Natal

Natal, the largest city of Rio Grande do Norte, a northeastern state in Brazil. The city is located on the Atlantic coast and worldwide known for its beaches. Natal was first settlements took place in the 1500s, yet unlike other Northeastern capitals it did not benefit from steady economic growth in the region’s sugar cane product. Instead it grew moderately to become the state’s capital city. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 810 thousand people.

During the second world war Natal hosted a United States military base because of the its strategic position far east on the Atlantic. Nowadays is the city of Natal a popular travel destination for Brazilians and foreign tourists, offering long stretched beaches, fine restaurants offering local and international cuisine and of course good rated hotels. When traveling to Natal, you can get in through Augusto Severo International Airport, about 12 miles from the city center. There’s numerous direct flights from the most important Brazilian capitals such as; Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.

Once you arrived in Natal, it’s easy to get around using taxi’s, public buses are less convenient yet cheaper. There’s several sightseeing’s that may not be missed in a trip to Natal, include the Orte dos Reis Magos built in 1598, a star shaped fort on the northern tip of the beach. As well the picture worthy sunset of Potengy River, it’s breathtaking and brings a highlight in your day. Further more the city offers multiple beaches which can be reached by buggy including; Zumbi beach (North), Genipabu beach (North) and Barra de Cunhaú beach (South).

Travelers landing on Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport require a valid passport and visa. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days. Traffic in the city is complicated due to certain regulations. The city has low crime problems, yet always be careful. Avoid extravagant or expensive-looking clothing to stand out in the crowd.

Plovdiv

Plovdiv (Пловдив) is the second largest city in Bulgaria after it’s capital Sofia. Plovdiv is also the administrative center of the Plovdiv Province as well two other municipalities named Maritsa and Rodopi situated in southern Bulgaria. Plovdiv is also as important transport, cultural, education and economic center. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 380 thousand people.

It’s one of the globe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities as Plovdiv’s history goes back over 6 thousand years. Plovdiv is located in the large plain between the Rhodope Mountains in the south Bulgaria, and the Balkan Range, or Old Mountains (Stara Planina) which runs through center Bulgaria. The Maritsa River flows southeast of the city, leading to the Greece and Turkey border which situated by the Aegean Sea.

The main areas, city center and downtown are road blocked for cars, as well that the city size is excellent for getting round on foot. It offers a good collection of historical Bulgarian buildings in the forms of museums, restaurants, hotels and several parks. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets to visit the centuries old St. Marina Church with it’s one of a kind wooden tower and a mosque from the Ottoman Empire nearby the old town center. For those who need to travel further it’s advised to use a taxi. When traveling with more than 3 people it’s cheaper to use a private taxi than a public bus, when you order a taxi directly from the company’s hot line.

Travelers to Plovdiv require a valid passport, but don’t need a visa. Your stay is valid for up to 90 days. Plovdiv is an important railway station which connects the city to other cities, including capital Sofia. The city has regular bus transport to move around. Most sights in the center are walkable.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, a province in Canada. It’s situated in south central Canada at the eastern edge of the Canadian Prairies and the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, also known as The Forks, as well near the longitudinal center of North America. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 750 thousand people.

Travelers to the city of Winnipeg are ensured to experience a unique mixture of culture, art and history as well it’s lively reputation. Taking a stroll through downtown and city center area’s allows you to enjoy it’s museums, shopping malls, restaurants and spacious parks. The city has tourists from all over the world, it’s an popular destination due to festivals and events being hold.

Winnipeg is a large, spread out city, which means it can take a while to get around. As well that Winnipeg in general not a walking-centric city. It’s best to travel around by rental car or taxi’s, the public transportation system is very advanced for travelers on a budget. Winnipeg’s main arteries all contain boulevards which extremely wide by world standards, with Main Street has ten lanes where it meets Portage Avenue downtown. When in city, there’s several sightseeing’s worth visiting including; Statue Look, The Forks, The Royal Canadian Mint, The Exchange District National Historic Site, The Aboriginal Centre, Manitoba Legislative Building and St. Boniface.

US citizens traveling to Winnipeg, Canada are required to have a US passport, but visas are not needed. There has been some confusion with regards to entry requirements to Canada, so before leaving, it is important to get up-to-date information on the exact requirements needed to travel to Winnipeg, Canada.

Montreal

Montreal or Montréal in French originally known as “Ville Marie” City of Mary, is the largest city in the province Quebec, and the largest city in Canada. Montreal’s name comes from Mont Royal, the triple peaked hill located in the center of the city. As of latest measurement the city of Montreal has 3.6 million residents, ranking it the 6th largest city across Canada and the United States.

The city of Montreal is modern and of high technology with a rich culture and history, as well it’s reputation of being one of the liveliest cities in North America. The city has a great mix of cultures from all over the world, it’s internationally renowned, and many tourists worldwide come to visit the city, no matter which season. It’s high number of events, festivals and sightseeing’s is what draws interests. Year round there are music, humor, sports and other international scaled events being hold in the city.

