Best Travel Destinations: Exploring The World's Treasures

The world is full of fascinating travel destinations, and choosing the perfect vacation spot can be challenging. Paris, France, is a perennial tourist destination, drawing visitors with its iconic attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and its unmistakable je ne sais quoi. London, England, is a world unto itself, with eclectic neighbourhoods that are home to a blend of historical landmarks and modern-day attractions. For nature lovers, Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, offers snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and azure lakes, while Costa Rica in Central America boasts volcanic mountains, verdant rainforests, tumbling waterfalls, and stunning shorelines. For a tropical paradise, Bora Bora in French Polynesia offers picturesque beaches, lush jungles, and luxurious resorts. Those seeking adventure can explore the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan or go on safari in Kenya or South Africa. Closer to home, there's the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, with its lively street music and melting pot of French, African, and American cultures. And for a truly unique experience, head to Antarctica, the world's southernmost continent, for breathtaking views of the white wilderness and close encounters with wildlife. So, whether you're looking for culture, nature, or adventure, there's a perfect travel destination waiting to be discovered.

Paris, France

To best explore France's ever-changing capital, get lost wandering the charming cobblestone streets, learn its secrets on a walking tour, head to dynamic art exhibits like the Atelier des Lumières or gourmandize at the latest restaurants and pastry shops.

• Eiffel Tower - Designed and constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (the World's Fair), the Eiffel Tower was always meant to be a temporary structure, but it has skirted demolition twice.
• Louvre - If you only had time to visit one museum in Paris, it should undoubtedly be the Musée du Louvre. That's because the Louvre is not only widely considered to be one of the best art museums in Europe, but one of the best in the world.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral - Like the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is seen as a Parisian icon. Located along the picturesque River Seine, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is considered a Gothic masterpiece and is often regarded as one of the best Gothic cathedrals of its kind in the world.
• Champs-Élysées - Paris' most famous boulevard, stretching more than a mile from the glittering obelisk at Place de la Concorde to the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, is a shopper's mecca.
• Arc de Triomphe - Situated at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the towering Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoléon to honor the Grande Armee during the Napoleonic Wars.
• Luxembourg Gardens - A warm-weather oasis that offers the simplest of pleasures, the Luxembourg Gardens provide ample green space (60 acres) for sun-soaking and people-watching, plus there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.
• Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre (Sacre-Coeur) - Rising high above Paris, the Sacré-Coeur (meaning "Sacred Heart") looks more like a white castle than a basilica. Towering over the eclectic neighborhood of Montmartre (once a hangout for Paris' bohemian crowd), this Roman-Byzantine, 19th-century masterpiece is easily recognized by its ornate ivory domes.
• Centre Pompidou - The Centre Pompidou is one of the most visited cultural sites in Paris. But keep this in mind – if you're not a fan of modern art, you probably won't enjoy this museum.
• Jardin des Tuileries - Centrally located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is a free public garden that spans approximately 55 acres.
• Sainte-Chapelle - Nowhere in Paris does stained-glass windows quite as well as Sainte-Chapelle. The panes – dating back to the chapel's construction in the 13th century – depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in vivid color.
• Le Marais - Between places to go food shopping, vintage clothes shopping, perfume shopping, and other unique goods, you can’t miss a chance to stay in the Le Marais neighborhood of Paris, located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements.
• 6th Arrondissement (AKA Saint-Germain-des-Pres) - This is hardly just the trendiest arrondissement in Paris at the moment, as it has been trendy for a long time. The 6th arrondissement (AKA Saint-Germain-des-Pres) was where artists, writers, philosophers, and more have gathered over the centuries.
• The 9th (Quartier Pigalle) - Eclectic and fun are perfect words to describe this area in the 9th arrondissement, known as Pigalle, in Paris!

Sydney, Australia

Iconic Landmarks and Attractions:

• Sydney Opera House: This iconic structure, located near Circular Quay, is a cultural hub, hosting a variety of performances, from opera to comedy. You can explore its vibrant history through backstage tours.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge: Take a thrilling climb to the top of this iconic bridge for breathtaking views of the city skyline. The bridge also offers a historical museum and is close to a vibrant amusement area.
• Royal Botanic Garden Sydney: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this green sanctuary, featuring themed gardens like the Palace Rose Garden and scenic views of iconic landmarks.
• Sydney Harbour: Enjoy the buzz of this vibrant waterfront hub, with cultural museums, renowned aquarium, and maritime heritage exhibits. Take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to explore nearby attractions.
• The Rocks: Explore the historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, diverse dining options, and artisan markets. It offers scenic views and cultural landmarks along the waterfront.
• Bondi Beach: This famous beach is a quintessential part of Aussie culture, offering soft sand, swimming, and surfing. It's easily accessible by bus from the city center.
• Manly Beach: Enjoy the coastal haven with iconic rock pools and scenic coastal walks. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and beach walks, with vibrant shops and dining options nearby.
• Darling Harbour: A lively waterfront destination with scenic harbor views, renowned aquarium, and the Wild Life Sydney Zoo. It's also a short walk from the city center.
• Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck: Soar 309 meters above downtown at this observation deck for a panoramic view of the city and its landmarks.
• Art Gallery of New South Wales: Explore diverse art collections, including modern and Indigenous works, with free entry to the Permanent Collection.

