Istanbul

In Istanbul, we'll lose our way in the Grand Bazaar and munch our way through the famously fragrant Spice Market.

We'll follow the fall of the ancient capital of Byzantium and the rise of Islam at the city's ancient wall, and wander among the treasures of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace.

To escape the city bustle, we'll cruise the churning waters of the Bosphorus, make friends over backgammon, and try a traditional Turkish bath.

Rick Steves

Cusco & Machu Picchu Vacation Travel Guide

In Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, magnificent ruins await the adventurous traveler. The most famous of all is Machu Picchu. 

Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire of the Sun. Since the 16th century, Spanish colonial buildings were built atop former Inca Palaces, of which only the foundations remain. Examples in the central Plaza de Armas are the Cusco Cathedral and La Compañia church. Another striking example is Qorikancha, the former golden courtyard of the Temple of the Sun. The Spanish used stones from Sacsayhuaman, an Inca stronghold overlooking the city.

In the Urubamba Valley, or Sacred Valley, visitors can see the mysterious Moray Terraces and the pre-Inca Salt Mines of Maras. Ollantaytambo is a living Inca city and its towering ruins form the start of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

The long-lost Inca bastion was uncovered from the jungle in 1911. It remains a mystery how the Incas managed to stack the heavy granite blocks that make up the city’s buildings so precisely, at high altitude.

Little is also known about how the Incas turned a multi-lingual tribal region in an empire that is now known as one of the greatest civilizations in history.

 

South America

Santorini Vacation Travel Guide

The island of Santorini has a pretty explosive past. It’s perched over the remains of a much larger land mass that sank almost 4,000 years ago when a volcano blew its top, leaving the blue caldera and steep cliffs behind. 

It is these cliffs and the flooded caldera that have become Santorini’s iconic calling card, and the first stop on your Santorini tour. Here’s your first bit of trivia: The whitewashed homes that appear on so many postcards and photographs are larger than they appear on the outside. They’re partially built into existing cliffside caves, and feature some of the most distinctive Mediterranean architecture you’ll ever see. 

Santorini sightseeing will no doubt bring you up the stairs and pathways to the blue-domed churches that stand guard over the island. From there, you can take in the exquisite view of the caldera and harbor below. If you get a little weary of the spectacular sights, don’t worry; there’s plenty of things to do besides wander the various clifftop towns. If you head down to water level, you can soak in the warm surf, explore Santorini’s many beaches, go for a drive along winding roads, or go on a fishing expedition from one of the harbors. 

At the end of the day, gather with the residents and visitors atop the cliff towns and watch the sun drop into the ocean. You’ll never see a view quite like it.

 

Europe

Bali Vacation Travel Guide

Bali, located between the islands of Java and Lombok, is ready to welcome you. 

The southern part of the island is a dream for anyone who loves the ocean; it is full of breathtaking beaches and top surfing spots. Visit Kuta, a one-time fishing village turned mecca for restaurants, shopping, and culture. Put on your flip-flops and head north to tranquil Seminyak, where you can grab a bite to eat before exploring the beautiful Petitenget Temple, a fascinating space originally built to ward off mischievous local spirits.

Any Bali sightseeing should include Ubud, the cultural capital of the island. Walk through stalls and galleries spotlighting the work of local artisans. You can also make friends with the varied wildlife at Bali Bird Bark, which houses over 1,000 birds from all over the world, or the Sacred Monkey Forest, home to the Balinese long-tailed macaque. 

Whether you’re exploring Bali as a backpacker or have rented a scooter to get around, this enchanting island paradise awaits you.

Asia

Hong Kong Vacation Travel Guide

Hong Kong, a former British territory, is one of the most densely populated places in China and in the world. You’ll find quiet neighborhoods full of temples and a dazzling skyline loaded with shopping and dining opportunities.

Your Hong Kong tour must include visits to the many religious sites scattered around the city, where incense wafts from shrines and monasteries take over entire hillsides. You’ll have a marvelous time shopping in tax-free Hong Kong, where you’ll be able to find clothing, jewelry, furniture, and everything else under the sun. 

Don’t forget about Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, which overlooks the stunning Victoria Harbor. From there, your Hong Kong sightseeing may detour to Central, the city’s main business district, which looks like something out of a sci-fi film. The observation deck atop the International Commerce Centre will show you fantastic views of the city.

