Category: Travel

United Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in the world, serving millions of passengers every year. The airline offers various frequent flyer programs, including the United MileagePlus program, which rewards loyal customers with elite status. As a United Airlines elite member, you can enjoy a host of benefits, including priority check-in, lounge access, and free upgrades. In this article, we’ll explore five ways to maximize your United Airlines elite status.

Understand the Benefits of Your Elite Status

United Airlines offers four elite status tiers: Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, and Premier 1K. Each tier comes with its own set of benefits, so it’s essential to understand what you’re entitled to as an elite member. Some of the most significant benefits of United Airlines elite status include:

• Free checked bags: Depending on your tier, you can receive up to three free checked bags per flight.
• Priority boarding: As an elite member, you can board the plane before non-elite passengers.
• Lounge access: Depending on your tier, you can access United Club lounges and partner lounges.
• Upgrade priority: Elite members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to premium cabins, subject to availability.
• Mileage bonus: You can earn more miles for every flight you take as an elite member.

Choose Your Flights Carefully

One of the most significant advantages of United Airlines elite status is the ability to receive complimentary upgrades. However, upgrades are subject to availability, so it’s essential to choose your flights carefully. For example, flights that are popular with business travelers are more likely to be oversold, making it harder to secure an upgrade. Similarly, flights during peak travel periods, such as holidays and school breaks, tend to be more crowded, reducing your chances of an upgrade.

Optimize Your Mileage Earning

As an elite member, you can earn bonus miles on top of your base miles for each flight you take. The more you fly, the more miles you’ll earn, which can help you reach higher elite tiers faster. However, it’s essential to optimize your mileage earning by booking flights strategically. For example, you can earn more miles by booking premium cabins or taking advantage of bonus mile promotions. Additionally, you can earn miles by using United Airlines’ co-branded credit cards or shopping through the MileagePlus shopping portal.

Utilize Your United Club Membership

Depending on your elite tier, you may have access to United Club lounges and partner lounges. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. As an elite member, you can bring guests into the lounge with you, subject to the lounge’s guest policy. Additionally, United Airlines offers day passes and annual memberships to United Club lounges, which can be a worthwhile investment if you travel frequently.

Maximize Your Flexibility

Finally, one of the best ways to maximize your United Airlines elite status is to be flexible. This means being open to taking different flights, routes, and classes of service to increase your chances of an upgrade. For example, you may be able to secure an upgrade by taking an earlier or later flight or flying through a different airport. Additionally, being flexible with your travel dates can help you take advantage of lower fares and bonus mile promotions.

In conclusion, United Airlines elite status can offer a range of benefits to frequent travelers. By understanding the benefits of your elite status, choosing your flights carefully, optimizing your mileage earning, utilizing your United Club membership, and maximizing your flexibility, you can make the most of your elite status and enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Montreal is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a unique blend of European charm and North American modernity. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience a different culture, enjoy delicious food, and explore historic landmarks. If you’re planning a trip to Montreal, here are some things you need to know:

Language

Montreal is a bilingual city where both French and English are widely spoken. While most people speak English, it’s always polite to learn some basic French phrases like “Bonjour” (hello), “Merci” (thank you), and “Au revoir” (goodbye). This will help you navigate the city with ease and show respect for the local culture.

Weather

Montreal has four distinct seasons, so it’s important to pack accordingly. Winters can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping below freezing, so make sure to bring warm clothing like a coat, gloves, hat, and boots. Summers are warm and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. Spring and fall can be unpredictable with mild temperatures but also rain showers.

Transportation

Montreal has an excellent public transportation system consisting of buses and metro trains that connect all parts of the city. You can purchase tickets at any metro station or use your credit card at the turnstile. Taxis are also readily available but can be expensive during rush hour traffic.

Food

Montreal is known for its diverse food scene which includes traditional Quebecois cuisine as well as international dishes from around the world. Some must-try foods include poutine (french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy), smoked meat sandwiches from Schwartz’s Deli, bagels from St-Viateur Bagel Shop, and pastries from patisseries like Maison Christian Faure.

Attractions

There are many attractions in Montreal that cater to all interests including museums, galleries, parks, shopping districts, and historic landmarks like Notre Dame Basilica and Mount Royal Park. The Old Port of Montreal is also worth visiting for its charming cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and boutiques.

