Are you planning a trip to Paris France?  If you are, know that no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower.  Why?  There are a number of reasons why this popular attraction is considered a must visit.

It Is an Iconic Establishment

Perhaps, the greatest reason why you should visit the Eiffel Tower when in Paris is because it represents the city.  Yes, Paris is home a number of architectural wonders, including beautiful chateaus and museums, but the Eiffel Tower is the most well-known of them all.  In fact, ask a small child about Paris and they will likely respond with the Eiffel Tower.  

Its History

Construction started on the Eiffel Tower on January 26, 1887.  Although numerous problems were encountered along the way, the Eiffel Tower was later complete.  According to the official website for the tower, it was inaugurated on March 31, 1889.  Even in the early 1900ís elevators allowed guest to travel between floors.  This was a large feat at the time worth notice.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is known as one of the world's most popular attractions.  Did you know that trouble and controversy surrounded the tower before, during, and immediately following its construction?  It did.  When you arrive at the top and see Paris like you had never seen it before, you will wonder how anyone could have been displeased with this amazing work of art and architecture.

Photographs

If you are traveling from outside of Paris, you will likely have your camera or video camera in your hands at all times.  This is important when visiting the Eiffel Tower, as you will be able to take amazing pictures of the City of Paris.  In fact, these are pictures you are likely to treasure for years to come.

The second floor of the Eiffel Tower is often referred to as the best location for pictures; however, you can snap or record away throughout your entire journey up.

What You Will Find Inside

The Eiffel Tower is most well-known for its beauty, but did you know that inside you will find much more?  

On the ground floor, you will find the Gustave Eiffel, which is a carving made by Bourdelle in 1929.  The area is also home to a snack bar and a select number of souvenir shops.  Also, at the ground level, you will be able to see the elevator machinery.  Although restored and repaired throughout the years, it has been used since 1899.

On the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, you find another snack bar, as well as a sit-down restaurant.  A souvenir shop, as well as the Paris-Tour Eiffel Post Office calls the second floor home.  The FerOscope, a tower top observatory, panoramic indicators, the Cineiffel, Exhibitions of the Tower, and a section of the Eiffel Towerís old spiral staircase are also located here.

As you continue up the tower, you will see a panoramic view of the city of Paris, the engineers office, a replica of Gustave Eiffelís office with wax sculptures, and much more.

Availability of Guided Tours

When open to the public, you can explore and journey to the top of the Eiffel Tower yourself.  You do, however, have the option of a guided tour.  In fact, it is recommended.  If you want to do more than see the Eiffel Tower, but learn about its history and construction, a guided tour is recommended.  With a guide, you travel to areas where the general public is not allowed.  You can visit the old machine room, see a bunker, and visit the control room.

Guided tours Paris - Paris Tourist Office - Paris tourist office

Paris is a multifaceted city and there are thousands of ways to discover it. Follow the guide …

en.parisinfo.comParis Convention and Visitors Bureau

As previously stated, the Eiffel Tower is a part of Paris. The two just belong together.  Although that is enough reason to visit the tower, remember that guided tours are available, there is so much for you to do and see, and think of the amazing photographs you can take.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the best hiking opportunities anywhere in the southeastern United States. Choices range from a short stroll to an extended back country hiking experience.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an extensive trail system that is mapped and maintained. This means planning a hiking trip is very easy because of the wealth of information available on the trail system in the park. With a little research a hiker can know just what to expect from the trail before the hike takes place. Distance, elevation and difficulty ratings for each trail are readily accessible.

The variety of wildlife living in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is amazingly diverse. Within the 521,000 acres of the park, elk, black bear, wild boar, red wolves, white tailed deer all make their homes. Many small mammals also live within the park boundaries. There are 27 species of snake including two poisonous species living here. The two poisonous ones are timber rattlesnakes and copperheads. Around 200 species of birds live in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. These include wild turkey, ravens, crows, roughed grouse and many others.

The roughed grouse is a chicken sized bird that could be encountered by hikers in the national park. Typically this bird will hide until a person walks within about two feet of it. It will then explode from the brush with much noise and excitement. This can really surprise and startle anyone close by.

When choosing the time of year to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, remember it is the most visited national park in the United States. The bulk of its estimated nine million visitors come from late May until the leaves lose their color in the fall. There are festivals throughout the year that bring congestion to the roads in the park. Check the events schedule and make sure the area for the planned hike is not surprisingly crowded. The Cades Cove area on the weekend of the Old Timers Day celebration can be a traffic nightmare for a hiker.

