Backpacking around the world can be surprisingly cheap if you don’t mind roughing it at times and are willing to arrange your trip independently. For those on the tightest budget, look towards the developing world when creating your itinerary: Here you’ll find the potency of your experience in relation to the amount you spend will be far greater than any trip through expensive Western countries. If you’re tight on cash, here are some of the world’s cheapest (and best!) countries to travel in.

Note: The prices listed here are approximate and may fluctuate considerably during high seasons or festival times. The approximate daily travel budget is the lowest one can spend while eating modestly, staying in budget accommodation and rarely splurging on luxuries.

Ecuador

Quito

Besides being one of the cheapest countries to travel in Latin America, Ecuador’s stunning landscape and biodiversity more than compensate for its small size. Highlights include the Galapagos Islands, an impressive swathe of the Amazon rain forest, the Andean Sierra, culturally diverse towns and cities and the historic Colonial sector of Quito.

Accommodation:

Hostel dorm beds:  $4-$8

Hostel private rooms:  $10-$20

Budget hotel rooms: $20+

*Breakfast is often included with the room tariff, though what you get is dependent on what you’re paying for the room.

Transport:

City buses: $0.25

City taxi: $3-$4 for most trips around the city

Regional buses:  $1 per hour of travel time

Meals:

Argentine-style empanadas, skewers of chicken or carne, slices of pizza on street: $1-$2

Full street meal including meat (chicken or carne) with a small side: $2-$3

Typical restaurant set lunch with fresh juice: $2-$3

Dinner at touristy restaurant:  $5-$10+

Read about what to eat in Ecuador

Drinks:

*The cheapest way to enjoy Ecuador’s nightlife is to purchase beer or liquor from convenience stores before you hit the discotecas.

Domestic beer from convenience store: $1

Beer in bar or discoteca: $2-$3

Cocktails: $2.50-$5

Approximate daily travel budget: $20-$30

India

Indian food can be very inexpensive

India has long been a crown jewel in the budget backpacker’s travel itinerary. The country is so incredibly large and diverse that there is truly something for everyone. You can travel as grandly or as cheaply as you wish, but for backpackers it is the amount of bang you get for your buck that keeps travelers coming back again and again.

Accommodation:

Budget hotel or hostel:  $3-$5

Mid-range hotel room: $7-$15

*Hotels are usually more expensive in big cities (especially Mumbai) and tourist hot spots, and may also be influenced by season and festivals. Prices are usually negotiable, so don’t forget to bargain.

Transport:

City buses: $0.25

City taxi: $1-$2 for most cross-city trips.

Regional buses: $0.25-$0.50 per hour for public buses, $1.30 per for deluxe air-conditioned Volvos.

Regional trains: $0.50-$4.50 per 100 miles in Sleeper Class (not air-conditioned);  $2.25-$6.50 for 2nd-tier air-conditioned sleeper; $1.95-$4.60 for First Class non-air-conditioned chair car.

*Within towns, public transport costs literally pennies, but they are often confusing and slow, so you’ll usually be hiring a taxi. Always book ahead for both regional trains and buses.

Read about train travel in India

Meals:

Street meal: $0.50-$1.50

Meal in a budget restaurant: $2-$5

Drinks:

Masala chai: $0.20 in the street, $0.60 in restaurants.

Cup of coffee: $1.00-$1.50.

Beer: $3.00 in a budget restaurant, $5-$7 in in a bar in Delhi or Mumbai.

Local wine: $12-$20.

Approximate daily travel budget: $15-$25

Thailand

Thailand’s world-class beaches are surprisingly affordable to visit

The friendly culture, great cuisine, comely beaches, world-class dive destinations and rock-bottom prices have all made Thailand one of the world’s most visited nations. Though many of the most popular places are full of foreign tourists, there are still plenty of places to be explored that are completely off the common travel routes. Highlights include the temples and palaces of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and the impressive ruins of Sukhothai.

Accommodation:

Hostel dorm bed:  $3.50-$6.50

Budget double room:  $6.50-$9.50 with fan, $10-$16.50 with air-conditioning

Single room in midrange hotel: $20-$35.

Transport:

City buses: Less than $1 for most trips

City taxi: Fares begin at $1. A ride around a city such as Bangkok should cost no more than $5.

Regional buses:  $1.50-$2.25 per hour of travel

Motorbike Rental: $6.50 per day

1st Class Sleeper Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (12 hours): $40

Same ride in 3rd class: $8.50

Read about bus travel in Thailand

Meals:

Modest street meal:  $1-$1.50

Full street meal including meat/fish/chicken and veggies: $2-$6.62

Meal at air-conditioned Thai food restaurant: $3.50-$6.50

Drinks:

Big bottle of local beer from a convenient store: $1.50-$2

Beer in small local bar: $3.50

Beer in fancy Bangkok nightclub: $5

Cup of coffee in a cafe: $1.70

Approximate daily travel budget: $15-$30

Turkey

You don’t have to spend a lot to have a good time in Turkey

Turkey is the melting pot of East and West. Astride two continents, bordered on three sides by seas and full of the ruins of ancient civilizations, one could spend a lifetime exploring this incredible country. Whether you’re a culture vulture come to admire the grandiose architecture of Istanbul or a trekker seeking to explore Anatolia’s ancient countryside, there’s something for everyone – and on a budget that won’t wreck you.

Accommodation:

Hostel dorm bed:  $9-$15

Budget room in pension:  $13.50-$25

*Breakfast is sometimes included with the room tariff, though what you get is dependent on what you’re paying for the room. Room prices in budget hotels are almost always negotiable.

Transport:

City buses/subway: $0.75 per journey

City taxi: $1.34 to start, $0.75 for each kilometer traveled

Regional bus sample fares: Istanbul-Adana (940km, 13 hours) $27-$38; Istanbul-Anakara (450km, 6 hours) $13.50-$30; Istanbul-Cappadocia (730km, 11 hours) $10-$15.50

Regional trains: Istanbul-Ankara $16.50/$45 daytime coach/ private compartment in sleeper train.

Read about train travel in Turkey

Meals:

Meat/chicken kebab wrap off street: $1.50-$2.75

Set meal in budget restaurant: $3.50

Typical restaurant kebab with pilav and veggies: $5.50-$8.25

Drinks:

Domestic beer from convenience store: $1

50cl Beer: $1.50 from Tekel, $2.75 in bar, $5-$7 in night club.

Glass of local raki in meyhane: $4.50-$6.50

Turkish coffee in cafe: $1.50

Approximate daily travel budget: $25-$40

Indonesia

Indonesia is an enormous archipelago of over 17,000 islands, each with its own distinct natural environment, culture, traditions and ethnic groups. It is a country where you can lounge for hours on a pristine island, see orangutans in the wild and climb a volcano all within a single day.

Accommodation:

Budget hotel room: $8-$15 in Jakarta, $2.50-$5.00 outside tourist-orientated islands like Bali.

Budget double room with air-conditioning: $10-$20

Transport:

Passenger Ferries: Gilimanuk (western Bali) to Ketapang (Java): $0.61

Padang Bai (East Bali) to Lembar Harbour (Southwest Lombok) $3.70

Economy class overnight train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta: $12.63

Domestic flights:  Many destinations under $100

Motorcycle rental:  $5-$8 a day.

Meals:

Modest plate / noodles (street): $0.50-$1.75

Large plate with side dishes (street): $1.75–$4

Sit-down restaurant:  ($2.50–$5.75)

Fancy restaurants: $5.75–$11.50)

Drinks:

1.5-liter bottle of mineral water: $0.50

Local beer at cheap convenience store: $1.15-$1.75

Cocktail/beer at bar/restaurant: $2.30-$5.75

Approximate daily travel budget: $15-$25

Nicaragua

Granada

Nicaragua is in many respects the cheapest place to travel in the Americas. Bargains abound, and the crowds that drive up prices and pack the country’s best sites have yet to arrive en masse (as they have in other Central American countries) Highlights include the volcanic island of Ometepe and the colonial city of Granada.

Accommodation:

Hostel dorm bed (often including basic breakfast and internet): $3–$8

Double room: $6–$15 with shared bathroom, $10–$30 with private bath and A/C

Transport:

Local city bus: $0.15–$0.25

Express bus: $.060-$0.80 per hour of travel

Express minibus: $1-$2 between most cities

Taxi ride: $0.50-$4 within city limits

First-class air-conditioned overnight ferry from Granada to San Miguelito: $9

Meals:

Meal on the street: $1.50–$3

Basic lunch at a restaurant: $2.50–$7

All-you-can eat buffet: $4–$8

Fancy restaurant: $7–$15

Drinks:

Flor de Caña rum (7-year): $4–$9 per liter

Cheap local rum: $1-$2.50 per liter

Liter-sized beer in a bar: $1.50 – $2

Coffee: 50 cents to $1 a cup, from good local beans

Approximate daily travel budget: $15-$25

Costa Rica

Find activities for cheap in Costa Rica

With its generous offering of volcanoes, national parks, exotic wildlife, pristine rainforest and some of the world’s finest beaches, Costa Rica is one the best budget travel destinations in the world. The ease of travel and the wide range of activities on offer at affordable rates have made the country justifiably popular for both backpackers and luxury tourists alike.

Accommodation:

Hostel dorm bed: $10–$30

Hostel private rooms: $14–$50

Budget hotel rooms: $15+

Jungle cottage or treehouse: $45–$200

Transport:

Taxi within city limits: $3–$12

Regional bus: $0.50–$30

Rental car: Begin at $40 per day, including fees and insurances, plus gas ($5.66/gallon)

Domestic flights between major cities: $35+

Meals:

Empanada or pastelillo on the street: $1.20

Casado (typical Costa Rican dish) with fresh juice: $4–$5

Dinner at touristy restaurant: $25-$40)

Drinks:

Fresh fruit juice: $1.50

Domestic beer from convenience store: $1.20

Domestic beer in bar/club: $2–$4

Cocktails: $3–$7

*Most clubs charge of cover of $5-$15. The cheapest way to drink is to buy domestic or liquor from a convenience store and drink it on the beach. Drinking in public is legal in Costa Rica.

Approximate daily travel budget: $35+

Bolivia

Bolivia. Photo courtesy of David Jennings.

With its stunning mountainous scenery, rustic villages and the largest indigenous population in South America, Bolivia is truly a gem. Highlights include the hallucinatory Salar de Uyuni (Earth’s largest salt flat), the mining town of Potosi and La Paz – the highest capital city in the world.

Accommodation:

Hostel dorm bed: $6-$12

One-star hotel: $8

Two-star hotel: $15-25

*Breakfast is often included with the room tariff.

Transport:

Five-minute taxi ride: $1

Public city bus: $0.20 per ride

First class regional bus: $2 per hour

Meals:

Grilled Guinea Pig: $10

Set lunch at a local restaurant: $2-$3

Mid-level restaurant: $5-$10

Steak at a nice restaurant: $15

Drinks:

Cup of coffee: $0.50-$1

Six pack of Paceña from shop: $4

A bottle of Paceña beer at a restaurant/bar: $2

Approximate daily travel budget: $15-$30

Cambodia

Bayon Temple in the Angkor Wat Temple Complex

Most travelers are drawn to Cambodia by the justifiably famous temple complex of Angkor Wat, but those able to spend more than a few days in the country will find that this small Southeast Asian Kingdom has much more to offer – and on a budget that is among the lowest in the world.

Accommodation:

Double room with fan: $4–$5

Double room with air-conditioning: $6–$8

Mid-range hotel: $10–$20

Transport:

3-8 mile ride on motorcycle taxi: $1

Tuk tuk: $1 for most rides around town

Regional Buses: $0.75-$1.50 per hour of travel

Meals:

Meal on street or in market: $0.75–$1.50

Sandwich on street: $0.50

Nicer sit-down restaurants: $2.50–$5

Drinks:

Liter of mineral water: $0.50

Local coffee: $0.50

Coffee at touristy cafe: $2

Big bottle of Angkor beer: $1-$1.25

Draft beer: $0.50-$0.75

Approximate daily travel budget: $15–$25

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka can be a bit more expensive than India and other Southeast Asian countries, but the costs are still reasonable and the country is a truly remarkable place to visit. Highlights include the bustling Colombo, the Cultural Triangle of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Galle, and the natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna of Yala National Park.

Accommodation:

Bed in a dorm room: $3.50–$7.25

Double room (two people): $9–$14

*Prices close to tourist hotspots may be higher, but drops considerably out of season..

Transport:

Regional buses: $0.25-$0.75 per hour of travel.