Overall, Montreal is an exciting destination that offers something for everyone. By knowing these tips before your trip, you’ll be able to enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer without any hiccups along the way!

When it comes to travel, most people tend to stick to the tried and true destinations. Paris, London, Rome – these cities are popular for a reason. But what about the lesser-known cities? The ones that don’t make it onto every traveler’s itinerary? These hidden gems can offer just as much – if not more – than their more famous counterparts.

Here are some cities you may not have heard of, but should definitely consider adding to your travel list:

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and is often overlooked by travelers. This medieval city boasts stunning architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a rich history. One of the best ways to explore Tallinn is by wandering through its Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana may be small in size (it’s home to just over 280,000 people), but it packs a big punch when it comes to things to do and see. The city is known for its charming old town area, which sits along the Ljubljanica River. Visitors can take a stroll through Tivoli Park or visit one of the many museums located throughout the city.

Porto, Portugal

Porto may be Portugal’s second-largest city, but it often gets overshadowed by Lisbon. However, this coastal gem has plenty to offer visitors. Porto is known for its picturesque historic center (another UNESCO World Heritage site) and its famous port wine cellars.

Riga, Latvia

Riga has been named the European Capital of Culture twice (in 2014 and 2027). This Baltic gem offers visitors stunning Art Nouveau architecture and a thriving cultural scene. The old town area is particularly beautiful and features plenty of restaurants and cafes where visitors can sample traditional Latvian cuisine.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo may not be on everyone’s travel radar just yet, but that’s starting to change. This city has a fascinating history (it was under siege during the Bosnian War in the early 1990s) and an eclectic mix of cultures (including Ottoman-era influences). Visitors can explore Baščaršija (the old bazaar), try cevapi (a type of grilled meat), or take in views of the surrounding mountains.

These cities are just a few examples of some hidden gems worth exploring. By venturing off the beaten path and visiting lesser-known destinations like these, travelers can discover new cultures and experiences they never knew existed. So why not add one of these cities – or another hidden gem – to your next travel itinerary?

Navigation is an essential skill that has been used since ancient times. Whether you are hiking, driving, or sailing, knowing how to read and use a map can help you reach your destination safely and efficiently. In this article, we will explore the art of navigation and provide tips on how to effectively use a map to get where you’re going.

Understanding Maps

Maps come in different types and formats, but they all share one thing in common: they represent the physical world in two dimensions. Understanding how maps work is crucial for effective navigation.

Types of Maps

Some common types of maps include topographic maps, road maps, nautical charts, and aerial photographs. Each type serves a specific purpose; for example, topographic maps show elevation changes and natural features like mountains and rivers, while road maps show highways and streets.

Map Scale

Map scale refers to the relationship between the distance on the map and the actual distance on the ground. For example, a 1:50,000 scale means that one unit of measurement on the map represents 50,000 units on the ground. It’s important to pay attention to map scale when planning your route as it affects both distance and time estimates.

Map Orientation

The orientation of a map refers to its alignment with north-south directions. North is usually at the top of most maps unless otherwise specified. Knowing which direction is north is essential for using a compass or GPS device alongside your map.

Using Maps for Navigation

Using a map for navigation involves four key steps:

Step 1: Plan Your Route

Before setting out on your journey, study your map carefully and plan your route based on your intended destination. Pay attention to landmarks along the way such as roads, rivers or mountain peaks as these can help you orient yourself along the way.

Step 2: Orient Your Map

Once you have planned your route, align your map with the north using a compass or GPS device if necessary. This will ensure that you know which direction you are facing throughout your journey.

Step 3: Follow Your Route

As you travel along your chosen path, use landmarks from your plan to navigate by checking them against features depicted on your map. Keep track of distances traveled using either time estimates or pace-counting techniques if necessary.

Step 4: Adjust Your Route as Needed

Sometimes unexpected obstacles may arise during travel such as closed roads or weather conditions that require adjustments to be made in real-time. Having a clear understanding of where you are relative to your intended destination will enable you to make informed decisions about adjusting course if needed.

Conclusion

Effective navigation requires practice and patience; however, mastering this skill can greatly enhance any outdoor adventure or travel experience. By understanding how different types of maps work and following these simple steps for using them effectively during travel, anyone can become an expert navigator!

Over the years, there have been many landmarks that have been considered to be “Wonders of the World.” The first list that mentioned this came out prior to the AD days. This list contained the ancient wonders of the world and contained the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum at Halicarnasus, the Colossus of Rhodes, and Pharos Lighthouse at Alexandria.

