A city that is filled with the icons and memoirs of Christianity, Rome is a rich and diverse cultural hotspot of places. Rome happens to be one of the most visited tourist destinations of all times owing to these reasons. That being said and preserving everyone’s own opinions, one tourist shouldn’t spend too many times in just churches and make their visit to Rome stagnant since there is so much more to Rome than just Christian artifacts and church. With that out of the way, here are three of the top places you might want to visit if you happen to visit Rome:

1. The Colosseum And The Arch Of Constantine- The largest structure left to us by Roman antiquity, the Colosseum still provides the model for sports arenas – present-day football stadium design is based on this oval Roman plan. The building was begun by Vespasian in AD 72, and after his son, Titus enlarged it by adding the fourth story, it was inaugurated in the year AD 80 with a series of splendid games.
2. The Vatican City- The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world, with an area of less than half a square kilometer, most of it enclosed by the Vatican walls. Inside are the Vatican palace and gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square, an area ruled by the Pope, supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church. This compact space offers much for tourists to see, between its museums and the great basilica itself.
3. The Pantheon- The best-preserved monument of Roman antiquity is remarkably intact for its 2000 years. This is even though Pope Gregory III removed the gilded bronze roof tiles, and Pope Urban VIII ordered its bronze roof stripped and melted down to cast the canopy over the altar in St. Peter’s and cannons for Castel Sant’Angelo. The Pantheon was rebuilt after damage by fire in AD 80, and the resulting brickwork shows the extraordinarily high technical mastery of Roman builders.

7 of the Best Train Trips in Canada and What You’ll See Along the Way

Offering some of the most scenic views in all of North America, Canada’s excellent long-distance train network is a great way to experience all the best of this incredible country, from the pristine beauty of the Canadian Rockies to the dynamic big cities of the East and West Coasts. VIA Rail operates 494 trains per week in eight Canadian provinces over a network of 7,800 miles of track. So whether you travel on VIA Rail’s classic trans-continental train, The Canadian, from Toronto to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper and Vancouver, the inter-city trains between Toronto, Montréal and Québec, or the Ocean from Montréal to Halifax, you’ll experience fresh, chef-prepared meals, comfortable, relaxing amenities, and spectacular views throughout!

Learn more below about 7 of Amtrak Vacations’ best train journeys through Canada and the spectacular stops they make along the way. And remember, you can get there from any one of Amtrak’s 500+ stations in the U.S.!

1. Classic Canada Coast-to-Coast

The Classic Canada Coast to Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime journey across Canada! Experience the quaint seaside community of Halifax in the Canadian Maritimes, then journey by train to Montreal and explore the historic, multi-cultural streets. Visit Toronto, the country’s largest city, and enjoy a full-day tour out to the Ontario side of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. Next, journey west for an incredible train experience through the Canadian plains and the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Your trip ends in Vancouver where you’ll see all the best sights of this diverse and vibrant city.

2. Canadian Rockies Discovery Eastbound

Experience the gorgeous scenery and breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies on this incredibly scenic rail journey from Vancouver to Calgary. See amazing views of Vancouver from hundreds of feet above the ground at the Vancouver Lookout. Stroll down the charming cobblestone streets of Victoria. Get up close and personal with massive glaciers during an interactive ride on the Ice Explorer. See the spectacular natural treasures of Jasper. Discover everything that Banff has to offer. Finally, discover all Calgary has to offer!

3. Ultimate Canada and Rockies Westbound

Learn what truly makes the Canadian Rockies so majestic on this amazing journey through four different cities and a fun day trip to Niagara Falls! Tour all the splendid sites of Toronto, including the lovely Harbourfront. Get up close and personal with Niagara Falls with a cruise on the lake. Sip local delicious wine during a winery tour. Explore the spectacular natural treasures of Jasper National Park. Experience breathtaking views of the Rockies during the ride of a lifetime aboard the Jasper Skytram. Visit one of the largest expanses of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle, the Columbia Icefield in Banff. Enjoy two days of sightseeing in Vancouver. You’ll be talking about this trip for years to come!

4. Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies by Rail

Experience spectacular landscapes and scenery on this 11-day adventure to Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. Discover the beauty of Glacier National Park as you travel along the world-famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys as you travel through the Canadian Rockies. Tour the Icefields Parkway and ride an Ice Explorer vehicle onto Athabasca Glacier. Explore the picturesque mountain town of Banff and take in the splendour of Lake Louise while relaxing at the historical Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

5. Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria Rail Journey

Enjoy 7-days of sightseeing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest on this multi-city journey. Experience the sparkling metropolis of Seattle. Travel all around the city on a sightseeing tour that will take you to the city’s harbour front, the busy Pioneer Square, and to the iconic Space Needle where you can explore its observation deck, towering over 500 feet above the city. After that enjoy the mesmerizing artwork at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit. After your time in Seattle, board the Amtrak’s scenic Cascades train route for your trip up to Vancouver. While there, you will travel around the city on a sightseeing tour that will show you the best of what Vancouver has to offer. Then experience the beautiful and lush forests of British Columbia on the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Next up is the charming seaside town of Victoria where you will get to experience the beauty of Butchart Gardens. A magical experience awaits on this 7-day journey!

6. Canadian Rail Experience

Enjoy an experience unlike any other on the Canadian Rail Experience! Capture all of the culture and excitement of both Toronto and Vancouver with fun and user-friendly hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours! Then board VIA Rail’s Canadian for the cross-country trip to the west. Capture the pure beauty and majestic sights of the many plains, mountains, lakes, and glaciers as you travel through the Canadian countryside. With so much to take in on your cross-Canada trip, the travel becomes the destination on this Canadian Rail Experience!

7. New York and Eastern Canada

Travel from the “Big Apple” to the scenic Niagara Falls and on to the historical and cultural Eastern Canada on this 11-day journey. Start in New York where you will explore the city with a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour that will bring you to such iconic New York spots as the Empire State Building and Central Park. From there you are on to Eastern Canada where you will visit the majestic Niagara Falls, multi-cultural Toronto, and the historic cities of Montreal and Quebec City. While in Niagara you will enjoy a full-day tour of the city and surrounding areas. In Toronto, you will explore with another hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour and admission to the CN Tower. You will also enjoy sightseeing tours in Montreal and Quebec City. An exciting New York and Canadian journey awaits you!

It’s always fun to explore a new place, especially if that place has an interesting history or community, or is shrouded in mystery.

And it is even better if you were to go without reading up too much on the destination prior to your visit. Just get basic information like how to get there and where to stay.

Of course, there are many types of travellers: Some would want to know and plan for everything beforehand, while others – like myself – prefer to just… wing it. Fortunately for me, I usually end up getting the best experiences from travelling this way.

One example is when I walked through the Sea Of Trees or Aokigahara in the Yamanashi Prefecture in Japan. I was in Tokyo a few days earlier for work, and had extended my stay. From the city, I took a bus to Lake Kawaguchi or Kawaguchiko, which is about two hours away.

Kawaguchiko is near Mount Fuji, and even though I wasn’t going to climb the mountain, I thought it would be a nice place to explore and hike. It was only when I got to the train station at Kawaguchiko, and ruffled through the tourist brochure, that I realised just how close I was to the infamous Aokigahara forest.

OK, cool.

The brochure was very useful and it gave me all the details I needed about hiking to Aokigahara. (Many of us now would just Google or check an app for information, but don’t dismiss the value of a physical tourist brochure, especially if there is no WiFi available in the area!)

I got on the tourist bus that would take me to the starting point of the Aokigahara walking trail, or so I thought. I must have missed the stop because when we got to the end of the route, it did not look like the picture in the brochure. I was the only one left on the bus so I asked the driver, “Aokigahara?”

He looked at me, nodded and pointed at the door.

OK.

There was a visitors’ centre or something at the place, but when I went into the building there was no one around I could speak to.

OK.

I found a trail behind the building that led into the forest. There was a sign in Japanese which I could not read, but since it did not have the “No Entry” symbol on it, I figured it was safe to enter the forest.

The trail was clear and looked like it had been properly built for walking or hiking purposes; it was also big enough for a whole horse carriage to go through.

As I was trying to decide which direction to go, an elderly man and a teenage boy suddenly appeared and the former cheerily said “Ohayo!” (good morning). “Tourist?”

“Yes.”

“OK, enjoy!”

I took another path, one that had a little more light than where the men went. It was a wonderful trail and very easy to navigate, as long as you stayed on the path. Every now and then I came across distance and direction markers, but none were in English. No big deal, I thought, because I seemed to be going the right way… until I came to a section that… felt different.

Suddenly the beautiful forest was all quiet, and I could no longer hear the insects, bugs and small animals. The air also felt… it felt like there was no air, no breeze. Had I accidentally walk over to the “forbidden” part of the forest?

(The forbidden zone is clearly marked, although there is no large barrier – just a rope – that would prevent anyone from walking in.)

I started to get a little paranoid and looked around, but then I didn’t want to “see” anything so I stopped and kept walking instead.

