Italian movie stars and pop idols are still snapping up real estate around the seaside town of Sorrento – Siren’s Point – unaware that 2,000 years ago it was also the very heart of the ancient Romans’ favorite holiday destination. In fact, the entire sun-drenched coastline from the Bay of Naples south to the precipitous Amalfi Coast has always been lined with sumptuous luxury villas, qualifying it as the Hamptons of Antiquity. Read the rest of this entry »

El Rastro Flea Market

This market at the Plaza Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores is the place to be on Sunday mornings—and has been for 500 years. Here you’ll find everything under the sun, including the snail special at the market’s Los Caracoles tapas bar.

El Retiro Park

Another Sunday morning tradition in Madrid is to stroll through El Retiro Park among the fortunetellers and magicians. Dating back to the 1600s, the park features a lake as well as statues and soothing fountains. Read the rest of this entry »

Christchurch Cathedral

Introduce yourself to the English-influenced town of Christchurch by scaling 133 steps to the tower of the famous Gothic Revival Church. Sweeping views of the square and surrounding city await at the top.

Christchurch Gondola

For incredible views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Kaikoura Ranges, take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola. Read the rest of this entry »

Fishlips Bar & Bistro

If you want to go where the locals go for seafood in Cairns, this is the place. You can try the local barramundi or be more adventurous and order the pan-fried crocodile!

Fitzroy Island

Just a short ferry ride from Cairns, this island is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Try windsurfing, canoeing, or snorkeling—and be sure to try one of the most delightful experiences: the rainforest walk to the mountaintop lighthouse! Read the rest of this entry »

Almost everything has two names in the Outback these days. Ayers Rock, the symbol of the Red Center, is now more correctly known by its traditional Aboriginal name, Uluru. The famous monolith sprouting from the desert had been given its stolid English title in 1873 by the first European explorer to clap eyes on it in 1873, Ernest Giles, in honor of his dull British benefactor, Sir Henry Ayer. Read the rest of this entry »

Porcão

Visit this restaurant on Flamengo Beach for all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue as well as incredible views of the bay and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Forte do Leme

A 20 minute walk to the top of this fort on Leme Beach leads you to one of Rio’s best kept secrets. Take in the 360-degree views of Copacabana and Guanabara Bay as sagui monkeys dart around. Read the rest of this entry »

El Niño Bien

There are many Tango shows for tourists in Buenos Aires, but this Tango salon is where locals go to strut their stuff. Have fun observing this graceful dance—and don’t be surprised if an instructor tries to coax you on to the floor. Note: this is not a Tango show, but a Milonga salon where local residents go to dance and drink. Check in advance for days and hours of operation.

Museo Evita

You can stand before the Casada Rosada and see the balcony where Evita addressed the masses, and you can see the tomb where she was laid to rest in the beautiful Recoleta Cemetery. But to truly understand this controversial woman, visit the Museo Evita where her life story is told through her personal possessions. Read the rest of this entry »

When the Great Fire of 1666 destroyed London, scholar and architect Christopher Wren was asked to design a new cathedral to be erected from debris. His masterpiece was built with an equal amass of trials as stones. Wren’s first design drew inspiration from ancient Roman buildings of the emperors Constantine and Justinian, but was rejected. Read the rest of this entry »

At least 22 cities claim to be the “Athens of the _________.” Edinburgh’s claim to the title “Athens on the North” stems from the late 18th century when the city was noted for its intellectual vibrancy and neo-classical architecture. Its topography is also similar to that of Athens with a castle on a hill, fertile flatlands below and a nearby seaport. Read the rest of this entry »

Little is known about Shakespeare’s wife and mother of three, Anne Hathaway, but she is nonetheless intriguing to UK tourists and locals, alike. While we would all, no doubt, like to see the muse that once captured Shakespeare’s heart, no images of Anne Hathaway exist because, during her lifetime, only men had their portraits canvassed, save women in aristocracy. Read the rest of this entry »