Viator Travel Blog

For those who are not amused by the gleaming mountain tops of China’s snowy Chogori Peak, the historic behemoth of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or the increasingly spectacular skyline of Kuala Lumpur, there are other reasons to visit Asia than the everyday destinations that bring in millions upon millions of tourists every year.

Asia is also home to some of the strangest attractions the world has to offer, with a unique liberalism, culture and tastes for certain things that simply would not fly in the west. Here are our five favorites.

Meet Somyot Chamnanrith, one of Viator’s local experts in Chiang Mai, Thailand (and a highly rated licensed tour guide you’ll find at Viator Private Tour Guides).

With claims of over 500 unique dishes, a world-renowned chef, and inspiration dating back to the Incas, Peru is emerging as the latest in global culinary hotspots. Ranging from the sweet taste of neon-colored Inca Kola, the savory tang of a lemon zested ceviche, and the just plain unusual look of a fully cooked Guinea Pig, enjoying a meal in Peru is an experience to remember. Here are nine mouthwatering dishes to tempt your tastebuds in Peru.

Whether you’re a health fanatic or just a curious traveler on the hunt for an adventure, biking is an ideal way to explore a city. There’s nothing quite like taking in the sights and sounds of a new destination as you whip past monuments, street vendors and public parks. Due to the increased popularity of urban biking, many cities have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make easily accessible bike lanes for travelers. So, the next time you find yourself in a bike-friendly city, skip the car rental and let your legs do the driving.

Here are 10 global cities that are best seen by bike.

London takes centre stage this year thanks to its role as host for the 2012 Olympics, but that’s not the only reason to swap your money for pounds and head to Europe’s best-loved island. From the highly anticipated London 2012 Festival, a mammoth event running alongside the Olympics, to 21^st Century Beatlemania sweeping the country for the 50^th anniversary of The Beatles, there’s plenty of reasons to celebrate in the country’s capital. Here’s a rundown of 2012’s most important events.

Imagine exploring a place while soaring under a parachute, surfing the waves with dolphins or flying between gigantic trees. South Africa’s Garden Route not only boasts some of the country’s most striking scenery, it is also a premier adventure activity destination where you can do just that and more. Not an adrenalin junkie? South Africa has something for everyone regardless of the state of your nerves and you can find the best of it located along the Garden Route.

When I tell people I’m from the Seattle area their first reaction is inevitably, “Ah, Starbucks,” or, “Isn’t that where that really tall building is? The needle?” They are right – these things can be found in Seattle – so I nod my head in hesitant agreement. Even though the Space Needle is just 605 feet (184 meters) tall. But deep down I’m dying to tell them there’s more to Seattle than Microsoft; like the president’s favorite chocolates, burlesque dancers and a giant troll.

These are my top 6 things to see and do to make your Seattle trip cliché-less.

After a year living in Paris way-back-when (over the turn of the year 2000 to be exact), I figure I know the city pretty well, but like anywhere, there is always something new to discover. Here I’d like to share some of the ‘old’ places I love, as well as new things I discovered on my recent trip, plus my top tips for getting the most out of your stay in the City of Light.

Meet Shane Gouldie, one of Viator’s local experts in Johannesburg, South Africa (and a highly rated licensed tour guide you’ll find at Viator Private Tour Guides).

For travelers with a sense of adventure, it’s likely that the age-old honeymoon antics of lounging on the beach or holing up in the honeymoon suite simply won’t cut it when it comes to planning your most memorable vacation. No problem – there’s plenty of ways to up the ante and turn your post-wedding sojourn into the kind of trip that will get your blood pumping.

From zip lining and mountain-climbing to horseback riding or diving with whale sharks, these 12 locations offer the kind of adventures that will leave you reeling on adrenaline for weeks afterwards. That, and plenty of stories to make those other newlyweds jealous.