Marrakech

Marrakech is the most popular destination in Morocco. The setting is stunning, with ocher stucco buildings on a dry, rocky plain and the snow-peaked Atlas Mountains as a backdrop (though they're not always visible).

Much of the medina is surrounded by beautifully restored pinkish-red ramparts, and lovely palm gardens are interspersed among the impressive buildings, including an ever-growing number of nicely renovated courtyard townhouses (riads) that now serve as boutique-hotels. The modern town has gracious, wide avenues and large, resort-style hotels.

With the airport in expansion mode and more low-cost airlines flying there than ever before, Marrakech is expanding its visitor profile from curious, luxury-seeking travelers to a broader audience with options at more affordable price points. Along with this growth, the city has exploded with construction, seeing the likes of shopping malls and budget hotels joining the ranks of bigwig hotels and resorts. Most of the construction is taking place in the newer section of town, known as Gueliz. Still, there is plenty of room for everybody, and this has not stopped the luxury boom here, either.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a wonderful combination of sleek skyscrapers and past grandeur, a collision of the ultrachic and tumbledown. Still, there has always been an undercurrent of melancholy in B.A. (as it is affectionately known by expats who call Buenos Aires home), which may help explain residents' devotion to that bittersweet expression of popular culture in Argentina, the tango. Still performed—albeit much less frequently now—in the streets and cafes, the tango has a romantic and nostalgic nature that is emblematic of Buenos Aires itself.

Travel to Buenos Aires is popular, especially with stops in the neighborhoods of San Telmo, Palermo—and each of its colorful smaller divisions—and the array of plazas that help make up Buenos Aires tours.

Inspect the art-nouveau and art-deco architecture along Avenida de Mayo; see the "glorious dead" in the Cementerio de la Recoleta and the gorgeously chic at bars and cafes in the same neighborhood; shop for antiques and see the tango dancers at Plaza Dorrego and the San Telmo Street Fair on Sunday; tour the old port district of La Boca and the colorful houses along its Caminito street; cheer at a soccer match between hometown rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate (for the very adventurous only).

Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA: Coleccion Costantini); Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes; Museo Municipal de Arte Hispano-Americano Isaac Fernandez Blanco; Museo Historico Nacional; Museo de la Pasion Boquense (Boca football); one of two tango museums: Museo Casa Carlos Gardel or Museo Mundial del Tango.

A drink, elegant tea or snack at Cafe Tortoni; the best beef at a parrilla (steak house) such as Cabana Las Lilas or La Cabrera; delicious wood-oven-baked pizza at Siamo Nel Forno in Palermo Soho; the trendy restaurants Olsen in Palermo Hollywood or Sucre in Belgrano; pasta at La Parolaccia; the unique dining experience of El Obrero in La Boca.

Dancing in the huge Crobar disco or the Funky Room at Club Bahrein; samba in Maluco Beleza; quaffing a beer at The Kilkenny or Down Town Matias; enjoying the decks and gardens at Terraza del Este; exploring Puerto Madero's Asia de Cuba disco-restaurant and other lively haunts.

An over-the-top tango-and-dinner show at stylish Piazzolla Tango; intimate concerts in San Telmo bars; old-style tango dancing at the remaining milongas across the city, such as the Club Gricel or Salon Canning.

Calle Defensa from the Plaza de Mayo to Parque Lezama in San Telmo; stroll through the Rosedal rose gardens, particularly September-February; follow the trails in the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve; Plaza Francia in Recoleta to browse the authentic handicrafts.

Feed the animals at the Jardin Zoologico; stroll along the yacht basin at Puerto Madero; check out the stars at the Galileo Galilei Planetarium; take a boat ride in the Parque de Palermo; the rides at El Parque de la Costa theme park.

Cartagena

Cartagena, Columbia

This Caribbean port city boasts some of the finest Spanish colonial buildings in the world and
has morphed into a cosmopolitan it destination, with the requisite top-notch restaurants, hip
hotels and sometimes sky-high prices to match.

Cartagena, more formally known as Cartagena de Indias, is really a tale of two cities: an
entirely walled-in, picturesque "old city" (a UNESCO World Heritage site) from the Spanish
colonial era, when the city was one of three ports of call for the treasure fleets; and a
neighboring modern beach resort—Bocagrande—that bears little resemblance to, and
almost none of the charm of, its predecessor. The "new" Cartagena can be explored in an
afternoon, or skipped altogether; it's the old colonial city that fascinates visitors, and with
good reason. Beyond these two zones lies a sprawling and relatively impoverished
metropolis of little touristic appeal.

