Sydney harbor is one of the world’s truly great ports of call! There is no easier cruise pier for getting downtown than Sydney and the views of theharbour are spectacular. Catch views of the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge right from your ship as it’s docked just several blocks from the city’s transportation hub at Circular Quay. The dock is also right along side of Sydney’s historic district known simply as The Rocks.
Catch one of a dozen harbour ferries at Circular Quay or take a Metro uptown to do some sightseeing or shopping. Only a dozen blocks to the north is Darling Harbour with its own attractions and collection of great restaurants.
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas docked in downtown Sydney
If you’re cruising from Sydney, don’t just cruise from Sydney. Our recommendation is to arrive five to seven days early (minimum) and get to know this remarkable city.
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When I was young we thought it fantastic we spend time in the nearby mountains or go out to the beach. Never would I have thought that we could visit Alaska or Antarctica. Today it seems there is no limit to the wild places we can explore and the wild animal we could see.
Antarctica
It’s called Paradise Bay and it’s a favorite destination for ships visiting Antarctica. Mountains covered in snow and ice circle you, sea birds circle above, penguins shoot through the water and whales breach only yards from your ship. Not sure things can get any more wild!
Iguazu Falls
The sound of roaring water fills the air and small streams run everywhere through the shaded jungle. Ahead you can see sky through the trees and as you walk into the sunlight you’re stopped in your tracks. Cascading water a mile wide falls over cliffs and surges through the gorge below.
Yellowstone
Just before sunset heading off on a hike through the geyser basin just below the lodge the view is stunning. Backlit by the setting sun a geysers erupts into the air. Almost as soon as it quites another begins to erupt not far away shooting water and steam toward the sky.
Kruger Park Africa
It’s still dark as we head out in our jeep towards Kruger National Park. As the sky begins to turn orange we hit a hilltop and as if by magic trees and a giraffe are backlit by the light of a new day!
Animals are so plentiful in Kruger that you could almost get bored by the the number of elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras…
Terra del Fuego
It’s the southern most park in the world and you cannot miss it. Just take the Pan-American Highway to its southern end.That’s the highway that connects Alaska in the United States to Tierra del Fuego in southern Argentina.
Dahl Sheep Denali
To be honest if you’re looking for solitude and vast stretches of wilderness, you can’t do better than Denali National Park, Alaska.
One of the more frequently seen wild animal is the Dahl sheep and the most often spotted are solitary young males who have been driven out of the herd by an alpha male.
I think each animal in Denali has a hundred acres to itself…
Seals at the Cape
Following an amazing stretch of spectacular landscapes south out of Cape Town towards the Cape of Good Hope, the coast is dotted with offshore rocks. On the West Coast just a couple of miles from the Cape was a group of seals enjoying the surf as it washed over them.
Elephants In Sri Lanka
Spending a day in Yala National Park in Sri Lanka mostly involved looking for Indian Elephants. Guides with jeeps and walkie-talkies were constantly updating the location of a number of herds. We located our group of about twelve bathing in a lake.
Orcas Near Skagway
We’ve been to Alaska a number of times mostly cruising and whale watching is a major attraction. Humpbacks are the most common but sighting Orcas is always a special event.
We’ve spotted them south in the Inside Passage, near Seward, Alaska in Resurrection Bay and these two just off Skagway.
Penguins in the Falklands
The Falkland Islands are a thousand mile out in the Atlantic east of Argentina and they’re a major breeding location for several species of penguins. These are mostly Gentu with one seemingly lost King penguin.
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If you haven’t guessed, we absolutely love Australia and we’ve traveled there a number of times. From Sydney to Perth we’ve explored and reported on mountain hikes and coastal walks, places to stay and things to see and we thought it would be helpful to bring it all together in one place.So…
Welcome to our Australia
Sydney
The unquestioned star of Down Under, has been blessed with a huge natural harbor, an incredibly mild climate and proximity to a host of natural wonders.
Sydney, Australia, often called the “Harbour City,” is a vibrant and diverse metropolis known for its iconic landmarks, stunning natural beauty, and multicultural atmosphere.
