Santa Catarina is a small state in southern Brazil that is one of Brazil’s most pleasant surprises. No, it doesn’t have the glitz and glamor of Rio de Janeiro or the immense size of the Amazon Rainforest, but it does have dramatic landscapes that aren’t overrun with tourists. Santa Catarina’s coast is lined with white-sand…
Charming Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of Eastern Europe’s most pleasant surprises. Though it’s a small country, it has a number of attractions like alpine ski resorts, well-preserved medieval villages and stunning beaches along its Black Sea Coast. Whatever you do, don’t get stuck in Sofia, Bulgaria’s bland capital city. Instead venture out to explore what travelers in…
Traveling in the Caucasus: Armenia
Let’s be honest, Armenia isn’t exactly a well-known travel destination. In fact, most probably can’t point to it on a map. But despite it’s lack of international acclaim, Armenia is a hidden travel gem waiting to be discovered by the international travel industry. Armenia is a small country in the Caucasus with only three million…
Traveling in the Desert Towns of Morocco
Morocco is an intriguing country that conjures up images of trading caravans trekking across the desert and bustling spice markets. While there are a number of great and interesting cities in Morocco—Marrakech, Fez, Tangiers, etc—perhaps its most unique destination is Ouarzazate. Ouarzazate is a historic walled city situated on a plateau high in the Atlas…
The Wintry Festivals of Quebec
The winter may not seem like a good time to visit Quebec, after all, it is freezing cold! But even though temperatures regularly plummet into the negatives, Quebec has a number of unique wintertime festivals to attract visitors. So if you can brave the cold, pack your winter coat and head to La Belle Province…
Dive deep into history and beauty in Dunhuang
Immerse yourself in over 2000 years of rich history in Dunhuang, the former crossroad of two trading routes on the Silk Road. Behold the wonder of the Mogao Caves, a world heritage site that is delicately adorned in beautiful sculptures and paintings on the inside of the caves. Explore the Crescent Moon Pool, a former…
Travel to the Italian Town of Camogli
Camogli is a small fishing village in a sleepy section of the Italian Riviera, only a half-hour outside of Genoa. It has a privileged position on a hilly outcrop overlooking the sea and there are stunning vistas at almost every turn. Old, colorful buildings line the town’s rocky beach, while the city streets are a…
On the Silk Road to Xi’an
One of the four ancient capitals of China, Xi’an has a history that goes back thousands of years. It was once a bustling trading center and terminus of the legendary Silk Road, an epic trading route that led from Europe to China. Marco Polo was the Silk Road’s most famous passenger, but various forms of…
Gyeongju: Korea’s Cultural Capital
Gyeongju is one of the four ancient capitals of Korea and is considered to be the cultural capital of modern South Korea. The city is known for its many temples and historic sights, but though the city receives its fair share of domestic tourists, international visitors rarely venture from the lights and glamor of Seoul…