Paris, France

         Paris, "the city of love" is obviously, and rightly so, one of the most popular cities to travel to in the world. If you visit Paris, seeing the Eiffel Tower is a must. Going to the top at night and during the day allows you to indulge in two very different scenes of the city. The Louvre, home of the Mona Lisa is one of France's most prized museums. It holds antiques, sculptures, decorative arts, paintings, prints, and drawings. Notre Dame de Paris, a Catholic cathedral is also one of Paris's most famous attractions. Notre Dame is a great example of the architecture in the 1300's.

         French cuisine for breakfast includes a "quick meal" which consists of French bread with jam and either coffee or tea (children drink hot chocolate). Lunch is severed mid-day, and lasts for two hours. It includes usually a sandwich and dessert for blue-collar workers, and lunch vouchers that can be used in restaurants for white-collar workers. Dinner is served in three courses, the first is an appetizer, the second is the main course, and the last is a dessert or cheese course. Street foods are often a convenience for working people, as well as tourists who are looking to try different types of French cuisine. 

Top 10 Travel Attractions in Paris

Street Food - Nutella Crepes

The Eiffel Tower at Night

Cape Town, South Africa

         The New York Times has recently come out with its top 52 places to travel and Cape Town, South Africa made first on their list. Cape Town is not only a beautiful place, but it is also home to a very significant part of history. Nelson Mandela found inspiration at Cape Town after being incarcerated on Robben Island. From Robben Island, Mandela and was able to view Table Mountain (in Cape Town) and saw it as a symbol of hope for he would once be there and be free. After his imprisonment, the country decided to transform itself after years of inequality.

         Many visitors are drawn to the peninsula tour where you are able to view the scenic coast line as well as Table Mountain. The mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. The view from Table Mountain is said to be one of the most beautiful and epic images in Africa. The botanic gardens are also a place you should be sure not to miss. The paths through the garden provide a great hiking experience or a nice casual walk. 

        The beaches at Cape Town are ideal for people who want to spend most of their time in the sand. The waters tend to be generally cold but make a good place to cool off after a long day in the sun. 

     

Coastal View 

Night Time

Table Mountain 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

        Rio de Janeiro, the most visited city in South America lives up to its title for many reasons. As for places to see and visit, Rio de Janeiro certainly doesn't lack. The Lagoa Neighborhood is the third most expensive neighborhood in South America. The neighborhood stretches around a four mile lagoon called the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. It is a well-known area for jogging and cycling, and includes spectacular views from the many cafes it offers.

        Rio de Janeiro is also home to the Maracana Stadium, which was once the largest soccer stadium in the world. It currently seats 80,000 people and is the largest stadium in South America. It was also partially built to comply with the 2014 World Cup.

        If you're looking to explore the night life scene, the Lapa Neighborhood (located in the down town area) is where it's at. Samba, choro bars, music, and dancing are just a few of the fun activities Rio includes on weekend nights. This is also a great place to experience the local cuisine and the national drink. Typical foods include pork, beans, rice and for beach goers coconut water.

       The Christ the Redeemer Statue stands on a 2,330 foot high peak, looking over the city with its arms stretched out wide. It is considered the largest statue of its genre in the world. Visitors can either climb the hundreds of steps to get to the top or take elevators and escalators. 

Christ the Redeemer Statue 

The City at Night

Madrid, Spain

        Madrid is most famously known for its beautiful art galleries, Spanish tapas, and night life views. 

        The Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe, and is also the official home to the King of Spain. Tours of the Royal Palace include a walk through the rooms that hold vintage tapestries, furniture, and manuscripts that display the Baroque style. The architecture and view from the building are a large part of the attraction as well. This is also a cool place to visit at night. 

       The Puerta Del Sol is considered to be the best known and busiest place in Madrid. It is the center of the radial network of Spanish roads. Located in the square is the famous clock whose bells represent the twelve grapes eaten at the beginning of the new year for good luck. It also hold the monument of King Charles III and the Bear and the Madrono Tree (a symbol of Madrid). 

       The tapas in Madrid are around every corner, and usually found at "tapas bars". Tapas are all different types of snacks and appetizers. They large part of the Spanish cuisine. Tapas are served to encourage people to engage in conversation. Instead of focusing on ordering and eating a larger meal, they can talk while eating several snacks. 