Hong Kong isn’t all cityscape, of course; there are many gardens, parks, and other green spaces for you to explore. You’ll also find beaches, national parks, and quiet islands for you to indulge in natural beauty and serenity. This city truly has everything.

Asia

The New Tijuana: Craft Beer, Gastronomy & Art

In this week's episode we cross the border and move past the myths about Tijuana, Mexico to explore the cultural revival that's turning Tijuana from a border town into a rising travel destination. 

VAGABROTHERS: We're Marko and Alex Ayling, brothers, backpackers, and bloggers on a mission to explore the world through its people. Winners of the global travel-video competition "The Biggest, Baddest, Bucket List" which paid us to travel the world for six months, checking off our travel bucket list and documenting the adventure on YouTube.

Mexico & Central America VagaBrothers

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® will take place from October 3-11, 2015 at Balloon Fiesta Park. The 44th annual event will feature 550 hot air and gas balloons, of which nearly a hundred are anticipated to be special shape balloons. Pilots from more than 22 countries have been invited to fly in the popular international event.

The 2015 event theme is “Where Dreams Take Flight,” a title chosen by popular vote during the Balloon Fiesta theme contest. Beth Robinett of Topeka, Kansas, submitted the winning theme.

The five morning mass ascensions, launching both weekends and mid-week, are the most popular events. Other favorite events include the Balloon Glows,  Special Shape Rodeo and Music Fiesta.

The event will initiate with the Dawn Patrol Show at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, as Dawn Patrol pilots launch in the dark.

Their flight will be followed by more than 500 hot air balloons launching in various waves in search of the famous Albuquerque Box (a wind pattern unique to Balloon Fiesta Park providing pilots the chance to take off and land from the same location).

In addition to the weekday launches at Balloon Fiesta Park the flying competition will begin on Monday, October 5 and will continue throughout the week. On Wednesday, October 7, the Flight of the Nations will launch, showcasing all countries represented at Balloon Fiesta. In addition to flying events, Thursday and Friday will feature special shape balloons launching each morning and glowing in the evening.  In all, the Balloon Fiesta has five balloon glows scheduled this year.

Learn more at www.balloonfiesta.com/

US Festivals

Tangier, Morocco: Europe Meets Africa

Most visitors to Tangier take a tour, daytripping in from Spain for a predictable series of experiences. But wandering through this delightfully disorienting town, at your own pace, is more fun. And to enjoy it with maximum understanding, you can hire a local guide.

Learn more at www.visitmorocco.com

Africa & Middle East Rick Steves

Fiji Vacation Travel Guide

The locals in Fiji have a saying, “Bulla,” which means “life” and “good health.” You’ll hear it used frequently as a greeting when you arrive at the 330-strong islands that comprise this archipelago. You may even find yourself saying it before long!

Any Fiji tour will highlight its magnificent, unspoiled waters and lush landscapes. Go snorkeling, swimming, diving, and sailing on turquoise waters. If you’d rather stay on dry land, you can zipline through rainforests or explore the windy plains of the highland area. Travel to the interior and learn about traditional Fijian culture, or visit the capital city of Suva and wander through its colonial buildings, bazaars, and the quiet harbor. 

Two-thirds of the Fijian archipelago are uninhabited, and your Fiji sightseeing should include a stop at Denarau’s marina, where you can book a boat to take you to some of these pristine locations. From family-friendly islands to romantic getaways, you’ll find something to your taste amongst these scattered isles.

Australia & South Pacific

Amsterdam Vacation Travel Guide

Amsterdam is the largest city in The Netherlands, also known as Holland. The fun-loving Dutch welcome 3.5 million tourists a year, making Amsterdam one of the top destinations in Europe.

No Amsterdam tour is complete without exploring some of its 165 canals and 1,000 bridges – hopefully you like water. Don’t worry; you don’t need a boat or even a motor vehicle to get around. The heart of this ancient city is best seen on foot or from the seat of a bicycle. This city is rich in history; when you set out to explore “The Venice of the North,” you’ll find buildings dating back to the 13th century, as well as Dam Square and its royal palace. 

If you’ve got an appreciation for fine art, your Amsterdam sightseeing should pause at the Rijksmuseum, where you can find the works of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters. Up for a pint? Stop by the old Heineken Brewery and learn about the lager brewing process. If you’re really feeling daring, grab a coffee in De Wallen, better known as one of the world’s oldest red light districts. You won’t get into trouble with your partner if you head there these days; it’s now home to cafes and adult stores.