Semi-Luxury overnight bus, Kandy to Jaffna (8 hours): $4.25

3rd-class train: $0.35 per hour of travel

Local city bus: $0.15-$0.30 per ride

Tuk tuk: $3 for a five-mile ride

Meals:

Veg curry and rice: $1

Fish curry and rice: $1.50

Plate of kottu: $1

Dinner at mid-range restaurant: $3-$5

Dinner at luxury restaurant: $17

Drinks:

One liter bottled mineral water: $0.55

Local coffee: $0.75

Local beer: $1.50

Approximate daily travel budget: $15-30

Laos

A relaxing and quiet respite from the bustling Southeast Asian countries that surround it, many travelers go to Laos to escape the crowds and chill out – but the country more to offer than relaxation! Mountainous, culturally diverse and historically fascinating, Laos has more than enough archaeological sites, traditional villages and natural beauty to merit an extended trip, especially for those on a budget.

Accommodation:

Double room with fan: $3.75-$7.50

Double room with air-conditioning: $7.50-$12

Transport:

Regional buses:  $1-$1.50 per hour of travel time

Songthaews: $1.25-$2.50 per hour of travel time

Rent a motorcycle for a day: $7.50-$10

Meals:

Average street meal: $1.25

Green papaya salad, sticky rice and grilled fish on street: $3.75

Baguette sandwich: $0.75

Fancy sit down restaurants in touristy area: $6.25–$12.50

Drinks:

640 ml bottle of Beerlao: $1–$1.25

1.5–liter bottle of mineral water: $0.65

Drink in a bar: $1.25–$2.50

Approximate daily travel budget: $10–$25+

- David Jennings

The World’s Cheapest Countries for Backpackers by David Jennings from Viator Travel Blog

Guatemala might not be what comes to mind when you think of ‘travel with kids’, but this small Central American country actually has a lot to offer when it comes to family friendly travel.

Guatemala’s rich history and culture, not to mention their varied terrain and climate, make this a destination for children that’s not only fun, but educational as well. Inexpensive, ample public transportation, and lots to see, makes visiting Guatemala an ideal stopping place for families who want a little more out of their next family vacation.

Here’s a few of the best places to take kids in Guatemala:

1. Tikal

Tikal

What I like to call ‘The Real Magic Kingdom’, Tikal is a mystical place, filled with towering, ancient ruins, buried in deep jungle and alive with exotic wildlife like coatimundis and howler monkeys.

One of the largest ruins of the ancient Mayan civilizations and a UNESCO world heritage site, (not to mention famous for being scenery in a Star Wars movie), Tikal is one of those ‘must sees’. A vast complex consisting of temples, pyramids, and the ruins of palaces and other dwellings, this site has an ‘otherworldly’ feel which seems to transport you back into time.

It might be a challenge to get the kids out of bed early, but it’s well worth the effort. (I recommend staying right in the park, either camping, or at the hotel.) With fewer people and cooler temperatures in the earlier morning hours, they’ll be able to run and climb to their hearts content, and have a better chance at spotting some monkeys and coatis eating their breakfast, wild turkeys hiding in the brush, and maybe even a jaguar.

By the time you’ve explored the lofty temple pyramids and myriad jungle paths, you’ll be ready to leave just as the tourist buses are arriving (and the heat is increasing).

Tikal is located in Northern Guatemala, bordering Belize. You can get there via plane or bus from Guatemala City or Belize City. It’s definitely one of the best day trips in Guatemala.

2. Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan

The deepest lake in Central America, Lake Atitlan has also been called one of the most beautiful in the world. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, it’s majestically flanked on the south by three volcanoes — Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro.

Lake Atitlan offers lots of amusements for kids in the towns surrounding the lake — from ziplining in Panajachel at the Atitlan Nature Reserve, to jumping off the ‘trampoline’ and swimming in the Lake at San Marcos (make sure to stop by the bookstore to read some books and buy some fresh baked bread. You can’t miss it, it’s on the ‘corner’ in the small alleyway that leads from the boat dock to the main part of town.)

If you want more of the local experience, take a little trip to Santa Catarina and visit the local artisans, or take a boat ride to Santiago, the largest but most authentic city on the lake.

Lake Atitlan is located in the southwest of Guatemala, about 3 hours from Guatemala City. You can get there via public bus, or private transportation.

3. Quetzaltenango (Xela – Shay-law)

The second largest city in Guatemala, Xela is said to have been already 300 years old by the time the Spanish arrived. Considered the ‘soul of the culture’, Xela boasts lively music such as jazz and blues, as well as by local artists playing in the traditional style.

Xela is also a popular destination for travelers who want to learn Spanish, since it’s home to many Spanish schools. If you plan to take a trip here, then you should definitely take the kids to El Baul. It’s located on the mountain east of the city, and has the biggest slides you’ve ever seen! (Don’t worry if you have little ones, there are small slides too.)

Prepare to have a ton of fun as you race to the bottom. Bring lunch for a picnic (there are tables), and get a great view of the entire city — especially on a clear day.

4. Fuentes Georginas – Reu

Fuentes de Georgina. Photo courtesy of couloir via Flickr.

If you visit Xela, it’s definitely worth taking a trip to Fuentes Georginas, only an hour south of the city.

Nestled in the mountains, the temperatures can get chilly, but it makes the hot springs that much more enjoyable.

There’s multiple options for your relaxing pleasure, including al natural which is reached via a 10 minute hike to the valley below the resort. Or if you prefer, you can hang out poolside (actually 3 pools of varying temperature) which is where you’ll also find the restaurant, dressing rooms and bathrooms. There’s something for everyone, ensuring that all in the family will have a great time.

Simple accommodations and camping are available, otherwise plan to return to Xela (or press on to Xocomil) for the night.

5. Xocomil

Xocomil Waterpark

Only 30 minutes further south from Fuentes Georginas (about 1 ½ hours from Xela), in Retalhue (Reu for short) is Guatemala’s largest waterpark.

You may be thinking, “If I wanted to go to a waterpark, I could do that back home.” But Xocomil (pronounced Sho-ko-meel) is one of the largest and nicest waterparks I’ve ever seen — and if you go at the right time, you might have the place almost to yourself.

Located in the lower elevations, the temperature is much warmer than the highlands, and urges you to play in the refreshing water coursing through one of the multiple kiddie pools, wave pools, lazy river, or dozens of slides/rides.

Xocomil is open Wednesday through Sunday (10am during the week, and 9am on the weekend). The school year is January to October in Guatemala, and if you visit on a weekday during those months, your family might be the only ones there — you’re own private waterpark. The cost is about $13 for adults (anyone taller than 3 feet), and $6.50 for kids. Under age 3 is free.

You can stay in the waterpark for the night (camping or hotel available), or across the street at one of the many nice hotels.

6. The beach

Sipicate Beach

What kid doesn’t love to chase waves and build sandcastles? What parent doesn’t love the wide open spaces and ‘white noise’ of the ocean?

Although Guatemala doesn’t have the most beautiful beaches in the world, it does have over 155 miles just on the Pacific Coast. Much of this coastline is black or dark brown sand. Be cautious of the undercurrents, they can be strong. The further south you travel (closer to El Salvador’s border) the more the beaches flatten out and the waves calm down a bit.

Sipicate is a small, laid back surfing town. Monterricco is more of a tourist destination and offers more accommodations and restaurants (and from November to January you can see baby turtles released from the nature preserve there in town.) If you’re looking for a ‘real’ local experience, try visiting a tiny place like Chapeton where you’ll only be sharing the beach with the local fisherman.

Chapeton beach

The beaches can be reached by taking any southern roads running perpendicular to highway CA2. Tourist vans make regular trips to Monterricco from cities such as Panajachel, Antigua or Guatemala City.

Book an adventure in Guatemala.

-Rachel Denning

Best Places to Take Kids in Guatemala by Rachel Denning from Viator Travel Blog

London VIP Tour

Walking up the 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery at St. Paul’s Cathedral, I can’t really complain because it’s impressive no matter how many times you see it, but I could practically give this tour by now with the number of times I have.

Then, about ten steps away from the top, Janet, our St. Paul’s tour guide, unlocks an unmarked door to the right and notions for our group of eight enter.

Things just got interesting.

I notice people trying to look in and staring at our group as we enter an area of St. Paul’s I never knew existed: the Triforium. This section of the church, which is not generally open to the public, is basically backstage to the cathedral. Leading us through this private section of a London icon, Janet shows us the Geometric Staircase, which was a film location in “Harry Potter: the Prisoner of Azkaban”, and to see the wooden model for St. Paul’s Cathedral that Christopher Wren pitched to King Charles II before the architect was given permission to build.

Staring into a perfectly crafted wooden dollhouse of St. Paul’s, which takes up an entire room, I realize just how special this tour is and just how few people get to see London this way.

The Exclusive-Access Tour to The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and The View from The Shard, a VIP experience only available on Viator, will have people seeing three of London’s most popular attractions as well ceremonies and areas of these attractions that aren’t generally open to the public, all led by expert tour guides.

I arrive at Tower Hill at 8:20 am to meet Norma, my Blue Badge Guide for the day.

What does it mean to be a Blue Badge Guide?

It’s a national association of tour guides in the United Kingdom that are highly trained and certified in tourism. They receive special access to some of London’s top sites and attractions. Only those with a Blue Badge are allowed to conduct tours at places like The Tower of London, Parliament and Windsor Castle.

The Tower of London

Norma’s Blue Badge gives our group permission to enter The Tower of London before it even opens to the public at 9 am. We’re the only people not working inside the Tower gates at 8:45 am to see its Ceremony of the Keys, which consists of the Sergeant Yeoman accompanied by the Queen’s Guard, taking the Queen’s Keys to open the main entrance of The Tower to the public. Greeted at the River Thames entrance by a Beefeater, or Yeoman Warden as they’re traditionally called, our group is led to the Traitors’ Gate to watch the 700 year tradition.

Beefeater guard explaining the ceremony.

Before watching the ceremony, our Beefeater guide explains where the name of this military ranking came from, what military men must accomplish to become a Beefeater at The Tower of London and that about 45 families of the rank live in the Tower. The ceremony only runs for about five minutes. It feels quite surreal to stand in an empty and quiet Tower (it’s usually packed with tourists) and watch such an old tradition next to a traditionally dressed military man.

Walking to open the main entrance

As soon as the ceremony ends, crowds of tourists seem to take over The Tower in seconds. We say goodbye to our Beefeater and Norma takes the group to a quiet section of the Tower to tell us more about its history.

She gives everyone about an hour to wander the grounds on their own. In this time, I see the Crown Jewels and tour White Tower. The Crown Jewels are a royal ceremonial jewelry collection, including The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross and St. Edward’s Crown, both used for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. The crown is decorated with the Cullinan Diamond of South Africa, which is the largest diamond in the world. White Tower is the main structure on the grounds and also the oldest. Built for William the Conquerer in 1075, White Tower served mainly for military purposes, but did have accommodation to suit a king. Today, it houses several historical exhibits.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral

It’s about a 45 minute walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral, our next stop on the tour. Along the way Norma points out important buildings and tells us how they contributed to London’s history.

Upon arrival at St. Paul’s she tells us that the current cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after Old St. Paul’s Cathedral burned down in the Great Fire of London in 1666. She talks about Wren and how he changed London’s skyline forever by featuring a dome instead of a spire, the dominant feature of Old St. Paul’s, on his new cathedral.

She explains what an important symbol St. Paul’s was to London during WWII and how residents slept in the church and would put out fires from bombs with sand to ensure the icon was not destroyed. She leads us around the American Chapel. Dedicated to American soldiers who fought in Europe during WWII, this was a new edition to the church after the original area was destroyed by bomb during WWII.

Then, she lets Janet, a St. Paul’s guide with over ten years experience, take over the tour for a bit. As you know from the start of this article, Janet leads us on a tour of St. Paul’s that most don’t even know about. The Triforium of St. Paul’s is imperative to the frame of the structure, but sort of serves as a storage area, though that phrase doesn’t do it justice in anyway.

Storage area to most means attic full of junk. Storage area to St. Paul’s means a secret library that houses rare books from the 17th and 18th centuries and prior, artifacts from Old St. Paul’s and more.

First Janet shows us around the structure. We see behind St. Paul’s famous dome and she points out a cork, which patches up a hole where the rope went through for painter Sir James Thornhill to attach himself to while painting the scenes of St. Paul’s life onto the dome’s interior. She points to a room next to the dome that was used for Wren’s office while building the church.

While learning about the church’s structure and little hidden areas, the church library keeper walks by and Janet asks if the tour group can have a quick look.

As he unlocks and opens the doors the smell of old books hits me. My mouth drops as I walk from what is essentially a bare bones clay and dusty hallway into this secret library with high ceilings, the top half white stone with large windows and the bottom completely decorated in dark wood. Filled bookshelves line the walls in two stories, the top accessible by a and balcony-like walk way. Tables on the bottom are covered in books, papers and sculptures of important men in the church’s history. Paintings and photos, including a very famous one from the “Daily Mail” taken of St. Paul’s during the Blitz, leans against these tables.

