Rio de Janeiro is the second major city of Brazil, second only to Sao Paolo. Several times during its history, it was the capital of Brazil, and it is commonly referred to as “The Marvelous City”. It is most famous internationally for its beautiful setting and its elaborate and large-scale Carnival festivals.

On January 20, 1502, Portuguese explorer Gaspar de Lemos discovered the area and gave it its name, which translates to “January River”. At that time, “river” was the general term for any large body of water. The first permanent European settlement was established in 1555 by French settlers, consisting of French Huguenots and Swiss Calvinists, but Portuguese settlers founded Rio de Janeiro at the foot of the Sugarloaf Mountain. By the end of the 1500s, the Portuguese crown acknowledged the village as a strategic location and aided in the build of fortresses. The city was historically threatened by French pirates and native raiders until the 18th century. For most of the 19th century, the city was the capital of the area, and from then until today, the city saw an expansion from its restricted historic downtown area to a thriving tourist Mecca.

Over six million people live in Rio de Janeiro, which takes up a space of 456 square miles, while the greater metropolitan area has over eleven million people. Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate, which means that temperatures are generally warm throughout the year and rarely reach extremes. Cool breezes from the ocean moderate the temperature of the city.

As far as Brazilian culture goes, Rio de Janeiro is very important. The Brazilian urban music scene originated in Rio de Janeiro, a representation of the problems that the inhabitants of the city faced. Rio de Janeiro exists as a symbol of Brazilian culture and social structure, with a freedom of expression that covers many of the important topics in Brazilian life. Held forty days before Easter, the Carnival festivals held throughout the city attract many tourists and are iconic of the city’s culture.

As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage holds two-fifths of the entire state’s population. Anchorage’s population is just over 350,000. Named an All-America City several times in its history, Anchorage is known for its ability to adapt to a climate which is extremely unusual to the rest of the United States.

Established in 1914 as a railroad construction port for the Alaska Railroad, Anchorage had humble beginnings as a tent city with a working population. Originally the city’s economy was based on the railroad, but by the 1950s, the city experienced a massive boom due to an increased amount of air transportation and military presence. Anchorage’s development was dramatically halted in 1964 when the Good Friday Earthquake, a stunning magnitude 9.2 quake, struck Alaska, killing 115 Alaskans and causing $1.8 billion dollars worth of damage. The rest of the decade was devoted to reconstruction of the city. An oil boom in 1968 caused massive growth once again in the city, and from then until today, Anchorage has experienced much expansion and beautification.

Anchorage sits in south central Alaska on a strip of coastal lowlands. To the south is a fjord with record-breaking tides called the Turnagain Arm, while Knik Arm lies to the north and west. The Chugach Mountains reign the city limits in to the east. A subarctic climate means that Anchorage experiences lows in the mid 50s and highs in the mid 70s during the summer, and lows in the single digits and highs in the 30s during the winter. Summer days are very long and winter days are very short.

Alaskan culture is distinguishable from the rest of the United States because of its geographical situation. Along with performing arts, most of which taking place in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, and chamber music societies, cultural events in Anchorage include ice carving competitions and summer festivals. Several museums in Alaska, including the Alaska Museum of Natural History and the Oscar Anderson House Museum, are housed in Anchorage. Hockey is the most popular sport in Anchorage and the Alaska Aces is one of the city’s two professional sports teams.

Santiago, Chile is the capital of the country of Chile, at the center of a large metropolis located in the central valley of Chile. A boom in the economy of Santiago has made the capital into one of Latin America’s most modern metropolitan areas. With a population of about 6.5 million people in the metropolitan area of Santiago, many modern transportation systems are rising to suit the population.

A Spanish conquistador by the name of Pedro de Valdivia founded Santiago on February 12, 1541, due to the moderate climate the area had to offer and the ease of defending the area. Ironically though, the city was destroyed 8 months later by native forces. In the early 19th century, Santiago remained a small town with a small amount of buildings. Later in the century, exports began to bring the country into prosperity, which promoted the capital city’s development. In the early 20th century, important landmarks were erected in celebrations of the independence from Spain. In the 1930s, Santiago took a turn as a more modern city, and flourished with population due to migrations from the north and south of Chile.