Europe

Berlin

A tumultuous 20th century left Berlin filled with powerful sights — from evocative memorials, to surviving bits of its communist and fascist days, to its glass-domed Reichstag. We enjoy its now-trendy east side, its people-friendly riverfront, and its vibrant social scene.

Learn more at www.visitberlin.de/en

 

Rick Steves

Buenos Aires Vacation Travel Guide

Named for good sailing winds, Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, and home to nearly a quarter of the country’s two million residents. Come for the stunning European architecture, and stay for delicious cuts of meat, the city’s zest for soccer, and, of course, the tango. 

“The Paris of South America” boasts outstanding shopping and a friendly populace. A tour of Buenos Aires should cut through La Boca Harbor, where you’ll find numerous street vendors, restaurants, and street dancers willing to give you a spin. Wander down the streets to take in colorful artwork, and make a game out of asking the locals what neighborhood you should tour next. Here’s a hint: with so much to see, everyone will give you a different answer!

Some will tell you to visit San Telmo for souvenirs, patio shopping, and crumbling historical buildings. Others will suggest Puerto Madero, a refurbished shipping port that boasts a mixture of old-world glamour and modern buildings. What everyone will suggest, however, is a stop by Plaza de Mayo. There you can take in the rosy architecture of the Casa Rosada, which was made famous by Argentine First Lady Eva Peron and the musical about her life, “Evita.” Take a tour and learn about her life, from her humble beginnings to her rise to power.

Cap off your Buenos Aires sightseeing with an evening walk through Puerto Madero, where you can get a late dinner and dance until the next day arrives.

 

South America

Running of the Bulls (Explicit Footage)

The Pamplona encierro is the most popular in Spain and has been broadcast live by RTVE, the public Spanish national television channel, for over 30 years. It is the highest profile event of the San Fermin festival, which is held every year from July 6–14. 

The first bull running is on July 7, followed by one on each of the following mornings of the festival, beginning every day at 8 am. Among the rules to take part in the event are that participants must be at least 18 years old, run in the same direction as the bulls, not incite the bulls, and not be under the influence of alcohol.



 

European Festivals VagaBrothers

Montreal Vacation Travel Guide

Welcome to Montreal, Canada. This extraordinary city, which began life as a French colony in the 1600s, is now a stunning metropolis combining old-world architecture with modern dashes.

When Mark Twain visited Montreal in the 19th century, he was so taken by its many churches that he nicknamed it “The City of 100 Bell Towers.” These numerous buildings are often part of Montreal sightseeing; marvel at the imposing stone façade of Christ Church Cathedral, or stand beneath the great arched ceiling of the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica. You can spend days exploring the city’s many sacred spaces, but Montreal tourism is so much more than that; if you’re a foodie, you’re in luck, because the residents of Montreal adore a good meal, whether it’s poutine from a streetside bistro or fresh produce from the farmers market. 

A tour of Montreal will take you across cobblestone streets and through architecture that dates back to the 1600s, but one thing you must remember to do is to walk and play in its numerous green spaces. The city’s inhabitants take great pride in Montreal’s natural beauty, and hikes up Mont Royal or along the St. Lawrence River are frequent activities for locals.

Remember to bring your camera, as the riverfront and the mountain are full of striking photo opportunities.

 

United States & Canada

Athens and Side-Trips

The thriving capital of Greece sprawls out from the foot of its magnificent Acropolis. We'll tour the must-sees of ancient Athens: the Parthenon, Agora, and amazing National Archaeological Museum.

We'll take the fast-paced pulse of the modern city, but waste no time getting to Rick's favorite side-trip destinations: the ruins of the mystical oracle at Delphi and a fast boat to the romantic, traffic-free isle of Hydra.

 

Rick Steves

Fodor'sTravel

Fodor's is the world's largest publisher of English language travel and tourism information, and the first relatively professional producer of travel guidebooks.

Fodor's helps you unleash the possibilities of travel by providing the insights and tools you need to experience the trips you want. While you're always at the helm, Fodor's offers the assurance of our expertise, the guarantee of selectivity, and the choice details that truly define a destination. It's like having a friend wherever you travel.