       The old and new culture of Madrid make it a unique place to visit. Madrid seems like a great place to engage in different social experiences, while getting a taste of Spain. 

Madrid

Royal Palace

    Puerta Del Sol

Honolulu, Hawaii

        Honolulu, Hawaii, one of the most widely known destination capitols of the world has more to offer than just its beaches. The island of Oahu makes up 73% of the state's population and is also part of the largest mountain ranges in the world (mostly under water). When visiting Honolulu for the first time, it is said that you are overwhelmed the minute you arrive. The breath taking views, floral scenery, fresh crisp air, and vibrant water colors are just a few things visitors enjoy.

        The blended cultures of Honolulu make the museums, food, and festivals very unique. A large part of Hawaiian culture is the meals. Plate lunches include two scoops of rice, macaroni salad and kalua pork, Korean barbecue, chicken katsu, or beef teriyaki. The plate lunch offers a variety of food while representing the many cultures that make up Hawaii. The 20th Annual Honolulu Festival for 2014 included performers from the Pacific Rim, Japan, Australia, and the U.S. midland. Both modern and traditional dance, music, and arts and crafts play a large part in the festival each year.

        Apart from relaxing on the beautiful beaches, Honolulu has many different experiences to indulge in. Visiting a submarine at Pearl Harbor, learning to surf, exploring the world's largest maze, petting dolphins, and exploring the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo are some of its main attractions. Here is a link that explains the experiences Honolulu offers. Experience Honolulu is a great place to find relaxation as well as once in a life time experiences.

     

Surfing Lessons

Honolulu's Beaches

Bora Bora, Tahiti

        Although I have never been to Bora Bora, it looks like one on the most beautiful places in the world. Not often are white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, palm trees, and a relaxing/quiet environment found in such tropical place.

        Many social attractions such as jet skiing, boating during the gorgeous sunsets, island tours, shark feeding, and snorkeling are offered in Bora Bora.

        Bora Bora also includes unique bungalows located on the surface of the lagoon. Often times the flooring has small surfaces where you are able to watch the tropical fish swim underneath. The bungalows feature a balcony, view of the sunset, breakfast delivered by canoe, and a vision of the clear sky and water. This is a link to the Four Seasons Resort. Four Seasons

      The culture of the French Polynesia is well displayed on the island tours. The island can be explored either on a guided tour, or by simply driving around the island on your own. The interior can be seen on tours like the nature guide, safari guide, or while horseback riding. 

        Snorkeling and diving is one of Bora Bora's most exciting experiences. Since the water is so clear, seeing the marine life is not a problem. Gigantic manta rays, variations of brightly colored fish, and coral are only a few things you will see. 

       Bora Bora, Tahiti is one of the most exotic vacation places in the world and has so many cool experiences to offer!

Clear Water View 

The Beach

Rome, Italy

        Italy in general has always been the place I dream of visiting. Rome especially has some of the most famous monuments in the world, and attracts people from all different places. When visiting Rome, it is said that seeing the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Pantheon are just a few must see places.

        The Trevi Fountain symbolizes the power of nature and to many is considered lucky. Throwing a coin over your shoulder, and into the fountain supposedly means you will eventually visit Rome again. The Colosseum is a great taste of the Middle Ages, and is a wonderful way to experience some of Rome's history. The Vatican tour allows you will see rooms of art, cultural and religious aspects. The Pantheon was the first temple built for the people of Rome, clearly showing Roman culture. Rome is also home to one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Villa Vento. Here is a link to an interactive map of Rome. Map of Rome

        While dining in Rome, Italian favorites are located on every corner. Many restaurants provide outdoor dining and have great views. Meat, red sauces, pizza, and pastas are a large part of the cuisine. The pasta courses, as well as many of the desserts are often the highlight of the menu. Experiencing the food of Rome is often very convenient for tourists. 

        The capital of Italy sure has a lot to say for it self. Italian culture and history are abundant in Rome, and seem to make for a beautiful experience at the same time. Spending time in some of the oldest parts of the world would definitely make for a great trip! 

The Trevi Fountain

A Restaurant in Rome  

 

The Colosseum