Vienna: The City of Elegance, Music and Serenity

But it is the city's music scene that truly sets it apart. Vienna is often referred to as the "City of Music," and for good reason. It has been the home of some of the world's greatest composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's music halls, including the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein, have hosted some of the most memorable performances in history. The sound of music is truly in the air, with street performers and concerts filling the streets and squares of the city.

The city's parks and gardens provide a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The Prater, Vienna's oldest amusement park, offers a whimsical escape, with its iconic Ferris wheel and carnival atmosphere. For a more serene experience, the Vienna Woods offer miles of walking paths and stunning vistas of the city below. The Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, with their meticulously manicured lawns and tranquil ponds, are a true oasis of calm.

 

Vienna, the imperial capital of Austria, is a city that has captured the hearts of visitors for centuries. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving music scene, Vienna offers an unforgettable travel experience that is nothing short of magical.

The city's architectural gems are a testament to its illustrious past, and walking through its streets feels like taking a step back in time. From the towering spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral to the majestic Hofburg Palace, Vienna's buildings are a testament to the city's status as one of the great capitals of Europe. The opulent Schönbrunn Palace, once home to the Habsburg dynasty, is a must-see, with its sprawling gardens and lavish interiors.

Vienna truly is a city that delights the senses. From the opulence of its palaces to the soul-stirring melodies of its music, it offers an experience that is unmatched by any other. Whether you're a lover of history, art, or music, or simply seeking a place to unwind and soak up the beauty of the world, Vienna is a destination that will leave you enchanted and longing to return.

Three Reason Why People Can Never Have Enough of Chiang Mai

Calm, blissful, and laid-back are three words that would come to mind when arriving in Chiang Mia. The former seat of the Lanna kingdom is a stark contrast to the busy and bustling Bangkok. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful city that is still firmly Thai in its atmosphere and attitude. Don’t forget to download the Chiang Mai Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     Lanna Folk Life Museum

Located inside the Thai-colonial-style former Provincial Court, this imaginative museum dates back from 1935. It recreates Lanna village life in a series of life-size dioramas that explain everything from lai krahm pottery stenciling and fon lep—a mystical Lanna dance that features long metal fingernails. You’ll also find the intricate symbolism of different elements of Lanna-style monasteries.

2.     Wat U Mong

This historic forest Wat is famed for its sylvan setting and its ancient chedi. The Wat is located above a brick platform wormholed with passageways built around 1380. As you wander through the arched tunnels, you can catch a glimpse of the original murals and several venerated Buddha images. The forest around the platform is scattered with centuries’ worth of broken Buddha images.

3.     Chiang Mai Warorot

There’s no better way to know a South East Asian city better than exploring its public markets. Chiang Mai’s oldest public market, Warorot is a great place to connect with the city’s Thai soul. It’s easy to get lost and spend an easy half a day wandering its walkways, watching locals, and haggling for goods. Historically, most of the farm produce was delivered by boat thus the market is located by the river of Mae Ping.

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Heaven on Earth: Visiting Mauritius

Mark Twain once wrote, 'Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius'. It’s hard to imagine a more compelling visage of heaven than Mauritius: sapphire-blue waters, powder-white sand, and a front row seat to one of the most beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. Download the Mauritius Travel Guide and Offline Map and experience heaven on Earth for yourself.

1.     Rodrigues

Barely touched by commercialization one would think they’ve traveled back in time on this tiny volcanic outcrop 600 kilometers away from the mainland. As the locals wold often tell you,”It is Mauritius of 25 years ago”. Here you’ll experience what true island time means and its time-warped vibe. It is beautiful forgotten world in some of the most remote corners of the globe.

2.     Eureka

There’s no better place to learn about Mauritius’ rich colonial history than in Eureka. The perfectly preserved Creole mansion was built in the 1830’s and stands today as a museum. Visiting Eureka is like stepping into a time machine and gives you incredible insight into the island’s vibrant plantation past.

