This Scandinavian state in Norway is famous for its remoteness, amazing scenery, and its amazing Fjords. Although it is bordered by Russia, Finland and Sweden, the majority of Norway’s coastline is in the middle of its Arctic Ocean, offering chilly but stunning views of the ocean. Norway is home to large historical cities, stunning cathedrals with a growing population, and endless ways to be active outside. If you’re looking to begin making plans for a Scandinavian vacation here are a few of the most compelling reasons to travel to Norway.

Coastal Towns

Norway has miles of coastline. Therefore, there’s plenty of beautiful coastal towns that are worth visiting. These towns on the coast are typically places where there is a simple architecture, people are employed in various industries, such as fishing, and the local food dishes include salted and dried cod. Alesund is an outstanding example of a town on the coast situated on a row of islands, with breathtaking views and fantastic hiking possibilities. Henningsvaer is another fantastic coastal town in which the brightly colored houses lining a row across the water look more like gingerbread from the pages of a fairytale rather than actual homes.

Hiking

To explore the most of Norway’s beauty as you can it is an excellent option. It is possible to hike in Norway is made easier due to the laws regarding access rights which makes it easy to locate walking trails as well as camping sites. If you’re ready for a effort, you can take on treks that lead to the summit of Galdhopiggen which is the highest mountain in Norway. If you’re looking for something less strenuous however equally beautiful, start your hikes across Norway’s Rondane National Park, where it is possible to observe reindeer in their natural surroundings.

Skiing

In the winter months there are many locations in Norway that are suitable for both cross-country and downhill skiing. If you’re searching for a location that could rival Alpine ski runs. You should take a look at Hemsedal located in Norway. It is the home of several world-class ski resorts, numerous of slopes and over 20 lifts for skis. Hafjell is another popular winter sports spot which has cross-country and alpine tracks, as in addition to children’s fun areas that allow tubing and sledding.

Polar Bears

To the north of the Norwegian mainland lies the Svalbard Archipelago, a collection of islands that has a tiny population, but an abundance of wildlife. Guided tours are easily accessible from towns like Longyearbyen in which you are able to go off to see polar bears roaming on their own in wild. The majestic, magnificent creatures are stunning to look at but don’t forget they’re wild and dangerous creatures. It is crucial to visit them with a knowledgeable tour guide from Svalbard.

Northern Lights

Aurora borealis, also referred to as northern lights, are definitely a motive to visit Norway. The best opportunity to view these lights is during the winter when the nighttime hours are long. The further you travel to the north and the further you move away from cities and cities, the better the view. A lot of people consider Tromso as the most ideal place in Norway to witness northern lights due to its northern location and closeness towards the Arctic Circle. Dry weather and the absence of clouds can make ideal conditions for seeing Northern lights from Tromso.

Waterfalls

Due to the abundance of glaciers that are found in Norway, there’s the abundance of waterfalls too. There are a few that are just a trickle during certain seasons, while others are mighty, stunning attraction all year long. While the majority of waterfalls is situated in western fjords as well as mountain ranges, these waterfalls can also be all over the countryside. One of the most breathtaking waterfalls found in Norway is Mardalsfossen. It is a huge, strong, powerful and all-year-round waterfalls that you can sit very close and experience the gentle splash of the water.

Fisherman’s Cabins

Another set of islands that lie off the northern shores in Norway are known as the Lofoten Archipelago. These islands are believed as one of the top picturesque locations in Norway however, many of their most well-known tourist attractions are actually made by humans. Don’t miss the traditional red fishing cabins constructed right on the coast. Some are constructed on stilts and are known as rorbu while a few can be rented out for tours or even stay overnight in. These cabins are not only stunning and historic, but they’re usually located in remote, isolated and stunning beaches.

