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Shoppers will love the variety and price of goods available in Ho Chi Minh City.  Shopping options range from street vendors who ply their trade to tourists as they walk along the street, to swanky shops in comfortable air-conditioned shopping malls. 

What’s more, even though Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling city of over seven million people, several of the main shopping areas are within easy walking distance of each other.  In District One, if you simply walked from the Ben Thanh Market, to the Saigon Centre, then the Tax Centre and on to the Vincom Centre and Parkson Plaza (which is opposite), it would take you around ten to 15 minutes. 

The Ben Thanh Market is a bustling market jam packed with souvenirs, clothing and much more, whereas the upmarket Vincom Centre stocks imported designer labels and housewares.  The Parkson Plaza has a wide range of cosmetics, clothing, luggage, housewares and even a supermarket.  The Tax Centre is a great place to stock up on souvenirs or to replace your camera in air-conditioned comfort.

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Widely regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is home to a rich history.  Once the centre of a great empire, it still remains a vibrant and fascinating city filled with sites that have astounded tourists and locals for many centuries. 

The weather in Greece tends toward hot in the summer, which makes the other three seasons better times to plan a holiday in Athens.  Once in the city, tourists will find that they can reach major landmarks without needing to travel long distances.

The Acropolis

One of the most visited sites in the city is the Acropolis with its ancient temples demonstrating that the Greeks knew how to design beautiful architecture thousands of years ago.  The centrepiece of the Acropolis is the Parthenon, long regarded as the international symbol of both Athens and all of Greece.

The Agora

Another important tourist site is the ancient marketplace known as the Agora.  The history of the Agora alone makes it worth a visit.  This is the place where the philosopher Socrates discussed justice and morality with his students.  Later, the Agora became the setting for St. Paul’s efforts to persuade the ancient Greeks to convert to Christianity.

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Las Vegas, Nevada truly is a city of lights.  Each of the major casinos is brilliantly lit up at night with thousands of individual light bulbs and even ordinary businesses follow suit in an effort to attract customers. 

The main attraction of Las Vegas is the array of gambling casinos to be found in the city.  There are two major casino areas: downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, also known as Las Vegas Boulevard.  The downtown area contains the “original” Vegas where the first casinos were built and now also features the “Fremont Street Experience,” which consists of an entire city street roofed in so that laser-and-music shows can entertain tourists.

The Strip, in contrast, is the place to go to see the themed hotel-casinos that have made Vegas famous.  Excalibur resembles a medieval castle complete with roaming knights and ladies, while Luxor is fashioned to resemble an Egyptian pyramid and contains a recreation of the Sphinx as well as a variety of ancient Egyptian artefacts.  At Treasure Island, guests can watch an actual pirate battle every evening, complete with full-scale ships, while the Mirage features nightly eruptions of a manmade volcano.

Most major casinos also offer live entertainment shows, which often feature major headline stars.  The Rio, for example, located just off the Strip, has had world-famous magicians Penn and Teller performing for ten years, with tickets available almost nightly.  Circus Circus takes live entertainment in a different direction and provides free carnival acts several times each day. 

There is much more to Las Vegas than the casino scene, however.  The Atomic Testing Museum is a case in point.  The museum commemorates Nevada’s historic role during the Cold War, when the atomic testing grounds near the city were the site of numerous bomb tests.

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Where to Go in Scotland

Scotland is quite rightly regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.  A relatively small nation with a population of around five million, Scotland nevertheless offers an abundance of sightseeing and holiday opportunities.

Choosing where to go depends on a number of factors.  The majority of the population reside in the country’s central belt, and this is where you will find its major cities – Edinburgh (the capital and seat of Scotland’s Parliament), Glasgow (the largest city in Scotland), and Dundee.  These urban areas will provide holidaymakers with ample accommodation choices.  Scotland is steeped in history and culture, and all three cities are brimming with ancient sites to be explored, as well as numerous museums and art galleries.  All of these cities offer world-class shopping and entertainment venues.

Travelling further north brings travellers to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city.  Between the central belt and Inverness travellers will find the highest mountain ranges to be found in the British Isles, containing breathtaking scenery and indigenous wildlife including red deer and ospreys.

Glasgow

Glasgow is bursting with places to visit, including the world-renowned Burrell Collection – which is an eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures, medieval weapons and armour, and artefacts from Ancient Rome and Egypt – as well as numerous other art galleries.  The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, on the banks of the River Clyde, hosts major exhibitions and stages concerts by international bands and performing artists.