3.     Vallée de Ferney

This 400-year-old forest is an important habitat for the Mauritius kestrel—one of the world’s most endangered raptors and visiting here is probably one of your best chance in ever seeing one. The guides take you along a 3-kilometer trail and at noon the staff feed the wild kestrels at the trailhead. As an important habitat for endemic species, Vallée de Ferney promises to be an important conservation and ecotourism area in the coming years.

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Discovering Playa del Carmen, Mexico's Next Big Thing

Playa del Carmen's popularity is growing more and more each year. It now ranks as the third-largest city in Quintana Roo and competes with Tulum as one of the Riviera's rendiest cities. The town is ideally located: close to Cancún’s international airport, but far enough south to allow easy access to Cozumel, Tulum, Cobá and other worthy destinations. So If you're looking for your next tropical destination download the Playa del Carmen Travel Guide and Offline Map now!

1.  Cenote Diving

What’s a cenote you ask? It’s an underground cave filled with fresh water. The Yucatan has tons of them—sinkholes that open up into underground rivers with the clearest water you’ve ever seen. If you have your PADI license, you can go scuba diving in these caves with a guide. Because there’s daylight near the entrance a more technical cave diving license isn’t required. Not a diver? No problem. You can also go snorkeling at most cenotes.

2. Visit Mayan Ruins

The ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum are located South of Playa del Carmen in the town of Tulum. A must-visit if you’re in the area.

Tulum was once a small but important port city for the Mayans. Along with impressive structures on the edge of a cliff, it has a beach below where you can swim too. Because Tulum is so popular, it can be crowded unless you arrive early in the morning. Coba is another Mayan site near Playa del Carmen which sees less visitors. You can still climb the pyramid there too.

3. Swim With Sea Turtles

Who doesn’t want to swim with sea turtles? I’ve always wanted to, that’s for sure. I got my chance at Akumal beach, 30 minutes South of Playa del Carmen. The shallow blue-green water here is home to Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead sea turtles that you can swim with.

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Beat the Caribbean Blues in the Tropical Oasis that is Key West

This 7-square-mile island feels like a beautiful tropical oasis. It’s allure stems not just from beautiful beaches and palm trees, but from the classical Caribbean homes and its eccentric vibes. It’s easy to find your groove in Key West—no matter where your interests lie. As in other parts of the Keys, nature plays a starring role here, with some breathtaking sunsets—cause for nightly celebration down on Mallory Square. Download the Key West Travel Guide and Offline Map and prepare for your trip down Highway One!

1.     Mallory Square

The fun begins in the hours leading to dusk where you’ll witness every single oddity and eccentric character on the island. Have a beer. And a conch fritter, and take a front-row seat to the music-filled mayhem. Once sunset arrives, all eyes turn to the water; and the showing comes crashing to an end shortly after the streaks of post-sunset gold, amber and lilac light up the evening sky.

2.     Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

“America’s Southernmost State Park” is home to an impressive fort, built in the mid-1800s that played roles in the American Civil War and in the Spanish-American War. The beach here is the best one Key West has to offer – it has white sand to lounge on (but is rocky in parts), water deep enough to swim in and tropical fish under the waves.

3.     Hemingway House

Key West’s biggest darling, Ernest Hemingway, lived in this gorgeous Spanish Colonial house from 1931 to 1940. Papa moved here in his early 1930s with wife No 2, a Vogue fashion editor and (former) friend of wife No 1 (he left the house when he ran off with wife No 3). The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Green Hills of Africa were produced here, as well as many six-toed cats, whose descendants basically run the grounds.

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Top Three Reason Why the Greek Islands is the Ultimate Summer Destination

It's hard to imagine a more picturesque destination for your European Summer adventures than the Greek Islands. Laced with wondrous ocean landscapes, delectable food, unique architecture, and myths any history buff would want to discover. You can never contest how it has become the continent's most popular destination. Enjoy the island breeze and sip wine in one of the many local restaurants while enjoying one of the most stunning sunsets in the world. So what are you waiting for? Download the Greek Islands Travel Guide and Offline Map now and let the adventure begin!