Then, there was a list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. These official ones are the Great Wall of China, Petra, the Roman Colosseum, Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue. If they were to make a new list of more modern wonders, what would it look like? Here are our picks for the new Seven Alternative Wonders of the World.

The Eiffel Tower

There are a lot of manmade structures that have been placed into the lists of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s stunning to see that the Eiffel Tower didn’t make the cut in any of them. Located in Paris and created by engineer Gustave Eiffel’s company, it’s perhaps the most well-known structure in the world. Completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower stands at over 1,000 feet and is visited by more than 7 million people each year.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Compared to a lot of countries around the world, the United States is extremely young, so it’s no surprise that there haven’t been any entries into the Seven Wonders of the World list. However, America has had plenty of manmade structures (and natural wonders) that should be considered for any of the lists. The first in mind is the Golden Gate Bridge, which is an Art Deco design that spans over 2,700 feet over the San Francisco Bay in California. Designed by Irving Morrow, the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937.

The Statue of Liberty

Staying in the United States, the building that has become the overall symbol of the United States should truly be considered a wonder. As many know, though, the statue was designed by Frenchman Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and even put together in large part by Gustave Eiffel himself. The French gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a gift, and it currently stands on Liberty island, overlooking the New York Harbor.

Mount Rushmore

The third and final entry of American wonders on the list is Mount Rushmore, which is located in Pennington County, South Dakota. The sculpture was carved into the side of the Black Hills and was completed after more than a decade of work from start to finish. Mount Rushmore depicts some of America’s founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln from left to right. Though it’s in a remote area, there are still more than 2 million people each year who make their way to see Mount Rushmore in person.

Big Ben

If you’re not from England and were asked to close your eyes and picture London, the first thing that your brain would probably come up with is Big Ben. The clock tower that sits at the end of the Palace of Westminster is now named the Elizabeth Tower officially, but everyone still refers to it simply as Big Ben, though it’s contested on whether it was named for Sir Benjamin Hall or Benjamin Caunt. Either way, the clock tower was completed in 1859 and stands over 310 feet tall.

Sydney Opera House

By far the newest structure on the list, the Sydney Opera House was completed in 1973 after more than a decade of construction. It has since become the most recognizable building in all of Australia as it overlooks the Sydney Harbour. The SOH has several venues within the structure and has hosted some of the biggest events in Sydney. The building was even considered for the New 7 Wonders of the World list but just missed the cut.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

You probably thought that the Leaning Tower of Pisa was already on one of the lists, but surprisingly it’s not. Originally breaking ground in 1173, it wasn’t until 1372 that the Tower of Pisa was completed. It started leaning long before completion, too, because of the soft ground it was built on. All these centuries later, the building still stands 183 feet in height. Of course, it has become one of the most photographed buildings in the world as people have to see it to believe it and want to remember their visit.

Escape rooms have caught on throughout the world to the point where some cities have dozens if not well more than 100. One city, in particular, has nearly 200, though the range in quality can be rather large. No matter where you are in the world, there’s a good chance that you’re not too far from a good escape room.

Out of all of the cities in the world, though, which ones are the best for escape room fans? Let’s take a look at the five that every fan must visit. Before we begin the list, we wanted to make sure that countries were only represented by one city. If not for that, the list would be comprised of entirely Chinese cities. With that said, let’s get to the top choice.

Beijing, China

Escape rooms are massively popular in China, with 10 of them having at least 40. Shanghai comes in second place at just over 100 escape rooms, but Beijing far and away leads the pack with close to 200. The best part about having so many escape rooms in one city is that there is a wide range to pick from. You can do downright terrifying escape rooms or something a little more family-friendly with easier puzzles.

Fans have been debating for years about the best escape room in Beijing, with some saying that OMESCAPE is the top while others have a soft spot for Mr. X. The latter has been praised for creating a true horror fan experience while also being top of the line in quality and having a production value that would make people think that it was taken directly from a movie set. To make things easier on yourself, try taking a group of 10 to Mr. X.

Budapest, Hungary

If you travel outside of Asia, the city that has the most escape rooms anywhere is Budapest. It might come as a bit of a surprise, but Hungarians are crazy about escape rooms and there are more than five dozen throughout the city. One of the things that attracts people to Budapest escape rooms the most is the price, with even top-of-the-line ones costing around $25.

