If you are planning a trip to the beautiful and romantic country of Italy chances are you are intending to visit the typical tourist traps such as Venice, Rome, Florence and maybe Milan. Not to insinuate you shouldn’t fit these places into your itinerary; there are just a few other places we would highly recommend you see as well.

The places we recommend for Italy vacation are a bit ‘off the beaten path’ and more locally-frequented places. We will break this down into two trip possibilities; if you have five days in Italy and if you have ten days in Italy.

If you have five days in Italy this is what we would recommend:

Fly to Milan and begin your Italy vacation there. You will want to rent a car and word to the wise – Italians drive very fast and their cars are very, very small! Now, be aware that Italy is divided into regions, provinces and municipalities.

Milan is in the region of Lombardy and on your five-day trip to Italy we will take you to two other regions – Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

( photo by mintimage )

Drive from Milan directly to a little village in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia called Trieste. Why are we having you drive cross-country to a little Italian village no one has heard of? Trieste is probably the most beautiful unknown place that Italy has to offer. There is little tourism there which means you will get to see how true Italians live from the locals’ perspective.

Trieste is on the seafront as well as next to two other countries; Austria and Slovenia. So this means you will not only be exposed to the Italian culture but also the Austrian and Slovenian cultures. If you choose to, you could take a day trip to one or both of them.

While in Trieste you will also want to see the Miramare Castle, the Castle of San Giusto, the Trieste seafront and the Cathedral of San Giusto. Also, if you are a downhill skier or an avid fan of beauty, nature and quite possibly the mountains you may very well want to take a day trip to the Italian Alps.

( photo by Philipp Klinger )

This will complete your first two days in Italy vacation; the first day drive from Milan to Trieste. On day one, choose from the options we have given you and on day 2 choose from the options as well, however we will have you drive to your next destination the evening of the second day.

Your second stop in this beautiful and romantic country is going to be Venice which is in the Italian region of Veneto. Be aware that Venice is very expensive, quite possibly one of the most expensive tourist traps in Italy.

Expect to pay nearly 300 American dollars for one night at a hotel with a view of the canal which is the only way to stay in Venice. Most people speak English in Venice and are quite used to tourists. Be cognizant though that some of these people do call this city their home.

( photo by Thomas Frejek )

There are so many things to do in Venice you could literally be here for a week and not touch the surface of the attractions and things you want to do. You will be tired so get a good night’s sleep and be ready for a full third day in Venice!

Stay in Venice again the 3rd night and wake up early the 4th day and drive back to Milan. The cost of a hotel in Venice and Milan is very comparable and it would be better to utilize an entire full day in Venice. Go out for dinner and have some cocktails as well! You will stay in Milan the 4th night and catch your flight the following day, the 5th day.

Milan is a beautiful and historical city that has so much to offer by way of tourism, arts, culture and entertainment. Depending upon what your interests are you are sure to find activities to keep you busy all day. However, definitely take yourself out for dinner to experience the luxury and class of Milan.

Now you are in the same region as your flight so you will head to the airport on day five.

If you have ten days in Italy this is what we would recommend:

What would we recommend you to do with some extra time if you are financially able to elongate your Italy vacation to possibly ten days? Fly into Milan, rent a car and drive to Trieste.

We recommend staying in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and more specifically, Trieste, for up to three days. Take one day to spend with the locals and seeing the local sights that we mentioned in our five-day trip planner. Spend a day in either Slovenia or Austria.

( photo by pninaN )

Depending upon the season, Austria may be much more beautiful but maybe you have Slovenian relatives and want to see a part of your past, then head to Slovenia for a day! On the third day we recommend the Italian Alps.

Ski them, just once if you can. Otherwise, walk around the base of the mountain and take in the beauty of the surrounding marvels and nature.

( photo by invaxion )

You have spent three full days in Trieste and we now recommend staying the night in Trieste and leaving early on the 4th day to drive to Venice. You can get accommodations for under 100 American dollars in Trieste and it would be best to drive into Venice in the daylight to catch the beauty.

On day four you have driven into Venice and will have the entire afternoon. Walk around the canals and just take everything in; maybe decide where you will want to spend more time.

( photo by andertho )

Spend day five at the historic, cultural and breathtaking Piazza San Marco including St. Mark’s Campanile and the gorgeous Basilica. You will stay in Venice for day six and wake up on day seven to drive to Milan. You will spend the latter half of day seven familiarizing yourself with Milan and determining what you would like to see in your next two days.