Those who would like to explore what Scotland’s largest city has to offer will find the Menzies Hotel in Glasgow to be an ideal accommodation option.  Centrally located in the heart of the city, this luxurious five-star accommodation offers 129 well appointed rooms with floor to ceiling windows which offer splendid city views.  Travellers will also find a large assortment of other hotels, self-catering apartments, and hostels located throughout the city which will fit virtually any budget.

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Bulgaria’s third largest city, Bourgas, is in an idyllic position next to the Black Sea Coast – a tourist destination favoured by the Russians and Germans for years but only recently popular with Westerners.  With bountiful sunshine for around nine months of the year and plenty to see and do for people of all age groups, this region of the Balkans is worth exploring before it gets overpopulated.

In a small radius you will find mountains, flat plains, bustling cities, quiet villages and lakes as well as seas.  From the most raucous Sunny Beach to the more sedate areas such as Sozopol, you certainly cannot get bored.  The tourist destinations in Bulgaria are cheap, with a beer costing a few pence in quieter places and a full meal, wine included, totalling around five pounds per person.  Places such as Sunny Beach – a purpose-build resort with clubs, endless little shops and plenty of beach activities – is slightly more expensive but still much cheaper than pricey holiday destinations.

Next door to Sunny Beach is Nessebar, a quaint port town with antiques shops, seafood restaurants and local folk-music bars opening when the evening draws in.

The city of Bourgas itself is a good stop-off point, as its train and bus stations will take you to most destinations around the rest of the country as well as to foreign destinations such as Athens or Istanbul.  The city is a much-loved tourist destination for Bulgarians from the bigger cities, and has a pleasant beach, lots of museums, the wonderful Sea Gardens with ice-cream parlours and fish restaurants.  There is also lots of opportunity for shopping in the large department stores of Borgas.

The airport is just a fifteen minute bus drive away from the city centre and you can arrange for pick up at the airport by a local service costing a pound compared to the taxis which might charge you up to 25 pounds.  Flights are served by Wizz Air, Balkan Air and Easyjet, and cost as little as 80 pounds in the quiet, yet still warm, season.

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Boston is a top tourist destination for American travellers, but it also has plenty to tempt international visitors as well.  One of the oldest and most historic cities in the U.S., Boston is home to a diverse population, museums, shopping, culture, and great food.

History

As one of the most important revolutionary cities in the United States and an early centre of politics, Boston is home to numerous historic landmarks.  During a stroll along the Freedom Trail visitors can see Boston Common, the Paul Revere House, the oldest public school in the country, and the Bunker Hill Monument.  In addition to the historic sites, early American architecture is prevalent throughout the city.

Arts and Culture

Boston offers visitors a range of important museums that house art, science, natural history, and aquatic life.  The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops Orchestra are world class, and the theatre district here is rivalled in the United States only by Broadway in New York City.

Shopping and Dining

For upscale shopping and art galleries, Newbury Street has plenty to offer.  Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are popular tourist stops with retail outlets, and street performers are always ready to entertain passersby.  Over the river, Harvard Square is another good shopping locale and is set in the scenic home of Harvard University, Cambridge.  Dining options are also plentiful in Boston.  Seafood features heavily in the local cuisine, which includes numerous lobster dishes and clam chowder.

Tourists, who enjoy history, shopping, fine dining, and the arts will not be disappointed with a trip to the city of Boston.

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Although Vienna, Austria is known around the world for its music and culture, there are many other interesting attractions that the city has to offer.  If this is your first visit to Vienna, then you must make a visit to the popular Schönbrunn Palace.  This lavish palace, with its grand staterooms and posh gardens, is the summer home of Empress Maria Theresia.  You should also pay a visit to Mayer am Pfarrplatz, where Beethoven composed his 6th Symphony.

For something less traditional, spend a day touring the local vineyards.  Heurigen is one of the notable wine villages near the city.  Aside from its merry musicians, it has become famous for producing Apfelstrudel, Wiener Schnitzel, and Heurigen wines.

Horse lovers will want to spend a day at the well-established Spanish Riding School.  Dating back to 1572, this riding school is one of the oldest in existence, and the last in the world where pure, classic dressage is practised.

Make time to explore the home of Sigmund Freud.  This now museum is where he lived and worked for almost 50 years.  Many of his personal possessions are on display with numerous notes that include the largest psychoanalysis library in all of Europe.