Spectacular Photographic Opportunities

No matter if you’re a frequent social media poster or professional photographer, Norway offers an incredible number of amazing photography opportunities. Kjeragbolten for instance, is an iconic rock positioned between two cliffs, which you must see in order to believe. In Pulpit Rock, you can take a photo of the cliff’s sheer face, which is surrounded by pristine blue waters. At Trolltunga, take a photo of the rocky outcrop that is perched hundreds of feet high above the river. Each one of these photo opportunities is different and there are many more you could record on film while traveling in Norway.

Stave Churches

The largest churches in Europe typically are constructed out of stone, however the churches of Norway that are majestic and intricately designed churches were constructed entirely of wood. These churches made of stave are a symbol of the woodworking business that has been an integral part of Norwegian tradition and culture. There are a variety of stave churches in Norway however among the most striking are that of the Heddal stave church. Heddal was built during the thirteenth century and is the biggest of the stave churches made of wood in Norway.

Fjords

A fjord is an extensive sea inlet that can be located between cliffs that are high. It is caused by an under-water glacier valley. In Norway, Fjords are among the most stunning natural sights anywhere and a visit to Scandinavia could be not complete without seeing a few of them in person. The majority of Norway’s fjords lie along the western coast which includes Sognefjorden which is one of the longest fjords of Europe.

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The capital of Central Macedonia, this second-largest city in Greece dates back 315 BC. Thessaloniki is home to many iconic buildings of Byzantine, Paleochristian and Roman origins. It is a lively center for culture and festivals, with one of the best nightlife scenes in Greece. The many monuments that can be found here will amaze anyone who loves history, archaeology, or world religions. Here are some top tourist attractions in Thessaloniki.

Agios Dimitrios Church

The church is large and impressive. It was built on the spot of an ancient Roman bath. Legends say that St Demetrius, its namesake was executed, held prisoner and then dropped down a well. It has five aisles and a hexagonal nave, known as a Ciborium. A six-paneled mural depicting St Demetrius and children as well as the church’s builders is of particular interest. It is one of Thessaloniki’s largest churches and is also one of its most important historical and religiously significant houses of worship.

Aristotelous Square

The main square of the city was designed by Ernest Hebrard in 1918. However, much of the square today, including the Electra hotel, and the movie theatre, were recreated in the 1950s. This was a shift from the narrow, crowded streets of the Ottoman Empire to a more modern plan under Hebrard. It was built just after the 1917 fire, marking a significant shift in the city’s archaeological evolution. The square hosts many public events and celebrations today.

Museum of Byzantine Culture

The museum contains thousands of artifacts dating back to the Pre-Christian or Byzantine eras. They include mosaics, wall paintings, and frescoes. There are also rescued arches, ceramics, and textiles. The museum’s permanent displays are mainly focused on early Christians and their daily rituals, beliefs and daily lives. Here are several graves and tombs of early Christians that were found in Thessaloniki. You can take guided or unguided tours of the museum for adults as well as educational programs that are geared towards schoolchildren.

Rotunda de Galerius

The Rotunda, Thessaloniki’s oldest monument, is a huge round building. It was originally a Roman temple. Later, it became a Christian church. Then, it became a mosque. Its walls measure more than 6m (20 feet) thick. This is why it has withstanded the earthquakes in Thessaloniki. This cylindrical structure was constructed in 306 under the orders of Galerius, Roman emperor. It was likely to be Galerius’ mausoleum, or more likely, a temple. It was used for more than 1,200 years as a church until it was destroyed by the Ottomans. The Church of Agios Georgios became a mosque in 1590. The conversion did not cause further damage to the mosaics, which were just painted over. The Rotunda, which has served three religions, is now a museum.

White Tower

The symbol of the city is this circular, whitewashed waterfront building. The tower’s story is as rich and varied as Thessaloniki itself. It was originally a part of Thessaloniki’s Ottoman and Byzantine defenses. Most of the walls were destroyed in the latter half of the 19th century. It was used as a prison and was the scene of numerous tortures during Ottoman rule. The building was then symbolically whitewashed to make it the White Tower. Even though it is now a more buff color, the name of the White Tower has been retained. The interior of the white tower is now a museum that displays daily life during different periods in Thessaloniki. The third story houses a replica of a Byzantine-era home with its typical furnishings, in addition to many artifacts.