Regardless of how many days you intend to spend Italy vacation or where you will land once you are there, you are sure to enjoy the country, the people, the food and the culture.

1. The price:

Hawaii isn’t expensive as you might believe. You can often get round-trip airfares from America for under $500 with accommodation coming in at as low as $100 a night and car rentals for $200 a week or lower.

There are also plenty of free activities to enjoy once you get there with many dining deals.

You’ll also find some packages that include air fare, accommodations, tours, and car rental all for one price. Just take the time to do a bit of comparison shopping to find the best deal.

2. The Beaches:

Each of the main islands has beautiful beaches as well as county and state parks. All Hawaiian beaches are public property and free to enjoy. The Na Pali Coast, which is on Kauai’s north shore, offers some of the best sunsets on the planet. On the northeast shore of Maui you’ll find the charming village of Hana with the Hamoa Bay Beach just a few miles away. Wherever you go you’ll come across some excellent stretches of soft sandy beaches.

3. Waikiki:

The Honolulu neighbourhood of Waikiki on the island of Oahu may have numerous hotels packed next to each other along the famous beach, but there’s still plenty of room for fun. Waikiki Bay is an ideal spot for swimming as there are boat regulations keeping it a family area. There are plenty of cafes, designer shops, and attractions all within walking distance in Waikiki, making it one of Hawaii’s most exciting locations.

4. The Roads:

The best way to explore these beautiful tropical islands is by renting a car. Some of the highways on the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai showcase some of the best scenery in America. These include the road that passes Kauai’s Waimea Canyon, the Hana Highway on Maui, and Hawaii Route 250 on the Big Island. You’ll be able to drive by mountains, forests, waterfalls and much more.

5. Fresh Fruit:

There’s an abundance of fruit on the islands such as fresh bananas, papaya, pineapples, passion fruit, jackfruit, pummelo, strawberry guava, and the manini banana. Some of these fruits are rarely found on the American mainland, but you’ll be able to find them at local fruit stands and farmers markets when visiting the Hawaiian Islands.

6. History and Culture:

Hawaii has a long and storied history that began way back in the fifth century when Polynesian adventurers settled on the islands. These amazing explorers crossed the mighty Pacific Ocean by using the stars for navigation and following the flight of birds. The Hawaiian culture and civilization are among the oldest currently on the globe. The past wasn’t always peaceful though as war was common among the monarchs up until the 19^th century.

7. The Mountains:

Hawaii is filled with a lot of natural and man-made beauty as well as some magnificent wildlife. It’s home to some amazing coconut palms, waterfalls, beaches, coral reefs, golf courses, and much more. But when it comes to defining the islands you can point to the mountains. Mount Kilauea, which is on the Big Island, is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Mauna Kea is another majestic mountain as it’s the tallest in the world from the peak to the base as it reaches down 19,000 feet below sea level.

8. The Seafood:

Since the islands sit in the middle of the Pacific Ocean it’s just natural that you can find some excellent seafood on them. Some of the most tasty include locally caught Mahi Mahi, tuna, onaga, ono, opakapaka, opah, and monchong. One of the most popular dishes is Poké, which is raw tuna that’s marinated in sesame sauce.

(photo credit: grantzprice)

The Spanish-speaking city is like many others in the world as it never seems to sleep. There’s always something interesting going on somewhere within its boundaries at all hours of the day and night. It’s quite a fashionable place as local residents like to present a cool image. The architecture is also quite fashionable and is noticeably different from most other parts of Latin and South America.

The city has been greatly influenced by the Europeans and you’ll notice that many of the buildings are French or Spanish in their style.

(photo by davidberkowitz)

There are numerous historical buildings, museums, and shopping centres to discover and explore and the cuisine is second to none. Of course, Buenos Aires is also famous for the popular dance known as the tango, which originated here in the suburbs many years ago. The dance was seen as quite risqué when it was first created. However, in the 1920s it became popular with high society types in Paris and became a worldwide hit. You’ll find there are plenty of locations to learn the dance and you’ll be able to view some free dance performances in the local bars and restaurants across the city.

Buenos Aires is like most major cities which means you have to use your common sense when visiting the neighbourhoods, especially at night. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or keep a purse or bag over your shoulder. Just try to blend in and stick to the main streets, which are usually quite busy. There can be quite a bit of traffic on the streets and it’s recommended that you always cross the road at a crosswalk.