The library keeper gives us some background on the design and collection. He says the rarest and most unique book to the collection is William Tyndale’s New Testament, which is the first translation of this half of the Bible from Latin to English. Producing the scripture in anything other than Latin during the 13th century, the time of its publication, was considered blasphemous, so copies were burned then, even in front of St. Paul’s. Only three original copies are known of and one lives in St. Paul’s library.

I really don’t want to leave the room, but Janet continues to guide us around the Triforium and the tour continues to get better. The next stop is the Geometric Staircase. There are 88 steps leading from the Dean’s entrance to the top, where our group looks down to a star in the tiles at the bottom. This stairwell appeared in “Harry Potter: The Prisoner of Azkaban”. Janet even lets us take photos of this stop on the tour, which is generally not permitted in St. Paul’s.

The Geometric Staircase

We cross the main entrance to the cathedral and have a quick look at what Janet calls “The BBC television camera crew spot”. This is where camera crews film during events at the cathedral, like Margaret Thatcher’s funeral recently. After taking a few photos from here she points out some things in storage on the other side and leads us to a room that was meant to be another library, but now houses Wren’s original model of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Wren’s original model of St. Paul’s Cathedral

The room is known as Nelson’s Trophy Room, because it kept all of Admiral Nelson’s trophies during his funeral. The famed military leader who died during the Battle of Trafalgar is buried in the Crypt at St. Paul’s. None of his trophies are there today. In fact, I don’t know where they would fit with Wren’s model taking up the entire room.

The model features two domes, but as you know he only ended up building one. It’s made of dark wood and includes chiselled details on the outside and inside. I even saw pained feathers on the inside. It’s so large people can actually stand inside of it by entering through doors on the table it sits, though they don’t allow that anymore.

We finish off our tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral by visiting the Whispering Gallery and eating lunch at the restaurant in the Crypt area, a two-course meal is included in the tour. Our’s consisted of pea and watercress soup and goats cheese and sun-dried tomato ravioli. It’s not your average museum food.

View at the Shard

The Shard

After lunch, Norma leads us on another 45 minute walking tour across the Millennium Bridge, along the River Thames and through the Medieval alleyways of Southwark, on the way see The View at The Shard.

Throughout the tour different guides and professionals kept commenting on how they hadn’t even been to The Shard yet and were eager to visit.

What can you say about it?

It’s the tallest building in London and the Shard offers the irrefutable best views of the city. Plus, it’s an interesting addition to a skyline of contrasting structures.

The Shard

A clean cut, skinny, glass pyramid, people can travel up 72 floors of this 2012 addition to the London skyline. The View at the top of The Shard includes two levels, one of the 69th floor, which is closed-in by glass, and one on the 72nd which is open to the elements slightly at the top. From here you have a complete view of the city for as far as your eyes can see. I especially liked seeing how much the River Thames winds and bends through the middle of the city. Use modern telescopes for a closer look at double decker buses and people bustling along below. Instead of looking into binoculars, you look down on a screen and point to areas you want a closer view.

View from the Shard

We’re very lucky to have clear skies and sun for our visit to The Shard, the whole day for that matter. I think this is an activity where people should really wait for a clear day, because it’s expensive (?29.95 per adult) and the weather in London is known to be foggy.

Norma finishes the tour at 4pm just when I start to feel tired. The whole day went at a perfect pace and includes just the right amount of activities. On top of the tour being VIP, I think one of its other selling points is the parallels in London architecture it presents.

View from the Shard

One of the things visitors to London notice most about the city is how different the buildings are, stone structures from the 11th century juxtaposed against the modern, glass skyscrapers of today. It’s a dominant characteristic to London and one fully experienced on this tour as it features the new (The Shard 2012), the old (St. Paul’s 1710) and even older that that (Tower of London 1075).

It’s priced quite on point with that attractions is includes and caliber of guides ($218.86). Plus, the London VIP Tour  includes things offered in the city that you just can buy on your own, it’s literally not possible. So it’s worth the value.

Book the Viator VIP: Exclusive-Access Tour to The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and The View from The Shard

-Bobbi Lee Hitchon

London VIP Tour by Bobbi Lee Hitchon from Viator Travel Blog

For those engaged to get married, having a destination wedding is a great way to make your special day even more memorable. Not only can you choose your ideal setting to say your vows, but it allows you to keep costs down by having a more intimate guest list. Where you should hold the ceremony will depend on your couple personality as well as what kind of experience you’re looking for. To help you narrow down the choices, here are our picks for the 10 best destination wedding locations.

1. Moorea, French Polynesia 

It’s not hard to have a beautiful wedding in Moorea

Moorea isn’t a heart-shaped island for nothing. Surrounded by crystalline blue lagoons, coral reefs and jagged mountain peaks, the island is the epitome of romance as you’ll find glistening waterfalls, white sand palm-fringed beaches, expansive meadows, hibiscus gardens and birds of paradise about the tropical island. Moreover, while many people think Bora Bora (which is also stunning) is the best place to get married in Tahiti, Moorea actually has more to do on the island and caters to a wider range of budgets.

At one time foreigners could not have a legally-binding marriage in Tahiti, but since 2010, American and Canadian couples have been able to legally get married on the islands of Tahiti, and many travel agencies, tour companies, cruise lines and accommodations are now catering to that. In order to be married in Tahiti, you must be 18 years or older and cannot be a French citizen. Moreover, you and your partner must be of opposite sexes and cannot be directly related.

The process itself takes about three to five months and requires several documents including a “Marriage of Foreign Citizens in French Polynesia” application; a signed and dated letter by both future spouses; a copy of both spouses’ passports; a certified copy of both spouses’ birth certificates; a Certificate of Non-Marital Status and a photocopy of bills for both spouses proving residency – with all forms translated into French and legalized by the French Consulate.

Moorea is also a great destination wedding spot because there are many things to do on the island. First of all, it is a world-renowned destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, and is often called the “Land of the Shark” by locals as you can swim with at least four species of shark — the blacktip shark, whitetip shark, grey shark and lemon shark. One of the best spots for snorkeling on Moorea is Tiki Point, which is also great for whale and dolphin spotting.

Furthermore, don’t leave Moorea without getting a great aerial view, which you can do by heading to Belvedere Lookout. From there you’ll be able to see the beautiful Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay, Mount Rotui and the fertile Opunohu Valley. Other worthwhile activities on the island include hiking to Afareaitu Waterfalls, kayaking to Motu Fareone or Motu Tiahura from Tiahura, visiting the local fruit plantations, shopping for black pearls, lounging on Temae Beach and skydiving.

Best For: Those who want something intimate, elegant yet relaxed and out-of-the-norm with traditional Polynesian rituals.

2. Saint Lucia, Caribbean

A wedding in St Lucia. Photo credit: LisaRoxy via Flickr.

Renowned as being one of the most romantic destinations in the world, Saint Lucia is not only beautiful and full of romantic activities, it’s also an easy flight from the East Coast (JetBlue operates a four-hour direct flight from JFK). Moreover, it has something to offer for all types of couples, whether you and your special someone are looking for some outdoor adventure with rainforest hiking, scuba diving, ziplining and ATVing or just want to relax on the beach or enjoy unlimited drinks at an all-inclusive resort.

The process to get married in Saint Lucia is relatively simple. You’ll need to be in Saint Lucia for two days before the wedding, as this is when a local Solicitor can apply for a license on your behalf. It’s smart to arrive about a week beforehand to leave room for error and give yourself time to make sure everything is set. Generally, it is recommended the Attorney General receive your application about four working days before the wedding date. Documentation you will need to bring with you includes a passport and birth certificate, both in English. If one of the spouses has ever been divorced a Decree Absolute is needed, if a name has been chanced a Deed Poll is required and if a spouse is a widow a Death Certificate of the first spouse is needed.

While Saint Lucia has the white sand beaches and billowing palms that the Caribbean is known for, it also has lush rainforest, rugged mountains, the world’s only drive-in volcano, sulfur springs and a diverse landscape that can be explored in many ways. For a mix of adventure and culture, head to Morne Coubaril Estate for some ziplining, a cocoa estate tour and a buffet lunch offering traditional Saint Lucia specialties like jerk chicken, ground provisions, green fig and salt fish, and fresh squeezed juices.

Moreover, Saint Lucia has a rich chocolate culture, which is best experienced at Hotel Chocolat where you can get a chocolate spa treatment, enjoy a cocoa-inspired meal, make your own chocolate and tour a cocoa plantation. Of course, no trip to Saint Lucia would be complete without spending some time in the water. Head to one of the island’s beautiful and secluded beaches for snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing or sign up to go on a diving trip.

Best For: Those who want a mix of relaxation and adventure in a lush and unspoiled tropical destination. Additionally, those looking for a quick Caribbean wedding will like the fact Saint Lucia offers a same-day marriage license similar to Las Vegas.

3. The Grand Canyon

While the Caribbean can immerse you in the romance of a tropical island, the Grand Canyon provides an atmosphere that is truly one-of-a-kind. Although words like “breathtaking” and “awe-inspiring” tend to get overused, the Grand Canyon is one of a few destinations that warrant their use. You and your special someone can exchange your vows while immersed in unworldly geological formations of all different colors and shapes featuring a multitude of dramatic peaks, buttes, ravines and gorges. Additionally, many newlyweds like to enhance their wedding with a scenic helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon before the ceremony.

Not only is the Grand Canyon a beautiful place to have a destination wedding, the planning and paperwork process is very simple. First you’ll need to get an Arizona marriage license (you do not need to be an Arizona resident to do this although you will need to get it in an Arizona courthouse), which you will receive on the same day in just a few hours. You and your fiance should both be present and have some form of identification with your birthdate on it, as well as $72 in cash, check or credit card for the fee. A Special Use Permit from the park is needed and costs $175.

Read more about getting married at the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon is home dozens of great hiking trails, like the Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail and the Hermit Trail. The Colorado River provides the perfect place to take a whitewater or smoothwater rafting trip, and you can also experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a translucent platform that allows you to stand 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) over the canyon floor. You can visit the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Havasu Falls, the historic Cameron Trading Post in the Navajo nation and the free-to-enter Tusayan Museum and Tusayan Ruins to see artifacts, traditional handicrafts, original 4,000-year-old split-twig figurines, 800+ year-old ruins.

Best For: Those who love outdoor adventure and want to get married in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

4. Tobago, Caribbean

Getting married on a boat in Tobago. Photo credit: Jed Scattergood via Flickr.

Part of Trinidad & Tobago, Tobago is a tropical paradise filled with resorts, white sand beaches, coral reefs and local culture rooted in African traditions. The island emits a care-free Caribbean vibe, and glimmers with pristine natural beauty. Moreover, locals tend to get very excited about weddings and will be interested to learn more about yours, so you’ll really feel like a star on your special day.

To get married in Tobago, you and your partner must both be on the island for three full days (not counting your arrival day) before you can apply for a Tobago wedding license. Twenty-four hours later it is possible to hold the ceremony. When applying both parties must be present and have their passports and airline ticket for proof of entry. If either spouse has ever been married before, proof of death of the prior spouse or a divorce decree is needed.

The island of Tobago is full of fun things for brides, grooms and their guests to enjoy. If you’re not certified to dive Tobago is a good place to take a PADI Dive Course, as it’s home to enormous coral reefs abundant with marine life, shipwrecks and an array of dive styles. Speyside is home to the tranquil underwater Japanese Gardens, one of the world’s largest pieces of brain coral, and an array of corals teeming with fish like parrot fish, trigger fish, angel fish, eels and manta rays. Buccoo Reef is the largest coral reef in Tobago and visitors can see beautiful coral gardens of Star Coral, Elkhorn Coral, brain coral, Starlet Coral and more.

At Pigeon Point, visitors can enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful beaches as well as water sports like stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, wind surfing and kitesurfing. Land-based activities also abound. Have a traditional lunch over water views at Jemma’s Treehouse Restaurant, enjoy a leisurely rainforest stroll to Argyle Falls, feed wildlife at Genesis Nature Park and try to spot about 270 bird species at Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the world’s “oldest legally protected forest reserve geared specifically towards a conservation purpose.”

Best For: Scuba diving, snorkeling and bird-watching enthusiasts. It’s also great for those looking for a budget-friendly Caribbean destination with a laid-back vibe and old-world charm and hospitality.

