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1. TREK TO MACHU PICCHU.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
Nestled on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley in Peru,
this ancient city, which was rediscovered in 1911 by historian Hiram
Bingham, serves as a testament to the ingenuity of 15th-century Incan
architecture. One of the key constructions that is found here is the
Intihuatana stone, which is believed to have been used by the Incans as
an astronomic clock and calendar. It may take a while get to the ruins,
but the chance to explore the numerous dry-stone buildings that make up
the temples and residences of this abandoned city is definitely worth
the four-day trek from Cusco.
2. EXPLORE THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
The pyramids highlight any trip to Egypt. Imhotep’s Step Pyramid and
the Pyramids of Giza once served as tombs, housing the earthly remains
of the pharaohs, but now are lasting monuments to the architectural
mastery of ancient Egyptians.
3. VIEW THE CITY OF LIGHTS FROM THE EIFFEL TOWER.
WHY YOU NEED TO DO IT: Paris,
France, is one of the most stunning and romantic cities in the world,
and what better way to admire it than by catching the spectacular view
from the Eiffel Tower? Whether by yourself or with a significant other,
book a table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, enjoy the sumptuous
cuisine, and be enchanted by the panorama of lights that make the entire
city sparkle and glow.
4. STROLL THROUGH THE PARTHENON.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
The Parthenon, which are the ruins of the temple dedicated to the
goddess Athena in the city that bears her name, Athens, is considered
the most significant surviving building of Classical Greece. With its
impeccable decorative structures, this site will have special meaning to
those who have a love for both ancient architecture and Greek history.
5. SUN YOURSELF IN SANTORINI.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: While
Boracay is locally renowned for its white sand, gorgeous seascape, and
fantastic nightlife, the island of Santorini shares a similar reputation
in Greece. The difference lies in the fact that the beaches of
Santorini—particularly those which fringe the towns of Perissa and
Kamari—have dark or “black” sand. This volcanic island is so picturesque
that it has served as the backdrop for some memorable movies, including
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 and For the First Time!
6. PARTY AT CARNAVAL.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
There is no better time to experience the culture of Brazil than during
Carnaval. Held just before the start of Lent, this festival is
highlighted by a parade of giant decorated floats and dancing from some
of the biggest samba schools in the country. Whether in Rio de Janeiro,
Salvador da Bahia, or Pernambuco, people gather in the streets in
festive costumes to dance, play music, watch the float parades, and
basically make merry before the period of abstinence known as Lent.
7. KISS THE BLARNEY STONE.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Legend
has it that the Blarney Stone (located on one side of the Blarney
Castle in Cork, Ireland) possesses magical powers, bequeathing the gift
of eloquent speech to those who kiss it. Kissing the stone is already a
great feat in itself, considering that it will require you to lean all
the way over the edge of the castle’s parapet until your head is level
with the stone.
8. CATCH THE SUNSET OVER THE COLOSSEUM.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
In spite of its bloody history, the Colosseum in Rome is one of the
most magnificent structures of ancient times. This old amphitheater,
where famed battles of gladiators were held to entertain cheering
crowds, is unquestionably the place to visit for those who have a deep
interest in the culture of ancient Rome. It is particularly beautiful
and romantic at sunset, when the light of the setting sun spills over
the Colosseum grounds and ancient stone walls.
9. TOUR THE VINEYARDS OF FRANCE AND ITALY.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Whether
you are a wine connoisseur or simply want to enjoy breathtaking
scenery, a tour around the beautiful vineyards of France and Italy will
be sure to satisfy your romantic wanderlust. Plus, you also get the
chance to broaden your gastronomic horizons by sampling various wines
while going through some of the most beautiful countrysides in the
world.
10. WATCH THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
This tradition has become a popular tourist attraction for people who
visit this royal landmark. During the ceremony, the soldiers of the New
Guard relieve those of the Old Guard at the forecourt of Buckingham
Palace. The Old Guard passes on the keys to the Palace to their
relievers before they depart from their post. The ceremony lasts for 45
minutes and takes place at 11:30 in the morning every day during the
summer and every other day during the winter.
11. GO ON SAFARI IN KENYA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
Kenya is known for its vast array of wildlife, particularly its
population of birds, wildebeest, and other game. If you want to observe
Mother Nature at her best, schedule a safari during the migration
season, usually from July to October, and get the chance to see
thousands of wildebeest and zebras traveling between the open plains of
Serengeti and the Masai Mara. You can also go bird-watching and take
pictures of eagles, vultures, ostriches, and flamingos.
12. CLIMB THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The
Great Wall of China is the architectural jewel of Beijing, and is set
on top of lush green mountains like a long-winding ribbon of stone. This
structure, which was used as a means of defense against invaders, took
several dynasties to complete and fortify, and still remains an
indication of China’s rich history. Besides getting to savor the
beautiful scenery from the top of the Great Wall, the climb will also
give you an effective cardio workout, so make sure to bring lots of
water and wear the right shoes for walking.
13. GO TURTLE-WATCHING IN THE GALAPAGOS.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: This
is the perfect treat for animal lovers. Galapagos Green Turtles, which
spend most of their life in the ocean, have been known to raise their
heads above the water (to the delight of boat-riding tourists) to gulp
air before taking another long dive. Female Galapagos turtles seeking a
reprieve from all the male attention underwater may also occasionally be
sighted on the shoreline.
14. TAKE A BUSHWALK IN THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Given
Australia’s lush terrain and wildlife, bushwalking (or, simply, hiking
or trekking) should also be included on any tourist's to-do list when in
Australia. Despite the harsh environment of the outback, you may spot
animals that are unique to this country, such as kangaroos, wombats,
koalas, dingos, and bandicoots.
