Viator Travel Blog

The beauty of travel is finding those unexpected gems–the places, the festivals, the moments–that translate beyond travel and leave a lasting impression.

Traveling and exploring new places doesn’t mean people have to make the obligatory stops at the historic churches, national museums, and cookie-cutter hotel rooms. How about visiting a church with an interior constructed of bones? Or waking up in a cave?

It can be done.

There are so many places in the world where tourists can visit or experience something beyond the norm. Here are a few to begin with.

Mention South Devon, England to a British adult, and there’s a good chance that you’ll see a nostalgic look appear in their eyes. They’re casting themselves back to childhood summers: fishing in rockpools, cricket on the beach and arguments over ice cream. Even for adults, Devon is “getting away from it all”. So why don’t you head to the southwest and see what all the fuss is about?

Take the guided walk through the heartland of the City of London and savour the splendour of the monuments to Britain’s imperial past. Wander through cobbled streets and alleyways and be transported back in time from Saxon and Roman London to the present where towering skyscrapers stand as symbols to London’s financial strength. Finish in Brick Lane, home to the Bengali community and sample some of their world famous dishes.

With only 4 million people inhabiting an area the size of Great Britain, and blessed with arguably the most striking scenery on the planet, the Pacific outpost of New Zealand has long been a traveler’s dream destination. The perfect country for camper van touring, a well-worn circuit has been established for visitors jetting from one coastal, adventure, or cultural destination to the next.

Imagine… visiting Europe when the weather is nice, the crowds are thin and the prices are slashed. Don’t think it exists? It does. Europe’s shoulder seasons – that gorgeous time of year when the temperatures begin their climb upwards or slow descent down, windows are flung open, the water is that perfect temperature and the prices for air and lodging are firmly planted in off-season prices, despite the glorious weather – are ideal times to plan international travel.

The Malay tourist board will have you believe through its catchy jingle that Malaysia is truly Asia. Quite a bold statement considering we are talking about the world’s largest and most populous continent with 60% of the world’s population split over 48 countries. However, in their defense, if any of these ethnically, linguistically and politically diverse countries could possibly claim to represent them all, it would have to be Malaysia.

Step aboard the spacious River Liner outside the Houses of Parliament (Westminster Pier) and sit back as the sights and splendour of London unfold round every bend of your journey on the Tower of London and Thames River Sightseeing Cruise. Weave your way past the London Eye turning slowly and majestically, the Royal Festival Hall, the Tate Modern and the Globe, home to England’s most famous bard, William Shakespeare. Watch as the waterfront fills with monuments to London’s historical past: the Savoy Hotel, Cleopatra’s Needle, the Oxo Building and Billingsgate Market with St.Paul’s Cathedral dominating the skyline. Glide past HMS Belfast before disembarking in front of Tower Bridge, the most iconic of London’s landmarks.

As the capital of India, Delhi is home not only to the heart of India’s government, but also features incredible cultural opportunities and shopping at plazas such as Connaught Place. But with record of regular inhabitation since the 6th century BC, the city’s rich and layered history is worth exploring as well. Here are five key historic spots to check out during your time in the capital.

“We’d like to upgrade you to a suite.” “This flight will be arriving early.” “Admission is free today.” Some sentences are music to any traveler’s ears. But for every phrase we long to hear, there’s one we dread just as much. Here are five things you never want to hear as a traveler, and what you can do if you’re unlucky enough to hear them.

St Patrick’s Day. The one time of year where it is totally acceptable to dye beer green. And drop green coloring into bodies of water. And strut around in head-to-toe green. It’s the day of festive parades, followed by a night of even more festiveness. All of this is done for one reason: to celebrate Saint Patrick, one of Ireland’s most well-known saints.

It’s come a long way from its religious origins. In the 17^th century, St Patrick’s Day was celebrated with large feasts. Today, well, you know… it’s a secular celebration of the Irish culture. On this day, even those who aren’t Irish wear a token of green in honor of the festivities.