Read more about things to do in Trinidad and Tobago

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

Getting married with Elvis in Las Vegas

There are many reasons why people would choose to get married in Las Vegas, some of which include wanting to get married quickly, have a quirky ceremony (where else can you get married by Elvis?), get married on a budget or not make too big a deal out of the event. It’s also the land of the spontaneous impromptu wedding as there is probably no easier place in the world to get married than Las Vegas. In fact, there’s no waiting period, and you have the option to have a “drive thru ceremony” (similar to a drive-thru restaurant). In relation to most destination and at-home weddings Las Vegas is relatively cheap, as you can have a nice ceremony for less than $500.

The process for getting married in Las Vegas is very simple. As long as both parties are of opposite sex, at least 18 years of age and not directly related, all that is needed is to get a Marriage License prior to the ceremony from the Marriage Bureau. Both spouses should bring some form of ID (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport) and $60 cash. There is no waiting period.

Las Vegas is full of things to do before and after the wedding. Entertainment, nightlife and casinos are a big part of the local culture, and it can be fun to walk the strip and hotel/casino hop to see what unique offerings can be found. For example, at the Bellagio you can wander through their beautiful botanical gardens, take in a dancing fountain show and see the world’s tallest chocolate fountain. Moreover, at the Mirage you can see white tigers, an aquarium with sharks, fish, stingrays and eels, and an explosive outdoor volcano show. The best part is most of the hotel attractions are free or inexpensive to enjoy. There are also a wide variety of shows with big name performers you can see (usually these are ticketed performances). And despite its reputation for hardcore partying, Las Vegas also has an array of museums and cultural experiences like the Atomic Testing Museum, Carroll Shelby Museum, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, the Erotic Heritage Museum, the Neon Museum and more.

Best for: Those who want a non-traditional wedding and/or are looking to get married on a budget.

6. Barcelona, Spain

If the thought of Mediterranean waters, golden-sand beaches, fairy tale architecture, and a rich culture sounds like your perfect wedding destination, Barcelona might be for you. The European city enjoys a year-round sunny climate as well as an unmistakable magic that makes it feel part city, part beach destination. It features a large influence from artistic masters with a combination of old world charm and new age innovation.

To get married in Barcelona, spouses must be over 18 years old, cannot be a direct relative and can be either of opposite or same-sex. Ceremonies must be held at Town Hall or a Civil Registry. However, the process can take up to 45 days to get approved, so many couples choose to be legally wed at home and have a ‘faux’ ceremony in Barcelona to save time. Forms necessary to be married in Barcelona include an application form; original birth certificates; statements that both parties are free to marry that have been signed before the American Consul; and a Certificate of Residence or a temporary resident affidavit completed before a consular officer. For fifteen days before the ceremony there will also be the posting of banns, meaning the wedding is announced giving people the opportunity to object.

Make sure to see the architecture of famed Antoni Gaudi at sites like the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mia, Colonia Guell and the Casa Batllo. His innovative structures defy logic, are extremely imaginative and ornate and often make you feel like you’ve been transported to the bizarre world of Dr. Seuss. Some examples include towers resembling ice cream swirl cones, windows with sharp menacing teeth, mosaic-tiled serpent benches, and sensual curves and vibrant colors that make the buildings seem alive.

Barcelona is also full of beautiful beaches, like Bogatell Beach, Nova Icária Beach, Caldetes Beach and Sitges Beach located about a half hour away from the city center in gay-friendly Sitges. Art lovers will enjoy the many creative museums, like the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, Barcelona Centre of Contemporary Culture, the Fundació Joan Miro, Eat Meat and the Fundació Antoni Tàpies, as well as gallery-lined streets like Carrer Enric Granados. Other worthwhile experiences include seeking out tasty tapas bars, exploring the nightlife (Barcelona is a city that doesn’t sleep) and taking a flamenco class or watching a show.

Best for: Architecture buffs, beach bums, culture seekers and same-sex couples.

7. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany offers beautiful views and scenery

Few destinations offer the whimsical romance found in Tuscany. Often touted as the birthplace of the Renaissance, you’ll find a mix of historical towns and old world architecture as well as hilly countryside dotted with vineyards and produce farms. Tuscany’s mild and sunny climate allows for year-round, comfortable Mediterranean weather. And because Tuscany is home to unique and romantic wedding venues like private country villas, hamlet properties, historic churches, rustic farmhouses, medieval towns and luxury castles it’s a top destination for those wanting an old world fairytale wedding.

To get married in Tuscany, you should start the process from your home country and finish it once you arrive in Italy. The pieces of documentation you will need include a passport; birth certificate; death or divorce certificate if previously married; and a sworn statement of consent filled out by a parent or legal guardian if the spouse(s) is under 18. You will also need an apostille stamp that permits the documents to be officially used in a foreign country. Also, documents will need to be translated into Italian. About three months before your ceremony you and your partner should head to the Italian consulate and obtain an official Atto Notorio stating you are eligible to be married. About three days before your wedding you should visit the United States consulate in Italy to obtain a Nulla Osta, which involves swearing before a Consular Office that there is no legal impediment to your marriage under Italian and United States law. Once you and your spouse legalize the Nulla Osta at a local Office of the Prefecture, you have six months to perform the ceremony without the document expiring.

You and your guests could spend weeks in Tuscany and still not experience all it has to offer. Taking the train it’s easy to explore all the different cities of the area, especially when using Florence as your home base. Tuscany is known mainly for its rich art culture which can be explored in cities like Florence, Siena and Lucca, as well its whimsical countryside filled with balsamic farms, wineries, castles and small villages. Visit the many art and history sites in Florence, like the Uffizi Gallery which houses some of the world’s most impressive collections of Renaissance art; the Accademia delle Bella Arti (Academy of Fine Arts) where you can see Michelangelo’s famous David sculpture; and the Galleria Palatina, which holds many important collections including several of the best works collected by the Medici and Lorraine dynasties.

Moreover, no trip to Tuscany would be complete without a day spent exploring the wineries, vineyards and farms of Chianti and tastings its signature red wines. Because Tuscany is so famous for its culinary scene, it also makes sense to take a cooking class or food tour. Other worthwhile experiences include touring the medieval city of Siena, strolling around the Roman-founded Lucca and seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Best for: Wine enthusiasts and those wanting an old world fairytale wedding.

8. Montreal, Canada

For those who want a European vibe but don’t want to leave the continent for their destination wedding, Montreal is a great choice. The destination offers a charming blend of French and English culture along its tree-lined and cobblestone streets, as well plenty of cultural institutions, green spaces, aerial lookout points, 17th century architecture and ambient restaurants.

To get married in Montreal, spouses must be at least 16 years of age (those under 18 need parental or legal guardian consent), do not need to be residents and can be either same-sex or opposite sex. It is recommended to begin the process about nine weeks before the wedding date to be safe. A marriage license can be obtained from any Municipal Office Clerk in Quebec and is valid for three months. Required documents to obtain the license include an original birth certificate or current passport and a piece of photo ID like your driver’s license. Additionally, if you’ve been previously married you must show proof of divorce or death of your previous spouse. Weddings must be held in a place that is open to the public before an authorized officiant and in the presence of two witnesses.

Montreal offers tons of things for you and your wedding party to do before and after the ceremony. Old Montreal is where you’ll find the iconic cobblestone streets and old architecture, as well as high-quality French restaurants, the Notre-Dame Basilica, an entertainment-filled waterfront, history museums and a lively pedestrian street filled with artists and buskers called Place Jacques-Cartier. Additionally, Mount Royal — the highest spot in the city at 234 meters (768 feet) — is a hill offering hiking, ice skating, skiing, cycling, bird-watching, picnicking, lake-side jogs, scenic cemetery strolls and sculpture gardens. And at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, visitors can take in an impressive collection of Canadian art in one of the country’s oldest museums. Other interesting attractions in Montreal include the Montreal Botanical Gardens, Jean-Talon Market, the Montreal Biodome and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Read more about romantic things to do in Montreal

Best for: Same-sex couples and those who want a European vibe without leaving the continent.

9. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Get married, then learn to tango in Buenos Aires. Photo credit: Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires via Flickr.

Buenos Aires is full of historic architecture, tree-lined boulevards, picturesque parks, European-style cafes and vibrant street art — not to mention it’s the birthplace of one of the world’s most fiery dance styles, tango.

At least 30 days before your wedding you will need to marriage application forms at the district Civil Registry Office. This is also where you will pick up medical examination forms, as a medical exam a week prior to the wedding is required. Note that once you request an appointment at the Civil Registry Office it must be granted within five days. Documents couples must bring include a certified passport photocopy with valid tourist stamp, an address in Argentina and length of stay. The address you provide will dictate the Civil Registry Office where you will be married. If either spouse has been previously married a death certificate or divorce decree is needed. For brides ages 16 to 20 and grooms 18 to 20 parental consent is needed.

One worthwhile experience you and your wedding guests can have in Buenos Aires is taking a tango lesson or viewing a live tango show. You can also visit a milonga, a place where tango is danced and you can watch talented locals. Ask your hotel which ones allow novices, as some aren’t very welcoming of untrained dancers. Another quintessential Buenos Aires experience is getting to know the local art culture through local art galleries, art museums and taking in the myriad graffiti works that litter the city. Other top attractions and things to do include antique hunting in San Telmo, browsing markets like Feria de San Telmo and Feria de Recoleta, pay homage to Evita at the Casa Rosada, Recoleta Cemetery and Museo de Evita, and go bird-watching in one of the city’s many urban parks and reserves.

Best for: Art-enthusiasts, hot-blooded lovers, those who want a culturally-rich urban destination, and same-sex couples.

10. Cuzco, Peru

Visit Machu Picchu after your wedding

While Cuzco isn’t a city you normally hear people going to for a destination wedding, it should be. As the oldest inhabited city in the Americas, Cuzco is like one giant open-air museum and is a world heritage city filled with impressive Inca ruins and colonial architecture mixed with trendy restaurants and modern flair. Moreover, it’s surrounded by rural villages, fertile farmland and the Andes mountains, allowing for a mix of urban and countryside experiences.

To get married in Cuzco, couples must present a sworn statement prepared by American Citizen Services at the Embassy showing they are legally free to marry in Peru. Moreover, divorced citizens will need to present a divorce decree. Couples must also present their original passports, a notarized copy of their passports and legalized copy of their birth certificates (translated into Spanish) to local officials. Documents should be certified with an Apostille by the Secretary of State of the state were the document was issued. A blood test is also required to get married, and you will usually have the results within a day or two.

Having a destination wedding isn’t just about the ceremony, but also about the experiences offered where you are. The most iconic experience to have in Cuzco is visiting Machu Picchu, an enormous 15th-century Inca site thought to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Machu Picchu isn’t actually located in Cuzco, however, it is possible to do a day trip to the site by taking a tour or train. Other Inca sites are littered around and near Cuzco, like Sacsahuaman, Pisac, Choquequirao,  Q’enko and Tambomachay.

Cuzco is home to a beautiful historic center filled with churches and the peaceful Plaza de Armas. Cuzco also has a large indigenous population, and perusing the local markets is a great way to interact with these people and see their handicrafts. Other worthwhile things to do in Cuzco include the ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum), drinking chica (corn beer) and playing the drinking game Sapo at a local dive bar and visiting one of the city’s many art and culture museums like Museo de Arte Popular (Popular Art Museum), Museo Municipal de Arte Contemporáneo (Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art) and Museo del Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco (Museum Center for Traditional Textiles in Cuzco).

Best for: History buffs, culture-enthusiasts and those wanting to get off the beaten path.

- Jessica Festa

10 of the Best Destination Wedding Locations by Jessica Festa from Viator Travel Blog

Most visitors to San Antonio come to see the Alamo, the Spanish Missions, and the vibrant River Walk.  Many don’t know, however, that San Antonio ranks as one of the top 25 cities for art in the United States. This city loves art, and its artists love their city.

Artwork in Franco Mondini-Ruiz’s house

Franco Mondini-Ruiz, an exuberant San Antonio artist, couldn’t agree more.  “San Antonio loves art!” he exclaims, as he invites us into his home, which, crammed floor-to-ceiling with all kinds of unusual treasures, is a work of art in itself.

“I wanted to work eighteen hours a day doing what I love to make a living,”  Mondini-Ruiz says, “and San Antonio has allowed me to do this!”

Mondini-Ruiz — who gave up a law career in 1995 to become a visual artist — is living his dream.  His work can command up to $50,000 per painting.

The studio of Franco Mondini-Ruiz

Numerous other artists are also finding success in San Antonio.  In fact, visitors are only just beginning to discover exactly how art-smart San Antonio is.

Distinctive art galleries

Each year during March, the city holds its annual Contemporary Art Month (CAM), a celebration of contemporary art at the city’s museums, studios, and galleries.  This includes studio tours and artistic events and performances that highlight San Antonio’s cultural treasures.

CAM was the brainchild of the non-collecting and non-profit BlueStarContemporaryArt Museum, a series of galleries housed in a warren of warehouses in San Antonio’s arts community called Southtown.

