’s a little bit of France in South America? Most people don’t – except perhaps the occasional aerospace geeks following rocket launches by the European Space Agency. They take place is Guyane, a tropical-forested territory in the Amazon, on the north coast just east of Suriname and bordered on the west and south by Brazil. With around 300,000 inhabitants in an area around the size of South Carolina and slightly larger than England and Wales combined, French Gui
history travel (101)
The "Hometown of Superman" is a charming town of some 6,000 nestled along the picturesque Ohio River in the far south of Illinois (a six-hour drive from Chicago) where it borders Kentucky, and boasts a number of attractions beyond its superhero connection. With a rich history dating back to 1839, Metropolis has grown into a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors alike. Originally settled by European immigrants attracted to the fertile lands along the Ohio, Metropolis has
Let´s face it, most people flock to the 227 inhabited islands of Hellas because of their thousands of gorgeous beaches. But many also offer history buffs plenty to admire, and there are a number which are also worth visiting for their historical marvels alone, dating back millennia. Here are the five most important ones:
Corfu: Showcasing a Plethora of Eras
The most important of the Ionian Islands on the western side of the country was one of its earliest vacation stars, and
Scotland is a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, rich traditions, and unforgettable stories. Located in the northern part of the United Kingdom, Scotland offers a unique mix of rugged natural beauty and historic charm. From mist-covered mountains and peaceful lochs to lively cities and medieval streets, the country has a character that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive.
While many travellers know Scotland for its famous castles and scenic Highlands, the country also hide
Travel to Africa's third largest country (the size of Alaska plus West Virginia and Maryland, and more than seven times the size of the United Kingdom) is currently impossible for ordinary visitors. Since April 2023 this country of nearly 52 million has been engulfed in a brutal civil war that has created what many humanitarian agencies call the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, displacing millions and collapsing much of the country’s infrastructure. Yet Sudan remains one of the mo
Like many kids in the United States, while growing up my parents would each summer pack us into the car and set off on a family road trip of varying lengths. Usually they were (more or less) fun, and it certainly instroduced me to new experiences as well as learning a lot about my country. And as this summer´s road trip season, it also dovetails with the USA´s observance of its 250th birthday, culminating on July 4, which marks the date of the signing of the Declaration of Independenc
Zairon
This wealthy Persian Gulf kingdom - an archipelago of one large island and dozens of smaller ones off the coast of Saudi Arabia (and connected to it by causeway - is one of the Middle East´s smallest countries – packing a population of 1.6 million into a territory just a fifth the size of Wales and smaller even than the U.S. state of Rhode Island – you can drive across the main island in just under an hour. But it also boasts one of the region´s longest inhabited histories. stretching b
This landlocked country in South America´s Southern Cone is the continent´s biggest “blank space” for travelers. About the size of California and just under twice the size of Britain, but fairly sparsely populated, with a population of some seven million, it gets a fraction of the travelers welcomed by neighbors like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru. The reason is that it doesn´t have the “star power” and marquee attractions that pull most first-time visitors. Paraguay’s appeal is d
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)
Greece is often described as the cradle of Western civilisation, a country where history is not confined to museums but woven into everyday life. From ancient temples and theatres to sacred sanctuaries and timeless ruins, Greece offers travellers a rare opportunity to walk through places that shaped philosophy, politics, art, and architecture as the world knows them today. Each historic site tells a story of human achievement, belief, and creativity that has endured for thousands of years.
One o
Italy is famously packed with glorious cities to explore, which means a magical spot like Bari – which would be a headliner in many other countries – here tends to be overshadowed by the likes of Rome, Florence, Venice, its fellow southern-Italian destination Naples, and even neighbouring Apulia (Puglia) region gem Lecce. But to miss out on Apulia’s capital – astride the Adriatic Sea right on the heel of Italy’s famous boot shape – would be a shame for reasons I’m about to go into. And t
This small North African country (pop. 12.3 million) is perhaps most famous as home in classical antiquity to the capital and heartland of the Phoenician-founded Carthaginian Empire, which lasted some 670 years until razed by Rome, and at its height ruled all of coastal North Africa as well as large swaths of present-day Spain and southern Italy. Today, however, it´s only as big as Florida and about two-thirds the size of England
After 75 years under French colonial rule, Tuni
UNESCO
An anomaly in South America, the continent´s only country where Dutch is spoken, and it’s also one of the continent’s smallest and least visited—roughly the size of the U.S. state of Georgia and a bit more than England and Wales put together — with a population of 630,000. Most Surinamese live along the Atlantic Ocean coast, especially in the capital Paramaribo, and the interior consists of vast Amazonian rainforest, sparsely populated and even roadless in many areas.
The region was exp
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
Ali mjr
Covering around 35 acres, this carefully planned ceremonial complex is a powerful symbol of ancient Persian civilization,. It´s located in Fars Province in the south, at the foot of the Kuh-e Rahmat (“Mountain of Mercy”) a one-hour drive from Shiraz and roughly ten to 12 hours from Tehran, depending on traffic and road conditions (there are also regular 90-minute flights between Tehran and Shiraz).
Founded around 518 BCE by Darius I, Persepolis served as the ceremonial he
Ousmane Garba Kounta
With a population of around 22 million, this vast landlocked country in West Africa is a bit larger than California and Texas combined, and about five times the size of the entire United Kingdom. It´s a place of sweeping Sahel landscapes, ancient cities, and extraordinary cultural depth, with a climate ranging from hot, dry desert in the north to semi-arid and tropical zones farther south. Travelers visit for its legendary heritage—Timbuktu, Djenné, Dogon Country—its music
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
Central America´s only English-speaking country has a population of around 397,000 and is about the size of New Jersey and a little larger than Wales. It´s something of a diamond in the rough whose small package can deliver gifts of wonderful islands, beaches, eco-experiences, and even Mayan archaeological sites — and all with fewer crowds and often lower prices than its neighbors. And here are seven of its highlights:
Belize’s largest and most famous island (top, 25 mil
Egypt is one of those rare countries where every corner whispers history. From massive pyramids and golden tombs to colorful bazaars and peaceful river cruises, it’s a land that connects the ancient world with the present. Visiting Egypt feels like stepping into a living museum — one filled with mystery, beauty, and timeless stories.
Whether you are fascinated by history, adventure, or just want to explore something completely different, Egypt offers it all. Let’s look at some of the best places