There was more vegetation in this part of the woods, and the tree roots grew everywhere so the path was no longer clear. I had to stop every few meters to make sure I was moving straight forward and not to the left or right.

It was a little eerie but I was mostly afraid of getting lost than anything, as my phone signal was also very weak.

About 20 minutes later, I finally came across a sign nailed to the root of an interesting-looking tree with a pinkish bark. Again, I had no idea what the sign said, but it was a welcome sight nonetheless.

There was a bench nearby so I sat down and took a lunch break. As I was eating, I heard some children laughing in the distance… it was a group of schoolboys and their teachers having a field trip in the forest.

“Konnichi wa!” some of them said as they walked past me, a few bowing their heads.

“Hello!” I replied.

One of the boys stopped, smiled and said, “Good afternoon.”

I continued my walk, all the way to the Saiko Bat Cave Information Centre, which is the actual starting point of the Aokigahara walking trail. I had missed the Bat Cave tour (yes, there are some caves you can explore here), so I went back into the forest to see how much further the trail would take me.

As it turns out, it took me back to where I started. Perfect.

For a pictorial guide on how to get to the Aokigahara walking trail, check out the Yamanashi Prefecture tourist website (shorturl.at/awAJP).

Kisawa Sanctuary, sprawled across 300 hectares of beachfront and coastal forest on Benguerra Island, Mozambique, has launched with 22 spacious bungalows across 12 residences. While some lie on the calmer cove side, others shelter in the dunes on the ocean side. All residences are positioned within a secluded plot of at least one acre of beachfront, sand dunes and forest, providing maximum privacy. Each bungalow can accommodate two persons. Some stand alone, while others are positioned in groups, so groups can enjoy a balance of privacy and togetherness.

A 24/7 personal service team, plus a colorful fleet of electric Mini Mokes allows guests to choose between privacy within their bungalow and surroundings, or to adventure at their own pace throughout Benguerra Island and the Bazaruto Archipelago.

The first hospitality project by entrepreneur, creative director and philanthropist Nina Flohr, Kisawa’s approach to craftsmanship and commissions are designed to involve and create work for as many people from Benguerra and the neighbouring islands as possible. The work of local weavers, thatchers, carpenters and textile makers is showcased in the sanctuary.

Art and antiques are sourced from across Africa, ensuring the preservation of heritage artifacts and their remaining provenance within the continent. These works sit alongside locally made bespoke furniture, providing an authentic sense of place, and a connection with the natural environment. Colorful patterns and prints, evocative of the region, add a graphic element and intrigue while contrasting textures provide layers of tactility.

Around 80 percent of the construction workforce belonged to Benguerra Island, half of which were women. Today, Kisawa is run by a team of 220 staff, with 90 percent of the operational team from Africa and the remainder combining expertise from around the world.

At the heart of the resort, guests can discover shared spaces dedicated to relaxation, dining and well-being, along with an expansive Natural Wellness Center. Located amongst dunes, the wellness center offers guests individual treatments or personalized programs rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, in collaboration with the guest’s private chef and the Kisawa team. A Japanese Iyashi dome sauna uses gentle infrared heat to promote healing. Within the fully equipped gym, Pilates reformers are available for guests to use alone or under professional guidance.

Throughout the seven culinary locations at Kisawa, the ethos remains the same: A commitment to sanctuary-grown produce, the practice of organic, seasonal gardening methods, operating a zero-waste policy and no use of processed ingredients. Kisawa has built a network of farmers and producers ensuring fresh local produce daily. The multiple venues, including the Main Terrace, Baracca and two Mussassas, offer a wide variety of dishes, with a focus on African and Mozambican flavors, including an ever-changing selection of seafood inspired by daily conversations with local fishermen.

Besides founding Kisawa Sanctuary, Flohr launched its sister property, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS), also located on Benguerra Island. It is Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory. Their parallel operations create a new, symbiotic business model whereby hospitality contributes directly to marine science and research. The data and knowledge output of BCSS informs the environmental decisions of the sanctuary, ranging from design choices and ocean awareness, to meaningful guest experiences, such as spending the day tagging sharks from the deck of the research vessel. Coined “resort to research,” this is an authentic, active, day-to-day relationship that allows for the harmonious existence of Kisawa Sanctuary and BCSS.

All our travel plans were put to a disappointing halt after Coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe. But now with the Covid-19 pandemic gradually ebbing and travel restrictions easing around the world, travellers are all set to finally pack their bags and go out to explore again.

But if you are confused about where to travel in 2022, look no further as National Geographic has curated a list of 25 exciting destinations that will satiate your wanderlust in the coming year. Spread across five categories — nature, adventure, culture, sustainability and family — the list promises to offer some unforgettable and diverse travel experiences.

