Antananarivo, Madagascar’s vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and historical depth. Perched on a series of hills, the city’s layout is characterized by its steep streets and traditional architecture. The Royal Palace, or Rova of Antananarivo, is a central landmark, offering a glimpse into Madagascar's royal past. Although much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1995, the site remains a significant cultural and historical monument.
Yosemite National Park, nestled in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, is a stunning sanctuary of natural beauty and grandeur. Known for its dramatic granite cliffs, ancient giant sequoias, and cascading waterfalls, Yosemite is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Northwest England seaport city and the birthplace of the Beatles. Tourism is centered around the city's docks, and no visit is complete without The Beatles Story tour. Live music can be found from day to night at the Cavern Club.
Plan to spend at least a full day in downtown Gatlinburg exploring the hundreds of gift and craft shops, and dozens of family entertainment attractions such as the "Sweet Fanny Adams" Theater and Elwood Smooch's Hillbilly Hoedown. For a totally different experience, ride the world's larges tramway to Ober Gatlinburg featuring year round skking, ice skating, and ski lift rides...
This 900-year old city, often called "The Pearl of the Sound," is situated at the narrowest point of the Oresund Sound. You will be enchanted by the city's international atmosphere. It has everything from golf (23 courses in all), to vast beaches, jazz clubs and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine.
Photo Credit: Photo by Rinaldo Wurglitsch from Wikimedia
For a small country, Ecuador has more varied climatic zones than anywhere in the world. From Salinas, a favorite beach resort on the southern coast, one can go in one day from tropical beaches to semi-arid desert to impenetrable Amazon basin rain forest to the spring-like high altiplano to the soaring snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andean Cordillera. The area around Salinas was once home to the ancient Mocha culture. Archeologists have discovered exquisite examples of pottery and jewelry in Mocha gravesites.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.
Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.