Who would have thought that a settlement of coal miners in the Arctic can be a base of tourism? Longyearbyen, the “only” town in the archipelago of Svalbard, still bears its coal-mining roots. Although large-scale coal mines have long been gone, the roadsides and mountainsides are still littered with mines and their equipment. However, tourism is slowly becoming the town’s main source of income. The town is considered as the largest settlement and the administrative center of Svalbard, locat…
Although the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is administered by the Norwegian government, an international treaty declared that any other country has absolute equality in exploiting the area’s mineral resources. Russia has taken this opportunity and has established a settlement in the 1930s. Nowadays, Barentsburg is the second largest town in Svalbard with about 400 inhabitants who are almost entirely Russian and Ukrainians, most are working for the Russian-owned Arktikugol. Russia is currently…
Ireland is one of the more hiking destinations in the world. It is gifted with colorful wildlife, rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and charming villages, not to mention rich history and the Irish hospitality. Its wide range of terrain – from forest tracks and coastal paths to mountain passes – offer hikers from all over the world an experience of a lifetime. Here are some popular hiking areas in Ireland that you should not miss: Aran IslandsLocated in Galway Bay, the Aran Islands are compos…
In the Andalucia Region of Southern Spain, one resort town has been a favorite destination among Spaniards. However, this paradise has been a long-held secret until now. One step on the coast of Torre del Mar and you would probably have a hard time finding a better place on Earth. Located in the Axarquia area of Andalucia, this town of 20,000 people is surrounded with fields of crops that the locals popularly refer to as “The Route of Sun and Avocado.” The fields are teeming with mangoes, kiw…
The prominent website TripAdvisor.com released its Top Ten World Destinations for 2009 and it included a quiet medieval town in Germany’s Lower Saxony Region called Goslar. Situated 150 miles west of capital Berlin, the Old Town of Goslar and nearby Mines of Rammelsberg are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Goslar is located at the foot of Harz Mountains, with a rich history stretching from the Neolithic era through the settlement of the Saxon people (who became descendants of the Dutch, Be…
The island of Cyprus may still have a political tension between Greece and Turkey (who both claim jurisdiction over the area), but that does not deter tourists from all over the world to discover its innate beauty. Many people may not realize that Cyprus is known for its beaches, and they all come to the most beautiful of them all: Protaras.Located in the town of Paralimni, Protaras is a resort village that consists of a wonderful sandy coast lined with beaches along the town’s eastern coast. It…
The economy may not be in good shape in Iceland, but that does not mean you have to ignore the beauty and charm that its capital city can bring to weary travelers. Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital is a destination for tourists who seek for a combination of tradition and eccentricity. The city may populated by the most darkly cynical people in the world, but they are brimming with creativity and enthusiasm for life. The summers are occupied with 22-hour daylights and the winters are sc…
Just a generation ago, nudist beaches in France would have been impossible. Diehard naturists and nudists may have paved the way, risking ridicule and arrest to advance their cause. Today, nude swimming is as accessible as a sauna or a round of golf. You might be surprised to know that nude swimming or sunbathing is not “exactly” legal in the country. Ah, the eternal paradox. But this is what people love about France. Here are some of the top nudist beaches in France.Cap d’AgdeCap d’Agde, or the…
Pigalle Place is an interesting blend of beautiful landmarks, prostitutes and artists, burlesque theaters, the Moulin Rouge, very bourgeois buildings, and the tourists who want to experience “Paris by night”. Whether you are after dirty diversions or artistic pursuits, Pigalle Place will give you one hell of an experience.Get naughtyIf you are feeling a little naughty, visit the notorious Pigalle Place. You will not regret it. Satisfaction guaranteed. This neighborhood in Montmartre is the epice…
Gdynia is a city in Poland, which serves as an important seaport in the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. It is located in Kashubia in Eastern Pomerania and is part of the country’s Tri-City area (also composed of the city of GdaÅ„sk and the town of Sopot). Although Gdynia is comparatively a modern city, marine and naval enthusiasts will surely love what it has to offer.The city’s maritime appealCompared to its neighbor, GdaÅ„sk, Gdynia is a modern city with less historical attractions. But what…
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