“BlueStar,” explains Emily Barker, Membership and Community Outreach Coordinator, “is a collection of working studios and galleries which began 27 years ago when a group of artists who needed space for an art show took this old warehouse and fixed it up.”

Now Blue Star curates over 20 exhibits a year.  They also hold a monthly celebration called First Friday, where, according to local artist Gini Garcia, who creates brightly colored, hand-blown glass at her studio, Garcia Art Glass, “you’ll find music in the streets and dancing, and a lot of great things going on.”

Another such endeavor is Artpace San Antonio, begun in 1995, an organization which, according to Deputy Director Mary Heathcott, “is a creative lab that encourages artists to step outside the box and experiment. We encourage them to dream big.”

Three times each year, Artpace selects three artists, one from Texas, one from elsewhere in the U.S, and one from abroad, who will each spend eight weeks living and working here.  Their creations are then exhibited and open to the public for two months.

Also worth browsing are Artpace’s archives, which offer biographies and details of each artist-in-residence’s work since the program began.

And then there’s Andy and Yvette Benavides, the visionaries behind the 17,000 square-foot gallery and studio space ONE9ZERO6.  They import artists of all mediums from around the world, providing workspace and time to create through S.M.A.R.T., their non-profit organization meant to raise awareness of art in San Antonio through education and civic events.

Visitors can also take a look at the studio of sculptor Donna Dobberfuhl, who creates sculpted brick murals and life size bronze sculptures.  Her work can be seen enhancing public parks and a wide variety of local buildings.

Sculptor Donna Dobbefuhl in her studio

And don’t miss the shared studio of artists Mark Hogensen, Nate Cassie, Kimberly Aubuchon and Ethel Shipton, who host an Open Studio in their space during CAM.  Each has their own style and medium, but all agree with Nate who creates art because “it’s the funnest thing I know.”

World-class art museums

When it comes to the art world, no city would rise to the top without first-rate art museums, and San Antonio does not disappoint.

The first place to check out for art when visiting San Antonio is the  magnificent San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA), situated on the expansive former site of the historic 1884 Lone Star Brewery, houses more than 25,000 objects, representing 5,000 years of world-wide culture.  Its galleries include comprehensive exhibits of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, an enchanting Latin American folk art exhibit and one of the most impressive Asian art collections in the country.

SAMA also offers a wealth of free classes for locals and visitors alike.  While in San Antonio, why not take a meditation class in the Japanese Gallery, or a sketching class based on the paintings found in SAMA’s collections?

Also exceptional is the McNay Art Museum, which holds a superb collection of 19^th and 20^th century art housed in a once-private Spanish Colonial Revival-style home.

Established in 1954 when Ohio-born oil heiress Marion Koogler left more than 700 works of art, and her estate, to start the first museum of modern art in Texas, the McNay now features nearly 20,000 works from artists such as Modigliani, Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe, Gauguin and Rivera.

Another must-see is the colorful Museo Alameda, part of the AlamedaNationalCenter for Latino Arts & Culture.  Decorated in hot-pink and apple green, the Museo Alameda is the nation’s largest Latino museum and the first formal affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution outside of Washington, D.C.

Art-themed shopping and nightlife

In San Antonio, art is everywhere, both indoors and out.

The River Walk’s new Floating Art Corridor, for example, is best viewed by taking a river taxi along the North River Walk known as Museum Reach.  Each unique piece of art, including a school of giant sunfish, dangles from a bridge or overpass, and is most enchanting when illuminated after sunset. It’s a great place to see if you are touring San Antonio.

Even San Antonio’s shopping areas are infused with culture. If you’re doing some sightseeing in San Antonio, there’s the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Market Square, site of the Museo Alameda, where visitor’s browse to the sound of Peruvian flutes, the aroma of roasting corn, and the din of merchants and shoppers.

La Villita, an historic arts village located on the south bank of the San AntonioRiver, was San Antonio’s first neighborhood — now, it’s a thriving art community, brimming with galleries, craft and jewelry shops.

The arts have their place in the city’s eateries, too, like the Tex-Mex Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia, where strolling musicians, or trovadores, are as plentiful as the food.  Mexican décor runs delightfully rampant here, where holiday lights festoon Mi Tierra’s dining rooms year-round.

Dining at the colorful Mi Tierra

Diners at Azuca Nuevo Latino enjoy Latin and Caribbean dishes amid décor sprinkled with beautiful blown glass creations made by a neighboring business.  And at Carmen’s de la Calle, dinner and drinks are accompanied by outstanding flamenco and jazz performances.

And then there’s Ocho, located at the Hotel Havana, enclosed by a glass and steel conservatory.  Patrons sit in a lovely courtyard overlooking the North River Walk or, for a more intimate setting, descend to the basement where a lounge, lit by dim candlelight, is reminiscent of a 1920′s speakeasy.

The Mediterranean Revival designed Hotel Havana is a distinctive place to stay, too; each of its 27 rooms is unique, decorated with antique furniture, Turkish rugs and vintage Cuban artwork.

There are numerous options for entertainment in San Antonio as well.  Visitors can take in a performance at the Blue Star Arts Complex by the Jump-Start Performance Company, who produce four to six original works per season.

Or head to the Majestic Theatre, a vintage vaudeville movie palace that is home to the San Antonio Symphony and the AT&T Broadway Series, which offers topnotch theatrical performances such as “Les Miserables” and “The Phantom of the Opera”.

And kids of all ages love the endearing performances at the Magik Theatre, which are adapted from books like The Velveteen Rabbit and Treasure Island. The company reaches out to the community each year with events such as Shakespeare in the Park, summer camps and a touring company.

Captivating art festivals

An artist working at Clogged Caps

At no time of year is San Antonio more dazzling, though, than during Contemporary Art Month, when its major art festivals take place.  One of these, Clogged Caps International Aerosol Art Festival, celebrates urban art culture.  Hip Hop music and the odor of spray paint fill the air as a group of artists create colossal works of graffiti-art on the expansive outer walls at Backstage Live.

Aerosol art at Clogged Caps

And then there’s Luminaria – Arts Come to Light, an annual one-night festival that attracts more than 300,000 people to downtown’s HemisFairPark.  At this free-to-attend event, visitors are immersed in music, dance, film, literary arts, theater and visual arts on numerous stages and galleries sprinkled throughout the park. It’s an art event that has elevated San Antonio’s profile as a world-class city for the arts.

With passionate artists, world-class galleries and museums, and spectacular arts festivals, visitors are no longer coming to San Antonio just for the Alamo, the Missions and the River Walk.

It seems this city that loves art so much is not just an emerging arts destination, but one that has arrived.

-Melody Moser

San Antonio for Art Lovers by Melody Moser from Viator Travel Blog

Kostas Sakavaras has been guiding tourists around mainland Greece and the Greek Islands of the Aegean for more then 17 years, but for the past six years Kostas has made the stunning volcanic island of Santorini his home. Fluent in English, German and Greek, he is the perfect companion to introduce you to this breathtaking island.

Meet Kostas!

With a wellspring of stories and nuanced local knowledge­, as well as a genuine passion for his work, Kostas is sure to make your tailor-made trip around Santorini an unforgettable experience. His passion for archaeology and photography will certainly be evident as he takes you on an archaeological tour through some of Santorini’s best ruins (including to ancient Thira and the newly opened Akrotiri excavations), or to some of the island’s best locations to photograph on his popular Santorini Photo Tour.

If fine cuisine and wine are more your flavor, Kostas can arrange wine tasting tours or dinner at some of the Santorini’s finest restaurants. Whatever your preference, as a private tour guide in Santorini, Kostas can customize an experience that is right for you.

Check out Kostas Sakavaras’ Viator Private Tour Guide profile for more details of his private Santorini, Greece tours and further information on how to contact and book with Kostas.

Editor’s Note: Viator is proud to introduce some of our new local experts. This network of licensed tour guides covers most every destination you can imagine, so check ‘em out the next time you’re looking for a private tour guide – or simply looking to explore a destination from a local’s perspective.

-Viator Travel Team

Meet Kostas Sakavaras, a Private Tour Guide in Santorini, Greece by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Looking for something new and fun to do while traveling this week? Check out Viator’s best travel deals available around the globe this week and make the most of your travel budget! Member-Only Deals provide exclusive access to deeply discounted travel deals you won’t find on any other website, with savings ranging from 20% to 75%!

Viator members can enjoy instant, on-the-spot availability – but remember, these travel discounts are date-specific and go quickly – so when they’re gone, they’re gone! Choose from a wide array of activities each week in destinations from San Francisco to Paris, Rome to Dubai and save money on your next trip – including our Top Travel Deals for the week. Best of all, Viator membership is FREE!

Plus, scroll down to see the latest Viator promo codes and travel giveaways and contests!

Here are the top Viator Member-Only Deals through May 21, 2013:

Australia & the Pacific

Save on tours in Melbourne!

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See Kangaroos and Koalas in the wild! This naturalist guided, small group tour gives you quality time to see wildlife and enjoy the wide open spaces of Australia. Watch the natural behavior of wild kangaroos, koalas and abundant bird life. Get involved in koala research with your naturalist guide. A delicious bush lunch is included.

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Experience the beauty of Central Otago, its fine wines, rich gold history and welcoming people. Your journey takes you into the heart of region through the picturesque valleys and rolling vine-clad foothills to taste some of New Zealand’s finest wines.

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Europe

Save on Europe tours!

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Combine your love of chocolate and cakes with your passion for Paris! The Paris Chocolate and Pastry Food Tour combines French gourmet specialities with an afternoon walking tour so you won’t need to feel too guilty. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 8 people on this small group tour, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide. Your tour is led by an expert food connoisseur, who will take you through a number of Paris neighborhoods to visit at least three pastry shops, a bakery and three chocolate shops.

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USA

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Escape to the mountains for two full days of hiking, sightseeing and exploring in the amazing natural wilderness of Yosemite National Park. On this overnight tour from San Francisco with a knowledgeable guide, trek through Yosemite Valley, explore the high country and marvel at giant sequoias, waterfalls and famous sites including Half Dome. Choose from a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking and swimming, and at the end of the day, relax in your provided accommodation in or near the park.

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More promotions

In addition to our Viator Member-Only Deals and everyday deals, we also have new travel giveaways and promotions every month! Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook to get the latest updates from Viator.

Every month we host tour giveaways in destinations around the world on our Things to Do network. Here are this month’s contests:

Queenstown: Win the Ultimate Queenstown Experience for 2!

London: Win a London Pass for 2!

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Viator just launched a new Android app! Viator Tours and Activities Android App is available for FREE in the Google Play Store and allows you to book your unforgettable experiences at the last minute or while on the go.

– Viator Travel Team

Top Travel Deals of the Week by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

Travel Superstitions

If you spend your days avoiding ladders and refuse to fly without your lucky charm, you’ll be glad to know you’re not alone. The world is full of superstitions, from age-old omens passed down through the generations to quirky good luck rituals, and even hotels and airlines take heed of the unwritten rules. Here are some of the world’s most common travel superstitions to take into account on your trips. Ignore them at your own risk!

Unlucky 13

Possibly one of the most universally known superstitions, the number 13 is so dreaded it even has a medical name – Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. There are several theories as to why 13 is so feared, but the most common is steeped in religious history – 13 people sat with Jesus at the Last Supper and the 13th to take his place at the table was Judas, who would later betray Jesus. Anxiety over the ill-fated number means that many high-rise hotels have not only missed out rooms 13 and 1313, but floor 13 as well as, believing that no-one would want to tempt fate by taking a room on the floor. It’s not only hotels that are superstitious – Cathy Pacific, Continental Airlines, Air France and KLM flights have no row 13 and some airports, including Seoul’s Incheon Airport, have skipped gate 13. Many hotels miss out room 666 too, but we probably don’t need to explain that one!

Don’t travel on a Friday

Traveling on a Friday-Travel Superstitions

It’s a common belief among sailors that setting sail on a Friday is bad luck (after all, Lord Byron set sail for Greece on a Friday and subsequently died) but many countries in the West extend this to all travel on a Friday. The superstition stems from the legend that Christ was crucified on a Friday, but it’s Friday the 13th that is most abhorred, a formidable combination of the two dreaded dates. As a result, the airline industry claims a notable decrease in flight traffic on the 13th of the month, especially on Friday the 13th, and many famous figures, including Napoleon and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, refused to travel or sign important documents on the day. Of course, it depends where you are in the world – in Cambodia, for example, Tuesday is considered the worst day to hit the road, whereas Thursday is the perfect time to set out on a journey.