Traveling the loop road, which typically takes one hour to enjoy, will take two or more hours on this weekend just to get around. Finding out what is going on in the area when planning a hike is very important to an enjoyable day hiking. The national park is big enough that when an event is scheduled, the hike can be planned in some other area of the park. Most hikes of over a two mile length will not be crowded, even though the shorter trails will sometimes.

The great Smokey Mountains National Park is a wonderful outlet to explore nature and animals through hiking. This 800 square mile civilized wilderness can be explored by the Sunday afternoon leg stretcher, as well as the through hiker trekking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail.

Images used in this text
Great Smoky Mountains by Bruce Tuten available under CC BY 2.0

Downstream of Fontana Dam by Donald Lee Pardue available under CC BY 2.0
Stream in the Smoky Mtns. by Phil Horton available under CC BY 2.0
Untitled by Ernest Duffoo available under available under CC BY 2.0

By far one of the oldest countries in the world, Portugal is today a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the globe.

The country consists of a thin rectangular strip of land on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula. This Peninsula includes both Spain and Portugal. It is approximately 35,672 square miles and two groups of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Madeira Islands and the Azores Archipelago, belong to Portugal. For more information about its location see this very good map of Europe.

The landscape in Portugal is varied. From northeast to northwest, much of mainland Portugal isCoastline made up of plains broken up by mountains. The northern part is hilly, while fertile and densely populated regions characterize the northwestern area. The northeast is mainly mountainous.

The population of Portugal is slightly more than 10 million. Amongst this population can be found several ethnic minorities which live in the large cities like Lisbon. Lisbon is the capital city. These minorities include Africans, Cape Verdeans and a small Jewish population. This page has several facts of interest on Portugal.

Almost two-thirds of the entire Portuguese population lives in rural areas. They live their lives here by following the pattern of the seasons and the growing and harvesting of crops. Along the coast many fishing villages are located. The people here are very dedicated to their traditional way of life. It is a testimony to the will power of the Portuguese fishing people that they have not turned to the lucrative tourist industry that frequents their villages during the summer months. As has been the case for countless years, their tools of trade are still small fishing boats with trawling nets.

Life in the big cities is in marked contrast to what you will find in the rural areas. In Lisbon, for example, most people live in apartment blocks near to the centre of the city. Many of the old buildings still retain many of their original features. In fact, some of the streets in Lisbon are so narrow that light rarely filters through them. You can go here to learn more about Lisbon.

The architecture of Portugal is typically marked by low, rectangular designs. Romanesque and Renaissance styles are the hallmarks of Portuguese designs. Portugal's churches and palaces are cross-shaped and many consist of columns and semicircular arches. See many samples of Portuguese architecture here.

Portuguese foods vary according to the ingredients that are available from one region to another. Along the coast fish and shellfishVariety of food are common. In the north pork meat and pork is very popular. Portuguese people value their eating habits so highly that many will travel for miles just to eat the specialty of a region. Now how is that for dedication?

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Porto, Portugal by Rick Ligthelm available under CC BY 2.0

The Napa Valley area of California is synonymous with good quality wines, but it’s also a great place for a romantic vacation with a touch of class! It’s also within easy driving distance of San Francisco.

The vineyards in the Napa Valley are a wonderful place to explore, many of them open their doors to the public – some owners even allow wine tasting (so check in advance what’s available if this is something you’d like to take part in) evenings – and give visitors an opportunity to see where and how the wine is nurtured and matured. Some vineyards also offer a restaurant service, accompanied by good wine of course, and because they aren’t commercial restaurants, they usually only cater for small numbers making it a special romantic experience.

You don’t have to like wine to enjoy a romantic vacation in the Napa Valley. This part of California doesn’t attract as many visitors as either the larger cities, or even the nearby Yosemite National Park, and the kind of visitors who do choose the Napa Valley are usually those who are looking for a little peace and quite on their holiday. Because of the tourist demographic, you are unlikely to encounter large groups with families and loud teens looking to party – both of which could ruin a time when you want to spend quality time with your partner!

That doesn’t mean however that the Napa Valley is without its own form of excitement. There’s more to this area than watching grapes grow, and wandering around musky wine cellars! The scenery of the Valley is one of it’s major features, and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary would be to take a hot air balloon ride over the area. There are a number of different options available to you, but most of them start at the crack of dawn so be prepared for an early start to the day. Once the balloon rises, and the Napa Valley spreads out below you, the tiredness will soon be forgotten however! Make your reservation for the trip of your choice before you leave home, balloon trips are quite popular and especially in peak vacation times have their places booked out quickly!