PLAY! Escape Rooms, Locked Room, and Escape Zone are consistently the highest-rated escape rooms throughout Budapest, with the latter containing a game that has a “Star Wars” theme. While licensing would make that tricky to pull off in some countries, it looks like it was designed by George Lucas himself in Budapest.

Toronto, Canada

If you were thinking that the city with the most escape rooms in North America would be located in the United States, guess again. Toronto, Ontario takes the top spot with three dozen escape rooms with varying difficulty, which is around a dozen more than any American city. From whimsical to downright scary, Toronto has a lot to offer.

The Looking Glass Adventure and The Imaginarium are two of the favorites in Toronto, with most of the escape rooms being quite family-friendly. Toronto receives a lot of praise for having fine actors who accompany you throughout your adventure, making the experience special.

Tokyo, Japan

Heading back to Asia, Japan leads the way for non-Chinese countries as there are around 30 escape rooms in the world’s largest city, Tokyo. Like their Chinese counterparts, there are different levels of difficulty, and many of the escape rooms focus on the horror aspect. Another thing you have to know about Tokyo escape rooms is that, for the most part, they are extremely hard.

Many of the Tokyo escape rooms have a success rate of less than five percent, including the infamous Escape from the Red Room. There aren’t any clues on the walls in this bright red enclosure, and you have to rely on the handful of props to get yourself out. There are others that have higher success rates, but the horror tends to turn up to 11.

Los Angeles, California

We finally get to the United States at the end of the list, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the best city for escape rooms is the same one that’s home to Hollywood. With movie-quality escape rooms around just about every corner, Los Angeles has a lot to offer, with some saying that the quality outweighs the quantity in the City of Angels.

Hatch Escapes, Quest Room, 60out, and Black Market have all received praise for their different types of games which range from Jumanji to Red Giant. There are aspiring actors filling up the escape rooms, ready to take you on an unforgettable journey. Sure, it isn’t cheap to get the type of Hollywood production you come to expect from LA, but it’s definitely worth it.

While you can certainly take an airplane across long distances between cities, there’s something about taking a train that’s much more fun. On one hand, you’re not packed into uncomfortable seats on a train as you would be on a plane. There is also a lot more scenery and amenities with the ability to get off on stops and stretch your legs.

If you’re a train enthusiast and want to hop on some of the longest rides, then you’re in luck. There are certain train routes that span thousands of miles that are waiting to show you a wide span of the world. Here are the five longest routes you can take across Earth, so make sure to bring your passport too as many routes cross borders.

Moscow – Vladivostok 

Spanning 9,289 kilometers (5,772 miles) from Russia’s capital to the Oceanside city of Vladivostok, The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest train route. The railway first started being used in 1904 after 13 years of construction. 

The six to seven-day journey crosses through eight time zones, makes only ten stops throughout the trip, and passes through over thirty cities including parts of China, Mongolia, and the Sea of Japan. It’s a fascinating journey and gives you the opportunity to see a variety of places with ease. 

Toronto – Vancouver 

The Canadian by Via Rail offers year-round trips all the way from the west coast of Canada, Toronto, to the east coast of Canada in Vancouver. The 4,466 kilometer (2,775 miles) train journey takes four days and nights to complete and goes through many provinces and takes over 60 stops. It’s estimated over 82,000 riders take the trip annually. 

During their time on the train, travelers can enjoy hot meals from the dining car, multiple-person bedrooms, shower facilities, and different classes offering separate amenities depending on which class you pay for. 

Shanghai – Lhasa

The 4,373 kilometer (2,717 mile) train journey from the largest and most populated city in China and the world, Shanghai, to the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, is the third longest train route in all of the world. 

Every day at 8:02 pm the train heads out of Shanghai and takes nearly two days to arrive in Lhasa at 6:46 pm, taking 13 stops and showcasing all the beautiful scenery throughout the entire trip. The amenities on board the train are fairly basic, but they do offer meal and beverage services you can pay extra for. The gorgeous sights to see make up for the lack of luxury. 

Sydney – Perth  

The Indian Pacific train route that runs through Australia, from Sydney all the way to Perth, spans 4,352 kilometers (2,704 miles) and brings you from one beautiful ocean to another. It takes three nights to complete the journey, plenty of time to view the Australian wildlife and scenery from the comfort of your train car. 