Food enthusiasts will want to head straight to the Vienna Naschmarkt.  This market, which dates back to the 16th century, has become a famous cultural melting pot in Austria.  Here you will to find all manner of culinary delights, including meats, drinks, breads, pastries, Moroccan spices, and an endless variety of cheeses from all around the world.

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This bustling and historic Southeast Asian city is the capital of Thailand, and a top tourist destination.  A regional leader in business and finance, Bangkok is also known for fashion, culture, and its nightlife.

History

The history of Thailand’s capital city goes back several centuries, and it became the country’s centre of government in 1768.  The Old City is the best place to experience some of the history of Bangkok.  Here, visitors will find some of the loveliest Buddhist temples in the world including Wat Pho and Wat Arun, as well as the Grand Palace.  Tourists will also want to visit the National Museum, which features a large collection of Thai history housed in a royal residence from the 18th century.

A Budget Holiday

Bangkok has long been a Mecca for backpackers and other travellers who are pinching pennies.  The Rattanakosin district is the place for these holiday-goers.  Free-spirited young people flock to this district for inexpensive street food and cheap hostels.

Tourist Attractions

The physical centre of Bangkok, Siam Square, has some of the newest buildings in the city.  It is the place for shopping and entertainment.  Here tourists will find numerous malls, large theatres, and the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia.  Sukhumvit also offers shopping, but in a more upscale setting.  This district is also home to fine dining, spas, and the Museum of Buddhist Art.  The district of Silom gives Bangkok its reputation for a wild nightlife.  Here, tourists will find both sleazy and swanky night time establishments.

Despite its sometimes seedy reputation, Bangkok is a truly cosmopolitan city with plenty of culture, history, shopping, and good food, and is certain to entertain any visitor.

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One of the loveliest cities in the United States, San Francisco is rich in architecture, scenery, arts and culture, and vibrant entertainment.  This famously hilly city is well worth a visit by any traveller visiting the West Coast of the United States.

Unusual Terrain

What many visitors love about San Francisco is the wildly hilly streets; the streets of San Francisco have some of the steepest inclines in the world.  Simply driving around town or taking one of the cable cars can be quite an adventure.  Lombard Street in particular is not to be missed; this street has more hairpin turns in it than any other city street in the world.

Tourist Attractions

San Francisco has a plethora of attractions that are popular with tourists.  Along the water, Fisherman’s Wharf hosts shops, restaurants, street performers, and a weekly farmer’s market.  Alcatraz Island can be viewed from many locations in the city, and visitors can take a ferry out for a tour of the infamous prison.  The Golden Gate Bridge is beautiful, although it is often obscured by fog.  Many of the vibrant neighbourhoods in San Francisco are worth a visit.  Chinatown is very lively and packed with pedestrians, and Haight-Ashbury is the historic home of the 1960s hippie movement.

Green Spaces

In spite of being a major American urban centre, San Francisco has several lovely green spaces.  The largest of these is the expansive Golden Gate Park.  Here visitors can relax in the grass, stroll through the arboretum, stop in the Japanese Tea Garden, or tour the California Academy of Sciences.

San Francisco is famous for many things, and none of them will disappoint travellers to this city.

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Those who want to visit Spain, but stay away from the major cities, would do well to consider Sitges.  Located 35 kilometres southwest of Barcelona, the Mediterranean coastal town is rich in history and culture and provides a great location for beach holidays.  It is also easily accessible from Barcelona for day trips with an excellent rail service.

The history of Sitges dates back to Roman times, and over the following centuries it was governed by a variety of rulers.  It includes an Arab castle and a medieval fort.  The old town which spreads up from the seafront is an enchanting maze of steep, winding streets which now house a wealth of restaurants, bars and shops.  The seafront has a fine selection of beaches and a promenade that stretches the length of the town.  An evening stroll along the seafront is a very popular pastime in Sitges.

Most of the town’s hotel and holiday apartments sit alongside the seafront and so provide immediate access to the beach.  Sitges hosts a spectacular carnival with a procession and street party in March which makes it a good place to visit at this time of year as well as in summer.  Horror fans also flock to the town in October for the Sitges Film Festival, which is the world’s premier festival of fantasy and horror films.

The summer weather is typically dry and sunny with temperatures around the 30°C mark.  Throughout summer, Sitges is also a popular destination for gay holidaymakers.  The nearest airport is Barcelona which can be reached by public transport as well as by a reasonably priced taxi ride.

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