If you are in the process of planning a vacation for you and your partner, and want to go somewhere romantic, take a closer look at the Napa Valley. It could be just what you’re looking for.

Images used in this text
Napa Valley - Sunrise on the Silverado Trail by seligmanwaite available under CC BY 2.0

If you are visiting Los Angeles, or if you are planning a camping trip to California, then the Joshua Tree National Park is well worth a visit – especially if you love the outdoors and have a passion for outdoor activities.

Located only 140 miles from LA, it’s well within a day trip from the city and even in one day, you’ll be able to take the opportunity to follow one of the shorter hiking trails within the park and take part in some activities (depending on how long you can stay in the park before having to start back for the city).

The first thing you need to think about before entering the park however is that this is a desert area and as such you must have water with you. Also, once inside the park, there’s no concession areas where you can buy supplies so you must take any food you’ll require with you. This is a natural environment and as such, there are many park rules that you must abide by so a visit to the visitor’s center is a must before you enter the park – you’ll also get a good idea of what’s happening where in the park here as well as be able to pick up a map of the area. Note there are no RV hook-up areas within the park.

Available in the park are camping facilities but places are limited and there’s no “overflow” camping area so if you are hoping to camp in the park, make sure you reserve your space before leaving home. The added bonus of an overnight stay in the Joshua Tree National Park is the starlit sky – astronomy followers will love this park for the opportunity it gives to study the night sky. There are also night-time ranger programs available on certain evenings so check what’s happening in which campsite before you make your reservation.

Whether you want to partake in bird watching activities, or something more educational such as the geology motor tour, or even a strenuous activity like rock climbing, there’s something for everyone in the Joshua Tree National Park.

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Desert Fan Palm & Eagle Mountains by Robb Hannawacker available under public domain.

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the major tourist areas of San Francisco, California and it’s one of the major “must sees” in the city not only because of its links to maritime history but also because of the amount of things to do there.

One of the most easily recognized buildings in Fisherman’s Wharf is the Maritime Museum, known almost as much for its ship-shape building as it is for the exhibits that document San Francisco’s maritime past. Anyone who is even a little bit interested in ships or their history will enjoy a wander around this museum.

For a taste of a different kind of history, check out Ghirardelli’s original premises that are also located in the Wharf area. Although the world class chocolate is no longer made here, you can see where the Ghirardelli story began and even purchase some chocolate there.

Some of the major attractions in Fisherman’s Wharf are to be found on the piers. In particular vibrant Pier 45 where amongst other things you can buy some freshly cooked seafood right on the pier, visit Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum, and if you’re up early enough, catch the fishermen taking their boats out into the ocean. Pier 49 may be a great place for the tourists, but it’s still a working pier for the local fishermen.

Pier 39 is another place you’ll find fun and attractions such as the Riptide Arcade and the Turbo ride making it an especially good place to visit if you’ve got kids in your party. For a little less “excitement” but no less awesome, visit the Aquarium of the Bay and look at the beautiful sea life that surrounds you as you walk through the glass-roofed cave. Finish off your visit to Pier 39 with a ride on the beautiful two-tiered San Francisco carousel.

No visit to Fisherman’s Wharf would be complete without taking an ocean trip out into the bay, and so Pier 41 must be on your itinerary as this is the departure point for most of the boat trips in and around the bay – including those to Alcatraz.

San Francisco is full of amazing things to see and visit and Fisherman’s Wharf is just one of them! Be sure to make some kind of itinerary before you leave home or you’re sure to miss something out that you really wanted to see.

Images used in this text
Fisherman's Wharf by Nicolas Vollmer available under CC BY 2.0

California had been a fully-fledged state for about a year before Yosemite was discovered. These days the park isn’t quite so secluded but it’s still home to some of the most stunning scenery to be found in the world.

Although it can’t boast the huge canyon panorama’s of the Grand Canyon, or the fabulous powerful waterfalls famous at Niagara, Yosemite has something that’s quite unique in that it has so many different natural environments within the one area – from amazing mountain top views, to crystal streams, natural water features, glaciers and meadowlands, Yosemite has something different to show at almost each turn in the road.