Rest before you travel

Once you’ve decided on a good day to travel, you’ll need to ensure a safe journey. A common belief in Russia is that you should sit on your luggage before embarking on a trip or at least that you should sit down for a moment before heading on your travels – not such a bad idea for weary travelers. It’s also bad luck to return to the house to collect anything you’ve forgotten, so make sure you double check your packing list before you leave. In Bulgaria, it’s considered bad luck to sweep the house on the day that someone leaves – said to indicate ‘sweeping the person from the house’ and thus prohibiting their return.

New Year rituals

New Years Champagne

From eating 12 grapes at the strike of midnight to indulging in a New Year’s kiss, the world is full of New Year rituals, and many South and Central American countries have a special routine for those that want to travel in the New Year. The superstition varies from country to country: in Mexico, those hoping for a year of exploration place their suitcases on the front porch, whereas in Colombia, aspiring travelers pack their suitcases and carry it around town at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Very different from typical New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world.

Skip the 17^th

While most of the West abhors the number 13, Italians can add 17 to their list of no-go numbers. 17 owes its notoriety to its roman numeral form, XVII, an anagram of ‘VIXI’ – Latin for ‘I have lived’ or ‘I’m dead’. As such, you’re unlikely to find a room ‘17’ in many of Italy’s hotels or a row 17 in cinemas and theaters. Lufthansa and Delta airlines dutifully follow suit, omitting row 17 from their planes, and even Renault had to play ball – changing its ‘R17’ model to ‘R177’ for the Italian market.

Returning to Rome

Trevi Fountain in Rome

Following superstitions can also mean the difference between returning or not returning to a destination and folklore dictates that those hoping to revisit Rome must toss a coin into the famous Trevi Fountain. Allegedly, throwing two coins into the fountain means you’ll find love in Rome and three coins means you’ll marry a Roman. Nobody seems to know why or when the tradition started but with thousands of daily visitors throwing coins over their shoulders into the fountain, it’s become a huge money-spinner for the Caritas charity that collects the coins. Don’t worry, the money goes to good use, feeding and caring the city’s homeless. A similar superstition exists in Hawaii, where the tradition is to throw a lei into the Pacific – if it floats away from you, you’ll never come back to the Hawaiian Islands

Fearful number four

Numbers seem to be a common theme in the world’s superstitions and here’s another one to add to your list – number four. Seemingly, the Japanese and Mandarin words for ‘four’ sound too close to the word ‘death’ for comfort and many hotels and public buildings in East Asia opt to skip the 4^th floor. Lending weight to the superstition, Seoul’s Inchon Airport has no gate 4 or 44 and Nippon airways omits rows four, nine, (which sounds like ‘torture’ in Japanese), and 13.

Watch where your bed is pointing

Whether you pledge allegiance to Feng Shui principles or believe it to be superstitious nonsense, you’ll find many hotel rooms and public facilities in China adhere to its principals. In Japan, the placement of the bed has an even more menacing significance – at funerals, bodies are traditionally laid facing north, believing that this is the direction the soul travels after death. As such, many hotels make sure their beds face south, east or west – after all, if you sleep facing north, the gods of the afterworld might get the wrong idea.

Avoid bad luck souvenirs

Removing natural objects from National Parks or sacred places is frowned upon by conservationists, but those still tempted to snag a free souvenir should tread carefully – a number of legends speak of curses befalling those who mess with Mother Nature. One of the most famous is Hawaii, where the islands’ black sand and lava rocks are said to contain the ancestral spirits of Pele, Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, who bestows bad luck on anyone who removes them. Visiting Australia’s Ayers Rock (Uluru) threatens a similar fate to those who remove rocks from the sacred Aboriginal mount. Merely a superstition? The hundreds tourists who send back the rocks each year after a run of inexplicable bad luck didn’t think so.

Watch your dinner manners

Food Superstitions are tough to know.

From knocking over salt to snapping the wishbone, dinnertime is full of omens, both good and bad, and if you’re visiting another country, there are a number of rules to follow to ensure you emerge from the dining hall unscathed. One of the most common mistakes made by visitors to Asia is to stick their chopsticks upright in a bowl of food – at best, it’s impolite, but at worst, you’ll be cursed with bad luck as the ‘V’ shape made by the chopsticks mimics that of incense sticks burned to commemorate the dead. In Europe, bad luck befalls anyone who doesn’t make eye contact when making a toast, and knocking over the salt pot means you’ll have throw a pinch over your shoulder to counteract your bad fortune.

- Zoe Smith

The World’s Most Common Travel Superstitions by Zoe Smith from Viator Travel Blog

Cruises to the Mediterranean are much-loved cruise sailings for a multitude of reasons. First off, the countries that call the Mediterranean home are stunning in their beauty, with cobblestoned roads, white and terracotta colored houses, and luscious gardens and hills bordered by sea water in various shades of teal and turquoise. Secondly, the people who live in the towns and cities of the Mediterranean are often welcoming and happy to introduce visitors into their laidback, pleasant lifestyle. And thirdly, there is a lot to do in the Mediterranean.

There are so many different activity options when cruising the Mediterranean that it can make it difficult to know which is right for you. To help you, here are some of the different types of shore excursions you can do while in the Mediterranean and in what ports of call.

Ancient Sights

Ephesus. Photo courtesy of Gina Douglas.

While in Naples, Italy, take advantage of the fact that you’re nearby a preserved ancient town and partake in the Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii Day Trip from Naples, which provides you with transportation and a guided tour of Pompeii, a town that was horrifically covered in ash in 79 A.D. after nearby Mt Vesuvius erupted. Today, visitors can see bodies and buildings preserved by the ash in the remnants of Pompeii. During the tour, you can also climb Mt Vesuvius and walk around the crater of the still active volcano.

See more ancient wonders when your cruise docks in Athens, Greece, on the Acropolis Walking Tour. You’ll be accompanied by a local expert guide who will explain the history behind the Parthenon, Greek Parliament House and other artifacts you’ll discover during your exploration of the Acropolis and other areas of the Plaka neighborhood of Athens.

While in Kusadasi, Turkey, take advantage of all of the wondrous nearby historical sights on the Private Tour to Ephesus including House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis excursion. Ephesus is an ancient Roman city that has been spectacularly preserved. Travel down its main street and see the library, houses and other buildings the civilization of Ephesus lived and worked in. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the history of each part of Ephesus. Your tour will also visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; and the House of the Mary Virgin, where it is said that the Virgin Mary spent her final days.

Wine Tasting

Try wine in Bordeaux

Tuscany and Chianti are two names that often come up when one thinks of wine tasting in Italy, and when you’re docked in Livorno during your cruise, you can experience both wine regions on the Chianti and Tuscany Countryside Private Wine Tour. See the rolling green hills and prettily placed vineyards covering the countryside of Tuscany, before heading to a Chianti winery for tastings of both wine and olive oil.

Bordeaux, France, is also a popular wine destination and during the Full-Day Private Medoc Wine Tour, you’ll be able to experience why first hand. You’ll visit three different wineries, where you’ll taste Bordeaux’s most popular wine varietals in gorgeous chateaus. You’ll also get to see the Bordeaux countryside while you’re chauffeured from one winery to the next.

Creative Cuisine

Eating is part of the fun when traveling, and on the Istanbul by Night Turkish Dinner and Show excursion, the fun of trying new cuisine is taken one notch higher by serving it alongside a belly dancing and folklore show.  You’ll be served four courses, including a Turkish dessert, in a first-class restaurant. Many cruise itineraries have overnights in Istanbul, Turkey, making this a viable and exciting shore excursion option while in the vibrant city.

In Malaga, Spain, get acquainted with the city and its cuisine on the Private Malaga Sightseeing Tour with Tapas. Located on the southern coast of Spain, Malaga is an eclectic city with gorgeous sights, such as the Cathedral of Malaga and the Moorish fortress of Alcazaba. After you’ve finished your sightseeing in Malaga led by your private guide, you’ll head to a tapas bar to try some authentic Spanish tapas. Tapas are similar to appetizers, but with a Spanish twist; and eating them is a popular social activity in the country since plates of tapas are meant to be shared.

Island Exploring

The crescent shape of the island of Santorini, Greece, is a result of a volcano erupting thousands of years ago. Today, that volcano is still a prominent fixture of the island of Santorini as it can be seen from several of Santorini’s most visited towns and Santorini’s caldera curves around it. A short boat ride from the shore of Santorini will take you to the volcano’s base on the Private Tour of Thira Volcano and Hot Springs shore excursion. You’ll get the opportunity to walk around the crater of the volcano and take a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs.

If you’ve traveled to most of the major Greek Islands before, try something a bit different when in the port of Mykonos. Instead of spending time on the island of Mykonos, take the Private Tour to Delos Island. The nearby island is a less-traveled piece of history that has ancient artifacts and – according to legend – is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Historical sights you’ll visit include the House of Cleopatra, the House of Dolphins and the Temple of Apollo.

The Spanish island of Palma de Mallorca has a few sights that can’t be missed – even if you have to go underground to see them. On the Mallorca Day Trip to Majorica Pearl Factory and Cavern of the Dragon, you’ll get a lesson in pearl making and caving. After learning how the Majorica Pearl Factory makes its stones, you’ll head to one of Mallorca’s top natural wonders: the Cavern of the Dragon. This series of caves houses one of the largest underground lakes in the world. As you travel through the water beneath the caves you’ll see light shows and be serenaded by classical music.

Art Lovers

See Gaudi’s work in Barcelona

Experience Barcelona’s creative side on the Private Montserrat, Gaudi and Modernism Day Trip from Barcelona. You’ll leave Barcelona, Spain, for nearby Montserrat, where you’ll encounter historical architecture and have time to visit the Museum of Montserrat. Next, you’ll be immersed in the world of Antoni Gaudi, the famous architect who hailed from Barcelona. First, you’ll visit Gaudi’s work at Colonial Guell, where you can see an unfinished church by Gaudi, followed by your return to Barcelona and tour of the impressive Park Guell, Gaudi’s only major foray in landscaping.

Become an artist yourself in Venice, Italy, where you can learn to make a mask perfect for a Carnival festival during the Experience Venice: Learn How to Make a Venetian Mask shore excursion. In addition to learning the history of mask making in Venice, you’ll get to take your masterpiece home with you at the end.

Experiencing the Sea

Not all excursions are done on land. In Dubrovnik, experience the life waiting outside the seaside city’s famous walls by participating in the Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Small-Group Tour. The calm sea lapping at the shores of Dubrovnik is ideal for a pleasurable day of kayaking and provides great visibility for snorkeling. You’ll be able to kayak right around Dubrovnik’s walls and below the famous St. Lawrence Fortress. After kayaking, you’ll take a break on serene Betina Beach and have a snack before hopping back into the water to snorkel.

In addition to these diverse and exciting shore excursions, most cities and towns that make up ports of call in the Mediterranean for cruise ships also have walking tours you can participate in. Whether you’re looking for a self-guided, city bus hop-on and hop-off type of day, or a guided tour by a local expert, you can find the shore excursion that fits your ideal day in port. Most importantly, it will also immerse you into the culture and history of the Mediterranean location you’re visiting for the day.

- Gina Douglas

Top Mediterranean Shore Excursions by Gina Douglas Tarnacki from Viator Travel Blog

In Rajasthan, where colors rule and the sun shines golden, the odds are that you’ll return from your travels armed with stunning photographs of camels silhouetted against the sunset, rolling sand dunes, and turban-clad, mustachioed men – the usual suspects, so to speak.  Jodhpur , however, offers plenty of chances to get creative and add some cool back stories to your pictures.

Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan sits on the edge of the Thar Desert and promises visitors the opportunity to experience a city with a 500-year old history, to witness true royal opulence and to be overwhelmed by the magnificent architecture outlining the skyline.

Rather than documenting only the majesty of the Mehrangarh Fort or the luxury of the Umaid Bhawan Palace, here are five ways to take some fun photographs around the desert city:

Mehrangarh Fort: Rise like the Dark Knight

Mehrangarh fort. Photo courtesy of athomson via Flickr.

Rudyard Kipling called it the “work of giants” – built of red sandstone and rising a 122 meters above the city, the formidable Mehrangarh Fort defines Jodhpur’s skyline and is one of the best photography spots in Jodhpur.

The 15^th century fort houses within its ramparts mini-palaces like the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ and ‘Moti Mahal’, translating literally to the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ and the ‘Palace of Pears’. Yes, they are exactly what they sound like. Galleries within the fort showcase remnants of the 20^th century regal era – everything from weapons to palanquins are on display.

Mehrangarh is one of the best-maintained forts in all of Rajasthan and a true testament to the Rathore fortitude, but recently, it’s gone down in the books of cinema history for a rather unanticipated reason. Batman fiends might recollect that the forbidding landscape and the fort provided the backdrop to Christian Bale’s epic prison-escape scene in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.