Once you’re in Montreal there’s many sightseeing’s and activities that can’t be missed, and best of all there’s something for everyone. It’s numerous museums, churches, historic sites, science centers, spacious parks and modern shopping malls with extra facilities like cinema’s and game arcades. Some of the more unique sightseeing’s include the Casino de Montréal, Olympic Stadium, Le Plateau or simply walking around Downtown Montreal viewing the skyscrapers.

US citizens traveling to Montreal, Canada are required to have a US passport, but visas are not needed. There has been some confusion with regards to entry requirements to Canada, so before leaving, it is important to get up-to-date information on the exact requirements needed to travel to Montreal, Canada.

Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn, also referred to as ostrich capital of the world is the biggest town, in the Klein Karoo area. Situated in the Western Province area South of the large desert land of Karoo, which covers a large part of South Africa. Located just a few hours from Cape Town, it’s an often underestimated as travel destination, but it has a lot to offer. As of latest measurement Oudtshoorn has a population of 80 thousand people.

Situated in the shadow of the Swartberg Mountains, the climate is somewhat different from most of the Western Cape’s warm, rainy average, with occasional snow topping the Swartberg during the winter months, and although the surrounding valleys are very fertile, the area is generally dry.

Oudtshoorn and the Little Karoo have an interesting history and a unique culture. The Khoisan, known upon their encounter with the Afrikaans settlers as Bushmen, were most likely the only humans to have occupied the area. The mountains, hills and caves just outside of Oudtshoorn are home to some of the more famous Iron Age rock paintings, and for a prime insight into Khoisan culture, they are definitely worth experiencing.

Some of the caves to not have paintings, but are still worth visiting, such as the Cango caves, an extensive network of tunnels and passages, estimated at a total of four kilometers, where impressive limestone formations and stone relics can be admired under the auspices of a professional guide.

Another major attraction of Oudtshoorn, and one of the defining features of its economic history, is the abundance of ostrich farms. Ostrich products became very fashionable during the beginning of the twentieth century, and the proceeds from this export have funded many of the historic buildings in the village.

Nowadays, although ostrich feathers are no longer the trend, ostrich meat has become increasingly popular, but some farms have diversified and cater for tourists, such as the Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, where visitors are exposed to the life cycle of the ostrich, with an extended tour of the farm. For the more adventurous type, several open farms allow visitors to ride the massive birds, a truly unique experience.

Langebaan

Langebaan is one of the most popular destinations on the South Africa West Coast. Situated about 70 miles North of Cape Town, it is often frequented by international tourists and Cape Town locals who are looking to take a break from city life alike. One of the main attractions of the coastal town is the wide variety and large quantity of different birds. The Rocherpan Nature Reserve is the perfect place to view them in their natural environment, and it is only a short drive outside of Langebaan itself.

There are two other Nature Parks boasting the ecological richness of the area; the West Coast Fossil Park, where the main attraction is an exhibit of Pliocene fossils, and daily guided tours are available. The West Coast National Park includes the Langebaan Lagoon, but also encompasses a number of bird colonies on small islands just off the coast. Boat tours can be booked at the tourist information centre in the village.

More conventional holiday activities which are promoted in the city are centered on the coast and lagoon. For water sports fans, the surprisingly moderate water temperature on this side of the West Coast, combined with the many small businesses catering for surfers, windsurfers, water-skiers and kite-surfers makes Langebaan lagoon a perfect attraction. There are a number of backpackers, catering for the surfing hippies, as well as some very lawny up market up accommodation, and the holiday resort visitors will be tempted to use the facilities available through the country club. These include a golf course, tennis courts, the Langebaan yacht club and a bowling green.

As for amenities, there are a lot of excellent seafood restaurants around, and Langebaan is known for its excellent homegrown oysters. The standard range of groceries and tourist shops can be found on the boardwalks and in the town center.

Knysna

Situated along the popular Garden Route, Knysna is one of the larger towns on what is perhaps the most popular tourist trail in South Africa. With almost 80,000 inhabitants, it lies in between two other popular towns for beach and sun-loving visitors; Plettenberg Bay and George. The vein of the Garden Route is the N2 highway, and although it is tempting to explore the changing, mesmerizing view from the car, Knysna is the perfect place to get out and explore the defining features; the mountains, forests, lagoons and ocean.

As for the first one, the mountains, Knysna is ranked in the top 5 of mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts. Just outside the town itself, within a short drive, there are Natural Reserves and National Parks with free entrance, where mountain biking trails lead you past rivers, streams, waterfalls and gorges through the fynbos. But the most popular attraction is the lagoon, situated near the village itself. Knysna expanded from a harbor town, rumored to be founded by King George’s illegitimate son, into the tourist haven it is today. It is one of the most spectacular natural harbors on the African coast.

Fishing is a popular activity in the lagoon, and license permits can be bought at the local post office for a small fee. During the August through October period, whales can be spotted near the lagoon. After October, when the Mediterranean climate summer kicks in on the South coast, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, kayaking and sailing are some of the more popular water sports available. There are a number of companies and individuals who rent out all the necessary gear, close by the lagoon head.

Although most visitors will go to Knysna by (rental) car, there is another, more romantic option. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is a genuine steam train, which services passengers between Knysna and George. The train route and the antique train themselves provide for a unique experience.

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