China

Jiangsu: Put This One On Your List

The Chinese Province of Jiangsu may just be one of Asia’s most surprising and alluring areas. As historic as it is modern, it offers breathtaking views, engineering marvels, history that comes alive, authentic cuisine, elegant gardens, and thousands of years of culture to be discovered. Jiangsu isn’t usually the first item on most travelers’ destination list, but once you know all there is to see and do, we bet you will want to revise that list.

Located on China’s east coast, the Province of Jiangsu sits on the Yellow Sea, and the famous Yangtze River runs through. There are many large cities in Jiangsu, including Wuxi, Nanjing, and Yangzhou. It may not be China’s most well-known area, but for many years it was the capital of China, and today many people still visit to find solace in the tradition, and adventure in the contemporary style of its cities. Jiangsu struggles for recognition, as visitors across the globe tend to think of Beijing of Shanghai when making plans to visit China. But the informed traveler will find the remarkable gifts that Jiangsu has to offer, and will be sure to make the trip there.

Jiangsu has many historic sites, as one would expect; among these, perhaps the most visited is the Niushou Mountain Scenic Spot.  The Buddhist heritage is still very strong in Jiangsu, despite China’s government. People still flock to the Niushou Mountain Scenic Spot, which is home to the Usnisa Palace, Usnisa Pagoda, and Usnisa Temple. Here, visitors can pray and pay homage to Buddha. The Usnisa Palace is over 136,000 square meters, and has two overlapping domes, and invites visitors from all over the globe.

There are many exceptional gardens in Jiangsu, most notable The Master of the Nets Garden, originally built in 1140. The area’s culture is highlighted in these gardens, which include walkways, pavilions, and small ponds. Gardens are an important part of Chinese culture, and these gardens are a fascinating way to appreciate that culture. Visitors are always welcome to walk the grounds to truly appreciate all they have to offer.

With all the culture, history, and scenery there is to take in, Jaingsu should certainly be on the list of top places to visit in China. We have only touched upon a few of the many sites to see in Jaingsu, but your Travel Agent can give you full detail and help you plan to trip of your dreams that you didn’t even know you had. 

Sicily

Catania; Many Cultures, Many Sights

On the east coast of Sicily sits the ancient city of Catania. Behind it, views of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, can be seen. The breathtaking scenery of sea and mountain beckons people from far away to visit, but there are many other reasons why they stay.

Catania has a diverse background of culture, and the city comes alive from this diversity. From the food, to the art, to Catania’s architecture, the vast heritage of the city is apparent. Here you can find people from an array of cultures; Roman, Greek, Moorish, and more, and blending these cultures makes for one beautiful and unique city.

Mount Etna could be considered the centerpiece of Catania. There is almost no place in the city where this mountain cannot be viewed. The volcano is still active, and plumes of smoke or a glowing fire can almost always be seen. But there is more to do in Catania than enjoy Mount Etna’s majestic display.

St. Agatha’s cathedral may be one of Catania’s most recognizable landmarks, as this baroque cathedral is located in Piazza del Duomo, a Heritage Site. Many visitors and townspeople alike gather at this piazza, as it features a Roman fountain with an elephant statue. Ancient Roman baths can be found beneath the cathedral, which is said to be over 2,000 years old.

Among other ancient sites in Catania is her Greco-Roman amphitheater, which may be approximately 1,900 years old. This outdoor auditorium is made of black lava rock and is a sight to see. Visitors ae welcome to explore the magnificent amphitheater. But be warned, the Amenano river flows through the theater, which has been known to flood the front of the stage.

With so many sites to visit, people flock to Catania. The religious cathedrals and buildings, and the historical sites are enough reason to visit, but Mount Etna can’t be overlooked either. So spend some time with this diverse culture in a serene a pleasant land. We think you will be glad you did.

Riviera Maya

Playa del Carmen; A Place to be Active

On Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, visitors can be found enjoying the crystal blue shoreline at many relaxing hotels and resorts in various guest-friendly towns. Among those towns are Playa del Carmen. But not everyone wants to spend their entire vacation on the beach. For those who seek out more physical adventures, many activities can be had away from the beaches and resorts, and at Playa del Carmen, the activities are close by.

For the environmentally minded visitor, a trip to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is sure to be a fascinating adventure. South of Playa del Carmen is the 1.3 million acre plot of protected land that is home to hundreds of bird and animal species, as well as 23 archaeological sites. Visitors can find some lodging in ecofriendly inns and villas, but there are no resorts here. This area is for the natural environment. There are  activities here besides seeing the natural sights, as kayaking, boating and fishing tours can be found.

Also for the environmentally-conscience, the Riviera Maya offers eco-parks. Kantun-Chi is a remote park that brings nature to all the senses, and has areas for swimming and snorkeling. Some areas are remote enough to find a spot to enjoy some alone time to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature.

The Riviera Maya is known for its clear, sparkling beaches, but there is more than relaxing to be done on them. Kite surfing adds a fun element to any vacation, and Xpu-Ha Beach offers pristine beaches to do just that. With its inviting breezes and natural reefs, a day trip here is sure to take your breath away.

The ancient Mayan city of Coba hosts ruins which are open to the public; some of which can still be climbed. The tallest pyramid, the Nohoch Mul pyramid, is the tallest on the Yucatan peninsula.  Views from the top of the pyramid are awe-inspiring, and some, including Cobo’s two lagoons, can only be seen from the top.

Enjoy all that the Riviera Maya has to give. Spend the time you need to relax at the beach, but when you are ready for adventure, step off the resort.

Wales

Cardiff: Historic and Modern

International travelers have expectations of their destinations. They want breathtaking views, plenty of activities to keep them moving, modern accommodations, and great food. Cardiff gives you all of that, and at a price to fit your budget.

On the south coast of Wales, Cardiff began as a Roman fort, but today they welcome visitors with open arms. The capital of Wales, and the largest city in Wales, Cardiff offers elegant lodging, multiple eateries, and various places to visit.

The Cardiff Castle is a display of history, dating back over 2,000 years. Cross a moat to enter the settlement and walk around inside or out. You will be transported back to a world that is masterly preserved. This is a great way to learn more about the local history of Cardiff, and of Wales in general.

The National Museum Cardiff features the art of Wales, as well as its geology and natural history. The exhibits change often, so visitors can see many different areas of interest. The building itself shows how artistic and cultural the area is with its magnificent architecture.

There are other things to do in Cardiff, including the Cardiff International White Water that offers white water rafting, canoeing, and even a climbing wall. If this is a bit too much adventure for you, Cardiff has plenty of shopping, including antiques, individual, locally-owned stores, and even a LEGO shop.

Don’t forget about the food. Cardiff offers several dining options, ranging from traditional seafood, to Indian food, and even liquid nitrogen ice cream. There is something to satisfy every traveler’s taste buds. Plus, cocktails are not forgotten in the Welsh community, so you can relax after all the sight-seeing and activities.

You will need a place to rest your head after all of the adventures of Cardiff, and there are plenty of options to do just that. From lavish cathedral rooms, to 5 start hotels with pools and spas, you are certain to find the right fit for your lodging needs in Cardiff.

So check with your travel agent to see all of the amazing things that Cardiff has to offer. They can find the right way to get you to this beautiful and historic land.