1. Santorini

Although there are plenty of islands to choose from, Santorini is considered to be the most spectacular. Its cliff-side homes with their iconic white and blue color combination are very symbolic of Greece. Catch the sunset in Oia, visit the many historical sites, and go for a winery tour--Santorini offers so much more than just great sceneries. It may be touristy but the prices are surprising low which makes it possible for you to soak up the sun on this beautiful island even longer.

2. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

People flock to Crete for many reasons, but one thing is never missed while spending time here--visiting Greece's second largest and most important museum. The two-story revamped 1930’s Bauhaus building makes a gleaming backdrop for artifacts spanning 5,500 years from Neolithic to Roman times, including a Minoan collection of unparalleled richness. The rooms are color-coded and displays are arranged both chronologically and thematically and presented with descriptions in English. A visit here will greatly enhance your understanding of Crete’s rich history. Don’t skip it.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

While you are walking about Athens, this is an incredible archaeological site to stop at. This temple is massive and took over 700 years to construct (dating back to the sixth century). A can't-miss on two counts: it's a marvelous temple, the largest in Greece, and it's smack in the center of Athens. The temple is impressive for the sheer size of its 104 Corinthian columns, of which 15 remain – the fallen column was blown down in a gale in 1852.

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Three Great Places to Visit in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is more than just your average lake. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains it offers a myriad of activities and attractions in and around the lake itself. Pick one of the nearby ski resorts and enjoy a snow-filled visit or go for a picnic by the beach. There's always something here for everyone from wooden trails and stunning lake views to Vikingsholm, a 1929 Nordic-style mansion. Be sure to download the Lake Tahoe Travel Guide and Offline Map for your lake-side adventures.

1.     Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Nestled at the border of California and Nevada, the Van Sickle Bi-State Park pays tribute to Henry Van Sickle, a key member in the founding of Genoa and the surrounding areas. This public recreation area offers trails for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. You can also enjoy beautiful historical buildings, which include the historic Van Sickle farm barn, a 1917-era log cabin

2.      Fannette Island

Nestled in Emerald is the only island in Lake Tahoe. Fannette Island was the home of Captain Dick Barter, the Hermit of Emerald Bay, from 1863 to 1873 thus earning it the name Hermit's Island. The eccentric captain built his own tomb and chapel on the island. Accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak you enjoy a different perspective of the lake from the granite islet. On top of the hill lie the ruins of a small stone building, the "Tea House".

3.     Vikingsholm

Vikingsholm a 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay was built in 1929 by Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight as a summer home. The Nordic-style mansion was inspired by Mrs. Knight's travels to Scandinavia and some parts of the structure contain no nails or spikes as a result of old-fashioned construction methods. Today it is now on the National Register of Historic Places while most of the building was made from materials found at Lake Tahoe.

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3 Remarkable Things to do in Florida, the Fishing Capital of the World

It's hard not to take that flight to the sunshine state of Florida where they promise "Real People, Real Time, Real Florida," Florida is the southeastern most U.S. state, facing the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico on both sides. It isn't just known for the Walt Disney World and its hundreds of miles of beaches, but it's also well known for its rich Latin-American cultural influences. Enjoy Florida's remarkable art scene, nightlife, and beach vibe with the Florida Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World by the famed Walt Disney Company featuring four theme parks, two water parks, twenty-seven themed resort hotels, nine non–Disney hotels, several golf courses, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues, including Disney Springs. Whew, if that's not enough to make you visit then we're pretty sure the hundreds of attractions will. From the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom to Impressions de France at Epcot and Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom, there is definitely something for everyone.

2.      South Beach

South Beach is often referred to as the American Riviera and an Art Deco Playground. But there's more to this eclectic city than its pristine shores and vibrant Deco architecture. With its unique mix of Latin-American influences, it boasts a culinary flair of gourmet to casual beachside cuisine that you won't be able to find anywhere else. If you're taking a break from the sun, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst world-class boutiques, art galleries, and stores.

