Up in the highest mountain ranges of Portugal resides a mysterious giant hole at Covão dos Conchos, Serra da Estrela, that looks like it opens up into the very core of the Earth. Although we would love to let our imagination dream up what could possibly be lurking down inside that hole, Covão dos Conchos…
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Central Asia comprising the former Soviet Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan is often referred to as ‘the stans’ because of the countries that are part of this region. For several years the region was largely ignored by the world because of the barrenness of the landscape and the earlier inaccessibility to many…
Also sometimes referred to as the Far East, this region of Asia has been the cradle of various civilizations like ancient Japan, China, Korea, and the daunting Mongol Empire. The Chinese civilization had a large influence on its neighbors for thousands of years, shaping their cultures and future. However, by the late 19th century, Japan…
South Asia, which consists of 8 countries that form part of the sub-Himalayan SAARC countries was largely formed from the administrative boundaries of the British Raj. While the Indian subcontinent takes up the largest area, along with the other core lands of the British Empire, namely Pakistan and Bangladesh, the question about Afghanistan’s place is…
Southeast Asia is a land formed by the elements of nature with raging rivers, coral islands, and volcanoes delicately balanced with tropical forests and stretches of golden sand. This part of the world has always been a favorite with globe trotters and backpackers seeking out the mystique and tranquility of the lands south of China…
Similar to most of the other subregions of Oceania, Polynesia also comprises over a thousand islands in the central and southern Pacific Ocean. These islands are generally defined to be within the Polynesia triangle with the Hawaiian islands forming the northern vertex. However, several islands inhabited by Polynesian people lie outside this triangle. Some of…
Thousands of small islands scattered in the western Pacific Ocean make up this subregion of Oceania which has a similar cultural history to Melanesia and Polynesia. These islands are part of five main archipelagos and politically shared by six sovereign nations. The five main island groups that make up this region are the Caroline Islands,…
This subregion of Oceania which includes three independent countries, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu extend from New Guinea to Tonga. The name of the region literally translates as ‘islands of black people’ alluding to the dark skin of its inhabitants and was coined to mark a clear distinction from the lighter-skinned people of Polynesia.…
Australia, New Zealand, and a few neighboring islands make up the part of Oceania known as Australasia, although there are slight variations to its definition. Australia considers New Guinea also to be a part of Australasia while New Zealand only includes Australia and itself as part of this region.Australasia is a land of contrasts, with…
Boundaries sometimes overlap when categorizing Southern Europe as many of the countries listed in this part of the continent are also listed in other broader regions. However, the one unifying factor in this group of sixteen countries that make up this part of Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. Quite predictably, the food and culture are…
Like most of Europe, there is no clear demarcation of the countries that fit into Northern Europe and many variations exist. However, the United Nations geoscheme places 10 countries in Northern Europe, from the five Scandinavian countries to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Iceland, along with 7 dependent areas like the Isle of…
To many people, Western Europe with its rich architectural heritage of impressive castles and palaces, magnificent natural scenery, and distinct yet sometimes quirky culture, epitomizes all that is Europe. Manmade marvels abound in this part of the world that is equally blessed with natural wonders. France’s Notre Dame Cathedral and Eiffel Tower, Salzburg‘s Hohensalzburg Castle,…
Although Eastern Europe is literally the eastern part of the continent of Europe, there is no clear demarcation of the countries that are a part of it as the term is more geopolitical than physical. The physical land boundaries of the region are the Ural Mountains and River, and the Caucasus Mountains but these are…
The two continents which make up this part of the world were largely unknown to the outside world until the 15th century when Christopher Columbus accidentally discovered North America. Although the Norse explorer Leif Erikson had already sailed to this part of the planet before the Spanish, he did not colonize the land and left…
Despite popular belief, San Francisco doesn’t have the steepest road in the world (or even in the U.S. for that matter). Of course, what’s defined as “steepest” is certainly up for debate. But, Baldwin Street, located just a few minutes northeast of downtown Dunedin, New Zealand is reputed to be the world’s steepest residential street, according…
The Islands of Tahiti, in the heart of the South Pacific, made up of 118 islands and atolls spread out over five archipelagos. It offers an array of diverse experiences combined with rich Tahitian culture, stone temples deep in the heart of luscious jungle heartland, black and white sand beaches and tranquil, clear water, with vibrant coral…
Bonn, one of Germany’s oldest cities, is best recognized as the birthplace of Beethoven. Situated on the Rhine River, Bonn maintains a cozy, relaxed atmosphere of a small town, featuring a charming old town, many museums and many outdoor cafes and beer gardens. It is the perfect base city if you are looking to visit…
For globetrotters who only stay at the very best hotels, here are the 10 Unimaginable Luxury Hotels Opening Soon. Gangneung Resort Hotel, South Korea 1 In anticipation of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Seoul-based architecture firm Planning Korea has designed a one-of-a-kind seaside resort in Gangneung, inspired by the ecological structure of plankton. Planning Korea’s…
With over 120 magnificent temples, waterfalls and national parks, ancient ruins, fascinating markets, a legacy of 700 years of history and its own distinctive culture; Chiang Mai offers its five million annual tourists tons of awesome attractions. It is definitely one of the most authentic, magical and diverse cities in Southeast Asia and it is easy to feel like you have…