European Settlement: Modern Sydney began with the arrival of the First Fleet to Australia in 1788, establishing a penal colony. The historic Rocks precinct, the city’s oldest neighborhood, offers a glimpse into this colonial past with its narrow lanes, pubs, and markets.
Sydney is instantly recognizable by its world-famous Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Both offer tours, and the BridgeClimb provides unparalleled views of the city and harbor.
Beaches and Outdoors: With over 100 beaches, including the renowned Bondi Beach, Sydney boasts a strong beach culture. Visitors can enjoy surfing, swimming, coastal walks (like the Bondi to Coogee walk), and relaxed afternoons on the sand. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney also offers a tranquil escape with diverse plant collections.
The Sydney region has been inhabited by Aboriginal Australians for at least 30,000 years, and you can explore ancient Aboriginal creation stories and visit sacred sites.
Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is often lauded as one of the world’s most liveable cities, known for its well-planned layout, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to world-class wine regions and stunning natural landscapes.
Adelaide offers a high quality of life, a welcoming community, and a relaxed, friendly environment. Its compact design and excellent public transport (including free city tram routes and a free city connector bus) make it easy to get around.
Just up the harbour from downtown Sydney and Circular Quay is the b each community of Manley, famous for its beaches, surfing and a hiking destination.
The Blue Mountains, located west of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia, are a truly spectacular natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are characterized by vast eucalypt forests, dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, stunning waterfalls, hiking trails and charming mountain towns.
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, world-class dining, passion for sports, and distinctive laneway culture. It consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, drawing visitors with its European charm and dynamic atmosphere.
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is often called the “City of Light,” a nickname earned in 1962 when residents famously turned on all their lights as astronaut John Glenn orbited overhead in the Friendship 7 spacecraft. It’s known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and being the sunniest capital city in Australia.
Esperance is a coastal town in Western Australia, famous for its stunning natural beauty, pristine white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s a true hidden gem on the state’s south coast, offering a more relaxed and nature-focused experience compared to the bustling cities. It’s also the location where pieces of Skylab fell to Earth.
Bondi Beach is arguably Australia’s most famous beach, an iconic stretch of golden sand just 5 miles east of downtown Sydney, New South Wales. It’s renowned globally for its stunning beauty, vibrant atmosphere, surf culture, and colorful history.
Ever wondered why each year there are more and bigger cruise ships being launched? Perhaps it’s the 37.7 million cruise passengers expected in 2025. That’s a growth of 16% in three years and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
If you haven’t cruised, maybe you’re missing something? We sure were…
For us the year was 1999 when we booked our first cruise. Every year for a number of years we took a family driving vacation. Me, my wife and two boys out exploring Yosemite or the Grand Canyon or the Blue Ridge Mountains and there was always someone upset; “I’m too tired to hike”, “I’m hungry”, “when are we gonna be there?” and always my famous rant “Don’t make me stop this car!”.
Royal Caribbean Flo-Rider
It was the family vacation in 1999 when we flew to Seattle and spent several days before taking a bus to Vancouver for a few more days and then boarded a Royal Caribbean cruise for seven days cruising Alaska.
On board we settled into our stateroom and that’s when it hit us – we didn’t have to pack and unpack as we visited five different ports in Alaska. Within 24 hours I thought I had gone to heaven.No more finding a restaurant for dinner that would be okay with everyone. No more loading and unloading a car.
The youngest son joined the kids program and that kept him busy. He was having such a great time he had us pay for the evening programs as well. There were a couple of family sessions where we played games (I actually won a pair of Royal Caribbean boxer shorts that are still in a bottom drawer).
The teenager right away took to the Teen Club and became friends with several other teens that he stayed in touch with for years. In a couple of ports he went off on his own fly fishing and he and I went sport fishing. One of the salmon he caught was sent back to the ship and was presented at our dinner table for everyone to sample.
Mom and dad found plenty of time alone together and while my wife had an issue with motion sickness, she came well prepared and it turned out she did just fine – no seasickness. Every evening we sat down for a family dinner and there were no worries about finding something that appealed to the kids and I didn’t worry about who ordered what or how much the check was going to be.. And in port we all went ashore for a family adventure. (required)
Over the next several years, taking a vacation usually meant cruising and after the kids left home we started cruising a lot more. We met a lot of new friends our age and over a decade or two we still stay in touch with a lot of them. With two couples we met on a cruise we now travel together at least every year or two. Oh, and we have now taken 75 cruises and we’re still planning more.