The first place you need to stop at is Yosemite Village. If you’re planning on staying overnight in the park, this is also the area you’ll probably be sleep as almost all overnight park guests prefer to stay within this 8 square mile area. The Village is where you’ll find a good map to help you locate all the park highlights (invaluable if you don’t have much time to spend in the park!), as well as tell you what’s happening around the park that day. If you want to take advantage of any of the shuttle buses that operate between the Village and some of the park’s highlights, this is also the place you need to be.

If you want to get more in touch with nature, whilst not getting to far off the beaten track (and there’s plenty of opportunity for that too!), then plan to explore the eastern side of the park where there are stricter restrictions on transportation with cars not being allowed into the area. Here you can ride the shuttle bus into the area and then enjoy some hiking or alternatively cycle in, without the sound of constant car engines interfering with the sounds of nature.

Yosemite isn’t just for summer, and although some of its finest views such as the meadow will be covered over, it’s also a winter playground for those who love snow sports. If you plan on visiting the park during the winter months however, make sure you check what parts of the park are accessible and open, and what facilities you’ll find there. You’ll also find that the type of accommodation will be more limited during the winter months so book in advance around any main holiday periods.

Even if you only have a day to spend at Yosemite National Park, you’ll see things that will provide memories to last a lifetime, whether it’s the Yosemite Falls (North America’s highest falls), the huge redwood trees of Mariposa Grove or the alpine beauty of the Tuolumne Meadows.

Images used in this text
Sentinel beach, Yosemite National Park by Su-May available under CC BY 2.0

With over 47,000 kms of coastline, Australia is a haven for those who love the water. Here are Australia’s most exhilarating experiences in and around the ocean.

The Great Barrier Reef

Australia is home to the biggest coral reef eco system in the world. Covering over 300,000 square kilometres and comprising over 600 islands, it is a paradise for underwater lovers. Even snorkelers are able to see turtles and reef sharks gliding through the turquoise waters filled with colourful fish and coral. For experienced scuba divers, the most pristine diving conditions are to be found in the Coral Sea (travelling via liveaboard boats from Cairns).

Whales

Whales migrate north along the eastern seaboard in June/July and they migrate back south to feed in Antarctica with their young in September. During these times, there are several places all along the coast that offer whale watching trips. Hervey Bay probably has the best guarantee of sightings but if you’re really lucky they sometimes frolic in Sydney Harbour around the Opera House. If you happen to be diving on the Barrier Reef within the vicinity of a whale, the boats will occasionally drop anchor and let you jump in with a snorkel.

Whale sharks

For one of the world’s greatest marine experiences, head to Exmouth and Ningaloo Reefs off the West Coast of Australia and swim alongside whale sharks. These huge fish visit these reefs each year from March to May.

Great White Sharks

Every year Australia’s love of surfing clashes with the Great White Sharks cruising up and down the coast. Surfing near seal colonies is one way to engage these fearsome creatures but a safer way to get the blood pumping is to go cage diving off the south coast in South Australia.

Dolphins & seals

If you’re looking for something a little less adventurous, there are several places around Australia where you can observe and interact with wild dolphins and seals. Monkey Mia in West Australia is famous for its pod of bottle-nosed dolphins that visit the beach daily to play with humans. Kangaroo Island (South Australia) is one of the best places in Australia to view wildlife including seals, sea lions and penguins.

Australia’s unique wildlife is a major attraction to tourists but there is an even greater thrill awaiting those seeking an interface with nature beneath the waves.

Images used in this text
Underwater scenery by Rafael available under CC BY 2.0

Your choice of Spain as a holiday destination is a promising one. The country has many attractions ranging from historical monuments to cultural events, great facilities for tourists, and a bustling nightlife that is famous around the world.

Here are five amazing tourist attractions that you should definitely visit during your vacation in Spain.

Teide National Park

Located in Tenerife Canary Islands, Teide National Park is the oldest, largest, and the most frequently visited national park in the country. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain lets you enjoy the scenic view of Mount Teide, the vibrant Canary Island pines, and the impressive biodiversity of the park. Do you know that the environmental and geological conditions of the Teide National Park are similar to those of the planet Mars? Thus, research studies about the red planet uses the Spanish national park as a reference.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Built along the Nervión River, the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is a sight to behold. Its breathtaking architectural design and façade of glass, limestone, and titanium is one of the most lauded in contemporary architecture. Inside the museum, you can view many modern art collections, as well as thematic exhibitions and large-scale installations.

Sierra Nevada Ski Station

For winter sports enthusiasts, the ski resort in Sierra Nevada makes for a perfect Spanish getaway. The Alpine World Ski Championships of 1996 was hosted by Sierra Nevada Ski Station. The ski resort is famous for its relatively warm temperatures and blue skies even during the winter.