The Cartagena city walls stand as a romantic reminder of its glorious past. Las murallas, as the walls are known, were the city's main defense against pirates in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. They attest to the stubbornness and resolution that Cartagena's inhabitants exhibited in defending themselves from the assaults of countless fleets and armies, and during the wars of independence from Spain at the beginning of the 19th century. The city has been spared from the social, political and drug-related violence that has afflicted the rest of the country. Hence, Cartagena has long been considered the safest, as well as the most attractive, of Colombian cities.

The Old City's narrow cobblestoned streets are enchanting. Emerald and leather shops fill restored and brightly painted colonial buildings, whose overhanging wooden balconies are festooned with flowering plants. Ornate churches with golden altars open onto grand public squares reminiscent of ancient Spanish cities. And if you climb las murallas, you'll be treated to wonderful views of the city's famous harbor, protected by numerous fortresses. You can also glimpse the high-rise hotels and condominiums of Bocagrande.

Cartagena is Colombia's No. 1 tourist destination and attracts a diverse group of international travelers, especially conference and convention types, and many others arrive by cruise ship. Cartagena is also a popular vacation destination for middle-class and wealthy Colombians, many of whom have invested in the city in recent years, adding to its panoply of boutique-hotels, fine restaurants and nightclubs.

Finland

Enjoying Nature: Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland

For the rugged outdoors lover or the novice hiker, the Urho Kekkonen National Park is an idyllic park with amazing views and the perfect adventure. A family friendly destination, this park is located across the Eastern and Northern Lapland in Finland, it’s the perfect place for skiing and hiking. Idyllic views await you as you trek through the wilderness, hiking through gorges, boulder fields, and traipsing beautiful mini waterfalls.

One of the pulls of this wonderful piece of nature is its seclusion. You can be alone for days (if you desire) because the park is so vast and has so many different trails. Though you won’t be completely alone, as the park is filled with animals such as bears, lynx, and reindeer. These majestic creatures pepper the grounds, but you don’t have to worry too much about them. They give humans a wide berth, but bring your camera and binoculars.

The weather maintains on the cold side, but it does warm up significantly during the day. The skiing season is usually in March, but it often holds until summer. The summer nights are moderately cold, but the mosquitos don’t show up until mid June, and are kept at bay because of the freezing temperatures at night. The best place to stay are in the huts on the ground. The off season tends to be less crowded, but it’s definitely fun to go any time of year.  At night, you’re treated to perfect stargazing conditions with the regular appearance of Aurora Borealis, also known as The Northern Lights!

With any national park, there are a few provisos. The park borders Russia, whose boundaries tourists are expected to maintain. There are a few entry restrictions during bird season and the area called Sompio is a strict nature reserve, so hikers need to strictly keep to the trails. The greatest part about visiting here is that you don’t need a permit to go! Unlike the national parks in the US, there are no restrictions on camping or “roughing it” so to speak, however, there are some permits needed to fish.

This beautiful park is the perfect location to get back to nature and explore your more daring side. Get down on the ground and remember where the human race is rooted. You can feel the spin of the Earth here as you look up at the stars and witness the wonders of the world. Whether you’re visiting with your family, or finding your own inner peace, there is something to enjoy for every soul on the planet.

Charleston

Charleston: Part of America’s Intriguing Past

As far back as America’s history can take us, there have always been stories and echoes of the past hidden along the banks of the Eastern shoreline. From New England to the tip of Florida, the grandeur of the past floats in front of our eyes wherever we look. Charleston, South Carolina offers this reminiscent feel of the colonies. The town is filled with history in its walls and cobblestone streets telling tales of old.

Along with everything old, intriguing stories follow of life in the hereafter. Ghost tours abound in Charleston. Walk among the spirits in the cemeteries and ride past the scandalous landscapes that drip with echoes of people who have been. Nightly tours are given in several locations and are very reasonably priced.

The avid tourist knows that nothing is remembered if nothing is cherished. Such is the mentality of the town commissioners. There are walking tours, horse drawn carriage tours, amazing food tours, and tons of different activities to choose from that focus on life in Charleston far behind the modern day. Step into the past and absorb the intensity of colonial America.

The food in the south is notoriously incredible. Carolina barbeque is tangy and spicy in a way that brings a whole new flavor to your palette. They are light on the sauce, as the meat speaks for itself, however the unique vinegar and spicy smoke flavor is found in nearly every diner, around every corner. There are endless options. Dig in.

