Buenos Aires - the Paris of S.America

When most people think about travelling to a place filled with the arts and great shopping, they often first think of travelling to Paris. However, if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path and a truly unique experience, you may want to consider heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is here that you can find some fantastic dance and opera performances and absorb some of the finest art in the world. Buenos Aires is a popular tourist destination for many people year after year but because it’s not usually the first location to jump into people’s minds, you can enjoy all the sights without as many crowds and noise as some of the more mainstream locations around the world.

For your first taste of Buenos Aires culture, Teatro Colon should be your first stop. This theater hosts mainly operas but they also hold symphony concerts in the building as well. Even if you’re not much for classical music, the building is amazing so it’s worthwhile to take a tour of it while you are in town. Reserve in advance for a guided tour and on the tour you will not only see the amazing architecture of the structure but you will also be given the opportunity to see the different areas backstage including wardrobe and makeup. Ask which times are the best to go as it’s most interesting when designers and performers are around so you can see them in action!

Tango dancing is huge in Buenos Aires and whether you want to cha-cha-cha yourself or simply watch others dance in their beautiful costumes, you can do it at Complejo Tango. The theater holds tango lessons, which are a lot of fun, especially for couples or you can simply enjoy a meal and watch the performers a few feet away glide across the stage. The instructors are friendly and classes are available for groups, individuals or couples. If you’re more interested in looking at art instead of being a part of it, you can visit Musea Nacional de Bellas Artes. This museum is toted as one of the best in the world and here you can find big name artists as well as works from the lesser known. Although the pieces are truly astounding, the best thing about this museum might be that it’s free to enter!

And once you’ve had your fill of the arts and want to spend some time shopping in some of Argentina’s finest areas, Buenos Aires is the place to do it! Start your day at Plaza Dorrego, the city’s main center. Here not only will you find all sorts of funky little treasures but there are also many street performers that will provide the perfect atmosphere for a day of shopping! Calle Florida is another wonderful shopping experience in the city. Not only is there a ton of fascinating architecture to check out while you’re in the area but you can also walk along the mile-long stretch of strip mall to find anything that you could need. And for a more local-feel shopping experience, you will want to stop by San Telmo Antique Market. Here there are also street performers and buskers that will tickle your senses while you barter with the local vendors selling their unique goods.

Fall in Love with Paris

Where else can you see exquisite sights, get samplings of the finest art, eat world-renowned delicacies and of course, fall in love but in Paris, France? The most romantic city in the world is indeed just that but Paris has so much to offer that it’s hard not to wonder what to do first. Only in this wonderful city can you have your portrait painted, listen to unique music and sample some of the finest cheeses and wine all within one city block! Whether you’re there for romance or simply to visit a city unlike any other, Paris is sure to be perfect!

Top your list of things to do with visiting the top of the Eiffel Tower, perhaps Paris’ most famous attraction. Throughout the years lights have been added all along the structure that twinkle every twenty minutes for amazing effects and viewing the tower at night there are fountains that also light up as the magic spray shoots up. Travel to the top of the tower and enjoy the many different views of the city from the platforms – you can see over 65 kilometers in any direction! If heights aren’t really your game, the view is just as good at the bottom where you can grab a picnic basket and sit in the grassy area around the tower and marvel at its beauty.

If the Eiffel Tower is the top attraction in Paris, the Louvre is a close second. This museum is massive so it’s best to plan to spend a day or two in it and to avoid becoming overwhelmed, split one day up with a break for lunch and come back and try to take in all the rest. Tickets are good all day and include leaving privileges so it’s easy to fully enjoy this other world-renowned attraction. When you first enter the museum, make sure to check out the signs that will point you to the most popular displays – these will be forever helpful in finding very interesting pieces and won’t leave you frustrated as you try to track them down.

While you are in the fashion capital of the world it only makes sense that you would check out some of the newest trends and designs emerging from some very young and hot designers. To see some of the finest work you will need to check out the Marais, where shopping is abound and designers have their galleries right in the center of it all for you to check out! This is truly a once in a lifetime shopping experience and you can also pick up things such as contemporary house wares if fashion isn’t your thing. But do at least check out the different styles and you will be amazed at some of the hottest pieces that come out of Paris!