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures:

• Beaches: Sydney boasts sun-kissed beaches for sunbathing and surfing, such as Bondi, Coogee, and Manly.
• Waterways: Enjoy sparkling waterways for boating and fishing, including Sydney Harbour and Pittwater.
• National Parks: Discover beautiful national parks for bushwalking and cycling, such as the Royal National Park in Sydney's south, offering coastal cliffs, eucalyptus bushlands, and waterfalls.
• Whale Watching: From May to November, you can go whale watching and catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures migrating north.

Cultural Experiences and Entertainment:

• Multicultural City: Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, celebrating its cultural diversity and heritage.
• Vibrant Neighborhoods: Explore vibrant inner-city neighborhoods like Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Paddington, Chippendale, and Newtown, known for their buzzy cafes, small bars, lively theatres, and boutique shopping.
• Festivals and Events: Sydney hosts a range of seasonal events, including concerts and food festivals throughout the year.
• Indigenous Heritage: Learn about the rich Indigenous history and culture through sites like the Aboriginal Heritage walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and ancient Aboriginal rock engravings in Royal National Park.
• Markets: Wander through flea and street markets, such as the Rocks Markets, to discover local artisan products and unique finds.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a tropical island in the South Pacific, northwest of Tahiti. It is known for its stunning sapphire, indigo and turquoise waters,sectioned by "motu" (small, private islets) and soaring rainforest-covered basaltic peaks. It is a popular honeymoon destination, but also offers plenty of activities for the more adventurous traveller.

Getting There

The only way to get to Bora Bora is by plane to the Tahiti airport, and then a connecting flight to Bora Bora with Air Tahiti. The flight is around 45 minutes, and it is recommended to sit on the left of the plane when flying from Tahiti to Bora Bora, and on the right when flying back, for the best views of Mount Otemanu and the lagoon. Bora Bora airport is on a separate island, so you will need a boat transfer to your accommodation.

When to Go

High season is from May to October, with the driest month being August. This is also the most expensive time to visit, so consider going in the shoulder months of April or November to save money.

Where to Stay

Bora Bora has a range of accommodation, from luxury resorts on private motus to budget hotels and Airbnbs on the main island. The Four Seasons, InterContinental Thalasso, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Le Bora Bora, and St Regissection are all popular luxury resorts.

Things to Do

Bora Bora offers a range of activities, including diving, snorkelling, lagoon tours, hiking and parasailing. You can also explore the main village of Vaitape, shop at the local boutiques, and dine at one of Bora Bora's restaurants, including the famous Bloody Mary's. There are also several guided tours available, including a 4x4 island tour, a Jet Ski adventure, and a private island yoga and lagoon experience.

The Maldives

The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, during the dry season. You are pretty much guaranteed the dreamy Maldives weather you have always dreamt of during this time!

There are a 100 resort options to choose from and there are options for every kind of traveller from families, honeymooners, couples, friends, etc. Some things to keep in mind while choosing a hotel are:

• Cost – budget, mid-luxury, ultra-luxury, etc.
• Accessibility and location – depending on how far your resort is from Male, you can either do a boat transfer, a seaplane or a domestic flight.
• Who you are travelling with – family, couples, friends, etc.
• Accommodation type – beach villas, water villas, basic rooms, etc.
• Package options – all-inclusive, bed and breakfast, half board, etc.
• Island size – do you prefer a super tiny intimate island or something a little larger? (most islands are private though).
• Ocean reef – if you are big into snorkelling/diving the quality of the house reef is certainly something to consider. The Maldives has some of the best snorkelling in the world but some atolls are more rich than others in this aspect.
• Choose resorts close to Male that have boat transfers instead of flight transfers, so you can save up on transfers.
• If you want to island-hop and are short on time/budget, choose resorts in the same atoll to save up on transfers.
• Opt for all-inclusive or at least half board so that many meals and activities are part of your total cost already.
• Travel in the shoulder season (May or October) where prices are way lower than the high season.
• Check out the “offers” section in the hotel website where they usually have discounts or offers for future bookings.

The British Virgin Islands

BVI is known as one of the world's greatest sailing destinations, with numerous charter boats and ferry services making island-hopping a breeze. The islands are characterised by mountainous cliffs, chalk-white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush greenery.

On Tortola, you'll find mountainous cliffs and chalk-white beaches, characterised by changing tides and calm easterly winds. A brief sail away, Jost Van Dyke offers delicious Caribbean food and drink, one of the region's best New Year's Eve parties, and outdoor excursions like diving and fishing.

Virgin Gorda is home to The Baths, perhaps the most picturesque shore in the British Virgin Islands, offering unique grottoes amidst gigantic granite boulders.

For supreme seclusion, try Anegada; its slow pace, flat terrain, and sparkling sand lie almost overlooked in the Caribbean Sea.

The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is from September to November, before the winter holiday crowds arrive. Keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November, so it's best to keep an eye on the weather if you're planning a summer or fall visit.

When visiting the British Virgin Islands, remember that:

• Island-hopping is a must. If you're coming all this way, it's worth splurging on day trips around the BVI.
• The best restaurants and beaches are often off the beaten track. It'll take some initiative to find them, but it's worth it!
• The official currency is the US dollar, and you'll need plenty of them for your trip.
• Virgin Islanders dress casually but conservatively. Wearing a bathing suit or sandals anywhere besides the beach will mark you as a tourist.

So, if you're looking for a mix of luxury and seclusion, breathtaking natural scenery, and a vibrant local culture, the British Virgin Islands might just be your paradise.

Frequently asked questions