TOP 5 PLACES TO GO IN 2023
Some goals involve exercising more and learning a new skill, but for jet-setters, it's time to step up your travel game. Here is some inspiration on where to travel.
Cairo, Egypt
One of the largest metropolises on earth is Cairo. Cairo is one of the best cities in the world for historical sightseeing, but there is much more to do in Cairo than just visiting mosques and museums. Cairo is the finest city to visit in Egypt to see contemporary Egyptian street life since it is vibrant and alive. Travel to Egypt is not complete without spending time in the city known to Arabs as Umm al-Dunya (The Mother of the World).
The Pyramids of Giza
The most popular half-day excursion in Cairo and the top item on everyone's schedule are the Pyramids of Giza. These fourth dynasty burial structures, which are located on the Giza Plateau right on the outskirts of the city, have fascinated tourists for ages and are now one of Egypt's top attractions. You must visit here despite the heat, the dust, and the bustle of tourists.
The largest of the Giza group is the Pyramid of Cheops, also known as the Great Pyramid or Pyramid of Khufu. Its interior, which is made up of a series of small corridors, can be examined, however, there isn't much to see other than a simple tomb room with an empty coffin.
One of the most recognisable structures from Egypt, the lion-bodied and pharaoh-faced Sphinx, guards these funeral temples.
When the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is done, the Giza Plateau will have a new attraction.
2. Maze of Khan el-Khalili
One of the best places in the world to shop is Khan el-Khalili.
This souq (bazaar), a maze-like network of narrow alleyways built as a commercial area in 1400 CE, is still alive with the clanging of silversmiths and metalworkers.
Divert off the main thoroughfare into the surrounding alleyways, and the small shops and cluttered workshops are some of the best places to visit if you're looking to buy traditional products from Egypt. The main streets have long since completely given themselves over to the tourist trade (with plenty of cheap papyrus pictures and plastic pyramids on display).
3. the Nile Island District of Zamalek
The majority of Cairo's hipster eateries and the Zamalek neighbourhood are located on the Nile island of Gezira.
With spacious boulevards bordered by trees and magnificently ornate Belle Époque homes, the region's architecture, which dates to the middle of the 19th century, has a decidedly European vibe (many of which are now home to various embassies).
Cairo's premier dining district is Zamalek, but there are also a number of art galleries to visit. Mahmoud Said and Mahmoud Mukhtar's pieces can be found in the impressive collection of 20th-century Egyptian art at the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art in the Gezira Fair Grounds.
Taiwan
With so many attractions, it might be difficult to decide what to see. Visitors to Taiwan are overwhelmed with choice when it comes to activities to do and locations of outstanding natural beauty to explore on the island. Allow us to save you time and effort by providing you with our list of Taiwan's top attractions.
Taroko National Park
Hualien, Taichung, and Nantou are the three counties that make up Taroko National Park. It is Taiwan's fourth national park to have been established. Its focus is primarily on the Liwuxi Canyon, the east-west highway that runs alongside it, and the mountainous terrain that surrounds it, including the Hehuan Peaks, Qilai Mountains, Nanhu Central Jianshan Mountains, Qingshui Cliffs, Liwu River Basin, and Sanzhan River Basin, among other mountainous terrains. 92,000 hectares make up the area.
With undulating mountains in between, the Taroko National Park's area is high and roughly slopes from the centre mountain range to the east. About half of the entire region is covered by mountains higher than 2,000 metres, and about one-sixth of it has mountains higher than 3,000 metres. There are as many as 27 of the "Hundred Mountains of Taiwan," which are gorgeous mountains.
2. Taipei 101
The largest engineering project in Taiwanese construction history, TAIPEI 101 is situated in one of Taipei's most upscale neighbourhoods. The design goes beyond the idea of a unit-body and is based on the lucky Chinese number 8, which has long been regarded as such in Chinese culture. The entire structure is constructed by stacking eight-floor structural sections one on top of the other. Skyscrapers have never used a rhythmic aesthetic like this.
The 89F Observation Floor, which is located 382 metres above the ground, provides visitors with a magnificent view of the city and the Taipei Basin in all directions. The 660 metric tonne damper is also on display at this height. High-power binoculars, a beverages bar, picture services, pre-recorded audio tour guides in seven languages, and gift stores are available at the observatory.
You should schedule your visit to Taipei 101 in advance and choose a certain time when you make your online ticket purchase. After you arrive, you'll pick up your actual ticket on the fifth level and stand in line for the elevator and a green screenshot. There are several tiny food carts scattered throughout the observation deck, as well as eateries on the lower floors if you get hungry.
3. Eat at Taipei’s Night Markets
In Taiwan's renowned night markets, you can get fantastic deals on clothing, shoes, and other trinkets. But experiencing the delicious food is the finest thing to do in Taiwan's night markets! Many of Taiwan's best dishes, including stinky tofu, steam buns, seafood and vegetable skewers, bubble tea, mango snow ice, and everything in between, can be found in its night markets. Bring some money and a big appetite!
Oaxaca, Mexico
One of the most exciting places to visit in Mexico is Oaxaca, the country's cultural capital, which also happens to be one of the safest. Despite the widely reported news concerning the drug-related violence in Mexico, Oaxaca is still a relatively secure destination to visit. Generally speaking, visitors in Mexico hardly ever become embroiled in drug gang wars, and this is especially true for Oaxaca, a state that has largely avoided violence.