Resources that you'll want to read as well as reference, our guide books and website offer current and discerning shopping, dining, hotel, and culture recommendations, as well as compelling features and articles that convey the essence of each destination. And we are confident that we're giving you the best information because our products are written by people who live there. We seek to hire local writers who know their destinations better than anyone else. Our worldwide team of over 700 travel writers bring you the latest, most accurate coverage, and like trusted companions, reveal local treasures and everything you need to know before you arrive.

More than an online resource, Fodors.com connects you to a like-minded community of selective travelers-living, learning, and traveling on their terms. Together, our books, our website, and you make it possible for every trip to be a trip of a lifetime.

 

www.fodors.com

 

Fodor's

Dublin and Mystical Side-Trips

Dublin's story is of feast and famine—from its 18th-century Golden Age to its 20th-century struggles for independence to its boomtime today. 

We explore the town's foreboding castle, patriotic jail, and Trinity College with its Book of Kells—a bright light in the Dark Ages. At night we party in Temple Bar, awash with Celtic music and frothy pints of Guinness. 

We side-trip to the prehistoric necropolis of Newgrange and the medieval monastery at Glendalough, tucked in the scenic Wicklow Mountains.

 

Rick Steves

Iguazu Falls Vacation Travel Guide

Iguazu Falls is located at the junction of three nations: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. These “Great Waters,” as named by the indigenous Guarani people, are made up of 275 waterfalls that span nearly 2 miles. Sorry, Niagara!

Any Iguazu Falls tour will provide you with a sense of nature’s power and wonder. You can follow a boardwalk trail and take in the majestic, roaring falls from a safe vantage point…or, if you feel daring, a platform above the falls. Look down, but hang on to the railing—that’s a lot of water pouring beneath you.

Don’t mind getting wet? Take a speedboat safari beneath the falls and enjoy the spray. Prefer to stay dry? A helicopter ride over the falls might be for you. From up high, the falls form a tremendous chasm in the surface of the earth, further solidifying the fact that this area is one of nature’s great wonders.

Surrounding the Falls are the two Iguazu National Parks, one located in Brazil, the other in Argentina. The parks are home to beautiful rainforest full of exotic creatures, like wild cats, reptiles, and 400 species of birds and butterflies. There’s far too much here to see in a day, so plan an extended visit to Iguazu. You can even stay the night in the national park and see more of it in the morning.

 

South America

Travel + Leisure

The World's Most Influential Travel Brand.

Follow Travel + Leisure on Facebook for travel inspiration and information on the best destinations and properties to visit around the world. Each post includes links to travel guides with insider travel tips on top hotels, restaurants, the latest in tech or gadgets, and things to do around the world. Find great ideas on where to stay, the best restaurants to eat at, the hottest shopping destinations, and smart travel tips.

www.travelandleisure.com

 

Travel + Leisure

Frommer's

We at Frommer's want to help you explore your travel destinations the way locals do. Whether you're venturing close to home or across the globe, whether your budget is limited or limitless, we strive to live up to your discerning approach to travel by delivering the most candid and reliable information on this Web site and in our guidebooks and products.

Since the 1957 publication of Arthur Frommer's revolutionary Europe on $5 a Day, the Frommer's collection of travel products has expanded to include over 300 guidebooks as well as this popular Frommers.com Web site, reaffirming Frommer's as the most trusted name in travel today.

Frommers.com is an essential online destination for those planning the perfect travel excursion. Not only can Frommers.com visitors easily find candid, timely articles written by Frommers.com experts, they also can read excerpts from and purchase Frommer's Guidebooks, while gaining additional insights from our lively message boards and purchasing travel products and services from our high-quality booking partners.

http://www.frommers.com

Frommer's

Tenerife Vacation Travel Guide

Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, off North Africa. Each of these volcanic islands are blessed with spectacular beaches, otherworldly beauty, and perfect weather.

Tenerife receives around 5 million visitors each year, many of whom head to the island’s seaside resorts to enjoy the year-round sunshine and spectacular beaches.

Enjoy golden sands and almost any watersport you can imagine at Las Americas Beach, one of the island’s most popular beaches. Or, take a dip in the crystal waters at Del Duque Beach - just 10 minutes’ drive to the north.

Los Cristianos, once a sleepy fishing village is now a beachside town where you can step straight off the boardwalk onto the soft sand.