Some of the best museums to visit include the Malba, Museo National de Bellas Artes, and the Recoleta Cultural Center. The Malba features modern art from Latin American, while the Museo National de Bellas Artes is the city’s museum of fine arts. If you’re more interested in tasting the local delicacies at the cafes while you watch people, then head over to the Plaza Francia where you can also sit on the grass and soak in the atmosphere.

One of the most popular attractions is Recoleta Cemetery, which was created back in 1822. This is where the nation’s rich and famous residents are buried. There are many mausoleums in the site which are final resting places for several generations Argentina’s wealthiest families. One of the most-visited graves is that of Eva Peron, who was married to the former president Juan Peron and quite a famous figure in her own right. However, Juan Peron is buried elsewhere in the city.

Another popular outdoor plaza is the Plaza de Mayo, which is often used for many of Argentina’s most important historical events. This was a prominent location back in 1810 when Argentina’s revolution took place to gain its independence from Spain. If you visit the corner of Avenida Corrientes and Avenida 9 de Julio, you’ll be standing at the widest road in the world. From here you’ll be able to see the city’s Obelisk monument, which is where the country’s flag was raised the very first time.

The restaurants and hotels fall into all price ranges as they run from hostels to world-class establishments. Argentina is famous for its love of meat and their barbecues, known as asados are out of this world. A trip to Buenos Aires is one you’ll never forget, for all the right reasons.

Many vacationers never leave the top-class resorts while others like to explore the seven major islands, which lie in the ocean about 80 miles off of the African coast. In fact, it’s such a popular spot that many people ending up buying retirement or holiday homes here, especially on the popular islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote.

(photo credit: sanderovski)

The island of Lanzarote is quite intriguing as much of it is made up of volcanic ash and lava rock. You can get a good close-up view of this at Timanfaya National Park where you can take a volcano tour. This is where Timanfaya and several other volcanoes erupted between 1730 and 1736 as well as in 1824. These eruptions destroyed many of the surrounding villages.

Most of these volcanoes are extinct now, but Timanfaya is listed as semi dormant. You’ll still be able to see hot rocks and steamy geysers here as there’s still a lot of heat just below the surface of the earth. You’ll also be able to use the volcanic heat for cooking as there’s a restaurant at the park that grills its food over top of a red-hot volcanic barbecue. There’s also a bus tour that takes visitors past lava fields and old craters.

Timanfaya National Park attracts close to a million visitors a year and is the second most popular park in all of Spain after Teide National Park, which is also located in the Canary Islands on Tenerife. This park features Spain’s highest peak, which is Mount Teide, also known as the third-biggest volcano in the world. It’s also the second most visited volcano on the globe after Mount Fuji in Japan.

Teide Park features colourful plants and flowers that often grow to almost 10 feet in height, making it a spectacular sight to behold. You’ll be able to walk around in the park to explore the volcanic rock formations by yourself and you can also take a guided tour if you prefer. You can climb Mount Teide, but you’ll need to obtain a permit first. Also, the climbs are limited to 50 at a time. Climbers are taken part of the way up by a cable car and then hike the rest of the way. It takes approximately 45-minutes to reach the peak.

The park is also home to a parador, which is a state-run hotel, which is usually located in historic places such as palaces, castles, monasteries, and fortresses. Each of the Canary Islands is volcanic and it’s been reported that there’s a new one slowly forming between Gran Canaria and Tenerife in the ocean.

Lanzarote has close to 345 days of sun annually and the temperatures usually range between 66 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 during the year. There’s hardly any rainfall and you won’t find many lakes and rivers on the island because it’s so dry. The volcanic ash and dryness also makes agricultural land hard to find. However, the island has quite a bustling wine industry and tours around the wineries are quite popular.

While the beach life and nightlife are huge attractions in the Canary Islands, there are plenty of things to do and see for people who like to get out into the countryside and do a bit of exploring. This makes the islands an ideal destination for visitors of all interests and age groups.

The Titanic was built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast and since 2012 marks the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the ship there will be quite a few curious onlookers.

(photo credit: lyng883)

Many people are attracted by the city because it hasn’t been known as a tourist destination so many areas of it haven’t changed over the decades. There will be numerous attractions that are related to the Titanic, including tours and even a beer named after the ship. There will be a $150 million visitor center known as Titanic Belfast where the great ship was launched along with the Britannic and Olympic, which were both sister ships of the Titanic.