Monte Alban
A day trip to the Monte Alban ruins is by far one of the most well-liked activities in Oaxaca (White Mountain). One of the most spectacular archaeological sites in all of Latin America was constructed by the Zapotecs. Contrary to the more well-known remains at Chichen Itza, the pyramids at Monte Alban are still climbable. You can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside by doing this.
If you'd like, you can take a bus or taxi to the ruins, or you can join up for a guided small group trip. Your transportation and guide are included in this highly regarded trip; having a guide will let you learn much more about the historic landmark.
2. Hierve el Agua
Hierve el Agua is a must-see day trip when visiting Oaxaca. Amazing rock formations that resemble cascading waterfalls can be seen here. Spend an enjoyable half-day hiking and taking in the scenery there.
You can have a dip in natural mineral springs as well. Even though the name in Spanish means "boiling water," the water in this area can occasionally be quite frigid. Even after a long hike around the area, taking a plunge is still pleasant and revitalising.
Although it is feasible to travel here independently, tours in this case make the experience considerably simpler. A full-day or half-day tour typically includes stops at additional sights in the state of Oaxaca.
3. Mezcal Tasting
A mezcal tasting is one of the best things to do in Oaxaca if you occasionally want an alcoholic beverage.
Unlike tequila, which can only be manufactured from blue agave, this spirit is made from any agave plant. As a result of the plant's underground roasting, mezcal has a distinct, smokey flavour.
Visit one of the many mezcalerias in Oaxaca to sample some of the greatest mezcal the region is known for producing. Most likely, you'll enjoy it so much that you'll want to buy a bottle to take home.
Dominica
Activities on the island are more adventurous than most too, with canyoning, river tubing, hikes to the island’s ‘boiling lake’ and scuba diving all popular choices.
Visit Trafalgar Falls
In Dominica, Trafalgar Falls (pictured above) receives the most visitors. In reality, there are two waterfalls side by side, one 85 metres high and the other 40 metres. After visiting the visitor centre, the observation platform is about a ten-minute stroll through a beautiful rainforest path that is home to butterflies and crabs. From there, you may see the stunning cascades or get closer and swim!
2. Scuba Dive
Scuba diving has to be on your list of things to do in Dominica if you have your PADI certification! It is recognised as one of the finest diving locations in the world, in part because the waters surrounding the island are home to 20 different species of whale. Along with octopus, eels, rays, trumpet fish, parrotfish, hawksbill turtles, and seahorses, there is also a tonne of coral. The island's volcanic origins also provide some unique formations, such Champagne Reef, where you may dive or swim over bubbles, adding to the fun.
3. Dolphin And Whale Watching
The opportunity to observe whales in their natural environment is one of the main draws of Dominica. More than 20 different species of whales have been sighted in the waters near the island, with humpbacks, false killer whales, melon head whales, short-fin pilot whales, and pygmy sperm whales being the most frequently seen. The sperm whale pod that lives in Dominica's seas, however, is the main attraction. While sightings on these tours aren't 100% certain, they do happen very frequently since the whale watching cruises employ hydrophone equipment, which is like to an underwater microphone with a 7km range, to pinpoint their location.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a scene-stealing blend of glitz and grit that is ready to mesmerise anybody seeking to experience its dynamic culture, daring architecture, international cuisine, intense parties, and laid-back lifestyle.
Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse and the East Side Gallery at Mühlenstraße are two locations around Berlin where you can still see parts of the Wall. The East Side Gallery, the longest portion of the Berlin Wall still standing, stretches for more than a kilometre along the northern banks of the Spree River. It is regarded as the largest open-air gallery in the world. Soon after the first portions of the Wall fell in 1989, people began to decorate it, and today the gallery is home to over 100 murals by worldwide artists. The vibrant artworks vividly depict the contemporary history and centre on themes of freedom, resistance against persecution, and political satire.
Every day, 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from April to October and 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from November to March, the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse is open, with the exception of Mondays. The East Side Gallery is always available to the public and is situated in a public area.
2. Jüdisches Museum
One of the top organisations in the European museum landscape is the Jewish Museum Berlin. The museum is a lively centre for discussion and contemplation on Jewish past and present in Germany thanks to its new core exhibition that debuted in 2020, its temporary exhibitions, collections, events programme, and the W. Michael Blumenthal Academy, as well as its digital and educational services. Children can enjoy learning about Noah's Ark at ANOHA, the JMB Children's World.
The museum is situated in the Kreuzberg neighbourhood of Berlin, close to Checkpoint Charlie and the former Berlin Wall. Daniel Libeskind's renowned museum building has long ago become a landmark in Berlin. It is a piece of the larger architectural complex for the Jewish Museum Berlin, which also consists of a former Baroque structure, the W. Michael Blumenthal Academy, and the ANOHA Children's World.
3. Shopping at Kurfürstendamm
The prince-electors who rode along it to hunt in Grunewald gave Kurfürstendamm its name, but now it is crowded with Berliners and tourists looking for the newest trends in clothing, designer goods, and the best deals. Berlin's most well-known and well-liked shopping street, Kurfürstendamm, is located in the western part of the city. You may be confident that your shopping trip there will be successful. Breitscheidplatz, the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche, and Rathenauplatz, where the Grunewald villas start, are all located along the 3.5-kilometer-long avenue.
Along Kurfürstendamm, you will see the flagship locations of well-known firms, as well as shops for renowned names and worldwide brands. Karstadt is another sizable department store. From Olivaer Platz onward, there is less activity, and the window displays and stores grow even more upscale and exclusive. The boutiques of renowned designers and global companies can be found here. The majestic early 20th-century structure Haus Cumberland has undergone a remarkable repair.