Batman, after scaling walls and breaking bones, escapes a notorious underground prison to emerge in the arid countryside at the base of the Mehrangarh Fort. And now, you too can strike a nonchalant pose in the same setting. To truly replicate the scene though, remember to look effortlessly dismissive about the matter– wall-scaling and prison break-outs are just a regular day’s work after all.

How To:

Visit in the early hours of the day, before the unforgiving afternoon sun really starts beating down. Stop by for a quick bite at the breezy Café Mehran, a restaurant in hues of white and blue built in to a section of the fort. An informative audio tour is available at the gate and will offer bits of interesting information – like how the fort was never once taken in siege during battle. The fort is open 7 days a week, from 9AM to 5PM. Entry tickets cost Rs.300 and include an audio guide and a map of the fort. Go before May, when the summer really sets in.

The Blue City: Do it like a local

Jodhpur, The Blue City. Photo courtesy of eviltomthai via Flickr.

The oldest parts of Jodhpur stretch out at the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort like an expansive carpet of stubby blue buildings melding into the horizon.

The blue houses of Jodhpur’s Brahmapuri area have earned the town the moniker ‘the Blue City’. The reason for the color isn’t definitive: some believe it had to do with upper caste Brahmins painting their houses blue, while others believe the paint cools the interiors and keeps mosquitoes away.

The Mehrangarh fort’s high parapets undoubtedly proffer the best views of the blue city, but a street tour of the indigo façade-lined narrow lanes offers a glimpse into traditional Rajasthani lifestyles.

In stark contrast to the parched hues of the Thar Desert, the blue frontages lining the by-lanes breathe fresh life into the city – and your photographs. While the bright houses and street life make great shots, this is a chance to show off the blues in your wardrobe and take some fun photos.

Blend in with the local architecture in your denims and best blues, but don’t be surprised if you find your path blocked by a clamoring child or a stubborn cow. That’s right, these are the mean streets of Jodhpur.

How To:

Take an autorickshaw from outside the fort gates once you’re done exploring Mehrangarh and ask your driver for a tour of this part of town. This shouldn’t cost you more than Rs.200 and you can get some great shots while maneuvering the alleyways. Go before the sun sets.

Umaid Bhawan: Hot wheels in the house

Umaid Bhawan Palace. Photo courtesy of amanderson2 via Flickr.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace – one of the largest private residences in the world – is home to Maharaja Gaj Singh II and the royal family of Jodhpur. Situated atop Chittar Hill at the highest point of the city, the opulent 347-room sandstone palace is divided into three sections: the royal residence, a museum, and the heritage Taj Hotel.

Built in a style inspired by 1930’s art deco, the construction of the palace began in 1929 and took fifteen years to complete. Of the palace’s three wings, only the museum is open to the public – the hotel is exclusive to guests and diners while the private residence is, naturally, private.

The museum houses a small collection of family heirlooms – black and white photographs, antique Victorian timepieces, and 19^th century weapons. If stuffed leopards, hunting trophies and model airplanes are your thing, this is the place to be.

An often missed feature is the outdoor display of gleaming vintage automobiles in their glass-fronted enclosures. The palace garage has slots for up to twenty cars and houses a fleet of brightly colored Rolls Royce models that occasionally make their way out to vintage car rallies. Occupying pride of place, however, is what is considered the most valuable car in the world – the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.

Opportunities to get photographed with rad wheels like these don’t come around too often.

How To:

The museum is mostly indoors, so it is possible to visit in the late morning or afternoon. The Umaid Bhawan Place is open 7 days a week, from 9AM to 5PM. Entry tickets cost Rs.50. Guided tours of the museum are available.

Clock Tower Market: Bargain, bargain, bargain

Jodhpur Market and Clock Tower. Photo courtesy of DSLEWIS via Flickr.

The burnished clock tower is the iconic centerpiece of Jodhpur’s old city, and spreading around it in arterial lanes is the chaotic Sadar Market.

It is in this neighborhood that you will find traditional havelis, or mansions, standing next to an army of street vendors selling leather, spices, fabrics and souvenirs. The market is a swarming mass of rickshaws, scooters, cattle and people. This is where all the action is at.

If the flavorful Rajasthani cuisine has begun to grow on you, this is the place to get your spice fix. Stock up on laal maas masala, tandoori masala and curry powders at M.V Spices or Maharani Spices. You’ll find leather shops selling satchels and cowboy hats, fabric shops selling local bandhej and bright tie-dye prints, jewelry stores and so much more on these lanes.

Jodhpurs are the region’s number one export to the field of fashion, and here’s where you’ll find these hard-to-wear-but-impossible-to-remove riding pants. If you do manage to try them on without losing all dignity, take a picture. It’s a feat worth remembering.

Street-shopping is never complete with a good haggle, and just like in every Indian street market, it’s important to bargain for your curio of choice in Sadar Market. Test your negotiating prowess against some of India’s most persuasive shop owners and document your haggles – it counts for major bragging rights back home.

How To:

Go in the evening when the sun isn’t blazing down on you. It’s hot and it’s crowded, so carry a water bottle, navigate the lanes carefully and keep these safety tips for India in mind.

Local Cuisine: Spice all around

Market in Jodhpur. Photo courtesy of santosh.wadghule via Flickr.

Eating a spice-laden explosion of a traditional meal while visiting Rajasthan is de rigueur. After all the shopping and exploration, replenish at a rooftop restaurant, or be adventurous and indulge in some street snacks.

The fiery specialty of the region, Laal Maas, is meat cooked in a curry of red chillis and yoghurt. Hot, spicy and delicious, the flaming red dish is best accompanied with a cooling green salad. On the Rocks – a lovely garden restaurant – is good for both Indian and Continental food, and particularly known for their Laal Maas.

Some traditional havelis in the Clock Tower area have now converted to hotels, and many of these house rooftop restaurants with amazing fort views. Indique – the in-house restaurant of the Pal Haveli Hotel – overlooks the Gulab Sagar Lake and the Mehrangarh fort, and is especially magical at night when the city is lit up.

Like much else in Rajasthan, the food is colorful, overwhelming and worth photographing. Don’t forget to sample fried street snacks like Mirchi Vada at the Clock Tower Market. Wash it down afterwards with a cooling Lassi, a drink made with blended yoghurt.  Whether its colorful curries or steaming street snacks you’re eating, you’ll want photographs of the food you eat in India to remember these flavors.

How To:

Most popular hotels in Jodhpur have al fresco dining, either rooftop or garden, ideal for dinner. Street stalls in the Clock Tower market offering fried snacks like Mirchi Vadas and Kachoris are best visited during the daytime or early evening.

Book a trip to Rajasthan

-Malavika Bhattacharya

5 Best Photography Spots in Jodhpur, India by Malavika from Viator Travel Blog

Getting ready to set sail.

When I signed up for the Teralani Sunset Maui Cocktail Sail on my trip to Maui, I was mostly after drinks, snacks, and some nice photographs of the sun sinking behind the volcanic islands. I hadn’t expected the National Geographic-style whale adventure my evening would become.

As the West Maui mountains gradually receded, crew member Liz gave us the run down on the ship’s parts: the all-important bathrooms, bar, and general guidelines for boat safety on the Teralani Sunset Cruise. Then she said we’d also be searching for whales.

Off to go searching for whales.

I didn’t get my hopes up however. I knew I’d arrived for my trip to Maui at the tail end of the whale season, when most migrating humpbacks have already started their journey back to Alaskan waters. I specifically skipped an all-out whale-watching tour, thinking it would be a bust. But barely into my first drink, Teralani’s whale expert Mark announced the presence of humpbacks near a boat a few hundred yards away.

Whales emerging near the boat.

In the distance, occasional puffs of water, forceful jets of exhalation, sprung from the sea. The deck was instantly crowded with teetering tour goers hoping to catch a glimpse of the action, camera in one hand, drink in the other.

We approached slowly before Captain Pam idled the ship’s engines to stop our forward progress. Mark stood on the deck behind us, telling us that legal restrictions meant we could not approach within 100 yards of the whales. As we bobbed up and down in the water watching the puffs and the occasional dorsal fin, he narrated lots of whale facts, telling us that the whales we were seeing were a female and calf pair, about to make the trip to Alaska. The females come to Hawaii to give birth, fattening their calves up on rich milk and strengthening them for the long trip north through lots of playing.

As Mark described it, the intensely caloric feedings are “like giving a five-year-old a Red Bull.” The calf is so energized they hurl themselves to and fro.

Whales jumping out of the water!

And that’s when I mostly stopped listening, because the whales began leaping and somersaulting, twirling in mid-air before dramatically smacking a dorsal fin on the water’s surface. For a split second, the entire female whale would be visible, the bumpy blue-black skin in sharp relief against the evening sky, trails of water flung from her body. Then calf would follow, imitating its mother in perfect sequence, as if they were performing a well-rehearsed dance routine.

The next two hours were a blur of whale jumping. At one point, the curious whales swam towards our boat, their bodies distorted by the cerulean water. One even exhaled right onto the crowd of people clinging to the front of the boat. We had a few brief breaks in between sightings to grab a drink or an appetizer, but for the most part it was constant whale action. I’m not sure I even noticed the sunset.

Book the Teralani Sunset Maui Cocktail Sail

-Megan Hill

Whale Watching and Cocktails on Maui’s Teralani Sunset Cruise by Megan Hill from Viator Travel Blog

Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital city, is fast becoming the go-to destination in the Middle East.  It’s the richest of the all the Emirates, with enough oil to last another 50 years, but with clever forward planning the city is rapidly turning into a tourist haven gearing up to out-Dubai Dubai.

And it’s all the brainchild of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the revered spiritual “father” and first ruler of the United Arab Emirates – who began the recreation of the emirate with mass investment in financial services, innovative new architecture, huge museums and galleries, and vast shopping centers like Marina Mall, all in direct competition with Dubai, which is just 90 minutes up the road. Indeed the present ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheik Zayed’s son Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, bailed out Dubai to the tune of billions of dollars in the global financial crash of 2009

An introduction to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has transformed from sleepy backwater state to an international financial and tourism hub, and the Corniche is the common thread that pulls the city together, promenading for miles along the Arabian Gulf shoreline and demarcated by the port at the east end and the opulent – and mighty expensive – Emirates Palace Hotel to the west. It is lined with shady parks and cooling fountains; strolling along it is the perfect way to appreciate the architecture of contemporary Abu Dhabi.

Hop-on hop-off buses in Abu Dhabi wend their way along the Corniche, allowing passengers off at the various attractions. At night the place comes alive with sparkling lights from the skyscrapers reflected in calm waters of the Gulf. The whole city seems to gather on the Corniche on Thursday and Friday evenings, admiring the cityscape, greeting friends, and drinking coffee in the wayside cafés.

Record-breaking attractions

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque

Abu Dhabi’s greatest visitor attraction is the snowy-white Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was built in homage to Sheikh Zayed (who died in 2004) and arguably the most beautiful building in Abu Dhabi as well as the biggest mosque in the UAE. It opened in 2007 and can accommodate 41,000 people in the elaborate central prayer hall and courtyard. Thousands of people were involved in the construction of its 82 onion-shaped, gilt-topped domes, minarets, and gold-embossed marble columns. The perfectly symmetrical interior is adorned with semi-precious stones, crystals, and mosaics influenced in design by the Moorish Mezquita in Cordoba and the Taj Mahal in India.

The chandelier in the central prayer hall is another record breaker – it’s the largest in the world, at 39 feet (10 m) across and 49 feet (15 m) tall, sparkles with hundreds of thousands of Swarovski crystals, and weighing in at over 10 tons (nine tonnes). The flooring is of ornate marble and mosaic patterns – and yet another record – the world’s largest carpet is found in the central prayer hall. It was designed and hand-knotted in Iran before being sown together here. When taking a guided tour of the mosque, remember to dress appropriately; leave your shoes outside, cover up with long trousers and ankle-length skirts. No bare shoulders and women are expected wear headscarves.

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on a tour

Lifestyles of the rich and famous

Yas Marina Circuit. Photo credit: Jitesh Jagadish via Flickr.

With Abu Dhabi’s race to attract ever-more visitors, it’s fast becoming the stomping ground of the Middle East’s playboy rich; they head straight to super-developed Yas Island, home to the planet’s first Ferrari theme park. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has a Ferrari-red hub and features adrenaline-fueled roller-coaster rides, a mock-tour of the factory at Maranello, and simulator rides in your favorite Ferrari model.

The newly created Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held close by at Yas Marina Circuit; this is the place for trying out drag racing or test-driving an F1 racing car. The Grand Prix track passes right through the extraordinary Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel, which glitters at night under its carapace of purple LED lights. Several other luxury hotels have a presence here, including the Rotana and Plaza groups, and there’s also a links golf course on which to tee off against a backdrop of the sparkling Arabian Gulf. Big-name concerts are held at Yas Arena and Flash Forum while kids love Waterworld, and there is some respite from all this frenetic activity at Yas Gateway Park, with its beautifully manicured lawns and BBQ areas.