“This year’s list celebrates a number of World Heritage sites in honour of UNESCO’s 50 years of helping to safeguard cultural and natural treasures,” National Geographic said.

*Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan, China
*Tin Pan Alley, London
*Hokkaido, Japan
*Procida, Italy
*Atlanta, Georgia
*Ruhr Valley, Germany
*Parque Nacional Yasuni, Ecuador
*Lódz, Poland
*National Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, Oregon/Washington
*Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique
*Caprivi Strip, Namibia
*Northern Minnesota
*Lake Baikal, Russia
*Belize Maya Forest Reserve
*Victoria, Australia
*Seine River Bike Trail, France
*Costa Rica
*Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail, New Brunswick, Canada
*Palau
*Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
*Danube River Cruise
*Lycia, Turkey
*Granada, Spain
*Bonaire
*Eastern Shore, Maryland

Africa is the second largest continent on the earth and houses a whole host of unique flora and fauna which are found nowhere else on the earth. This fact alone makes sure that safaris in Africa are the most popular tourist attraction which reels in hoards of tourists from around the world. Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Masai Mara, and the Serengeti make the highlights of Africa, but there are so many other destinations that are equally, if not more diverse when there is the question of unique flora and fauna. With that said, here are a few safari location ideas that may be extremely helpful to the keen tourist.

1. East Africa’s Mara, Crater & Serengeti Migration- This safari commences in Kenya’s Masai Mara before traveling south into Tanzania for the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater. Concentrated on untamed life, this is an extraordinary chance to observe the wildebeest relocation so get some information about getting your planning right.
2. Botswana, Vic Falls, And Zimbabwe- This safari adventure takes you to the lushest parts of Africa when the rains hit. If you happen to visit this area, you will get to see the Okovango Delta, the iconic Victoria Falls, looks at the rich fauna of the area by walking in Hwange & Matapos parks and more.
3. Tanzania Migration & Uganda Gorillas- This has to be the most authentic of safari experiences in Africa. This trip may offer a view of the extraordinary Wildebeest Migration when in season, seek out Big 5 game viewing, life-changing gorilla trekking in, Uganda’s lush rainforests, cultural encounters with the Batwa people and night game drives in search of elusive nocturnal animals.

In the Land of the Rising Sun, old sanctuaries sit nearby neon wonderlands and Shinto shrines places offer pockets of harmony amid cities. Include tea functions, snow monkeys, sushi, kimonos, and karaoke to the blend, and you have one of the world’s most entrancing nations.

With attractions like Mount Fuji, Kinkaku-Ji, Tokyo Skytree, and many other iconic locations and structures, there is no wonder that Japan ranks as one of the most visited locations.

Here are five of the most visited tourist attractions in Japan:

1. Mount Fuji- Without an uncertainty Japan’s most unmistakable milestone, superb Mount (Fuji-san) is additionally the nation’s most elevated mountain top, transcending 3,776 meters over a generally to a great extent level scene toward the south and east, and tall enough to be seen from Tokyo more than 100 kilometers away.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park- While little need be said here of the revulsions of the nuclear shelling of Hiroshima in August 1945, much can be said of the mind-blowing endeavors this lively city has made to remember the numerous casualties of the world’s first atomic assault, and maybe considerably more critically, the image of enduring harmony Hiroshima has since moved toward becoming.
3. Osaka Castle- Built in the year 1586 by celebrated Japanese warrior and legislator Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-jō) was at the time the biggest and most significant post in the nation. Albeit crushed and revamped various occasions since, the present structure, worked in 1931, stays consistent with the first.
4. Sapporo, Hokkaido- Located on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, the city of Sapporo offers numerous things to see and accomplish for sightseers. As the island’s biggest city, it’s a center of a social movement, facilitating numerous magnificent occasions and celebrations; an unmistakable culinary style; a rich showy history; and a lot of exhibition halls, displays, and stops. The point of convergence here is particularly the city’s alluring midtown zone, the focal point of which is Odori Park, an enormous swath of green that is exceptionally charming to investigate.
5. Chūbu-Sangaku National Park And The Japanese Alps- Japan brags several extraordinary zones of regular excellence, a large number of them assigned as national parks or, sometimes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the nation’s most staggering parks is Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in the focal point of Honshu, joining in its northern and focal areas the gathering of mountains all things considered alluded to as the Hida Mountains, or the Japanese Alps.