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The museum contains artifacts from four archaeologically significant historic periods in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, and its surrounding areas. These pieces represent the Hellenistic and Archaic periods, as well as Classical and Roman periods. Ironically, the building itself is constructed in modern Greek architectural style. The museum pays particular attention to ancient Macedonians’ use of gold as an ornament. The museum also has a section that reconstructs a view of the Thermaic Gulf region, which predates the creation of the city.

Heptapyrgion

Although the Heptapyrgion has been called the fortress with the seven towers, it is also known as Yedi Kule in Ottoman. The fortress can be found in the northeast corner of the city’s acropolis. While the northern towers date back to the city’s fortification in the late 4th Century, the five southern towers were built in the 12th century. It was used as a military facility until the late 19th-century, then it served as a prison for 100 years. The Heptapyrgion, which has great views of the harbor and city, is a popular tourist attraction.

Arch of Galerius

The Arch of Galerius, also known as Kamara, is the most unique Roman structure in Thessaloniki. Along with the White Tower, it is one of Thessaloniki’s most visited attractions. Galerius, the Emperor of Rome, commissioned the arch as a triumphal monument to commemorate the victory over the Sassanid Persians and capture of their capital Ctesiphon in 298 A.D. The Arch originally had four main pillars, and four secondary pillars. Today, only two of the archway’s main pillars are standing and one secondary pillar is still in place. The archway’s remaining pillars still have the intricately carved battle sequences.

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Did you know that Poland has won more awards over the past 10 years than any other country? It’s true! Poland is actually one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, sitting right alongside places like Italy and Greece. But why is it so popular? Read on to find out what makes this European gem so attractive.

Poland is easy to get around — it has an excellent highway system which makes traveling really easy. It has great connections with countries like Germany, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Here are some of the stunning attractions that you should check out in Poland as ranked by my friend from Rogers AR garage door repair.

Krakow

One of Poland’s most popular destinations is Krakow, located in southern Poland. This destination holds lots of allure for visitors, including its picturesque Old Town, which is one of the largest in Europe. You can get around Krakow by foot, but there are also horse-drawn carriages that you can take in order to see the city in a more scenic way.

Warsaw

Another popular destination in Poland is Warsaw. It’s considered to be one of the most modern cities in the entire country and also one of the largest. Be sure to visit the Palace of Culture and Science, which was designed by Soviet architects in 1955. After being completely destroyed during World War 2, Warsaw was actually rebuilt using this famous Soviet structure.

Poznan

If you’d like to explore more of Poland, don’t miss out in Poznan. It has tremendous history here, including its Old Market Square and Medieval Defensive Wall with Warta Gate which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to see all the attractions in Poland, don’t forget to visit this destination!

Lublin

A destination that doesn’t get as much attention is Lublin. This city has a sister city relationship with Seattle and was one of the first European cities to be named by John Paul II. It’s also home to some amazing parks, including the Planty Park which is a great place to spend time reading and relaxing.

Sopot

If you want to enjoy some time on the coast, you have to visit Sopot. This is one of the most famous seaside resorts in all of Poland which has been popular with tourists since the 19th century when Grand Duke Constantine had a vacation home here. In fact, it was so popular that I’ve actually been there!

Gdansk

Don’t forget about Gdansk, which is another one of the most popular Polish cities to visit. Here you can enjoy its 15th century historical center with St Mary’s Church and Royal Road among other attractions. It’s also home to ancient shipyards that were restored in 1990 after being destroyed by occupying German forces during World War II.

Wroclaw

One of the more unique destinations in Poland is Wroclaw. This city was actually destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the 1950s to a completely different look than before. Now it’s a multicultural destination filled with images from its history, including ancient buildings and bridges that have been around for centuries.

