The global rankings for the Most Powerful Passports in 2019 were recently published by the Henley Passport Index and have 31 countries occupying the top 10 positions. The rankings which were started in 2005 takes into account the passports of 199 nations and the visa-free travel access that citizens of those nations have to visit…
A small, old-fashioned, charismatic and gorgeous city located in the western coastal area of Norway, Stavanger has a lot to offer to its visitors. As one of the priciest locations in Norway, Stavanger exudes wealth and charm. Although the outskirts of the city are quite modern, the old center has retained its old-world charm with…
One of the most embattled regions of the Middle East is the country of Yemen, located at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. From fighting an internal war against poverty and corruption to an al-Qaeda insurgency and Houthi rebellion, and a cholera epidemic, Yemen has endured a lot over the past few decades. However,…
It’s difficult to imagine present-day Mali was once a dazzling center of learning and one of the three main African Empires that controlled the trans-Saharan trade. Continuous ethnic conflict in the region is a constant threat to the culture and the stability of the land and has resulted in throwing the budding economy into great…
The naturally beautiful land of Afghanistan has been embattled by invasions and conflict throughout its history. From Alexander the Great to the Mauryas, Mughals and more recently British, Soviets and Americans, the country has continuously been besieged by military campaigns. However, the civil war that followed the Soviet withdrawal has pushed the development of the…
Sitting at an elevation ranging from 1,712 meters to 2000 meters in the north, on the lower slopes of the Alborz Mountains, Tehran is the 9th highest capital city in the world. The wealth of cultural attractions in Iran‘s capital city is a huge draw for visitors to this part of the world. Over 250…
India‘s smallest state, Goa, packs quite a punch when it comes to hospitality and vacationing. With more than 100km of beach stretching across the state and a party vibe that’s unparalleled to the rest of the country, Goa is where India heads to bring in the New Year. Located on the southwest coast of India,…
One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Umbria, Italy is the medieval town of Assisi, renowned as the birthplace of Saint Francis, who founded the Franciscan order. Assisi dates back to the 7th century as an early Umbrian settlement which was conquered by the Romans four centuries later. Traces of its Roman past are…
Mongolia’s largest city, Ulaanbaatar, is rated as the coldest capital city in the world with temperatures plummeting to between -30 to -40 degrees Celcius in January. The city which was founded in 1693 was initially a yurt monastery located about 230kms from its current location. The ‘mobile town’ shifted continuously until between 1733 to 1778…
The small island of Boracay in the Philippines, located south of Manila is a vacationer’s paradise. Just 7km long and 1km across, the island is renowned for its pristine beaches and throbbing nightlife, making it the most popular beach destination in the country. Visitors to the island generally come here to relax on the numerous…
The largest landlocked country in the Southern Hemisphere and only one of two landlocked countries in the Americas is the intriguing nation of Bolivia. Bolivia has aptly been described as a land of ‘superlatives’ with the highest capital city, largest salt flat and the driest desert in the world all within its boundaries. From the…
One of the more popular getaway destinations for travelers is a tropical island, characterized by lush green lands, surrounded by the sparkling blue sea, fringed with white or golden beaches. Other islands that lure travelers are those with a bit of mystery, islands with luxuriant jungles, verdant valleys and stunning peaks. However, in recent times…
Sometimes referred to as the ‘City of Stones and Saints,’ the spiritual city of Ávila located in the Autonomous Community of Castile and León about 111km north-west of Madrid, boasts of having the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita in the country. Founded in the 11th century to defend the Spanish territories…
Rather surprisingly, hordes of tourists have not yet descended on Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia and the second-largest metropolis in Dalmatia. Zadar has a rich and varied history right from the Late Stone Age, to its Roman era and invasion by the Huns. In the early 15th century Zadar was sold by…
One of the most enigmatic countries of South America is Peru with its megadiverse landscapes combined with a rich ‘golden’ history. Its 5000-year history is showcased in the numerous archaeological sites that are scattered throughout the different parts of the country. From pre-Incan Geoglyphs of Nazca and remnants of Chan Chan, hoto the Incan sites…
Most people who live in important metros often complain about the high cost of living. Their complaints are usually based on the affordability of finding a home and the daily expenses of running that home. The Economist Intelligence Unit Worldwide, which brings out an annual listing of the most expensive cities in the world, bases…
Most people travel to Italy to marvel at the historic sites of Rome or to soak in the beauty of Florence and Venice, or marvel at the fashion in Milan, but not many actually go off the tourist track to explore Italy’s hidden gems; its beautiful villages. Nestled between majestic mountains, perched on the edge…
Lubeck, a historical city known for its rich heritage, is located in Northern Germany. It gives an insight into Old World Germany and is positioned near the Baltic Coast. Due to its status, its nickname during the 14th century was “The Queen of the Hanseatic League.” There are several cultural spots that offer tourists a…
Doha is the capital of Qatar, a modern and rapidly developing city, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. It is the richest country in the world per capita (according to Forbes) and considering the money being poured into construction, Doha looks like it is set to become one of…
Less than a hundred kilometers from the northeast of Barcelona is the Catalan city of Girona. It is an ancient city, having originated during the time of the Iberians and later known as the Roman city of Gerunda. In the 12th century, the city had a flourishing Jewish community and had one of the most…
The city of Valparaiso in Chile is one of the South Pacific’s most important seaports. In the second half of the 19th century, it was a major port of call for ships that crossed the Straits of Magellan, traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific. The opening of the Panama Canal brought an end to its…
Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm, stretches along fourteen islands where Lake Malaren flows into the Baltic Sea, creating one of the most picturesque scenes; rightfully earning the city the sobriquet ‘Venice of the North.’ The beautiful landscapes and outstanding landmarks that form the city are a revelation of its rich cultural heritage. Gamla Stan, the city’s…
Italy’s leading port is a land of contradictions; its past grandeur sometimes shadowed by its dark side. Once a city of great wealth, the decayed glory of Genoa’s past is sometimes quite astonishing. Grand palaces are tucked away inside small and sometimes scruffy alleyways, surprising the unsuspecting visitor with their grandeur. Genoa was an autonomous…
Sitting high up in the Andes at an elevation of 3,400 meters is the Inca capital, Cusco, designated as the ‘Historical capital of Peru.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. Although the Spaniards demolished most of the important buildings of the city, they used the foundations for…