Santiago lies in the center of the Santiago Basin, which is a bowl-shaped valley consisting of large fertile plains surrounded by mountains and a few volcanoes. East of Santiago, there are the majestic Andes mountain chain, and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. The Santiago Basin is part of the Intermediate Depression which is remarkably flat, and only interrupted with a few hills. The city has relatively hot dry summers and cold humid winters. There is snowfall in suburbs at higher altitudes, which possibly could spread through the city, but happens infrequently.

Tourists would enjoy the modern metropolitan area around Santiago, with dozens of shopping malls, impressive high-rise architecture, and the very modern transportation system which could easily take the tourists around the city comfortably. With an endless list of museums, theatres, symphonies, parks, ski resorts, amazing vineyards, sport venues, plazas, and squares, tourism in Santiago cannot possibly go wrong, and is a must for those who yearn for culture and history.

Buenos Aires is the capital and the largest city in Argentina, featuring some of the most important places in the entire country of Argentina. Originally named after a sanctuary in Sardinia, the city has grown today to be one of the most densely populated areas in Latin America.

Spain discovered the area in 1516 when a Spanish explorer reached the Rio de la Plata, the location of Buenos Aires. Although his expedition was cut short, Spanish settlement of the area began twenty years later as part of a Spanish expedition. A series of attacks by natives, though, left the area uninhabited until 1580, when the second, permanent settlement was created. Historically dependent on trade, Buenos Aires was regulated by the Spanish government, who controlled the amount of trade that the city could partake in. Over time, European immigration to the city began to shape it as something of a European outpost in South America, a phenomenon that persists today.

The city is bounded by the Rio de la Plata in the east and northeast. The Riachuelo and the Avenida General Paz, a highway, make up the rest of the boundaries. Located in the pampa region, which is the Spanish word for denoting the plains of South America, the region is relatively flat. Buenos Aires feature a humid subtropical climate, which means that the average temperature looms around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. During the Southern Hemisphere summer months of December, January, and February, many citizens of Buenos Aires head to cooler resorts on the Atlantic Coast to escape the heat.

Culturally, Buenos Aires is strongly influenced by European trends and styles. It is sometimes referred to as the Paris of South America because of this. A dialect of Spanish, reminiscent of a dialect spoken in Spain, is the prominent language in the city. Many European languages have grown into the local dialect, creating several unique terms and phrases. Architecture is reminiscent of that of Barcelona and Madrid, characterized by uniqueness in form and design. Tango music was born in Buenos Aires and has spread all over the world, but many will attest that the best dancers are those who are born and bred Argentineans.

While in Buenos Aires, you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as cycling, or cultural events, such as the opera. It’s also a terrific location for fine dining, shopping and dancing. The tango is very popular in Buenos Aires. Don’t be surprised if you see tango dancers performing on the streets.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos or just Cabo as it is known by starry-eyed vacationers, is a popular tourist destination among the wealthy who can afford the increasingly high-end resorts and timeshare clubs. Whether one comes to visit The Corridor, complete with parties and golf courses, or the laidback colonial style of neighboring San Jose, there is much to do in the area.

The first humans came to the southern tip of the peninsula around 14,000 years ago, but the first documented experiences in the area by the Europeans included observations of the native peoples living a subsistence lifestyle. These peoples did not use metals and they gathered roots, fruits, seeds, and shellfish to survive. Many American authors have claimed that the city was founded by Thomas Ritchie who was said to have been in the area from 1828 to 1874, when he supposedly passed away. By the turn of the 20th century, a fishing village had developed, and 1917 marked the arrival of an American country that built a floating tuna platform. Their efforts marked the beginning of development in the city.