Poland is a very special destination with an unforgettable culture and history, as well as friendly people who are always willing to help out visitors. Whether you want to visit Warsaw or any of the other places mentioned above, Poland was made for travel and will definitely be worth your while.

Another great thing about Poland is how little it costs to visit. For a three-day stay in a four-star hotel, you only need around $280 per person. And for those who love great wines, don’t forget that Poland is one of the world’s largest exporters of vodka.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your flight to Poland today!

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In South America, its most visited city is Buenos Aires for a lot of great reasons. For over 400-years-old, this city is popular for its excellent European-influenced architecture and cultural life. It was in Argentina where the sensuous dance, Tango, was invented and the best place for you to take some lessons or see spectacular performances is in Buenos Aires. Here are the top eye-captivating tourist destinations that you should visit in Buenos Aires!

Recoleta Cemetery

The Recoleta Cemetery is not any ordinary cemetery. This is the burial place of the elite families of Argentina and Buenos Aires, including the former presidents of the country. Established during 1822, this cemetery has over 4,500 above-ground vaults, 94 of these were declared to be national historical monuments. The Recoleta Cemetery is an ideal place for you to view terrific marble mausoleums as well as great statuary that were sculpted by the prominent artists.

Plaza de Mayo

Starting from the revolution in 1810 which led to the country’s independence, Plaza de Mayo became Argentina’s focal point regarding political life. A number of the major landmarks of the city are situated around the Plaza which includes Cabildo – the city council during colonial era. The May Pyramid is situated at the core of Plaza de Mayo, this is Buenos Aires’ oldest national monument.

Café Tortoni

Those travelers who love to collect amazing dining experiences must visit Café Tortoni, the most famous and oldest café of Argentina. This café was started in 1858 by a Frenchman who modeled the café after a Parisian café. The Café Tortoni still remains to be a famous place for travelers to enjoy their snacks and coffee with friends and to socialize with painters, writers, and artists. The café is also a great place to witness a tango performance by the professional dancers. Found on Avenida de Mayo, Café Tortoni attracts the hungry with steaks, desserts, and sandwiches that looks sumptuous.

Caminito

The Caminito, translated as “little street”, was not always a street as this was originally a stream. When its water had dried up, they build the railroad tracks on dry bed. And when they removed the tracks, this area became a landfill. Now, this is considered as one of the most colorful streets of Buenos Aires. Situated along La Boca’s neighborhood, this street is a great place for tourists to watch various artists do their work. Also, it is known as Juan de Dios Filiberto’s inspiration in writing his popular tango, “Caminito”. Moreover, you can find a number of museums along its street.

Plaza Dorrego

Tourists who travel Buenos Aires on Sunday will not want to miss Plaza Dorrego’s Sunday market especially if they love curios and antiques. Plaza Dorrego is one of Buenos Aires’ oldest public squares which began to operate during the 18^th-century when the farmers filled their wagons with harvest that they can sell to the locals. Its current antique markets started operating during the early 1970s. Those visitors who cannot make it to the Sunday market can enjoy the surrounding area of the plaza. Moreover, there is an outdoor café for tired shoppers and they can watch the tango dancers perform or perhaps take some lessons.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

You can find the National Museum of Fine Arts, or Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, in Recoleta district. This museum receives high commendations from its visitors, some even compared this as a mini-Louvre due to is excellent collection of Argentine and European artists.

This museum opened during 1895 and have moved to its current location in 1933. Its wonderful collection of fine art, being Argentina’s largest one, ranges from the arts during Middle Ages to the 20^th-century.

Puerto Madero

The Rio de la Plata waterfront located at Puerto Madero are lined by sleek establishments. The Puerto Madero served as Buenos Aires’ main port during the late 19^th-century however, bigger cargo ships made it outdated.