The six-level site will feature nine different galleries that will tell the story of the Titanic and the people who built the ship via films, artifacts, and other exhibitions and displays. It will also provide a live feed from the Titanic’s resting place, which is about 370 miles southeast of the Canadian province of Newfoundland. It’s expected this Titanic site will attract about 150,000 overseas visitors to it as well as local residents.

One of the best ways to soak in the atmosphere of the city is to take a tour on an open-aired bus. Here you’ll see some of the history of the past troubles such as peace walls and murals that relate to the problems between Catholics and Protestants. The peace walls were erected to separate the religious neighborhoods from each other and are a solemn reminder of Belfast’s past.

However, times have changed and Belfast’s considered to be as safe as other major European centers and this is why many visitors are coming from continental Europe. The rest of Northern Ireland is also an interesting destination. The city of Londonderry has been announced as the United Kingdom’s City of Culture for 2013 and there will be a brand new visitor centre opened up close to the Giant’s Causeway, which is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another popular attraction in the country at the moment is golf. The sport has boomed in popularity ever since Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, both of Ulster, won the US Open in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Golf’s always been pretty popular in Northern Ireland along with soccer and rugby, and visitors now flock to the Royal Portrush golf course in County Antrim to play a round. This is the home golf club for both Clarke and McDowell.

The Chinese Olympic gymnastics team will also be training in Northern Ireland in County Antrim as they’ve selected the charming town of Lisburn to be the headquarters. In fact, Northern Irelands became quite a popular destination with travelers from China over the past year or two.

There’s a lot more to this historic nation than just Belfast, golf and the shipyards. You’ll find a lot of cultural attractions, historical sites, friendly pubs, and shopping opportunities. It is well worth a visit to Northern Ireland now as the country has gotten back to a normal way of life.

The landscape in Tasmania is actually pretty similar to the North Island of New Zealand with its rocky and lush countryside. However, when it comes to the wildlife and forests, you’ll quickly realize how Australian it really is.

(photo credit: on_earth)

Depending on how long you’re staying, the best way to explore the island is by car as you’ll be able to see more of it. Renting a car is quite easy. Just make sure you’re properly insured in case one of the local animals decides to hop all over your car. The local roads are quite narrow and winding, so take your time, especially if you’re not used to left-hand driving.

Most travelers to Tasmania start out in the south of the island in the capital city of Hobart, which has a population of about 200,000 people and the island’s main airport. Hobart is home to a bustling harbour and great views of majestic Mount Wellington can be seen from the city. When you’re in Hobart, you might want to check out the vibrant Salamanca Market where you can check out some of the local dishes, buskers and artists while looking for gifts and souvenirs.

If you’d like to explore the countryside from Hobart, one of the most scenic areas to visit is Mount Fields National Park, which is close by. The landscapes are quite diverse and stunning and you’ll get a great close-up look at Mother Nature’s work if you hike through the lush fern forest. You’ll come across some spectacular waterfalls including Russell Falls as well as some magnificent eucalyptus trees.

If you’d like to keep on going, you can head to the Tasman Peninsula, which is about 60 miles to the south of Hobart and is one of the island’s most popular sites. The ocean scenery is breathtaking and there are numerous attractions and historical landmarks to visit, including a wonderful animal park. Some of the best views of the coast can be witnessed by hiking along Waterfall Bay, which is located in Tasman National Park. The jagged cliffs, rocks, and waterfalls make conjure up a magical sight.

There’s a rich history in Tasmania since it was used as a penal colony by Great Britain in the mid-19^th century. Some of Britain’s most notorious criminals were sent to serve out their sentences there and you can learn more about this by visiting the Port Arthur Historical Site. It’s easily one of the island’s most famous attractions as it features exhibitions, historic buildings, and several ruins that take you on a trip back in time.

Of course, a trip to Tasmania wouldn’t be complete without getting a glimpse of a Tasmanian devil. You’ll have no problem finding one at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park. These crazy creatures sure live up to their names as they move around maniacally, especially at feeding time.

When heading back to Hobart, you can drive up from the east coast of the island where you can visit Coles Bay, which sits in Freycinet National Park. It’s quite a scenic peninsula and it leads down to the warm waters of the picturesque Wineglass Bay and some beautiful sandy beaches.

