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.

Golf Courses in Singapore

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.

Crocodile Farms and Cruises in Darwin, Australia

Florida is attractive. As someone who has spent the better part of life living through cold, northern winters, I can attest to that. What could be better than eighty degrees in February? But, The Sunshine State’s packed beaches and over-the-top amusement parks cover only a fraction of the land.

What goes unnoticed, at least by the average sun-seeking traveler, is the natural side of Florida. This is one of the best, and only, places to experience tropical wilderness in the contiguous United States. Every region of the state has at least one National Park, State Park, or Nature Preserve. Here are some of the best:

The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical nature preserve in the US. Gators, birds, and manatees thrive in the protected environment. The park offers guided hikes, boat trips to a few of the hundreds of islands, and even camping for those who want an extended Everglades experience.

Snorkeling or diving in Biscayne Bay, a national park that is over 90% water, offers a different view of Florida’s wildlife. There is as much to see under the clear, warm waters of the bay’s southern third as there is in any of the land-based parks.

National Forests like Ocala and Osceola offer inland excursions with plenty of wildlife you would expect (alligators, cranes) and some you wouldn’t (black bears). These inland parks are some of the least crowded, and therefore, the best for getting up-close with nature.

Those would-be snowbirds who picture beaches and boardwalks shouldn’t forget Florida’s wild side. The Everglades and their kin offer some of the most unique landscapes to be found in the United States.