Kremlin, Moscow (Russia)

Exploring the Kremlin is one of the most extraordinary experiences to have while visiting Russia. It sits above and beyond all other attractions in Russia, like the well-known Hermitage Museum, and is the most famous of all sights in the country. Sitting with a commanding presence on the northern bank of the Moscow River, the Moscow Kremlin covers the Borovitsky Hill, taking up a large, triangular shaped piece of land.

The entire property is surrounded by a large wall, called the Kremlin Wall, spanning more than two kilometers in length and originally constructed entirely out of red brick.

The main attractions in Russia inside the Kremlin include the Armory, the Patriarch”s Palace, the Annunciation Cathedrals, Archangel, and Assumption. The Church of the Deposition of the Robe, and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower are also must-sees during a visit. The Kremlin is the political, spiritual and historical core of Moscow.

Embodying the true essence of the city the Moscow Kremlin is made of a group of buildings exemplifying a wonderful architectural array that paints a colorful picture of a long and captivating history. The mystic sanctuary was founded by Prince Yury Dolgoruky who constructed the initial building on the hilltop back in 1147 AD.

Meaning citadel, castle, or fortress, the Kremlin Russia began to grow from its initial building. Development of the land surrounding the first building continued as the city of Moscow popped up all around it.

Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park (Madagascar)

Madagascar’s diverse geography includes fragile rain forest, desert, and limestone karst formations. One of the most popular places to visit on trips to Madagascar is the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in the west of Madagascar Africa, a veritable labyrinth of limestone peaks, waterfalls, and pristine forests. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, the park is now one of the most popular eco-tourism treks in the country. The Tsingy National Park is one of the only habitats for certain rare chameleon species, the endangered Madagascar fish eagle, and several lemur species. Treks in this park can also include cave exploration and camping. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, together with the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, form a protected area which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bemaraha National Park is located to the north of the reserve and is the point of access for most tourists interested in exploring the tsingy, a Magalasy word referring to the needle-like karst limestone formations that make the park such a popular tourist trek. In fact, the Magalasy word tsingy literally means “where one cannot walk barefoot,” a perfect description of the pointed rock pinnacles.

 The most famous attraction of Tsingy de Bemaraha is the park’s namesake, the mineral forest of limestone formations known as tsingy. The natural limestone plateaus of the area were eroded by rains and floods, causing fissures, caverns, canyons, and peaks of limestone to form. The scenery at Bemaraha National Park is dramatic, with hundreds of needle-like karst peaks interspersed with lush pristine rainforests. The unique structure of the tsingy makes each limestone formation exceptionally rich in wildlife: The summit, steep slopes, and base of each tsingy form a separate ecosystem, allowing niche animal and plant species to develop that are found nowhere else in the world.

Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul (South Korea)

Built at the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty this Gyeongbok Palace encompasses 419,100 square meters of halls, pavilions, offices, storerooms, gates and bridges.This former seat of power is probably Korea’s most famous royal palace. It’s tough to miss given its location at the northern end of Seoul’s main boulevard, Sejongro, a stone’s throw from the Blue House (the President’s residence) and the U.S embassy.

Gyeongbok Palace  (closed Tuesday) was built in the late 1300s, and has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. English tours are available about three times daily for visitors to learn more about Korea’s architectural traditions and court customs. Give yourself at least an hour to stroll around the pavilions and halls within the palace’s spacious walled grounds.

Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios (Jamaica)

Dolphin Cove Jamaica is one of the most popular of all Ocho Rios attractions, second only to nearby Dunn’s River Falls.

Ocho Rios is famous for its high-end Jamaican resorts and as a principal stopover on Jamaica cruises or cruises around the Caribbean. The resorts are geared to laid-back getaways, lazing on a beach or enjoying a cold drink. It is easy to enjoy an entire week within the confines of an all-inclusive resort, but there are several good Ocho Rios activities to get you out of the hotel.

A trip to Dunn’s River Falls can be organized from most of the resorts and from any cruise ships. These 600 feet falls are well worth a visit. Dolphin Cove Jamaica is adjacent to the waterfall, so it is easy to combine a trip to these Ocho Rios attractions

The Island Fortress of Suomenlinna, Helsinki (Finland)

The 18th century Fortress of Suomenlinna is a must-see on any trip to Finland. It is located on an island at the entrance to Helsinki harbour and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Treasure since 1991. The unique fortress is a fine example of European military architecture. Besides being a being a historical site and tourist attraction, Suomenlinna is also a well-loved recreation area for Helsinki citizens.

With 900 permanent inhabitants, Suomenlinna remains a lively island with an impressive array of museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes to keep you occupied!

Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador

The Quilotoa Loop is one of the best Ecuador attractions if you’re looking for an adventurous vacation, as it offers all the hiking, scenic vistas, and Andean villages your heart could desire all in one trip. If you want to visit Quilotoa Ecuador, be prepared for a rustic trip. Dirt roads, lack of transportation, and changing weather conditions will all be challenges during this excursion. However, as with any struggle, the rewards are worth the extra effort. Here you will be rewarded by seeing the famous Ecuador crater lake, meeting local indigenous people, and maybe even the chance to do some authentic shopping.

If you’re planning on embarking on the Quilotoa Loop, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it is essential to be well prepared. This means that you will need all the right equipment, from hiking boots to rain gear to layers of clothes to a water bottle. It is very possible to get stuck outdoors in storms or be waiting lengthy periods of time for transportation, so be sure to prepare ahead of time. Carry a small medical kit, bring bug spray, and don’t forget your sunscreen. A hat and sunglasses might also make the journey more enjoyable. Once you gaze down into the Ecuador Crater Lake, you will forget about any obstacles you overcame to reach this location.

Lech, Austria

Lech is one of the most fashionable ski resorts in Austria, and when you consider that it is linked to nearby resorts such as Zurs via lifts and shuttles, it becomes evident that this is a fine place to escape to during the winter season. Found in the western Austria state of Vorarlberg, which is often referred to as Little Switzerland, Lech is set high in the Austrian Alps. In fact, the Lech Zurs Ski Area is among the highest in Europe. Lech itself tops out at around 9,100 feet above sea level. This translates to some very long runs, and if you want variety, the expansive terrain is full of trails that cater to all levels and desires.