Santiago de Cuba is the capital city of the Santiago de Cuba Province in the south east of the island nation Cuba. The city of Santiago de Cuba has a long history, plus its the second largest and important city after the capital city Havana. It’s situated on a bay facing the Caribbean Sea, it’s port is an important income source for the city. As of latest measurement it has a population of 500 thousand people.
Surrounded by impressive mountains linked to the Sierra Maestra at sea side, Santiago de Cuba is a city of hills and inclined streets, with plenty of tourist attractions and historical sightseeing. It also shows the city that brings the people of African and Spanish origin together, along with descendants of immigrants from the French West Indies. This makes Santiago de Cuba a melting pot colorful carnivals and festivals together with French tumbas, Chinese trumpets and all sort of national dancing and revels. Another fact this city is famous for is the sensual and hospitable locals, simply they enjoy and love their lives, therefore it’s referred by some tourists as the Capital of the Caribbean.
Throughout the city there’s several small restaurants and pubs several Cuban cuisine as well as international foods. Drinks are widely available, and don’t forget to pick your Cuban cigar from the restaurants menu prior to dinner. A by travelers recommended place to, some even say “The best place to eat in Santiago de Cuba” is “Salon Tropical” in the downtown area.
American citizens must be licensed by the Department of Treasury in order to travel to Cuba. Any national need either a visa or tourist card, which allows a maximum stay of 30 days in Cuba, the visa can be extended for another 30 days. The costs of visa is about $30 us and can be easily obtained at an Cuban Embassy or directly at a travel agent. All travelers are required a return ticket and proof of booked hotel room for a minimum of three nights.
Montego Bay is the capital of St. James Parish and the second largest city in Jamaica after Kingston, and third by population size. The city of Montego Bay is also referred to as Mo Bay, due to its location on the north shore of the island it has earned its title of “tourist capital of Jamaica” a long time ago. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 100 thousand people.
Montego Bay is a popular travelers destination in Jamaica, it receives the bulk of international flights at the home airport of Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, the largest of the two international airports in Jamaica. One of main reasons it’s a popular travel destination is because of the sheltered Doctor’s Cave beach with shiny clean and blue waters being the most famous beach on the island, of course it’s duty free shopping is also favored by its tourists.
The city is suitable and comfortable of walking around, especially the Gloucester Avenue is a popular destination by foot, it’s lined with tourist hotels, stores and restaurants and has sidewalks on each side. The restaurant scene is spread all over town and serve foods from all nationals, of course drinks are also served. It’s recommend to try a tropical cocktail or taste a cold Red Strip in its signature brown bottle, let the food come and enjoy the Jamaican scenery. At Montego Bay is a cruise line terminal situated, many tourists make their start here for a trip to the Caribbean after a short holiday break in Jamaica.
Tourists traveling to Jamaica are required a valid passport and visa. American and European citizens are required a valid passport and a proof of hotel booking only. Jamaica has all year round high temperatures therefore there’s no seasonal variation. When rain appears, its short and heavy followed by sunshine.
Santa Ana is the second largest city in El Salvador, it’s located 40 miles of San Salvador the capital and largest city of the country. The administration division of the municipality is divided into 35 neighborhoods and 318 villages. As of latest measurement the city of Santa Ana has an population of 280 thousand people. The city is important in terms of agriculture, coffee productions and other export products, one of the major El Salvador’s coffee processing center is located near Santa Ana.
The city of Santa Ana is used to tourists, therefore generally seen the locals have a good relationship with the tourists. The city has popular old historical and architecture sightseeing, as well a lot of attractions. One of the best historical happenings is the Cathedral of Santa Ana, a marvel of neo Gothic architecture “the Teatro de Santa Ana” beautifully decorated theater from the early 19th centuries.
If you’re in Santa Ana, and have day is young try to enjoy one of these sightseeing including the pre-Columbian sites of Tazumal, excavated ruins cover an area of 6.2 square miles, and includes the largest Mayan temple in El Salvador. For eco-tourists, or those who interested it’s a possibility to climb up to the top of the Volcan de Izalco vulcano, which today is still active. If you are looking for a day of relation, just enjoy the “Lago de Coatepeque” lake side which used to be an active volcano.
Within the city of Santa Ana there’s quite a few places to shop, I wouldn’t describe it exactly as a shoppers paradise yet the Metrocentro Mall seems to be your best location. It’s a two floor department store which has a mix of restaurants and stores. One the second floor is a cinema located. Within the mall they sell anything from hand crafted goods till electronics and furniture. There’s even car dealerships present in the mall, which is not an uncommon thing in South America and Asia.