Additionally, there are lots of local fare options. The diner scene is vast and can really have a tremendous impact on your day. The famous southern comfort food is amazing at Early Bird Diner. Chicken and Waffles and Fried Green Tomatoes are just about the best things on a Menu south of Memphis. They deliver. Breizh Pan Crepes has been a staple in Charleston for years. The crepes they have are limitless. They even have gluten free options. The divine creation that is the crepe is idolized at this quaint little bistro. The wide breadth of food served in this historic city alone is worth the trip. It’s a definite bucket list option.

Bratislava

Bratislava: Explore the Unique Culture

Modern day Slovakia is a haven of beauty and rustic antiquity. The capitol city is home to lots of culturally rich hot spots. The city is an exciting metropolis in a vastly underrated tourist city.

Devin Castle has picturesque walking tours and rich history. The main tours run all day, so you can explore the stunning landscape whenever is convenient for you. Walking the vast historical site, you can see ruins from the Romans, hear the history of the USSR, and picnic in the courtyard.

Bratislava offers both day and night walking tours. The night tours are stunning with lighting that dazzles the senses. The day tours are gorgeous and create the perfect tourist climate. The landscape is not huge so it’s manageable in a day!

For the symphony fan, the Slovak Philharmonic can play music into your soul. All manor of shows bring the culture and fun into this gorgeous hall. The acoustics are incredible and the story of this building is fascinating. A must see! If you’re looking for more culture after, you can visit the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum. Home to modern art with a unique perspective on the world, this museum will give you a whole new outlook on the modern-day artist. If you’re into art, you can also walk the winding landscape of the Nedbalka Gallery. Reminiscent of the Guggenheim in New York City, this beautiful display of artistic finery will open your eyes to a whole new world of light and color.

What trip would be complete without shopping? The Eurovia Galleria is the visually pleasing and budget blasting (in a good way!) destination for anyone who loves souvenirs. Armed with enough shops to tire out a marathon runner and enough gorgeous art and sculptures to outfit the Met, this is the ultimate shopping destination.

Food, a necessity, yet a thrilling adventure in Bratislava. Start your day at the Literature Tearoom and Café. A vast assortment of tea creates the perfect morning. For lunch, head to Koliba Kamzik; exquisite Slovakian fare with a chic yet quaint atmosphere. Wine Not! or the Fou Zoo Pan Asian restaurant are perfect for a fine dining dinner experience.

In Bratislava, the ambience is beautiful, the history is splendid, and the food is exciting. This destination is perfect for someone who wants something unique and rich in culture. The avid tourist is sure to be pleased and the infrequent traveler will find a new zest in exploring the world.

Memphis, TN

Memphis: For the Love of Music

Halfway between Columbus and Atlanta lies Memphis, Tennessee, home of the music fan’s dreams come true. Home to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Grand Ol’ Opry, and some of the most fantastic food on the planet.

Anyone who has been to Memphis knows that Beale Street is the place to go. Echoes of New Orleans lines this downtown area with all the bright lights and authentic atmosphere. The streets are teeming with shops, food, and adventure. There are a ton of tours to explore. A trolley system offers cheap fare and a rest for your tired feet; as well as a plethora of amazing restaurants and street vendors that will feed your stomach and your soul. Beale Street is also the birthplace of the Blues. House of the Blues and BB King’s Blues Club offer the best in the heart of the blues unique musical flavor.

Venturing about town, you can run into the Sun Studio, where Elvis got his start. The famous studio still records new albums, so you never know what you might run into. Speaking of Elvis, one does not visit Memphis and skip the Graceland tour. The insane amount of memorabilia alone is worth the trip. The King’s huge estate sits in pristine condition and is open for business year round.

Keep exploring and you’ll run into the Memphis pyramid, a sports arena turned Bass Pro Shop megastore. The outdoorsman will be in awe of the vast number of fun things to do here. There’s even a bowling alley! You will also find The Civil Rights Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul, and the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, which all house the history of this iconic city.

Barbeque, Barbeque, Barbeque is the name of the game here. Memphis is teeming with just about every kind of BBQ joint. The possibilities are endless, so do look around and find what sparks your interest best. For a less advantageous pallet, try Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. This mom and pop shop has been voted the best fried chicken in the state. Must try.

This is the quintessential destination for the music lover. Everyone can find something fun to do and eat. The unique atmosphere is one that will revitalize your zest for culture, and entice you to try something new. The history, the charm and the ambience are not to be missed!