Today, we’re convinced that the people who don’t like cruising are mostly people who have never cruised. If you like travel and have never been on a cruise, you’re really missing out. Still not sure cruising is for you? Do you and your family a favor and just try a taste – there are plenty of 3 and 4 day cruises leaving from a number of ports and we’ll guarantee you that it won’t cost much more than a family get-away on land…
The Ten Reasons We Love Cruising
Amazing opportunities to meet new friends.
As you travel to new places there’s no more packing and unpacking.
No cooking and doing dishes.
There’s no worries about having your food budget wrecked.
Mom and dad get some great alone time.
No conflict about who wants to do – or not do – what.
Kids are catered to in the included kids programs.
No more screaming “don’y make me stop this car”.
Amazing entertainment included in the cost of the fare.
More things to do than you can fit in a day
Think that cruising is too expensive?
Over the past several years there have been several studies that have compared costs between a land vacation and a cruise per day, and when calculating all costs, cruising was very near the equivalent amount. Check out several cruise company web sites and you’ll probably be surprised to find how little they can cost.
Not sure you’ll like cruising?
If you look at cruise options you’ll discover a number of 3 and 4 day cruises from almost ten different ports around the United States (the same is true for cruises from Australia, Europe and other international ports) and for about the cost of a weekend getaway you can give cruising a try.
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Plus a number of bucket lists compiled by visiting over two dozen sources and selecting those destinations that have been mentioned most often.
The Intentional Travelers 25 Must See Additions To Your Travel Bucket-list
This is The Intentional Travelers top destinations compiled from our decades of exploring the world. You might find it incomplete and you’d be right, since hopefully we haven’t done all of our own bucket list items yet.
After this list you’ll find more compiled lists featuring cruise itineraries, historic sights, nature travel and more, so here goes…
Budapest: While it’s hard to single out one city from all the world’s great cities, Budapest is our favorite all-around city. It’s incredibly beautiful with castles, cathedrals and the Parliament building along the Danube River, a fantastic mass transit system and amazing restaurants and cafes.
Iguazu Falls: Now recognized as one of the natural wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls is an experience that belongs on every bucket list. Be sure and note the best park for visiting the falls is in Argentina and the time is December to May.
Prague: This historic city features a vibrant culture, world class public transportation and fantastic food and cafe opportunities. The parks and trails along the Vltava River invite you to spend hours strolling and relaxing.
Kilauea Volcano At Night: When the volcano is active don’t miss the unparalleled opportunity to observe molten lava flowing into the ocean, lighting up the coast while clouds of steam billow skyward. Be sure and check ahead with tour operators about the current conditions.
Paris: There is only one Paris and it should be near the top of everyone’s bucket list. Home to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the list goes on and on and don’t miss the food and nightlife.
Venice: The expression says “see Venice and die”, suggesting there is no place in the world that can top the experience of visiting Venice. With its magnificent canals, palaces, cathedrals and public squares you’ll understand why. Don’t miss the gondolas as it is a unique experience.
Rome: Not only is Rome the ancient capital of the worlds greatest empire but it has dozens of amazing ancient building, it is also a city that was home to Popes, great architects and Renaissance artists. Throw in great restaurants, wine bars and fabulous shopping and this city belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
Resurrection Bay, Alaska: We’ve taken numerous nature tours over the years from Denali to Amazonia to Australia and none of them come close to our day out on Resurrection Bay. From whales to eagles, sea lions and puffins, wildlife was everywhere. One important caveat, is you’ll need good weather for the best experience.
Florence: The birth place and center of the Renaissance, this amazing city is a treasure trove of art, architecture and culture. Its museums hold extensive collections of Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and drawings by artists such as Michelangelo, Di Vinci, Raphael, and Titian.
Jerusalem: This historic city is sacred to three of the world’s great religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Walking its ancient streets can be a very emotional experience and something everyone should try and do once in their life.
