The Czech Republic's capital city Prague borders Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. It is a much-favored European destination by tourists and is the only European capital that boasts of over six centuries of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture left intact despite war or natural disasters. Also referred to as the 'Rome of the North', Prague gets its name as it was built on nine hills, quite similar to Rome, which was built on seven. The nine hills are Letna, Vitkov, Opys, Vetrov, Skalka, Emauzy, Vysehrad, Karlov and Petrin. A picturesque city, Prague is not only enchanting but also ideal for an outdoor holiday choice or even if you like dabbling in winter sports. Some of the must-visit sites include the Hradcany castle, Malá Strana, Staré Mesto (Old Town), Josefov, the…

The city of Brussels is a rich fusion of modernism and medievalism. Dotted with beautiful architectural structures, the city is also home to a number of museums and galleries worth visiting. You can explore the inner city either by foot, or by bus or tram. For extensive travel, Brussels has a fabulous subway system. Over the years, every major power imaginable has ruled Brussels, be it the Spanish, the Germans and even the Romans. Now, a hotspot for the international business community, diplomats, politicians, NATO and EU officials, steel and glass buildings cover Brussels' business sector - located just a few meters away from its nouveau architecture clad section. In early times, Belgian artists were famous for being the inventors of oil paintings, and Belgium has produced many a masterpiece…

Vienna was right alongside Paris and London in beauty, power and importance just before the Second World War - all thanks to Vienna being one of the main transit points between Eastern and Western Europe. It was a place of inspiration for composers and artists; revolutionaries perfected plans and great theories; all while being in Vienna. It was the choice of destination of vacationing amongst the rich, while the poor yearned for it to escape their sorrows and hardship. Romanticism was not always Vienna's allure. During the Cold War, Vienna was a mere distance away from the Iron Curtain. With trade ceasing in the East, tourists were far and few in Vienna, which was then just a war-torn city. The city soon made a comeback with the Eastern Jewels -…

Expect a wonderful fusion of the old south and 21st century when you visit Jackson, Mississippi. Walk amongst wonderfully preserved historic buildings ranging from the City Hall to the governor's mansion to Baptist and Presbyterian churches and antique shops. Visit the flea markets, you never know - you might find some fascinating things there. With a population of over 180,000 people, Jackson recounts a history to be proud of - boasting of being the location for the world's first ever heart and lung transplants, home to the famed literary greats; Eudora Welty and Margaret Walked Alexander. The city gets its name from Major General Andrew Jackson, the USA's seventh President. The city has had a colourful and turbulent past with it being burnt three times during the civil war by…

Indianapolis has long been known for, and forever will be associated with motor racing. The Indy 500 has traditionally drawn hordes of fans to the city and has kept the tourist population happy for many a year. However, the city is focusing on broadening its appeal. Indianapolis wants to be known to visitors for reasons other than motor racing and is working hard towards it. Among the family oriented attractions is the Soldiers and Sailors monument. This features a 284 foot spire, atop which rests a 30 foot Bronze statue known as Miss. Indiana. The Monument Circle is also surrounded by entertainment centers, museums, sports stadiums and hotels. Notable among the new developments is the performance and exhibition space called Indianapolis Arts Garden. The structure is an eight story rotunda…

The village Kostenets is an idyllic location in Bulgaria, which offers some quiet rest and relaxation. The village is 8kms from the town of Kostenets and is the picture of authentic Bulgarian village life. So much so that the most exciting thing to happen there is the weekly market that takes place every Saturday. At the market you can find anything from clothes, household goods, fruits and vegetables to an animal market where you will encounter piglets sold from the boot of a car or even baby ducks in a cardboard box. The village is laid out in a circular form, so you will never get lost wherever you are. At the center lies a beautiful park with two cafes, where you can relax away your day sipping coffee and…

If you are planning a quick visit to Thailand and do not want to be stuck with hordes of tourists, you should consider having a small cultural adventure. You can start out by visiting the Hill Tribe museum, which is situated in a beautiful location by a large lake. To get there, just take the Highway 107 toward Mae Rim and turn left to Ratchamangkala Park; a short while later you will reach the museum. Here you can experience the lives of the hill tribes through the exhibits. After you have had you fill of the museum, your next stop should be the Elephant Camp. To get there you need to get back to the 107 and drive on until you pass Mae Rim and Mae Taeng. A few kilometers…

Sir Winston Churchill named Uganda the "Pearl of Africa" for good reason. It is one the most beautiful countries on the African Continent with spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and wonderful people. The country boasts of many wildlife parks which boom with a myriad of flora and fauna. Among the national parks you must visit are Bwindi, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Lake Mburo, and Rwenzori Mountains. Bwindi, in particular, is home to more than half the world's population of mountain gorillas. In Bwindi and other parks, you are also bound to see elephants, buffalos, hippos, baboons, chimpanzees, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, hartebeests, leopards, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, and many species of antelopes, just to name a few. You will also encounter hundreds of species of birds, snakes, and other reptiles.…

Situated in the Chiang Mai province, Chiang Mai City is easily the largest and most prominent of cities in Northern Thailand. When you arrive there, it may seem chaotic and confusing initially. But if you have done your research on the city and its customs, it may make you experience very pleasant. Getting around in Chiang Mai is easy with certain modes of public transportation. Instead of taking buses, which tend to be crowded, you may try using a "dtoog dtoog", "sarmlor", "zeelor", or a "songthaew". The first two are open-air three-wheel vehicles, and the latter are four-wheel vehicles. Whichever mode you choose, always be sure to negotiate with the driver before you get in. The culture is very protocol-oriented, so to avoid causing offence you should brush up on…