You can also reach Tasmania by ferry from the Australian city of Melbourne. Because it’s located in the southern hemisphere the seasons are reversed, making December to February the warmest time to visit with June to August being the coolest.

1. The Seychelles

(photo by daryl_mitchell)

The Seychelles are home to 115 different islands which lie in the ocean off of Africa’s east coast. The beautiful sandy beaches are generally unspoiled and un-crowded. This is an excellent destination for a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, fishing, sailing, and scuba diving. The Aldabra Atoll reaches for just over 20 miles and you’ll be able to see some amazing, huge land tortoises in the middle of the colourful tidal lagoon.

2. Madagascar

(photo by lejade)

There are many reasons to visit Madagascar with its wonderful tropical climate being one of them. Another reason is the spectacular wildlife that can be seen there and nowhere else such as the 100 different species of long-tailed Lemurs. One of the best places to get a close-up look at them is the World Heritage site of Tsingy de Bemaraha, which is Madagascar’s biggest reserve.

3. Morocco, Africa

(photo by  jlascar)

You don’t have to worry about snow in the fascinating northern African nation of Morocco as it’s filled with sand dunes, palm trees, and a host of exotic dishes. Of course, it’s also home to the famous city of Casablanca, which is where the Hassan II Mosque, the country’s largest, is located. The mosque has a 689-foot minaret and overlooks the warm blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco also offers a rich history and some wonderful customs and traditions.

4. Costa Rica

(photo by clearlyambiguous)

Colourful Costa Rica is filled with exotic rain forests and some amazing wildlife. When walking through the forests you may stumble upon howler monkeys, iguanas, and an assortment of brightly colored parrots up in the coconut palm trees. You’ll also be able to enjoy both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean for your beachcombing and water sport needs. In addition you can explore the majestic Arenal volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest.

5. Kerala, India

(photo by bbalaji)

The state of Kerala is known as one of India’s most popular sites with tourists. It’s filled with tropical greenery, lagoons, national parks, and sandy beaches. In fact, the National Geographic Traveler magazine has named it as one of the planet’s 10 best paradises. Kerala is also known as the birthplace of ayurveda, which is a traditional medicine system that was created way back in about 600 B.C. There are still close to 100 ayurveda medicine centers in Kerala.

6. Fiji

(photo by miguelsancheese)

The exotic south Pacific nation of Fiji is made up of 333 islands that are stretched out across the ocean. It’s an ideal location to enjoy water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, and white water rafting. You can also swim with the manta rays in the crystal clear Pacific waters. You can also live like a castaway in a beach hut here or live it up in a world-class five-star resort.

7. Peru

(photo by ianz)

The South American nation of Peru is an ideal place to visit if you’d like to soak in the warm weather and explore the mighty Amazon River. If you opt for a river cruise you’ll come across a colourful assortment of creatures such as jaguars, pink dolphins, primates, and otters. There are also thousands of species of birds, butterflies, and orchids in this splendid country. The history and culture is rich and the food is among the best in the continent.

8. Vietnam

(photo by dgmckelvey)

The exciting Asian nation of Vietnam offers dozens of white and red sandy beaches. If you head over to Ha Long Bay, you’ll some across thousands of small islands and limestone monoliths. It’s also an ideal location for snorkeling as there are 200 species of colorful fish in the local waters. Some of the islands contain fascinating caves and others are home to floating fishing villages.

1. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

(photo credit: archer10)

The eastern coast city of Halifax is always a great place to visit, but in 2012 it will be the 100th anniversary of that fateful night the Titanic sank. The event will surely be commemorated in several locations.

The Titanic hit an iceberg back on Apr. 14, 1912 and two of the first ships that rushed to the site were Halifax based. The ships found numerous human remains and many of the Titanic’s passengers were buried in a Halifax graveyard named Fairview Cemetery.

In addition, the Halifax Maritime Museum has an excellent Titanic display which features numerous artifacts from the ship. There will be a special exhibition regarding the tragedy during 2012 as well as bus tours with a Titanic theme.

2. Cairns, Australia

(photo credit: bdearth)

Cairns will be quite a popular place this year, especially on Nov. 14^th. This is when a total eclipse will take place in which the moon will pass in front of the sun, which occurs just once every 18 months. The 2012 eclipse will take place shortly after sunrise and one of the best locations to view it will be from Queensland, Australia and the capital city of Cairns. The city is also home to two exceptional World Heritage areas, which are the Daintree Rain Forest and the Great Barrier Reef.