Tourism is an important part of the local economy, with visitors coming from all over the world to enjoy the sights as well as the high-end resorts, timeshares, and social scenes. As far as the sights go, many tourists visit Lands End, a stunning rock formation located off the coast of Cabo, which many have argued looks like a Triceratops drinking water from the ocean. The waters off of Cabo are also home to whales in the wintertime, where mothers bear their calves in the warmer water.

Cabo San Lucas is also notorious for its nightlife and vibrant party scene. Places like Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina remain popular spots for the bustling nightlife that often features out-of-control celebrations and revelry. The Corridor is the most popular of these types of tourist destinations, a twenty mile strip resorts, clubs, and residences of Hollywood’s most famous stars. Because of all the wealth in the area, tourist destinations are aimed toward those who have plenty of money to spend.

A small island nation, Singapore is well-known for its status as the only remaining city-state in the entire world. As a primarily English-speaking country, Singapore is a popular tourist destination among Americans and others alike, who visit the country for various reasons.

After juggling back and forth between several different countries as a colony, Singapore finally gained independence in 1963, and ongoing efforts since then have raised the standard of living, curbed unemployment, developed the economic infrastructure, and reduced racial tension. Today, Singapore focuses on building up the economy; for example, the current prime minister decided to open casinos that would attract tourists to the country.

Singapore is composed of 63 islands covering a comparatively small area, but ongoing land reclamation processes promise to increase land area as well as to fuse together separate islands to create larger, more functional areas. A tropical rainforest climate classification means that Singapore has no distinct seasons, a uniform temperature usually around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and high humidity. June and July are the hottest months, while November and December make up the rainy monsoon season.

With an economy focused heavily on trade, business, and tourism, Singapore is a financially successful country with a good standard of living. The majority religion is Buddhism, with a strong Christian, Islamic, and Taoist minority. While the national language of Singapore is Malay, it is mostly for historical reasons, and the most frequently used language is English. As far as dialects are concerned, Singaporean English mixes local language influences and English to produce a distinct variety of the language.

Singaporeans are active sportsmen and sportswomen, participating in a variety of physical activities, ranging from football to cricket. Golf continues to gain popularity in Singapore as well.

Famous for its all-inclusive resorts and a historical tourism base, Riviera Maya is a popular tourism district for those who wish to experience the beauty that Mexico has to offer. Bordering the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico, Riviera Maya has long been a dream vacation destination.

Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, the terrain is flat and rocky with low tropical jungles. Under the surface of the earth, some of the largest underwater cave systems in the world exist, and they are the only places to acquire potable water in the region. Crescent shaped beaches composed of white sand dot the coastline, broken up by rocky inlets. This is where groundwater lets out into the ocean.

The temperature hovers around 78 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year. With a rainy season from May to November and a dry season that is especially dry in January and February, the time of year drastically affects the amount of tourism and the activities that are popular during that time. There are many tropical storm systems and hurricanes in the area, but they generally break before hitting Riviera Maya.

All-inclusive resorts attract many tourists, who come to enjoy the full-range of experiences, from luxurious accommodations to outdoors excursions and more. Water sports are especially popular, with snorkeling, jet skiing, and scuba diving some of the more popular activities. Horseback riding and jungle tours are also popular at the most-visited areas.

Smaller boutique hotels allow for exploration of the unique cultural area that Riviera Maya encloses, while higher-range luxury accommodations like charter yachts and villa rentals are becoming more and more popular among those who can afford it. The barrier reef, the second longest in the world, attracts plenty of people who want to see the exotic species of water creatures that inhabit the area.

Sydney gets a majority share of the press when it comes to Australia’s tourist industry, but it is not the only city Down Under that is worth the price of admission.  Melbourne boasts a number of attractions and a vibrant, cosmopolitan culture.  Sports are a major draw.  National games like Rugby are popular, and the sporting world focuses on the city for the Formula One auto race and the Melbourne Cup horse race.  Melbourne is also the birthplace of the rugby, soccer, basketball hybrid known as Australian Rules Football.  Cricket and Soccer also draw large groups of spectators. 