For a seaside experience with a difference, head to the north or west to discover sultry black sand beaches. Visit Jardìn Beach…… or drive to Los Gigantes, which nestles against the bottom of magnificent cliffs.

For those who can tear themselves away from the island’s glorious beaches, Tenerife offers generous rewards. Some of the island’s most picturesque villages are only minutes away from the large resorts.

Ever since the golden age of discovery, explorers and thinkers have been drawn to Tenerife’s beautiful shores. In olden times, the trip was a perilous adventure but today, Tenerife is an easy plane ride away.

So, whether you are seeking ancient mysteries sunset over chair or escaping the modern stresses of daily life, come and discover all that Tenerife has to offer.

 

Europe

Taipei Vacation Travel Guide

Taipei is the glittering capital of Taiwan, and one of the hottest travel destinations in all of Asia. When you visit this thriving city, you’ll find collections of stunning futuristic buildings interspersed with ancient Chinese temples and traditions.

One of these temples, Longshan, is located in Wanhua, the city’s oldest neighborhood. This is where you come to find good fortune, good health, and spiritual advice of all sorts. Once you’ve attained the guidance and wisdom you may not have realized you sought, head to 228 Peace Park, where you will find the memorial to the 1949 uprisings that eventually led to Taiwan’s independence.

Don’t worry about getting around the city; the Taipei Rapid Transit System, or MRT, will take you just about anywhere you need to go. Hop on it to pay a visit to the National Palace Museum, where you’ll find a giant collection of Chinese art and artifacts. There’s over half a million pieces related to ancient Chinese royalty here, and you can spend days exploring them all. 

To plan out your next move, make your way to Taipei 101. This is one of the world’s tallest buildings, and you can soar to the top for a breathtaking view of the city and pick out the next place you’ll visit. Do you see Elephant Mountain? It’s not far from the downtown area, and it’s a short climb to the top for another look at Taipei. Keep up with the nature theme and make your stop the Taipei Zoo, where you’ll meet the largest menagerie of animals in Asia. 

Cap off a day of Taipei sightseeing and adventure at Shilin Night Market, where you can join the locals in finding that next great meal or landing a spectacular bargain. 

 

Asia

Conor Woodman - Around the World in 80 Trades - Episode 1

Episode 1
Conor starts his journey in Sudan, where he hopes to buy camels and take them up one of the world's oldest trade routes along the Nile to Egypt.

Economist Conor Woodman was a high-flying City market analyst, until one day he decided he no longer wanted to handle commodities via a computer screen - but trade real things that he could touch and smell. So with £25,000 from the sale of his flat, Conor plans to travel across four continents and 16 countries trading in all kinds of products - with the aim of doubling his investment.

 

Conor Woodman

New York City Vacation Travel Guide

New York City is an international metropolis built on the shoulders of immigrants and their descendants.

New York City is home to eight million people, and the city receives more than 50 million visitors per year. Your New York City tour should include sampling the food of hundreds of different cultures, and you can explore the easily on foot, by taxi, or via the famous subway system.

No New York sightseeing is complete without a visit to Times Square, which you’ve no doubt seen in many movies. Take in its billboards, its many people, and its food, then cross over to Central Park, which comprises 850 acres of lakes and meadows, and is the setting for many a romantic comedy. You also have your pick of art and history museums, as well as the Reflecting Absence Memorial and Museum, where you can pay your respects to the victims of 9/11.

Most of all, enjoy yourself, and get ready to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

 

United States & Canada

Budget Travel Magazine

BudgetTravel.com is the ultimate resource for the world's savviest travelers. It provides smart consumers with practical and timely tips and tools, uncovering the best under-the-radar discoveries and showing just how any destination can be made accessible.

BudgetTravel.com also provides users with exclusive Real Deals which can be sorted and searched by destination, gateway city, price point, interests, and more.

www.budgettravel.com/magazine

Budget Travel Magazine

Venice: City of Dreams

After sorting through the monuments of Venice's powerful past, we'll trace its decline from Europe's most powerful city to its most hedonistic one. 

We'll cruise the Grand Canal, luxuriate in a venerable café, and savor fresh fish canal-side with Venetian friends. Becoming as anonymous as possible in this city of masks, we'll be dazzled by masterpieces of the Venetian Renaissance and get intimate with the city of Casanova...on a gondola in the moonlight.

Rick Steves