Antwerp

Antwerp is a Belgium city and municipality, as well the capital of the Antwerp province. It’s situated on the right bank of the river Scheldt, which is linked to the North Sea. Antwerp has a long history of being a important city in the Benelux as well economically and culturally. As of latest measurement Antwerp has a population of 490 thousand people.

Antwerp has an international reputation for being the “world’s leading diamond city” as more than 70% of all diamonds are traded in Antwerp. It’s also a popular travel destination for many travelers, the overwhelming friendliness of the Belgium locals, and their urge for a quality living and food, combined with an overall low stress lifestyle, makes it a relaxing and desirable travel destination.

In the heart of Antwerp lies a irregularly shaped square named Grote Markt which is being surrounded by decorative guild buildings aging from the 16th century. The Grote Markt is home to the statue of Brabo, according to the 16th century legend, his actions led to the city’s name. It’s said that Silvius Brabo had flung the hand of Antigonus, a giant who terrorized ships passing by. Antwerp’s city hall is located right on the square, which has great Italian and Belgium characteristics. Furthermore the city of Antwerp has several historical sightseeing including museums and churches, as well fine dining opportunities with both local and international cuisine.

Travelers to Antwerp need a valid passport and return ticket. For stays that do not exceed 90 days a visa is not required. English is not widely spoken in Antwerpen, might as well bring yourself a French dictionary or pick up a few French lines. The best time to visit Antwerpen is during the summer months from July till August.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong (香港) meaning “fragrant harbour” is one of the two Special Administrative Regions in China, with the second one being Macau. Hong Kong consists of 236 islands situated on China’s south coast, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea. Hong Kong has developed itself to a globe’s top financial center with a capitalist economy. It’s skyline and harbor are breath taking. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 7,1 million people.

Hongkong today is one of the most important and popular travel destinations in China. The city has absorbed people and cultural influences from places all over the world and therefore its also a unique travel destination which is often referred to as a center the city “where east meets the west” which reflects in its daily life, streets, cuisine, music and traditions.

Aside from its chaotic traffic scene, busy streets, gigantic sky scrapers and thousands of bright advertising signs the city of Hong Kong can also be hushed and peaceful with fine dining experiences trying Chinese cuisine, excellent transport network around town, massive and sublime shopping malls, quiet temples and spacious parks and gardens. Another Hong Kong sightseeing include the vantage point at Vicoria Peak overlooking the world’s busiest deep water port which is outstanding and breathtaking.

Getting round in the city, it’s easiest method is the subway system. All of the signs are in English language as well, though metered taxi’s are widely available. According to South Asian standards, not the cheapest of them all though a 20 minute taxi from center Hong Kong to Victoria Peak (20 minutes) cost us about $6 US. Taxi’s are the most expensive (public) transportation available in the city.

Travelers to Hongkong need a valid passport and visa. While the city is relatively safe, the common travel concerns include presence of pickpockets, thieves and thick city smog. The best period to visit Hongkong is between May and September when there’s the best temperature. On average it does rain more in these months than in periods throughout the year.

Macau

The island and city of Macau (澳門) also known as Macoa is a Special Administrative Region of China. In total there’s two SAR regions in China, with the second being Hong Kong. Macau is situated on the west side of the Pearl River Delta bordering the Guangdong province in the north, facing the South China Sea in east and south. The city of Macau is driven mainly on tourist industry, but also includes exporting textiles, electronics and toys.

As the city of Macau is located in China but has their own responsibility towards their territory, it can make their own laws and legal system, police force and immigration policy. Allowing the city to turn in any possible direction they are willing go for, giving gambling, prostitution, nightlife and foreign investors a chance to play open card. Some already say it’s the Las Vegas of the Orient.

The reasoning that people call it Las Vegas of Asia is because all the main hotels located on the strip of Vegas are situated in the center of Macau including the Wynn, Venetian, MGM Grand and the Sands mixed in between buzzing night and sex clubs and other gigantic Casino’s which are 24 hours in business. You might wonder yourself, why not just go to Vegas? The answer lies in the history and culture of the Chinese city.

Macau today is still as mysterious as it once was, streets are filled up fortune tellers, Buddhist monks, tea houses and traditional massage parlors. It’s sightseeing includes breathtaking ruins, churches, museums and acient markets. A famous and oldest temple in town is the Á Ma Temple founded in 1488. World class museums like the Museum of Macau, Maritime Museum Grand Prix Museum and Macau Museum of Art are often visited by curious tourists and can break the day nicely. For a visit to the Ruins of St. Paul’s and St. Dominic Church make sure to bring along your camera.

Travelers to Macau need a valid passport and visa. While the city is relatively safe, the common travel concerns include presence of pickpockets and thieves. The best period to visit Macau is between May and September when there’s the best temperature. On average it does rain more in these months than in periods throughout the year.

Santiago de Cuba

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.

Yokohama

Yokohama (横浜市) is the capital city of the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan and is situated on the Tokyo Bay just 20 miles south of Tokyo. In the Kantō region region nearby the main island of Honshū. It’s a important commercial hub of the Greater Tokyo Area. As of latest measurements Yokohama has a population of 3.6 million people.

Yokohama was once a mere village that grew into a large Asian port. Today can be described modern international city. The port city Yokohama has a interesting history and sightseeing, many of the sights are located near the waterfront. Minato Mirai is its futuristic heart of the city, the every changing and evaluating area is rich of shops, museums, restaurants and modern art. On walking distance you can find the Akarenga, a pair of red-brick 20th century warehouses which have been converted into dining places and boutiques. When visiting the city Yokohama the much hyped and crowded Chinatown, Chukagai in the old city center. Although nowadays it’s more of a modern district, it still offers it’s historical Chinese temples mixed in between a triangle of popular restaurants.

When visiting Yokohama, a visit to the Sankei-en must be added to your list, it’s a heaven of silence and peace in the massive city. Basically, it’s best described as a spacious park which consists of a collection of historic buildings moved from all over Japan to the city. Surrounding landscapes, as well as the buildings and the park can be best seen in springtime.

Visitors to Yokohama need a valid passport and visa. European and American citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Generally seen the city is safe for tourists, regular travel rules apply so have a close look after your belongings. The best period to visit Yokohama is in the summer months from June till August.

Akureyri

Akureyri is a city in the northern part of the Republic of Iceland, also nicknamed the “Capital of North Iceland”. It’s the second largest urban area after Great Reykjavík area and the fourth largest municipality after Reykjavik, Hafnarfjörður, and Kópavogur. The Akureyri is a important port and fisheries center, with a tiny population of just 18 thousand people as of latest measurement.

The city is located near Eyjafjordur Fjord and is the home to the Akureyri University, the city is surprisingly active and has a big cultural history for such a small town. Sights in the city include, for example the Folklore museum and several botanical gardens. A large number of art galleries operate year round, a professional theater is also present for those interested. Arureyri isn’t a big metropolis, everything should be a on walking distances for any reasonable fit traveler, it can get a bit hilly though. The public bus system is free of use for anyone.

As there’s several universities and students living around downtown area the nightlife is vibrantly presence throughout the city, there’s a few recommended pubs and bars including Sjallinn, where live bands play near a bar area. Another bar for the mature crowd around downtown is the Kaffi Akureyri. When you are looking for a quiet coffee time, visit one of the coffee bars Kaffi Karólína and Bláa Kannan.

United States citizens do not need a visa when entering Akureyri for personal or business travel. At least if their stay does not exceed 90 days. The following things are required, valid passport, proof of return or onward tickets of travel and proof of sufficient funds for stay.

Montego Bay

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.

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