The nation of Belize is one beautiful place you might want to keep in your bucket list for your next vacation. Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and lush and dense forests to the west. These factors make Belize is a pristine habitat for flora and fauna which are not found anywhere else on the earth. The beaches are exquisitely beautiful, with waters easily as clear as glass and the forests are luscious and dense and make for a beautiful habitat for many animals. Here are a few places worth visiting if you visit Belize.

The Ambergris Caye is the biggest of Belize’s 200 cayes and a prime traveler goal. Off the coast, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of Belize’s most visited jumping and swimming locales. It’s named after the Mayan for “little cut” and is one of seven holds inside the Belize Barrier Reef framework, which is the second biggest on the planet after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Top attractions in the hold incorporate a cut in the reef with soak coral dividers; Cat’s Eye, a bow molded sinkhole; and Shark Ray Alley where jumpers can appreciate close experiences with the nurse sharks and southern stingrays.

The most remote from the shore of Belize’s three atolls, Lighthouse Reef Atoll is nirvana for nature-sweethearts and jumpers. Six cayes encompass a turquoise tidal pond with glimmering white-sand seashores, coconut palms, and intriguing coral arrangements. The top draw here is the well known Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Natural Monument. Diving into the sapphire-conditioned sinkhole, jumpers can see unusual limestone stalactites projecting from the precarious dividers, and on the off chance that they’re fortunate, the occupant school of reef sharks.

Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe spot for nature lovers. The bumpy tropical backwoods here ensures a great exhibit of untamed life including panthers, ocelots, jaguars, insect-eating animals, ungulates, monkeys, and snakes, in spite of the fact that sightings of the felines are uncommon. Birders will likewise cherish it here. Toucans and red macaws are among the 290 species recorded in the safeguard. The most ideal approach to investigate the asylum is on the broad snare of trails.

Traveling around the world is what keeps a lot of us from completely losing our minds in this hectic world. Visiting far-off places, learning about their cultures and values, trying new foods, experiencing the flora and fauna, visiting many sites enriches our minds with knowledge and cultural goodness which is never possible through watching documentaries on National Geography or other channels. However, greedy people who want nothing to do with tourists other than their money are found almost everyone on the face of the earth. If you happen to go out with a tour guide, you are somewhat safer, but if you choose to venture out alone, here are some tourism scams you might want to look out for.

1. Broken Taxi Meter- Taxi drivers close to air terminals or train stations are known to pull this trick, yet it can happen anyplace. When you get into a taxi and begin to drive, the driver will tell you that the meter is broken and charge you a ludicrous cost.
2. Overbooked Or Closed Hotel- This basic travel scam happens to a great extent with taxi drivers. While on the way to your inn, the driver will disclose to you your inn is either shut or overbooked and afterward take you to an increasingly costly inn where the driver gets a huge commission.
3. Free Bracelets Or Rosemary- This trick will, in general, go after female voyagers. An agreeable man or lady will way to deal with talk, at that point place a “free” kinship armlet on your wrist. Or then again give you a sprig of Rosemary for good karma. When you have it, they will request cash. When you deny, they will start to create a scene in the public.
4. Phony Police Officers- The phony cop trick is a prevalent one in numerous large urban communities. Frequently, an individual will approach a vacationer and offer illegal things, similar to drugs. While talking a couple of other individuals will approach, seeming, by all accounts, to be cops and brandishing fake badges. They will at that point demand the confused and scared voyager hand over their visa and wallet. Be that as it may, they are not cops.

It’s a good idea to put Electronics, Medications, Toothbrush, and an Extra Pair of Underwear in Your Carry-on A couple of significant things ought to consistently go in a lightweight suitcase. A bathing suit is likewise a smart thought on the off chance that you are going on a seashore excursion. You can purchase the vast majority of these things if your package gets lost, however having them in your portable will set aside your cash and time if your baggage becomes mixed up in travel.

Always ask before jumping on to any form of public transport It’s a smart thought to get some information about the cost before you jump on a transport or other types of open transportation.

Hydration is key while flying Remaining hydrated particularly on whole deal flights makes it simpler to get over jet lag. Minimize the risk of getting sick 30,000 feet up in the air and stay hydrated.

Never Forget To Put Your Room Number and Hotel Address in Your Phone Always a key thing to remember. The entire trip might go to waste if you don’t remember where you booked rooms.

Ask The Locals Who knows about the local scene better than the locals?! It’s pretty much a solid choice to be asking the locals about the local scene like the food, places to go for sightseeing, etc.

Be careful with Free Public WIFI One thing people tend to forget while on vacation is they are constantly under the threat of cybercrimes. It’s generally not a good idea to be logging into free public WiFis.