Bangkok: The capital of Thailand and the heart of the kingdom of Siam, this remarkable city is dotted with Buddhist temples, palaces and cultural sites. If the opportunity presents itself don’t pass up visiting Bangkok
Penguins In The Falklands: It’s incredible how popular expeditions to see penguins have become and one of the easiest to get to locations for viewing large colonies is the Falkland Islands.
Zion National Park: America has dozens of incredible National Parks and probably the best for hiking is Zion. From paved walkways to steep cliff tops and narrow passes through sandstone canyons, Zion has something for everyone.
Haleakala Volcano: On the island of Maui, Haleakala National Park boasts some of the most diverse hiking trails anywhere. From leisurely strolls through lush rainforests to challenging treks to the summit of Haleakala, this park offers an experience that some have described as like exploring on the Moon.
The Beagle Channel: Cutting across South America at Tierra del Fuego the channel provides some of the most concentrated wildlife to be found anywhere on Earth. From whales to sea lions to tens of thousands of sea birds it is an amazing experience.
The Acropolis Athens: The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city. It is one of the most important and iconic landmarks of civilization and is universally recognized as the birth place of the worlds first democracy. It was a city state of the ancient Athenians who included some of the worlds most famous philosophers, mathematicians, scientists and writers.
Hubbard Glacier: Of all the worlds glaciers one of the most spectacular is Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier. About a mile wide, this massive ice sheet is constantly calving large walls of ice into the bay. Visited by cruise ships and excursion boats it is the highlight of any Alaska trip.
Yosemite National Park: This California National Park is one of the most visited in America and the scenery concentrated in Yosemite Valley is breathtaking. Its famous highlights include Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridal Veil Falls.
Yellowstone: America’s first national park, Yellowstone is huge covering almost 3,500 square miles of natural wonders. Its iconic sights include the Old Faithful Geyser, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Monmouth Springs and much more.
Singapore: If you want to get a glimpse of the future visit Singapore. This modern multi-cultural city has one of the world’s best public transportation systems and more sights and attractions than you can fit into several weeks of visiting.
Giants Causeway: Composed of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, created by an ancient volcanic eruption it is not the only formation but it is the largest. Located on the coast of Northern Ireland, the columns are mostly hexagonal in shape and have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The site is also surrounded by a landscape of cliffs and headlands, with stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Machu Picchu: An ancient city in Peru, located in the Andes. It was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in all the world. The city is made up of stone structures, including temples, palaces, and houses, and is surrounded by lush vegetation and amazing mountain scenery.
Pompeii, Italy: This ancient Roman city located near modern Naples was one of the most important and prosperous cities of the Roman Empire, with a population of over 20,000 people. Pompeii is best known for its destruction in 79 AD, when the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and completely buried the city. Today it is one of the most popular and well-preserved archaeological sites in the world.
Panama Canal: An engineering marvel the canal was built between 1904 and 1914 by the United States, and it has been in operation ever since. The Panama Canal is one of the most important shipping routes in the world lifting ships from sea level in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean across the mountains of Panama using a series of locks. Cruising through the canal is an experience not to be missed.
Normandy France: A special place commemorating a day where heroism was the norm. Spend time at the beaches where the allied armies stormed ashore to begin the liberation of Europe in World War II. Be sure to save time and pay your respects at the cemeteries where thousands of those brave men rest.
MORE BUCKET LISTS
Following is a series of bucket lists, each with a particular focus and compiled by visiting over two dozen highly regarded travel authorities and selecting those places that have been mentioned most often.
10 Best Archeological and Historical Places
Rome, Italy: The Eternal City is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks of the Roman Empire, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon as well as major architectural highlights from the Renaissance through today.
Cairo, Egypt: Gateway to the wonders of the ancient Egyptian empires. Located on the Nile River and near the great pyramids of Giza it is home to the Egyptian Museum and is the starting point for visits to Luxor and The Valley of the Kings.
Athens, Greece: In the center of this city rises the Acropolis, holding spectacular ancient temples and recognized as the birthplace of the worlds first democracy. It was home to the ancient Athenians that included some of the worlds most famous philosophers, mathematicians, scientists and writers.