Just meters offshore from Abu Dhabi city, the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island is slowly metamorphosing into an extraordinary futuristic cultural hub; again it’s the innovative vision of Sheikh Zayed. Here there are malls, theaters, golf links, a beach, swanky apartments, a university, restaurants … And if that’s not enough, the real star of this man-made miracle is the collection of public buildings, brought together to showcase art and the arts in a spectacular fashion that only the UAE could pull off. A roster of international architects have come together to create a Louvre (Jean Nouvel’s eerie white dome), a Guggenheim (suitably fragmented cubes and pipes by Frank Gehry), a Performing Arts Centre (organic, flowing lines by Zaha Hadid), the Zen-like Maritime Museum (Tadao Ando, austere), and the fantastical Zayed National Museum (Lord Norman Foster; towers built to resemble falcon wings). It’s hoped that these iconic buildings and their priceless collections will attract visitors by the horde into Abu Dhabi. The current expected date for completion of this Herculean project is 2015 for the Louvre, 2016 for the Zayed National Museum, and 2017 for the Guggenheim.

Read more: 10 Reasons to Love Abu Dhabi

Old Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Heritage Village. Photo credit: Binder.donedat via Flickr.

And where can you catch what little is left of the old Abu Dhabi? Shamelessly twee but very informative, the Heritage Village is geared towards overseas visitors, representing a slice of life in the UAE before black gold was struck. Traditional Bedouin lifestyles are illustrated in a recreated oasis village; it serves well to remind us that a mere 50 years ago this vast megalopolis was a settlement largely made up of barasti (palm frond) houses with traditional wind towers providing primitive air conditioning. The little museum in the restored fort has displays of Bedouin jewellery, bronze cooking pots, and fading photographs of old Abu Dhabi. Elsewhere in the complex, craftsmen blow glass and weave traditional fabrics, there’s a small souk with a great spice shop, a mosque, a Bedouin encampment with goats’ hair tents, and a working falaj irrigation system.

Built in 1793, the Al Hosn Fort (White Fort) is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, and one of the first not to be made out of palm fronds. It was the official residence of the ruling Al Nahyan family when they first moved from Liwa in the Empty Quarter to Abu Dhabi. There are no guides but visitors can wander the walls and climb the tower at will; viewing is best in the cooler late afternoon. The beautifully designed, Islamic-influenced Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation is next door, hosting concerts, movies, and workshops in a series of wonderfully photogenic courtyards and gardens. There’s a scattering of model dhows and musical instruments to see, a store selling traditional crafts, and a model of Abu Dhabi dating from 1959, when this 21st-century Gotham City city was little more than a simple fishing port.

Get an introduction to the city’s highlights with a sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi

 - Sasha Heseltine

An Introduction to Abu Dhabi by Sasha Heseltine from Viator Travel Blog

Wachau Valley Bike Tour

Right in Vienna’s backyard is one of Europe’s most charming valleys. Less than an hour train ride from Austria’s capital city, travelers can abandon their city life for a few days in the country. More often than not, travelers touring through Austria tend to hit the major tourist attractions in Vienna and Salzburg but rarely visit anything in between. While both cities have much to offer in terms of art, culture and music, neither can compete with Wachau Valley’s striking landscape of towering mountains, vibrant green vineyards and medieval architecture.

As soon as you arrive in the valley you feel so far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cyclists leisurely make their way from one medieval town to the next, stopping for sips of wine and cheese along the way. Here in Austria’s Wachau Valley, nature reigns supreme and everything else is secondary. Cobblestone streets, ancient castles and massive abbeys stand frozen in time and the Danube River steadily flows along.

Stretching from Melk to Krems, the Wachau Valley spans 25-miles of picturesque landscape in lower Austria. In 2000 the region became a UNESCO World Heritage primarily due to its architectural compilation of monasteries, castles and ruins, its charming medieval towns and villages and the valley’s agricultural history of high-quality wine production.

Getting There

Trains depart daily from Vienna to Wachau Valley and an updated schedule is available online. Head to either the Wien Nord Station or the Wien Franz-Josefs Bahnof and book a ticket to Krems. Most trains go directly to Krems while others might have a transfer point at Absdorf-Hippersdorf or St. Pölten. Regardless, Krems is located about 50 miles west of Vienna and the scenic train ride generally takes less than an hour. Wachau Valley can be a day trip for travelers on a time crunch but to get the full effect of the region, two full days is recommended.

Wachau Valley Wine Tour

Many travelers opt to explore by bike either individually or as part of an organized Wachau Valley bike tour including a few winery stops. Thanks to a clearly marked bike trail and the Danube River as your constant companion, it’s nearly impossible to wander off course. Since travelers heading into and out of Vienna arrive via the Krems train station, many people start their tour here, hitting the towns of Dürnstein, Weissenkirchen, Joching, Wösendorf and St. Michael until reaching Spitz. From here, one can either take the ferry back to his starting point or continue along to Melk.

Stein & Krems

Although two separate towns, Stein and Krems often get jumbled into one simply because they are so close geographically. Here you will find the quirky Caricature Museum and a slew of restaurants, bars and shops to pass the time. Unlike Spitz and other more remote medieval towns in the valley, Krems is a bit more tailored to tourists and therefore is a good starting point for those not quite used to small town life in Wachau Valley.

There are also several historical sights worth visiting including Pfarrkirche St. Veit, a church originally designed in Gothic and Romanesque styles and later revamped in Baroque architecture. The Krems Museum offers somewhat of a crash course in wine production and also features paintings by Kremser Schmidt. The museum is centrally located right next to the pedestrian area and actually served as former Dominican monastery. Stop by the Kunstmeile for to view their collection of galleries, exhibition spaces and museums.

Dürnstein

Hill View of Durnstein. Photo courtesy of muppetspanker via Flickr.

If biking from Krems to Spitz, Dürnstein lies roughly in the middle, making it a perfect lunch stop. Of all Wachau Valley’s medieval towns, Dürnstein is the most frequently visited among tourists so expect a crowd during the spring and summer seasons. Bikes aren’t allowed in Dürnstein so make sure to lock your bike in one of the many bike racks. After a few hours on the cycle path, you will have worked up an appetite so try stopping for lunch at one of the traditional restaurants, or sample wines from a few of the local shops.

Castle in Durkenstein. Photo courtesy of muppetspanker via Flickr.

Not to be missed are Dürnstein Abbey and Burgruine Dürnstein. The abbey dates back to 1410 but was rebuilt in 1710 in Baroque style architecture. For a picture-perfect view of the Danube, climb to the top level and walk out onto the patio. For an even better view of the valley, make the trek to the Burgruine Dürnstein, accessible right from the pedestrian path. This medieval castle is quite a hike from ground level but worth every step. Although only ruins remain today, this is the castle where Austria’s Duke Leopold V held King Richard I (the Lionheart) of England captive during the Third Crusade.

Melk

Melk Abbey. Photo courtesy of jay8085 via Flickr.

If you make it all the way to Melk, you’ve reached the beginning tip of the Wachau Valley. Melk is perhaps best known for its famous Melk Abbey, a large Benedictine monastery constructed in the Baroque style. The abbey was originally built as a castle for the House of Babenberg but later became a monastery in 1089. After a devastating fire that destroyed the abbey, the monastery was rebuilt in the early 1700s. The Abbey Church is the main attraction in Melk because of its elaborate frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr. Also worth visiting is the library containing medieval documents and the Emperor’s Gallery.

Wineries

Wachau Valley Vineyard. Photo courtesy of muppetspanker via Flickr.

Finding a winery in the Wachau Valley is much like finding a restaurant in New York City. They are everywhere. Both big and small wineries are dispersed along the bike trail from Melk to Krems. For a unique spin on a traditional vineyard, head to the Weinhof Aufreiter in Spitz and partake in an apricot tasting. The “Wachauer Marille” (Wachau Apricot) is protected by the European Union agricultural law and is a perfect compliment to a refreshing glass of wine. If you are an avid red wine drinker, you are out of luck in Wachau, as their signature wine grape is the Grüner Veltliner. Other varieties include Rieslings, Weissburgunder, Muskateller and Sauvignon Blanc.

Wineries typically offer guided tours but it’s a good idea to first confirm that there are English-speaking guides available. It’s common for wineries to only schedule one English-speaking tour per day, if any at all. Some wineries only offer English tours upon request and there will likely be an extra fee applied to your bill for this service. The main reason is simply because Wachau Valley is a popular city break for locals more so than American tourists. You can let someone else do the work by booking a Wachau Valley wine tour or you can organize your visits on your own.

While you might have to splurge a few extra Euros for an English-speaking guide, you will undoubtedly save money elsewhere. Since the wine served at restaurants are locally produced, wines by the glass cost as little as 2 Euros, which is hard to beat in any European or US city.

Book a Wachau Valley tour from Vienna.

-Megan McDonough

Biking Through Austria’s Wachau Valley by Megan McDonough from Viator Travel Blog

As a native of Turkey and Istanbul resident for more than nine years, Emre Ozkara is eager to share with you his love and knowledge of all things Turkish. Private individual and group tours to Istanbul’s most famous sights are Emre’s specialty, and his custom-made itineraries will ensure your experience will be as close to your expectations as possible.

Meet Emre!

Emre’s English is impeccable and with more than nine years of experience as a licensed private tour guide in Istanbul, he knows what it takes to make your tour unforgettable, taking you not only on private tours of famous attractions in ancient Istanbul, but also to its little-known gems. Whether you’re interested in Byazantine, Ottoman or Turkish culture and history, Emre is a knowledgeable guide who colors his tours with information about both past and present.

Additionally, Emre’s private tours aren’t just limited to Istanbul — he can arrange to take you to Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy, as well as other destinations around Anatolia. This is land Emre knows intimately, and he has the ability to quickly maneuver you to the best spots and answer all your questions regarding regional history, politics, religion and culture.

Check out Emre Ozkara’s Viator Private Tour Guide profile for more details of his private Istanbul and Turkey tours and further information on how to contact and book with Emre.

Editor’s Note: Viator is proud to introduce some of our new local experts. This network of licensed tour guides covers most every destination you can imagine, so check ‘em out the next time you’re looking for a private tour guide – or simply looking to explore a destination from a local’s perspective.

-Viator Travel Team

Meet Emre Ozkara, a Private Tour Guide in Istanbul, Turkey by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog

In 2012, Viator sent two teams of two travel videographers around Europe and North America with our Dream Travel Job project. For 60 days each, they traveled, took Viator tours, and filmed.

This year we have Asha from our Europe team and Brock from the North America team back to do it all again in Asia and Australia! Read on to see where they are and what they’re doing on their adventure.

But first…

Meet Asha & Brock

Fun Facts about Asha:
- Toured Europe (Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland), Latin America (Chile) and Australia as a musician
- Plays a 7-string electric violin and was the lead violinist for the Trans Siberian Orchestra
- Toured the U.S. with Gnarls Barkley and played at the Grammys
- Breast cancer survivor
- Appeared on several pilots for the Travel Channel and the Food Network
- Skydived in New Zealand, white water rafted down the Grand Canyon and rode her bike across Tuscan

Read more about Asha’s adventures in Europe with Viator

Fun Facts about Brock Groombridge:
- In 2010 he backpacked through 36 countries on 6 continents
- Backpack With Brock is his travel video blog
- He once ate a cobra snake in Vietnam
- He climbed to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Tibet
- He has lived with a Maasai Tribe in Kenya
- Does he look familiar? Maybe you’ve seen him in a TV commercial for Diet Pepsi, Skittles or Subway!

Read more about Brock’s journey around North America with Viator

Their Asia & Australia itinerary

After a quick stop in the Viator San Francisco office, Asha and Brock took off on their journey around Asia and Australia! Make sure to follow Viator on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.

Check back below for blog recaps from Asha and Brock:

1st Stop: Tokyo

Sayonara, San Francisco and Konichiwa, Tokyo! The team spent a week in Tokyo, where they toured the city sights, took day trips around Japan, and ate lots of Pocky! Read more about their Tokyo itinerary.

2nd Stop: Beijing

Asha and Brock left Tokyo and headed west for Beijing. There, they spent three days exploring the history and culture in and around the city. Read more about their Beijing itinerary.

3rd Stop: Hong Kong

Their third stop on the trip was Hong Kong, where they stayed for a week, exploring the city and the area around it. Read more about how they spent a week in Hong Kong.

- Viator Travel Team

Asha and Brock in Asia and Australia by Viator Travel Team from Viator Travel Blog