The port has fell into a decay ‘til 1989 when they have decided to transform the old warehouses into something impressive. This plan includes buildings that can be used as a residence, shop, restaurant, and other type of business. To give some flair to this project, they named all the district streets after women. Wandering though Puerto Madero is an amazing way for you spend an enjoyable afternoon.  

Carlos Thays Botanical Garden

At the age of 40, Carlos Thays, a prominent French landscaped artist, visited Buenos Aires and started to change the city’s face during the late 19^th– and early 20^th-centuries. Under his guidance, they developed plenty of parks and renovated the existing ones. However, his pet project was the botanical garden.

Found in Palermo district close to the zoo, botanical garden is considered as the home to over 5,000 plant species. The visitors often say that the park is an excellent way to escape the hustle of the capital.

Teatro Colon

This theater in Buenos Aires opened in 1908 with an amazing performance of Verdi’s “Aïda”. The Teatro Colon was designed by a series of architects which explains the eclectic style of this structure. With about 2,500 seats and a standing room that can accommodate 1,000 people, this theatre used to be the largest opera house of the world before the Sydney Opera House opened in 1973. Today, this theatre still remains to be a top attraction of Buenos Aires.

El Obelisco

The El Obelisco is a popular attraction that measures 223 feet high all over the city. This was constructed in 1936 with the vision of commemorating the city’s 400^th founding anniversary. The El Obelisco proudly reaches the sky where Corrientes Avenue intersects with 9 de Julio Avenue. Believed to be the world’s widest street, the 9 de Julio Avenue was named after the date of 1816 on which Argentina gain its independence from Spain.

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If you have ever been to Martinique, you know that it is a place of earthly delights. Beautiful scenery and picturesque beaches are just the beginning of what makes this island so unique. The people in Martinique are warm and welcoming, which makes for an unforgettable vacation experience. If you need some help deciding where to go on your next vacation, check out these beautiful travel destinations in Martinique!

Balata Botanical Garden – This garden is located in the rainforest, which means that it has some wonderful views of nature. Don’t miss out on taking a hike through one of Martinique’s most beautiful natural attractions!

If you are someone who enjoys hiking and admiring scenery, then this is definitely somewhere worth checking out while vacationing in Martinique. One thing to make sure to do when visiting this area would be to bring along your camera for picturesque views like these: 

Cascade aux Ecrevisses – This famous waterfall was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. So if you’re into history or just want something different than beaches and sunbathing activities , consider exploring an ancient volcano site!

The waterfall is located in a very dense, tropical forest environment. This means that the surroundings are just about as beautiful and colorful as you can get! Here’s one photo to give you an idea of what kind of views this unique natural attraction has: 

Saut D’Eau – With its pristine blue waters and surrounding rainforest, Saut D’eau is a popular destination for many people who visit Martinique every year. If you want something completely gorgeous to gaze at while on vacation, then make sure not to miss out on checking out this spot when traveling through Martinique . It also makes for some pretty awesome pictures too!:)

Martiniquan Cuisine – When it comes down to food options in Martinique, you are actually spoiled for choice. Beautiful beaches, lush rainforest areas nearby waterfalls and everything in between make it possible to enjoy delicious cuisine of all kinds while vacationing here!

One dish that is particularly special in Martinique is known as “boucanee”. This meal consists of fish cooked with spices over an open fire on a bed of vegetables. If you’re looking for something truly unique when enjoying your time off away from work or school , then this might be the perfect option for you!:) 

Les Salines – If you’re someone who is interested in history and culture, then this might be the perfect destination for your next vacation. Les Salines was once a salt mine location that played an important role during Martinique’s colonial times .

This site has been transformed into many different things since it opened up to visitors years ago such as restaurants and shops! If you enjoy shopping around or just want to take some time out of sunbathing on beautiful beaches , then consider checking out Les Salines while traveling through Martinique.

Fort-de-France – For those of you who are looking for some historical attractions to visit while vacationing in Martinique, then Fort-de-France should definitely be on your list! This historic site is actually the capital city of Martinique and was first established as a settlement back in 1635.

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