3.      Mallory Square

The famed Key West plaza is located just on the waterfront of its historic Old Town. There's so much to see around Mallory Square that it makes for one of the best tourist and local hot spots in Key West. Enjoy a little bit of history at the Key West Shipwreck Historeum Museum and the Old Post Office and Customshouse and of course the very famous "Sunset Celebration." Enjoy this tradition of watching the sunset undisrupted by boats and yachts with local and tourists alike.

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Must-See Islands in the Tropical Paradise of Seychelles

The island country of Seychelles consists of 115 islands that you can choose from. This little archipelago in the Indian Ocean is paradise on Earth filled with stunning beaches, powdery-white sandy shores lines, uninhabited islands, and kilometers of reefs. We warn you, it might be a difficult decision on which islands you'd like to visit as every single one holds its own special charm. But with the Seychelles Travel Guide and Offline Map rest assured that you'll be able to pick your little slice of paradise without a problem.

1.      Praslin Island

What is often dubbed as the "Garden of Eden", this island is only 12 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, but it has a plethora of things to offer. Take a dip in the most beautiful beaches on the entire Seychelles like Anse Lazio. It is considered as the best beach to visit and for good reason. The beach is bordered by large granite boulders making it postcard pretty. Praslin is also home to one of the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai. The reserve is full of lush natural palm trees preserved in almost its original state.

2.      La Digue

Even the tiny, La Digue, packs a punch when it comes offering the beauty of nature. With only 2,000 or so inhabitants it is the epitome of island life. You can expect to be completely relaxed with its slow pace and absolute silence. Signs of modern civilization like asphalt roads and tall buildings are absent and you can even see the occasional ox carts servicing as taxis. To preserve the calmness of the island getting around is exclusively done by foot or by bike.

3.      Mahé

Mahé is the biggest island of Seychelles and is home to 86 percent of the country's total population. You'd be surprised for such a small island it holds an international airport and the city of Victoria--the smallest capital city in the world. The island also offers a variety of entertainment options. You can even go hiking to the top of Seychelles' highest peak, the Morne Seychellois, which lies in the Morne Seychellois National Park.

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Must see points at the Home of Country Music, Nashville

If you're a country-music then you're going to love Nashville and if you're not? Well, Nashville may be fondly referred to as Music City, but its more than just the music that will leave you in awe. The capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee is home to legendary country music venues like the Grand Ole Opry House, the Country Music Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Johnny Cash Museum. Nashville also offers a dynamic food and cocktail scene that you shouldn't miss out on. Download the Nashville Travel Guide and Offline Map to guide you through this historical city.

1.      Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is a definite must-see when visiting Nashville. It was established in 1892 and now enjoys a grand status as a tourist attraction and Music City’s most recognizable icon. What once was the Union Gospel Tabernacle transformed into a stage that became the Grand Ole Opry--a famous radio show and platform for country music. You can take a guided backstage tour through what they call the "Soul of Nashville". If you're feeling up to it, you can even record your own CD at the Ryman's recording studio.

2.      Pub Crawls on Broadway

After a tour at the Ryman Auditorium, step into the shoes of country music legends and make your way through the bars on broadway. Many of these famous singers and songwriters spent a lot of time on Broadway. Pub crawls can be a lot of fun and you don't even have to drink to enjoy it. The pubs itself are reason enough to go through as many as you can. Their beauty shines not just because of their bright lights, but because of the sense of nostalgia they give with all the memorabilia the posses. Experience the city in true Nashville fashion by going through this tradition of exploring and array of old-fashioned honky tonks and even the newer, trendier bars.

3.      Johnny Cash Museum

Having opened in 2013, the Johnny Cash Museum has drawn Cash fans from all over the world with its collection of Johnny Cash Memorabilia. being touted as the heart and soul of country music, Cash remains a popular legend in the music scene. In the museum you'll find various artifacts from Cash's personal letter to friends and family to not only his costumes, but ones that the Carter family used to wear when he used to sing with June, her sisters and their mother.