3. Poland

(photo credit: archer10)

The eastern European nation of Poland has been undergoing a beautiful facelift over the past couple of years because it will be co-hosting the European Soccer Championships (Euro 2012) with Ukraine this summer.

There has been a lot of construction taking place in the country for the big event and Poland is expecting thousands of visitors this year, many of them coming for the first time. It’ll be a lot easier getting around this historically and culturally rich nation from now on.

4. Myanmar

(photo credit: rapidtravelchai)

Many people have never really heard of the southeast Asian country of Myanmar, but the name Burma usually rings a bell with them. Well, Myanmar is in fact the new name of the former nation of Burma. The country is slowly becoming more popular with travelers as it’s gradually heading towards democracy and there’s no longer a tourism boycott. This means thousands of curious visitors will be heading to Myanmar to explore its beautiful natural wonders and colonial architecture.

5. Japan

(photo credit: marcveraart)

Unfortunately, Japan experienced a terrible time of it in 2011 with a couple of major disasters in March, including a tsunami and several severe earthquakes. Tourism sank after this and many hotels have dropped prices for 2012 in hopes of attracting visitors back to this spectacular country. In addition, the Tokyo Sky Tree Hotel is set to open up in May and it will become the world’s tallest free-standing hotel tower.

6. Amsterdam, Holland

(photo credit: emuntu)

Amsterdam has long been a popular site for those who enjoy recreational substances such as marijuana and hashish. Citizens and visitors will still be allowed to puff away in the city’s coffee houses in 2012, but the laws are scheduled to change in 2013 and these substances will only be accessible to citizens of Holland.

However, that’s the last reason you need to visit this amazingly beautiful city. Many people will be heading there to take in the Floriade World Horticultural Expo between April and October. The event takes place once every decade on a beautiful and colorful 16-acre site. Also, the TEFAF Maastricht fair will be celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2012. This is regarded as the best antiques and arts fair on the planet.

(photo by triterion)

1. The Pirate Museum

This intriguing, interactive museum sits in downtown Nassau and gives guests a realistic, in-depth look at the lifestyle of old-day pirates who used to terrorize the Caribbean back in the 18^th century. It’s an ideal place for anybody who wants to step back in time and experience the mayhem that pirates caused.

2. Atlantis Paradise Island

This famous resort lies on Paradise Island, which is just off the shore of Nassau. It’s one of the most popular in the Caribbean and features a water park and casino. The resort also attracts some of the world’s top performers and has hosted shows by singers Katy Perry and Michael Jackson in the past as well as comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

3. The Queen’s Staircase

This is one of the most-visited sites in Nassau. The Queen’s Staircase consists of 63 solid limestone steps which were carved by slaves back in the late 1700s. The staircase is 102 feet in height and was named the Queen’s Staircase to honor Britain’s Queen Victoria. The staircase also leads to Fort Fincastle, which is another of the Bahamas’ fine attractions.

4. Bay Street

Bay Street sits close to the Straw Market in Nassau. It’s the most popular shopping districts in the Bahamas and you’ll have no problem finding some of the world’s top designer brands here such as Fendi and Gucci. The street is also home to some of the nation’s most beautiful architecture, which shows the influence of British colonialism.

5. Junkanoo Festival

The Junkanoo celebration is often compared to the Carnival in Brazil and New Orleans’ Mardis Gras. It’s an annual street festival that celebrates the local culture, food, dancing, music, and costumes. It’s such a hit with residents and visitors so it’s held twice each year. The biggest version takes place near the end of December and a smaller version is held usually on July 10^th. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the local African-Caribbean culture.

6. The Straw Market

This vibrant open-air market takes place in the middle of Nassau, close to Bay Street. It features dozens of vendors who sell just about anything you can imagine when it comes to local arts and crafts. It’s a great place to do your shopping if you’re into haggling. In fact, you don’t even have to buy anything to have fun here, just soak in the atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of the market.

7. The Ardastra Gardens

This beautiful and colorful conservation opened up in Nassau back in 1937. The popular flamingos were added to it during the 1950s and the location quickly became the first zoo in the Bahamas. If you visit Ardastra Gardens today you’ll find hundreds of exotic reptiles, birds, and mammals from all over the globe.

