Viator Travel Blog

As a local resident I can attest to the fact that we Washingtonians live, eat and breathe politics on a daily basis, even if we don’t realize it. Not everyone who lives in Washington DC is a political junky, but it’s hard to walk around town and not be confronted with examples of the American political process in action. To see the best of American politics though, there are a few key places everyone should visit.

Millions of people descend on Washington DC every year to tour the White House, meet their Members of Congress and visit the world-famous Smithsonian Institution museums. There’s a lot more to the city though than the standard tourist route, including these family-friendly activities that are fun for visitors of all ages.

Located in the south of France, Arles is the classic French town everyone has dreamed of, including Van Gogh. When Van Gogh arrived in Arles in 1888, it was at yet another low point in his life. He was drinking too much, smoking too much and wanted to get away from Paris, which had simply worn him out. In Arles he hoped to start a utopian artists colony and invited friend Paul Gauguin to join him. What enchanted Van Gogh most about Arles and the surrounding countryside is also what captured my imagination – the vibrant colors and light. There’s just something unique about this small town in southern France that makes it an artist’s dream.

The Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Bullet Train Day Trip from Tokyo is one of the best ways to explore the diversity of Japan without sacrificing a lot of time. Our day began early but the bus was prompt as we joined our fellow day-trippers for an adventure in the Japanese countryside. Led by our veteran tour guide of thirty-five years Toko, we not only got to witness the beauty of Japan firsthand, but learned a lot about its history and culture as well.

While visiting Bangkok last time I realized I had never spent much time in the countryside surrounding the mega-city, so I booked the Private Floating Markets of Damnoen Saduak tour for a good overview of Thai village life. I honestly didn’t truly expect my own guide, even though the tour was listed as private. I’m suspicious I guess, but I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Luckily it never did and instead I had a very private and leisurely tour of the famous floating markets.