When hungy, Santa Ana has the whole American chain of fast food restaurants including Burger King, McDonald’s, Subway, Pizza Hut and Mr. Donut all around city center. If you didn’t travel all that way to have a burger, in the town down area are local restaurants which serve original El Salavador meals and cuisine, it’s recommended to try typical local meals such as tacos and pupusas. A restaurant that’s being recommended by many travelers for it’s price vs. food comparision is “Los Horcones” located on the main square in Santa Ana, it has charming decorations, and a fantastic view from the restaurant to the square below.
It’s not required to request a visa when traveling to El Salvador. How ever upon arrival a tourist card must be purchased at immigration. The tourist cards provides you 30 days access to the country. When getting through customs be sure to have a valid passport for at least another 6 months, and a return ticket.
Niagara Falls is a Canadian city with a population of 85 thousand people as of latest measurement, situated on the banks of the Niagara River in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario. The city can be entered from both United States and Canada and is worldwide referred to as the self-proclaimed The Honeymoon Capital of the World. Tourism plays a major part in the economy in this region.
The city is dominated by Niagara Falls, a world famous set of two large waterfalls on the Niagara river. The falls are best seen from the Canadian side of the river, therefore this natural spectacle brings in millions of tourists per year. City hall permitted and supported the development of a tourist area along the falls, which has now turned into a boulevard of souvenir shops, observation towers, high class hotels and restaurants, modern casinos, theaters and electrifying attractions. The street view is covered by colorful neon billboards and advertisements.
When heading towards Niagara Falls don’t forget to pack your wetsuit an be reminded during your holiday you won’t get bored easily, and properly wet especially attending the number 1 tourist attraction called Maid of the Mist ($14.50 per adult, $8.90 per child till 12 years, under 5 years free of charge) where a large steam boat you will pass through the Niagara Falls. This most easy and affordable way to get close to the falls. When you’re looking for a unique dining experience, the Skylon Tower, he tallest tower on the falls with it’s revolving dining room and spectacle view.
If you are looking for shopping or visiting a museum it’s recommend to head towards the Clifton Hill area. Many hours can be spent visiting each location, as there’s countless of stores and shops, small restaurants and historical hotels. But, prepare yourself and the children for a long walk up and down the hill. Another good shopping paradise is Niagara Square near the Optimist Park, where are also the local Walmart and Zehrs groceries stores. If you’re looking to buy cheap supplies that’s the place to go, overall prices throughout Niagara Falls are outrageous and high.
Travelers to Niagara Falls are required to have a valid passport, some countries need a visa to enter the country, before traveling its advised to contract the local Canadian embassy in order to see the exact requirements needed to travel to Canada. Theft and crimes are uncommon against tourists, yet it’s advised to have a close look at your belongings. The best period to visit is in the summer months from June till August.
Freeport is a city on the island of Grand Bahama and it was founded in 1955 by Wallace Groves. It soon grew into the second most populous city of the Bahamas, after capital city Nagau. Freeport operates as a trade free zone, businesses don’t have to pay taxes before 2054. The city is located close to Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Freeport had over half a million of tourists before two major hurricanes hit the island in 2004. The tourist industry in the city is mostly on the seaside suburb of Lucaya. Here you will find the only important market. Look out for small resellers, don’t buy from the many international shops as prices are very high here. Life on the Bahamas is more expensive than in America. Try to pay cash to avoid having to pay taxes. Most of the hotels in Freeport are located along the southern shore. Although life is expensive, you can stay for reasonable prices when booking before your travel. Restaurants, bars and shops are found in the Lucayas Beach Resort.
Freeport has some nice clean beaches to relax. There are many couples that spend their honeymoon here. Tourists can book water bikes or go diving. The city has three national parks, The Rand Nature Centre, the small isle Petersons Cay National Park and the Lucayan National Park. The last Park is 40 acres large and has five ecological zones, from the south shore to the pine yard. Beneath the Park there is an extensive underwater cave system which is one of the longest in the world. Two of the caves are accessible via a short footpath.
Travelers to Freeport need a valid passport and return ticket. American citizens don’t require a visa, only proof of sufficient funds. The easiest way to reach the city is by a cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale. The port and airport are not near the city, so reaching the city will cost extra.
A small unincorporated village and nearly untouched by tourism, that is the beauty of Somerset Village. It is the heart of Somerset Island, the largest island in Sandy’s Parish, in the northwest of Bermuda. It is located on the northern half of Somerset Island and lies on the southern shore of Mangrove Bay. The settlement has existed for centuries, but the exact date is not clear.
Somerset Village used to be a minor, useful port. The village is small, but it has the necessary facilities in the form of a bank, a police station, library, post office, a number of shops, small hotels, pubs and water view restaurants and a boat club. At the west of the village there is a small beach to relax. You can also go to the Somerset Long Bay Beach and Park. Here you will find a good beach and shallow waters. It is a good place for a nice picnic. Nature is being preserved by the Bermuda Audubon Society and the pond attracts lots of migrating birds.