Melbourne is also well known in Australia for its urban culture.  Foodies will love the array of restaurants.  Cutting edge kitchens serve the best in haute cuisine while authentic ethnic eateries abound and laid back cafes line the scenic Yarra River.  The river has one of the most scenic urban waterfronts in the world.   

Melbourne is also a very pleasant city.  Public transit makes getting around without a car easy.  There are a large number of bike trails and public parks.  Unlike many major cities, Melbourne also has a wide variety of budget accommodations.  The backpacker vibe of St. Kilda is bolstered by the good chance of finding cheap rooms, cheaper eats, and plenty of nightlife. 

Highbrow nightlife is also part of the equation.  Whether that means enjoying a taste of Australia’s finest at one of the city’s many wine bars or taking in an opera performance, the finer elements of culture in Melbourne can be considered world class. 

Melbourne is a pleasant, generally safe and easy to visit place.  There is enough to do to warrant a week or (even) a month long trip.        

Korea’s Seoraksan Mountains are high on the itinerary for domestic and international tourists alike. The picturesque cliffs, with trees doing the impossible by clinging to the steep rock wall, seem like something out of a classical painting. The valleys in between the mountains are home to rare plant and animal life. The area is designated as a national park and has been recognized by the United Nations as a Biosphere Reserve.

There are plenty of sites in the mountain range highlighting Korea’s diverse and lengthy history. Sinheungsa Temple, built nearly 1500 years ago, is home to numerous statues and incredible views of the surrounding slopes. Fort Gwongeumseong is near the temple. It was built in the 13th century to protect Korea from invading Mongolians.

There are several hot springs in the Seoraksan region. The most famous is Osaek Springs. The water is supposed to give those who soak in it a youthful glow because of its high mineral content. Whether that is true or not almost doesn’t matter once you relax in the hot water and take in the surroundings.

One of the best (and least strenuous) ways to see the Seoraksan area is by taking the fifteen-minute ride in the Gwongeumseong Gondola. The large car climbs above the tree line from the ground to the mountain above. You’ll surely be able to capture several postcard-like shots during the trip. And, seeing as the cable pulling the car up the slope does all the work, your thigh muscles won’t get stiff from walking constantly uphill.

The Seoraksan area is a popular tourist destination. As such, things can get a bit expensive. However, booking trips, finding transport, checking in to your accommodation, and all other basics are fairly straightforward. If you don’t mind running into the occasional crowd, this is a fun and easy region of Korea to visit.

Darwin is a city on Australia’s far northern coast. Though not densely populated, Darwin is the Northern Territory’s major urban area. As such, it is the center for tourism and culture in the region. The vibe here is decidedly different from the crowded and cosmopolitan East Coast. The landscape is harsh, tropical, and more similar to Indonesia than Sydney. Still, visitors will be sure that they are in Australia. The stereotypically laid-back approach to life and the fun-loving attitude found throughout the continent make Darwin an easy-going place to visit.

Darwin is a relatively young city. Much was destroyed by a violent tropical storm that hit the city 40 years ago. Since then, however, Darwin has grown rapidly. Its port is a major feature. Also, Darwin is considered Australia’s gateway to Asia. The hot tropical climate has kept Darwin out of the tourism limelight. However, the natural beauty of the area and its cultural diversity make it a great place to visit.

Mindil Beach Market is a night market with a truly Asian flare. The open-air market is filled with crafts and foods.

Darwin is in the middle of crocodile country. These massive beasts make it dangerous to swim in inland waters, but the beaches near the city are completely safe. In fact, the main draw for many Australian tourists is the relatively untouched tropical beaches in and around Darwin.

There is a crocodile farm near the city where visitors can get up and close with Australia’s most recognizable animal. There are even companies offering cruises into the hinterlands in search of crocs. These are generally quite safe and a good way to see Northern Australia’s tropical interior without the fear of being eaten.

Darwin is also quite cheap. Because of the remoteness, it is popular with backpackers and independent travelers in search of adventure and untouched beaches. Accommodations and food are aimed at this group of travelers so it’s easy to find a good room and good eats for a cheap price.