Go see what all the fuss is about at Notre Dame. This magnificent building is just like you see it in the movies, with gargoyles leering from the sides of the building and the steeple which reaches high into the sky. Once you are done fawning over the architecture and taking a tour inside, cross the street for the finest ice cream you will ever eat at Berthillon. This isn’t any old ice cream, though. Not only does is have specialties such as being artifice-free but there are so many flavors, there’s sure to be something for everyone! If you’re crazy about chocolate, you may want to even sample any one of their five different chocolate flavors alone!

Take a Bite out of New York

When visiting New York City, you should check out all the popular tourist attractions such as Times Square, Broadway, and the Statue of Liberty. These will usually be on the top of everyone’s “must see” list, especially first-time visitors. However, the city that never sleeps has many other wonderful, but often overlooked attractions that will make your trip to The Big Apple more exciting than ever!

If you’re a fan of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte then you definitely won’t want to miss the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour. Only on this tour can you see Carrie’s apartment, visit the gallery that Charlotte worked at, visit the cupcake shop where Miranda fed herself cake after cake, and visit locations from the movie. This is surely a girl’s dream and will let you experience the city in all it fabulousness! Start the tour in front of the Pulitzer Fountain and enjoy any day except Christmas Day! For another unique tour, check out The Big Apple Helicopter Flight. Check out all the breathtaking views of the city from up above in a chopper! This is definitely one view of the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler building, Ellis Island, and the George Washington Bridge that you just can’t get from keeping your feet planted!

So the Empire State Building is one of those tourist spots that just seems to be overdone. But that couldn’t be more untrue. The views that you get of the city from the 86th floor are truly unforgettable and some may say this is the only way to see New York! All the sights that appear miniscule from the top floor can be viewed up close and personal by looking through the telescopes that are available on the top floor. If you want to find out some fun facts about New York City and the building itself, there is an audio tour available and make sure to pick up your “I Love New York” t-shirt on your way out at the building’s souvenir shop.

There’s no doubt that shopping is huge in New York City and that every person who visits definitely picks up something to bring back home with them. But be careful – the prices in downtown Manhattan are outrageous and while it’s fun to window shop and think about having that much money, it may be a little overstated. For shopping fun where you can actually make as many purchases as you desire, visit the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. This outlet mall holds over two hundred stores that sell designer names including: Adidas, Banana Republic, Neiman Marcus, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, and much more!

If you need time to unwind from seeing all the sights and shopping till you drop, head on over to Central Park, the most famous park in the world! Come to this space that comprises 83 acres of land to get away from the hustle and bustle. Choose to have a picnic, take some fabulous pictures or take part in one of the many events the park is always having. Whatever you choose, Central Park is one that is never overrated!

Experience the Difference of Dubai

 

Where else on earth can you tour an entertainment park, watch camel races, shop in the finest boutiques, take an aerial tour, and play in some of the world’s finest golf courses all in the same trip but Dubai? Dubai is a truly unique experience and because it has so much appeal to so many different people and tastes, it is becoming a more popular travel destination every day! In Dubai, you can live old-world style one minute and then be whisked off to enjoy contemporary indulgences the next. It’s truly a unique experience and one that has countless opportunities!

One of the many unique experiences that Dubai has to offer revolves around camels. Whether you want to hop on one’s back and take a safari tour or simply watch these great beasts in racing action, Dubai has it! Travel to the desert to watch different types of camels along with the local spectators, who are right at home in their traditional clothing. The tracks along the desert are made specifically for racing purposes and while many are official, there are also some less official racing tracks where you can watch this spectacular sport! If you want to get up close and personal with a camel, take one on a safari as you travel through the great sand dunes and watch some of Dubai’s wildlife such as the desert fox, sand cats, and falcons. If you like being in the desert but aren’t that fond of camels, ride through the sand dunes in a four-wheel drive vehicle and feel the ground move beneath you. The only word to describe it is thrilling!