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Be Enticed with Bali, Indonesia’s Island Paradise

The lush paradise of Bali is the most famous destination in Indonesia and here are the reasons why. And friendly reminder, download the Bali Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map beforehand so you can have an easier time exploring the island.

The Weather

Bali is heaven for people who love the sun. The island is located just eight degrees south of the equator which grants it the perfect tropical weather. The island enjoys an average of 12 to 13 hours of sunlight each day which makes it the ideal place for surfing, sunbathing, beach sports, and all other outdoor activities.

The Beaches

Bali is home to a variety of spellbindingly gorgeous beaches, and each one has its own distinct charm. The south side of the island is known for its sandy beaches, especially those in the Bukit peninsula that are hidden between limestone cliffs. The north side, on the other hand, is known for its remote beaches with calm waters that are perfect for soaking with the whole family.

The Temples

There are numerous complexes of mystical temples spread throughout the island of Bali, from the highest peaks to the lowest seashores. These temples are ancient and serve as a window to Bali’s rich and intriguing past. Even more impressive is that these temples are still fully functional today and many of them are still being used for various events and festivities.

Value for Money

Bali is one of the cheapest world-class destinations you can visit. Indonesia has continuously been plagued by inflation. It only takes one glance at the exchange rate to get a grasp of much devaluation the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), the Indonesian national currency, has suffered. Today, your 1 dollar can be exchanged for about 12,000 IRD. Yes, for a little over $83 you can be a millionaire in Indonesia. This pretty much means you can afford anything during your visit, from luxury lodging, to the best food, to the biggest shopping spree of your life. You can even go to the local street markets to utilize your haggling skills and get great stuff at insanely low prices.

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3 Foremost Reasons to Visit Madeira, the Paradise in the Middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Madeira is the favorite destination of many Europeans who want to escape the European winter. Its welcoming mild climate can warm hearts and bodies and it is only 978 kilometers or about a 90-minute plane ride from Lisbon. The archipelago of Madeira has four primary regions; the island of Madeira, the island of Porto Santo, the deserted islands, and the wild islands. Make sure you have the Madeira Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map so you don’t get lost. Here are a few reasons why you should definitely check out Madeira, the island voted as the world’s leading island destination in the world in the 2016 World Travel Awards.

1.      Nature

If you want to experience nature at its best then Madeira is the place to go. A visit to the Laurissilva Forest is a must. This subtropical rainforest is a UNESCO Natural Heritage of Humanity site and breathing in its fresh air is, by itself, an unforgettable experience. Historians believe that the island of Madeira has been around for more than 15 million years which is why it has such an extensive collection of flora and fauna. There are various ways you can explore Madeira such as walking, horseback riding, climbing, canyoning, mountain biking, geocaching, etc.

2.      Gastronomy

The food in Madeira is simply divine thanks to the fact that fresh ingredients are all around. The most popular foods in the archipelago are grilled Lapps, a variety of octopus and shrimp dishes, tuna steaks, and the Espetada (beef on a roasted spit with fried corn and bolo-do-caco). If you are looking for restaurants to visit here are the notable ones:

·         Restaurant II Gallo D’Oro at The Cliff Bay Hotel – has two Michelin stars and serves the best Mediterranean cuisine in the archipelago.

·         Maré Alta in Machico – specializes in fish and seafood.

·         Adega da Quinta Restaurante – specializes in local Madeira cuisine.

·         Ristorante Villa Cipriani at the Belmond Reid’s Palace Hotel – serves luxurious meals at luxurious prices.

3.      Water Activities

Madeira is perfect for people who love swimming and diving. Its waters have a temperature range of 19º to 24º which is ideal for diving, sailing, surfing, snorkeling, and many other aquatic activities. You can also go on a boat ride around the island; you might even encounter wild dolphins during the trip. Porto Moniz is home to numerous natural pools, all of which can be accessed for free. And Porto Santo has one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

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