Santa Fe, New Mexico, with its adobe-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences, is a destination like no other. Known as "The City Different," Santa Fe stands apart with its rich history and cultural diversity. A fun fact about Santa Fe is that it is the highest state capital in the United States, sitting at an elevation of 7,199 feet.
Nestled high in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, Andorra is a hidden gem that beckons nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts alike. This tiny principality, known for its dramatic mountainous landscapes, offers world-class skiing at resorts like Grandvalira and Vallnord, making it a winter sports haven. In the warmer months, hiking trails open up, providing access to pristine valleys, glacial lakes, and panoramic vistas that seem to stretch forever.
Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap in Cambodia, is a mesmerizing testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. Built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but later became a Buddhist temple.
Kerala, India is a lush, tropical paradise that captivates travelers with its serene backwaters, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The tranquil backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom offer a quintessential Kerala experience, where visitors can cruise on traditional houseboats through a labyrinth of canals, lagoons, and lakes.
Marzamemi, a small fishing village on the southeastern coast of Sicily, offers an authentic taste of Mediterranean charm. Known for its picturesque stone buildings, vibrant piazzas, and crystal-clear waters, Marzamemi captures the essence of coastal life in Sicily. The town’s centerpiece is Piazza Regina Margherita, surrounded by rustic houses and lively seafood restaurants where visitors can savor the fresh catch of the day.
Kuala Lumpur may appear to be a modern Asian city of gleaming skyscrapers, but it retains much of its original character and local color. It has plenty of colonial buildings in its center, a vibrant Chinatown with street vendors and night markets, and a bustling Little India.
The real heart of Kuala Lumpur is Merdeka Square, the site of the city's parades and celebrations and home to a 95m (312ft) high flagpole. In colonial days, Malaysia's administrators used the square for cricket matches, but it was also here that Malaysia's independence was declared in 1957. On the eastern side of the square is the moorish Sultan Abdul Samed
Building, topped by a 43m (141ft) high clocktower. Kuala Lumpur's magnificent railway station is built in a similar moorish style, with its full quota of minarets, cupolas, towers and arches, and may be construed as a delightful example of British colonial humor. The Petronas Towers building is less decorative but impossible to miss. It's almost half a km (1640ft) high and is one of the tallest structures in the world.
The picturesque, striped onion-domed Masjid Jame (Friday mosque) is set in a grove of palm trees overlooking Merdeka Square and is neatly reflected in the new mirror-glass office building nearby. Just south of Jami Masjid are the teeming streets of Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown - a crowded, colorful area with the usual mélange of signs, shops activity and noise. At night the central section is closed to traffic and becomes a brightly lit, frantic night market.
Budget hotels and hostels can be found in Chinatown and Jalan Pudu Lama. Mid-range hotels are concentrated in Chinatown and on Jalan Bukit Bintang. The night market in Chinatown is the most interesting place to eat in the evening.