Viator Travel Blog

The shock of the new, though, can be a pleasure as well as a pain, and culture shock is one of the reasons most of us travel: to experience the new. These twelve principles should help the novice navigate the maelstrom of this country’s craziness and avoid culture shock in China.

Caves have always fascinated human beings. We have used them for shelter, for food storage, as canvases for our art – we have even transformed them into homes and temples. Caves tend to have an otherworldly mystery about them, with their often tortuous, claustrophobic chambers, their strange creatures and the intensity of their darkness. It is no wonder we are drawn to them. And there is no shortage of caverns to explore — the United States alone has more than 55,500 caves, with over 1,000 new ones discovered each year, according to the National Speleological Society. There are countless to choose from, but here is a list of eight of the world’s coolest caves to get you started.

For those who love experiencing beautiful landscapes, visiting waterfalls is one of the best ways to add some extra beauty to a day in the outdoors. Not all falls are created equal, however. If you want to view some of the world’s best cascades, here are our suggestions.

Forget dropping down on one knee at a glitzy restaurant; these days popping the question requires a little more thought. From drifting along the Venice canal ways on a romantic gondola ride to camping out under the Egyptian stars, or even from the top of the Empire State Building, here are 25 ideas for mind-blowingly romantic proposals.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, stores are flooded with candy hearts, chocolates and stuffed animals. In the US, shelves brimming with teddy bears and boxes of chocolate are typical Valentine’s Day fare, but not every country turns to greeting cards and heart-shaped candies to declare love. Some exchange wooden spoons and pressed flowers, while others hold a special holiday for the loveless to mourn their single lives over black noodles. Here is a look at how 10 countries celebrate Valentine’s Day around the world.

But China’s fourth-largest city has plenty more to offer families than the chance to cuddle a baby panda. And, while all Chinese cities can feel vast, bewildering and polluted to the first-time visitor, Chengdu is a remarkably accessible place that’s long on open spaces and short on grifters.

As the world’s largest and most populous continent, with more than 50 countries spread across six distinct regions, Asia offers a wealth of experiences. The cultural, geographical and ethnic diversity that exists within Asia ensures travelers with varied interests and levels of experience will find something to cross off their bucket list. Join us for this tour of the Top 25 Things to Do in Asia!

There are different ways people bring in the New Year around the world.

Let’s take a trip, shall we?

When given the choice between a stress-free elevator ride and a dusty old stairwell, the elevator almost always wins. While there’s nothing wrong with trying to save a few minutes on your morning rush to work by riding the elevator, plan on taking the stairs on your next vacation. Most cities are best explored on foot and there are countless hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From the famous steps at Machu Picchu to Switzerland’s suspended bridge over the Traversinertobel, exercising has never felt so thrilling. Here are 11 fantastic steps worth the climb.

If your heart melts every time you look into the eyes of an animal, whether it’s a puppy or a frog, then it’s safe to say you’re an animal lover. Luckily for you, there are countless opportunities for animal people to help furry, feathery, scaly or slimy creatures while traveling the world.

How is this possible? By volunteering abroad, of course! Programs for volunteering with wildlife abroad are located all over the world, but we’ve compiled a list of eight countries that are worth a second glance. Take a look at some of the animals you can work with in each country and what you can do as a volunteer to make a difference.