Paris, France: “There will always be Paris!” The City of Light is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Kyoto, Japan: This city is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, including temples, shrines, and tea houses. Some of the most famous landmarks include the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Jerusalem: A city sacred to three of the world’s great religions, this international city was first the capital of the kingdom of the Israelites and housed their Temples. It is where Jesus preached and was crucified and is sacred to the Christian faith and is also the location of the Dome of the Rock, sacred to Muslims. Walking its streets will carry back in time almost 3,000 years.
Machu Picchu, Peru: This ancient city, located in the Andes Mountains, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and an archeological wonder. It is known for its impressive stone ruins, which were constructed by the Incas on a high mountain peak in the 15th century.
Florence, Italy: This Italian city represented the very heart of the European Renaissance. Its famous residents included Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, the Medici family, Machiavelli, Galileo and Dante Alighieri and is the location of a number of world’s most famous art collections.
Petra, Jordan: This isolated ancient city was carved right out of the rose-red rock, and is on most bucket lists for archeological destinations. It is known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Treasury, the Amphitheater, and the Royal Tombs.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia: This amazing temple complex, located in the jungle, is the largest religious monument in the world. It was built by the Khmer Empire in the 12th century and is known for its intricate carvings and impressive architecture.
Luxor and The Valley of the Kings, Egypt: A place in Egypt where, for a period from the 16th to 11th century BC, the worlds greatest civilization constructed temples and tombs for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes and Luxor, within the heart of the Theban Necropolis.
Ten Cruise Itineraries For Your Bucket List
Arranged in descending order of most often selected chosen.
Every year more and more people discover cruising and what better way to tick off those bucket list destinations than on a luxury cruise ship. Here’s a list composed from several cruising bucket list articles showing the most popular cruise itineraries:
Alaska: Year after year Alaska cruises top every survey as the best cruise itinerary worldwide. Pick your favorite cruise line and go see Alaska.
The Caribbean: With its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and proximity to the U.S. market these cruises are really popular in the Winter and are often good values.
The Mediterranean: Most Med cruises come in two choices, Eastern and Western and deciding which one is very difficult. Choosing between Spain, the Riviera, Italy or Athens, the Greek Islands, and the Adriatic is a matter of individual interest. If you’re flying over perhaps consider doing both?
Panama Canal: The canal is another of those “once in a lifetime” experiences. Most cruises sail from the U.S. west coast to the east coast or the other way round. Some Caribbean itineraries also offer a canal short trip going part way in and back out into the Caribbean.
New England and the Canadian Maritimes: These are popular Autumn itineraries for see the leaves changing colors and the scenery is amazing. Most include a number of ports from Bar Harbor to Old Quebec.
Australia and New Zealand: For long distance travel, Down Under is the number one itinerary and for good reason. For English speaking destinations you can’t get any more exotic and amazing than Australia and New Zealand.
The South China Sea: With Singapore being a popular departure port Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong and dozens of other exotic destinations in the South China Sea are waiting to be explored.
Antarctica: As hard as it is to believe there are dozens of options for cruising to the frozen continent. From luxury cruise ships to smaller expedition ships Antarctic cruises are now available for anyone to experience.
Scandinavia and the North Atlantic: Popular destinations in the Netherlands, Norway, the Shetland Islands, Iceland and even Greenland are on a number of cruise itineraries from several cruise companies.
The Hawaiian Islands: These Pacific islands are truly America’s paradise with each island having a unique character, cruising is probably the best way to experience them. While U.S. law makes cruising them a challenge there are a number of itinerary options available to see these amazing islands.
10 best Cities known for their unique and impressive architecture, famous sights, bridges, and monuments.
Cape Town, South Africa: Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. The city is home to numerous famous buildings that includes the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Castle of Good Hope is a well-preserved 17th-century fortress and St. George’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral known for its Gothic Revival architecture.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The most famous structures in Rio is the Christ the Redeemer statue, an awe-inspiring symbol of Christianity and Brazilian culture. The city is also noted for the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian a striking example of modern architecture. Its unique cone-shaped design and stained glass windows make it a must along with the National Library of Brazil.