15. LEARN ABOUT LOVE AS YOU TOUR THE TAJ MAHAL.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Aside
from being one of the world’s most magnificent structures, the Taj
Mahal is also known for the heartrending tale, which gave rise to its
construction. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum
for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Until now, this domed marble
structure—with its minarets, vaulted halls and fine exterior
decorations—is both a shining example of Indo-Persian architecture and a
symbol of eternal love.
16. DRIVE DOWN THE WORLD'S MOST CROOKED STREET IN SAN FRANCISCO.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
If you want a unique experience behind the wheel, try driving along
Lombard Street, which is one of the most extraordinary roads in the
United States. Apart from being known as the most crooked street in the
world, Lombard Street is lined with beautiful homes, trees, and flowers
providing you with a quaint and pretty landscape as you test your brakes
and make your way down Lombard. Be sure, however, to observe the
five-mile-per-hour speed limit as you go along.
17. GO CELEB-SIGHTING IN HOLLYWOOD.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
While you often see them on television, movie screens, and magazine
covers, catching the stars in the flesh would be a refreshing and
exciting departure from the usual. Tour the boulevards and restaurants
of Hollywood, and get the chance to bump into (or perhaps even get an
autograph from) your favorite celebrities.
18. TOUR THE CASTLES IN GERMANY.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Neuschwanstein
Castle, in particular, looks like something plucked right out of a
fairytale storybook. In fact, this castle inspired Sleeping Beauty’s
Castle in Disneyworld. Perched on a rugged hill above the village of
Hohenschwangau, this picturesque castle elicits images of dashing
princes, magic spells, and damsels in distress. Explore the castle to
get reacquainted with your inner princess as well as your childhood
attraction to fairytales.
19. TUCK A PRAYER INTO THE WAILING WALL IN JERUSALEM.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The
Wailing Wall, which has been a Jewish prayer and pilgrimage site for
centuries, is also famous for the thousands of written prayers tucked
into its crevices. It has become an established practice for tourists
and citizens alike to write their prayers on slips of paper and leave
them in the wall, in the hope that they will be answered.
20. WONDER AT THE PURPOSE OF STONEHENGE.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
Found in the English county of Wiltshire, this curious structure has
baffled historians and architects for centuries. Surrounded by lush
greenery, this magnificent series of monoliths was produced by a culture
or people that left no mark in history, and speculations as to how it
was actually constructed have received little confirmation.
21. WATCH THE AURORA BOREALIS.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: The
Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) is composed of
breathtaking curtains of light caused by magnetic disturbances from the
sun. Considered one of the most beautiful and ethereal natural
phenomena, the Aurora Borealis can best be viewed from Fairbanks,
Alaska. People say that whistling makes the lights dance, so if you ever
find yourself in Fairbanks, give it a try and see if it's true!
22. SEE THE SAGRADA FAMILIA IN BARCELONA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
This church is known as modernist architect Antonio Gaudi’s unfinished
masterpiece and is considered Barcelona’s most important landmark.
Although the construction is far from finished, it is remarkable for its
tall, spiraling towers and the stunning detail embedded in its walls.
Moreover, the various facades of the church—including the Nativity
Façade, the Passion Façade and the Glory Façade—are sculpted in such a
way as to narrate different scenes of the story of Christ.
23. RIDE A GONDOLA DOWN THE GRAND CANAL IN VENICE.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
This Italian city of romance is best toured through its many canals.
Taking a relaxing gondola ride will give you the opportunity to admire
the many streets, bridges, and buildings that make up the Venetian
landscape.
24. GO SWIMMING IN THE DEAD SEA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: “Swimming”
may actually be considered a misnomer for this activity. Given the high
salinity (or concentration of salt) in the water, you'll have a hard
time trying to swim properly in the Dead Sea—you simply float once
you’ve taken the plunge.
25. STRIKE A GOOFY POSE NEAR THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
The unique structure of the tower gives tourists the opportunity to
strike funny poses near it, given the proper perspective and camera
angle. The most common of such poses depicts tourists holding up the
tower or preventing it from falling with their bare hands.
26. SEE THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Cherry
blossom festivals that welcome the start of summer have been celebrated
in Japan for centuries. Families and groups of friends are usually seen
sharing a picnic under the shade of graceful cherry trees adorned with
delicate pink blooms.
27. RIDE AN ELEPHANT IN THAILAND.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT: Riding
atop this majestic animal is one of the unique attractions of the Land
of Smiles. While we are more used to seeing elephants in zoos, it is
common to see them walking down the streets of Thailand, their guides
close by. This certainly beats riding a taxi or a tuktuk any day!
28. WATCH A BULLFIGHT IN SPAIN.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
This controversial and unique part of Spanish culture may not be for
everyone, but it's hard to deny the romanticism that surrounds the sport
of bullfighting. From the flamboyant matador costumes, to
every flick of their capes, to the swords used to pierce the bulls'
backs, this is something that definitely has spectators jumping up and
shouting "Ole!"
29. CATCH A MUSICAL ON BROADWAY.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
If you've ever locked yourself in your room and belted out your
favorite show tune while pretending to perform to a sold-out crowd, this
is one vacation experience you must do. There is no way to describe the
goosebumps that come with the dimming of lights and the curtain rising
before the start of a great show. And after you've seen a show on
Broadway in New York City, you'll definitely know what we mean.
30. CATCH A VIEW FROM DUBAI’S BURJ
WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT:
The Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel shaped like the sail of a
ship.Standing 920 feet high, it is built on a man-made island and is the
second tallest hotel in the world. Its unique location offers
breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, and its opulence is a
testament to the immense wealth of this Middle Eastern country.
Source:
Female Network article -
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