Atapuerca Mountains

Also known as Sierra de Atapuerca, this karstic region and archaeological site is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain. There are caves in the Atapuerca Mountains where fossils of the earliest known hominids in Western Europe were discovered. Their stone tools were also found in the caves. Visit this important archaeological location by joining one of the package tours offered by the Museum in Human Evolution in Burgos.

Puerta del Sol

Don’t miss out on one of the attractions that Spain is famous for: the wild and exciting nightlife. Puerta del Sol, which means “Gate of the Sun,” is a lively place in Madrid. Puerta del Sol square is home to many famous landmarks, including the King Charles III monument and the old Post Office that doubles as the office of the President of Madrid. You will also find lots of shopping establishments in this part of Madrid. And late at night, witness the bars and dance clubs of Puerta del Sol come alive.

Images used in this text
Night view from Alhambra de Granada by SuperCar-RoadTrip.fr available under CC BY 2.0

Teide National Park by Ben Salter available under CC BY 2.0
Guggenheim by Cata available under CC BY 2.0
Sierra Nevada 002 by Oliver Clarke available under available under CC BY 2.0

A picturesque tropical beach as a winter getaway makes for a smart vacation idea. Imagine frolicking in one of the world’s most spectacular warm-climate beaches as you wait away the passing of the cold months.

Here are ten of the world’s great tropical beaches to consider as your holiday vacation destination.

Bamboo Island Beach, Thailand

Located in Southern Thailand and protected by cliffs of limestone that tame the waves, the fantastic Bamboo Island is a remote tropical paradise of white sand and shimmering turquoise-colored waters. It is near the bustling Maya Bay, where The Beach was filmed.

Eleuthera, Bahamas

Eleuthera is a narrow island in the Bahamas. It sports rolling beaches of pink sand and fabulously huge outcroppings of coral reefs. The beaches of Eleuthera are unspoiled as the island is not heavily inhabited by people.

Ipanema Beach, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro’s popular Ipanema Beach offers a lively, beach-party atmosphere where tourists and Brazilians gather as they sunbathe, drink beer, surf, and enjoy the warm weather. The western part of Ipanema Beach is framed by Dois Irmãos, a graceful-looking pair of mountains.

Jobson’s Cove, Bermuda

Jobson’s Cove is an enchanting spot in the Bermuda. It features a natural formation of limestone. The limestone outcropping creates a shallow pool of around forty feet in diameter in the Bermuda waters. The pinkish sandy beach of Jobson’s Cove treats you to experience clear waters, reefs, and a view of the towering cliffs made of limestone that borders the pool.

Kadmat Island Beach, India

The immaculate beaches of Kadmat Island rest on a coral reef. The clear shallow waters washing off from the Indian Ocean make diving, snorkeling, and swimming much more enjoyable. Dolphins and other marine animals are also abundant in the beaches along Kadmat Island.

Matira Beach, French Polynesia

This dazzling white-sandy beach in Bora Bora is a heaven of tropical sun and gleaming blue-green waters. There are also bungalows by the beach where you can relax and marvel at the stunning French Polynesian views.

Navio Beach, Puerto Rico

Located in Vieques, Navio Beach’s charm includes rough waves that are perfect for surfing, natural rock formations ideal for rock climbing, pristine and empty coastlines, and the rural island-municipality’s old-world vibe.

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

The tropical beaches along the pair of Malaysian islands called the Perhentians feature a postcard-perfect scenario complete with palm trees, white sand, warm climate, and crystal blue sea waters. Marine life—the likes of jelly fish, sea turtles, reef fish, and corals—is abundant, so you get the most out of any snorkeling and diving adventures.

Tulum Beaches, Mexico

Located southeast of Cancun, Tulum is a well-known archaeological site, as well as the location of beach resorts that deliver awe-inspiring views of the Caribbean. After spending time visiting Pre-Columbian ruins and cenotes, unwind under the sun and walk along the gorgeous coastline of Tulum.

Yasawa Island Beach, Fiji

You can’t go wrong with this warm-weather paradise popular for its unmarred beaches and clear blue-green waters. The volcanic Yasawa island group also features breathtaking mountainous terrain. In 1980, The Blue Lagoon was filmed in some parts of the Yasawa.

Images used in this text
Morning in Orange Creek by Trish Hartmann available under CC BY 2.0