Paris, France: World-renowned for its historical, cultural, and architectural significance the highlights include the over 1,000 foot tall Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Famous for its picturesque waterfront area lined with colorful 17th and 18th-century townhouses, Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. The official residence of the Danish royal family is Amalienborg Palace a magnificent complex of four identical palaces surrounding an octagonal square and famous for the changing of the royal guards, a traditional ceremony that takes place every day at noon. Copenhagen is also noted for Christiania a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood known for its unique and alternative lifestyle.
London, England: One of the worlds great cities famous for the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, home to one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive museum collections, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye.
Sydney, Australia: Sydney, Australia is a vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that cater to a multitude of interests. Famous for the Sydney Opera House one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It is known for its unique sail-like design and hosts various performances and events throughout the year. The Sydney Harbour Bridge: Another iconic symbol of Sydney, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach offering a lively atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby. The Royal Botanic Gardens located in the heart of the city and Taronga Zoo situated on the shores of Sydney Harbour.
Stockholm, Sweden: Known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture its major highlights include Gamla Stan (Old Town) the oldest part of Stockholm and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Swedish royal family and one of the largest palaces in the world. The Vasa Museum that houses the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship, the Vasa. The Skansen Open-Air Museum that features traditional Swedish buildings, farms, and workshops along with the Stockholm Archipelago, a group of islands located just outside of Stockholm. The archipelago is known for its beautiful scenery, including rocky shores, lush forests, and sparkling waters.
Wellington, New Zealand: highlights include Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand), the Wellington Cable Car, Weta Cave, Zealandia Ecosanctuary, Mount Victoria Lookou Wellington Botanic Garden, Museum of Wellington City & Sea, the famous Wellington Waterfront, Beehive and Parliament Buildings.
Bergen, Norway: A vibrant and popular city that is home to Bryggen, a series of Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings lining up the eastern side of the Vågen harbor. The Fløibanen Funicular, Bergen Aqaurium and the famous Fish Market.
10 Best Places For Stunning Natural Environments
Cape Town, South Africa: Nestled under mountains to the north and the peninsula stretching to the southern tip of Africa to the south, Cape Town is surrounded by natural beauty. It is no exaggeration to call it a nature lovers paradise.
Vancouver, Canada: Surrounded by a large natural harbor with impressive mountains at its back, Vancouver is Western Canada’s natural jewel. The city is famous for its skiing and hiking trails along with its popular boating opportunities.
Sydney, Australia: Sydney owes its success to being located on one of the worlds largest natural harbors. Add in proximity to a number of the world’s great beaches, nearness to the Blue Mountains and its remarkable weather, and it’s hard to find a more inviting location.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Surrounded by water, with waterways that play a vital role in the city’s identity and natural beauty. The city is intersected by canals, harbors, and lakes, offering ample opportunities for water-based activities. In addition nature is celebrated with numerous parks like King’s Garden, Denmark’s oldest royal gardens. This Botanical Garden contains ten hectares of gardens with a butterfly house and a tropical palm house dating back to 1874.
Stockholm, Sweden: Noted for Hellasgården located only 20 minutes from Stockholm, this outdoor activity centre offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and cycling activities.The Sörmland Trail, 1,000 kilometres long and one of the longest hiking trails in Scandinavia, with many starting points easily accessible by public transport from Stockholm. The city is built upon 14 islands, and in the archipelago just outside the city, you’ll find nearly 30,000 more, a paradise for boaters and kayakers.
Wellington, New Zealand: Forested hills and the sea embrace Wellington offering nature so near there are many opportunities to experience native wildlife. New Zealand is famous for rare flightless birds including the national icon, the kiwi, along with common flighted species such as the tūi and kererū. Everywhere you travel in Wellington there’s wildlife from marine mammals to birds and lizards.
Honolulu, Hawaii: From snorkeling right off the beaches to hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, gardens, and scenic lookouts, to kayaking through caves and snorkeling in some of the most beautiful reefs anywhere around, there are so many ways to get into nature on this amazing city.
Bergen, Norway: Bergen is located on the west coast of Norway in the heart of the fjords. As a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture, the Bergen region has the ideal combination of nature, culture along with an exciting urban life all year around.