Bring out the child in yourself by visiting any of the three different Dubai entertainment parks. Wild Wadi Water Park is actually set in the middle of the desert but you need not worry about going thirsty as the park holds an astounding thirty million liters of water. Slide down the grand waterslides or be pushed and pulled in the wave park – this park is truly a place to get soaked! Wonderland is another water park the city boasts and has speed slides, surf hills, wave runners, and much more. If you’re out and about shopping and need to unwind for a few minutes, you may want to visit Magic Palace. This park is centered right inside the Deira City Shopping Center and features bowling, a crawling bungie, video games, electronic pitch, and more!

If golfing is your game, you’ve come to the right place in Dubai. The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club as well as the Emirates Golf Club are the two most famous being that they have both hosted the European PGA tour but there are many fine courses including the five-star course Montgomerie Golf Club, Al Badia Golf Resort which holds over eleven different bodies of water, Arabian Ranches Golf Club and many more. The number of tee holes in Dubai is endless and the city is known for having some of the most prestigious and fun courses in the world!

Want to stand on a palm tree in the water? Sounds crazy but you can do this on three different palm trees in Dubai. Yes, welcome to Palm Island, the three largest man-made islands in the world! The first island, Jumeirah Palm Island is mainly for living purposes and also has fine hotels and restaurants located on it. The second, Jebel Ali Palm Island, is for entertainment and has water parks, golf courses and more! The third, Deira Palm Island is a combination of the two. These islands aren’t the only structures however that prove how innovative Dubai is. In 2010, The Dynamic Tower will be built. Dynamic indeed! This will be the first skyscraper, which will actually consist of four separate buildings that will move every time the wind does! Who’s seen a building that looks different every time you look at it?

Leave Your Worries Behind in Sydney

Sydney, Australia has been a top destination for travelers for decades and it’s no wonder why. This city is filled with sights to see, things to do, and some of the friendliest people on earth. Australia is widely known for its laid-back attitude and Sydney takes this to a whole new level by combining vast coastlines, and scenic mountains. While you are touring around looking at all Sydney has to offer, you will be doing it all in climate that is as mild as the people’s disposition.

The first place you may want to visit is the Sydney Opera House, one of the most famous sights to see in Sydney. This fabulous structure holds a concert hall, three different performing arts areas, and of course, an opera theater. Take in one of the fabulous shows or just go on a tour to check out the space. Guided tours are available or you can simply wander around the building on your own. Be sure to pay special attention to the roof – it’s comprised of over one million tiles! And if after leaving the Opera House, you’re still craving an art fill, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art. Here you will find over 7,000 works of art including sculptures, post-modern art and contemporary Native art, all housed in an art deco style building. Everything about this wonderful museum speaks of spirit and style!

Sydney, Australia is also home to one of the world’s largest bridges and in addition to simply being an awe-inspiring structure there are plenty of things to do here as well! Built in 1932 this bridge holds eight lanes of traffic as well as two railroad tracks. The bridge’s arch encompasses 1,605 feet and the pylons are beautifully done in an Egyptian style. Make sure to book in advance so that you can take part in the Bridgeclimb, where you will be hooked onto a static line and be given the opportunity to climb to the top of the bridge. Once there, you will receive a photo of yourself climbing the great bridge as well as additional photos that you can purchase, if desired as well as one of the most stunning views you will see in your lifetime! The total climb involves 1,337 steps and takes about three and a half hours. Once you are finished with your climb, you may be interested to sit back and take a break at the Pylon Lookout Museum. Here you will find out all the interesting facts of the bridge and be able to watch a video showing how the bridge was built!

Sydney is not only filled with fantastic architecture however. There are plenty of beaches for you to spend your leisure time on as well! Bondi Beach is a popular area for photographs as people want to capture its crescent shape on film. Stretching over half a mile long, this beach offers swimming, Olympic beach volleyball, and plenty of fine shops and restaurants. Manly Beach may be where Sydney first adopted its cavalier attitude with its original slogan, “Seven Miles from Sydney and a Thousand Miles of Care.” The beach was first used to determine the city’s boundaries but due to the vast expansion over the years, it now lies in the heart of the city.

Besides these wonderful sights and attractions, you can also spend time shopping in the Queen Victoria Building and in a neighbourhood called The Rocks. There is definitely an endless amount of things to do in Sydney and so you will want to make sure that you book enough time to see it all!