There is a ferry station on the Great Sound from were you can go to the city of Hamilton or the Royal Naval Dockyard on Ireland Island. Somerset Village also has a bus depot that connects the village to other places including the city of Hamilton. When traveling by bus ( 7 or 8 ) or ferry you should notice the destination. Some ferries will take up to 1 1/4 hours depending on the stops.
American travelers to Somerset Village and Bermuda need a passport that is valid for al least six months. A visa may not be necessary, but you do need an onward or return ticket.
Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon in the northeast of the country. The city is located at the foothills of Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. After the Mexican Independence War Monterrey became an important business center. The city also experienced industrial growth over the years. It has a population of around 1.3 million people.
Most tourists come to Monterrey for business purposes. The city is full of life and vibrant, far Americanized. It enjoys high standards of living and has emerged into a progressive, modern city. It is however more than just a commercial and industrial center. Tourists can enjoy a wealth of cultural and entertainment attractions. There are restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and bars where travelers can taste some of the city’s famous beers. The Gran Plaza has modern buildings, gardens and monuments.
Enjoy the cutting edge contemporary architecture of buildings as the Puente Atirantado, the Puente Viaducto de la Unidad or the new circular TEC business school. If you like arts, visit the The Museo de Artes Contemporaneos (MARCO) with many temporary exhibitions. History is shown in the Mexican History Museum where you can look at the times the Maya, the Aztec, the Olmecs, the Toltecs and other civilizations ruled the lands. Monterrey has parks to every taste, such as the urban oasis Park Fundidora and the rugged mountain oasis the Chipinque Mesa.
Travelers to Monterrey need a valid passport and visa. American and Canadian citizens can also use a birth certificate with photo ID. Any traveler to Cancun needs a Mexican government issued tourist card (Mexican Tourist Permit), which is free of charge upon arrival. Don’t forget the beautiful surroundings of Monterrey. Take some days to visit the wildlife safari park, the Prese de la Boca dam or climb the saddle-shaped mountain Cello de la Silla. There are excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Official known as Santiago de los Treinta Caballeros this city is the second largest in the Dominican Republic. It is located on hilly terrain in the middle of the Cibao Valley in the north central of the country. The city once was founded in 1495 after European colonization. After being destroyed by an earthquake it was moved to its present location in 1506. Santiago has an approximate population of 1.9 million inhabitants.
Santiago is mostly depended on the fertile lands. The city has experienced a rapid growth and development. Although tourism is an important part of income, the city still could face some problems with electricity and water infrastructure. It is now the major industrial center of its country. In the mid 20th century Santiago and the Dominican Republic were freed from the regime of dictator Rafael Trujillo. The city is still growing with different new projects in planning, such as parks, hotels and malls.
There are different art and culture sight and museums in Santiago. The Cathedral was built in 1895, the Hermanos Patiño Bridge in 1962. The Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration is a 220 foot high marble monument on the hill that overlooks the city. Interesting museums include Museo del Tabaco, Museo Histórico Fortaleza San Luis and Centro León. The city does have a blooming and active nightlife. After dark Santiago becomes a party city.
Travelers to the Dominican Republic require a valid passport and visa. American citizens need only a valid passport, other nationalities may require a valid visa. Santiago has a tropical climate but it is often cooler and cloudier than in Santa Domingo, because of its location of 600 feet below sea level. July and August are the warmest month in this city.
Los Angeles or L.A. for short is the largest city in California. It is often referred to as “the city of Angels”. It is located on a broad basin the south of California and is surrounded by vast mountain ranges, deep valleys, forests, desert and the Pacific Ocean. It has a population of estimated 3.8 million people and nearly 18 million residents from all parts of the world. The city is an important home of business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, technology and education – L.A. is really a diverse city.
The city is real unique with typical restaurants, hotels and activities that only can be found here. L.A. is mostly the city of dreams. It is home to Hollywood and the creation of motion pictures, television production and recorded music. The Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard has a huge attraction on many people. Other attractions on the Boulevard are the Hollywood/Highland plaza for shopping, The Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Sunny Los Angeles is so large that there are thousands of things to do, see and enjoy. The city offers everything for everybody. Tourist destinations are Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Downtown and West L.A. There are museums, galleries and parks. The city has well-known, diverse and unique shopping destinations. Don’t forget the famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Los Angeles is home to hundreds of different strong cultural communities, found in parts as Chinatown, Korea town, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street and Little Ethiopia.
American citizens traveling to Los Angeles by air will need to have a valid passport, but a visa is not required. Travelers entering the United States to visit Los Angeles are advised to contact the local USA embassy to verify before leaving. Los Angeles is the gang capital of America with thousands of gangs around the city that express themselves with graffiti. As long as you stay in the tourist places and don’t stare at gangs when you do come across them, they won’t oppose a threat to tourists. If you visit L.A. for more than two days, you should get yourself a car or use the city’s subway system.