10 Best Cities For Great Public Transportation
The one thing that really makes a city stand out is a well developed, efficient and inexpensive public transportation network. To really enjoy visiting a city you need to be able to get around without spending a lot of money or waisting too much time and it’s really important for public transportation to be easy to understand. Good maps, easy to identify stops that are well marked and a simple fare system. Below is a consensus of the best cities for public transportation.
Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo has one of the most efficient and extensive public transportation systems in the world, with a vast network of subways, trains, and buses that operate 24/7. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Singapore: Singapore is another city with an excellent public transportation system, including a modern MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system, buses, and taxis. The city is also known for its efficient traffic management, which helps to keep the roads congestion-free.
London, UK: London has a long history of public transportation, with its iconic red double-decker buses and the world’s oldest underground railway system, the London Underground. The city also has a well-developed network of trains and trams.
Paris, France: Paris is known for its efficient and extensive public transportation system, including the Paris Métro, buses, and trams. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world, with a vast network of subways, trains, and buses that operate 24/7. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Seoul, South Korea: Seoul has a modern and efficient public transportation system, including a well-developed subway system, buses, and taxis. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Budapest, Hungary: This city has a well-developed public transportation system that integrates trams, buses, a subway and a funicular. Tourist passes are inexpensive and system maps are readily available and easy to understand.
Berlin, Germany: Berlin has a well-developed public transportation system, including an extensive subway system, buses, and trams. The city also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, making it easy to get around by bike.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam is known for its excellent cycling infrastructure, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen is another bike-friendly city with an excellent cycling infrastructure. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system, including a metro, buses, and trains.
The World’s 10 Best National Parks
Yellowstone National Park (USA)
Grand Canyon National Park (USA)
Yosemite National Park (USA)
Banff National Park (Canada)
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Iguazu National Park (Argentina/Brazil)
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)
Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Australia)
Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary (Peru)
Yellowstone Canyon
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The Singapore skyline is dominated by the triple towers of the Marina Bay Sands. It acts as a magnet that draws new visitors to it. Fortunately this complex is really amazing and features a hotel, a casino and 170 plus premium brand stores in its mall and it is capped by a connecting roof garden floating above it. Home to a number of restaurants operated by the likes of Wolfgang Puck, David Myers and Gordon Ramsay it really is a must visit place.
Only have a day or two in Singapore? You need to make a plan before you go. To help here are destinations that will showcase the city’s unique blend of culture, nature, and architectural character. Start with a Singapore Metro Day Pass – find more information HERE.
1. Visit Marina Bay Sands
Explore the iconic hotel, its mall and SkyPark featuring stunning views of the city below.
2. Gardens by the Bay
Discover the futuristic Supertree Grove and the beautiful Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
3. Sentosa Island
Where Singaporeans go to enjoy attractions like Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, and its beautiful beaches.
4. Chinatown
Experience the vibrant culture, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, shop for some gift shopping and enjoy local Chinese cuisine.
5. Little India
Immerse yourself in Indian culture, visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, shop for spices and textiles and dine on traditional Indian food.
6. Marine Parade
Check out the beach at Marine Parade and watch the ships lined up and waiting to enter the Straights of Malacca.
7. Singapore Botanic Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for a leisurely walk among lush greenery and the National Orchid Garden.
8. Clarke Quay
Enjoy the nightlife along the riverside with restaurants, bars, and live music.
9. Raffles Hotel
Visit this historic hotel, known for its colonial architecture and the famous Singapore Sling* cocktail.
10. Merlion Park
Take a photo with the iconic Merlion statue and enjoy views of Marina Bay.
Popular Neighborhoods to Explore
Civic District
Skyscrapers and colonial buildings sit side by side in the Civic District, home to some of the island’s finest museums and art galleries.
Orchard Road
Shop at the famous shopping district filled with malls, boutiques, and dining options.
Katong-Joo Chiat
Home to Peranakan culture in Singapore, Katong-Joo Chiat is filled with local flavors, boutique cafes, and charming shops.
*Raffles is the creator of the Singapore Sling and the bar is still there, but be warned, you can expect to pay around US$40 for one in the bar!
Planning A Cruise? Start With The Intentional Travelers Port Guides
Recent Posts From The Intentional Travelers You Might Find Interesting:
The Intentional Travelers 