8. Fort Charlotte

There are several colonial forts in the Bahamas, with Fort Charlotte being Nassau’s largest. It was built in the 1800’s and was constructed with everything you’d expect from a fort such as dungeons, a drawbridge, and a moat. In fact, if you look closely, you’ll actually be able to spot graffiti on some of the fort’s walls that was placed there by the soldiers who armed it. The fort also offers some fantastic views of Nassau Harbour, which is what it was designed to protect.

9. Local Sea Adventures

Since the Bahamas is surrounded by beautiful and warm ocean waters, it’s an ideal place to take a boat trip and smell the salt air. There are several boating trips to choose from as well as deep-sea fishing excursions. You can either take a leisurely cruise or quick-paced sea adventure.

10. Scuba diving/snorkelling

Speaking of beautiful, warm ocean water, the Bahamas is an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkelling. This part of the Atlantic ocean offers some of the best diving spots around. All of the scuba companies are approved and monitored by the Bahamas Diving Association, so you’re guaranteed to deal with a safe and secure firm when diving and exploring the crystal clear Bahamian waters.

1. Hoover Dam

(photo credit: dph1110)

The Hoover Dam, which was completed in 1935, is one of the most famous engineering wonders in the modern world. It features a curved wall that’s about 727 feet high and 1244 feet in length. It’s also 660 feet thick at the base of it. However, it’s only the second biggest dam in America.

The dam was originally named Boulder Dam and it’s located on the Colorado River in the Black Canyon. Each year the dam is able to generate 4 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power, which is enough to serve the needs of about 1.3 million residents.

2. Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

(photo credit: stevengroves)

This amazing garden features about 50,000 desert plants that have been collected from all across the globe. The beautiful site is located close to the Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park. It features a herb garden, yucca forest, and a wildflower path.

In December, it features Las Noches De Las Luminarias, which is a presentation of 8000 lighted luminaria bags along with live musical entertainment. It’s also home to many different colored cacti, with the highest cactus being 22 feet tall.

3. Petrified Forest National Park

(photo credit: petrifiedforestranger)

This well known area isn’t really a forest; however it does feature one of the biggest concentrations of fossils and petrified wood in the world. It’s believed that many of the fossils here are close to 200-million years old.

There used to be a forest on the location, but it eroded over the years due to volcanic eruptions which covered the trees in sediment and ash. Over time, the erosion has created the colourful petrified wood. It’s quite a scenic spot and an ideal place to hike through. You’ll also get some excellent views of Arizona’s Painted Desert from here.

4. The Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff

(photo credit:brewbooks)

If you’re into stargazing, astronomy, and science then you’ll love the Lowell Observatory in the city of Flagstaff. The planet of Pluto was actually discovered from here back in 1930 and the observatory houses the Discovery Channel telescope.

It’s an excellent lookout point due to the clear skies and the high altitude in Northern Arizona. This is just one of Flagstaff’s many wonderful attractions. You can also explore the historic downtown region and catch free concerts at Heritage Square.

5. Taliesin West, Scottsdale

(photo credit: sixteen-miles)

This architectural wonder sits in the town of Scottsdale in the foothills of the majestic McDowell Mountains. It was constructed back in 1937 by famous American architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright and was used as his winter residence as well as an architectural training ground and studio. The Frank Lloyd Wright School of architecture is still located here. There are several tours available inside the magnificent residence. The building will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2012.

6. Sedona

(photo credit: neepster)

The town of Sedona is surrounded by colourful red rocks that are millions of years old. It’s quite a popular location with bikers and hikers because of its natural beauty and rich history, especially Soldier Pass Trail. The town is believed to have magnetic hot spots which give off heightened energy. The red rocks are fantastic, but you can also pamper yourself in one of the town’s magnificent spas.

7. The Grand Canyon

(photo credit: titoxd)

This natural wonder can’t be missed on a trip to Arizona. It’s an amazing sight that everybody should see if they have the chance. This world-famous canyon is 277 miles in length and a mile deep.

Most of the visitors, about 4 million a year, head to the South Rim; however the North Rim is home to the canyon’s highest lookout point. The famous glass-bottomed Skywalk is on the West Rim and allows you to walk over the canyon. You can also enjoy hikes from the South Rim to the North Rim and take rafting trips down the mighty Colorado River.