Australian Train provides different services for the multiple packages offered at varying prices. You’ll have access to bathrooms, complimentary toiletries, beds, and meals and beverages. As well as the opportunity to make stops at popular tourist destinations. 

Dibrugarh – Kanyakumari

From the very southern tip of India and all the way to the tip that borders Tibet is the train route that runs from Dibrugarh and Kanyakumari. The trek takes no less than 28 hours and makes plenty of stops along the way. This includes passing along the southern border of Bhutan while also cutting down through Bangladesh.

Coming in at 3,770.6 kilometers (2343 miles), this trip has a total of 58 destinations along the way for some routes, including the Vivek Express which makes every stop while taking up over 82 hours of time. The train is comprised of 11 sleeper coaches and three general coaches and was introduced in 2011 to commemorate Swami Vivikananda’s 150th birth anniversary, which was one of the biggest celebrations in Indian history.

People that are going on long train rides for the first time might not be fully prepared. When you’re flying on a plane, there are only a few things that you truly need, but that’s also because those trips are mostly short and you’re in a very compact spot. Being on a train is much different, though, as you get more space for storage and get to stretch your legs more freely throughout the trip.

However, the trips are much, much longer on average, especially if you’re going on vacation. If you’re planning on a trip that spans hundreds (if not thousands) of miles, there are some things that you’re going to want with you. Not only will they save you money, but the added convenience will even save you some time. Here are five perfect items you never knew would make your long train journey a breeze.

Insulated Food and Beverage Containers 

With how popular traveling long distances by train is, most trains will have food cars and meals included in your package, or for purchase separately. If you don’t have access to a fresh meal, have dietary restrictions, or just want to keep your leftovers fresh, insulated meal and beverage containers are the perfect items to bring along with you on your trip. 

Keep your drinks hot, or cold for longer than your average beverage container will. You can keep your meals hot, or cold and fresh for up to 12 hours in most insulated containers so you won’t have to worry about food spoilage. 

Luggage Protection 

The last thing any traveler wants to deal with while on the go is an issue with their luggage. Making sure your luggage is safe, recognizable, and easy to carry long distances is essential. Purchase luggage that’s easy to spot and tell apart from the slew of similarly colored and patterned luggage. 

Secure tags with your basic information on them that you’ll be able to spot with ease. Most importantly, invest in luggage locks to ensure nothing happens to your luggage while it’s out of your sight. 

Comfort Items

One unfortunate side effect of lengthy travel is the discomfort that comes with sitting in the same spot for an extended period of time. Bringing light and easy-to-pack items to bring comfort will help alleviate discomfort greatly. 

There’s a variety of neck pillows made with comfort technology that will help you get some rest in your seat and relieve neck tension. You can bring along light mattress toppers to add some cushion to your in-train bed if there are sleeping quarters. A weighted eye mask would be a great addition to help you feel secure and block out unwanted light while you rest. 

Hygiene and Medicine Kit

Hygiene and medical safety have become essentials in modern-day travel. You want to make sure you’re prepared, while also traveling light. Bringing travel-sized versions of standard hygiene products and commonly used medicines in your carry-on luggage will help you keep up with a healthy hygiene routine and provide you with relief. 

Bring pain relievers for headaches, aches, and pains from traveling. Bring nausea medicine for any unseen stomach issues. Of course bring plenty of hand sanitizer, wet wipes, lotion, breath fresheners, and toiletries the train may not provide. 

Smart Device with Downloaded Content 

Most trains in developed countries will have access to wifi onboard, though that’s not always the case, especially in countries less developed. If you don’t want to waste your data, bring a smart device such as a phone, or tablet that you can download content onto beforehand while you have access to wifi. 

Make sure you have plenty of room to download your favorite songs, movies, and shows to last the entire trip and then some just in case travel is longer than expected. It’ll help keep you comfortably entertained during your venture. 

Almost all Americans want to travel, but the only problem is that for a lot of us, it’s simply too expensive. Some of these cities across the United States are incredibly pricey, though, and there are many countries around the world where the U.S. Dollar just doesn’t go far enough to make the most out of your trip.

However, there are certainly a number of countries in which you can not only have a great vacation abroad but can live more lavishly than you do at home. If you’re searching for destinations to either travel to yourself or take your family on a vacation, check out these five countries where your dollar goes furthest.

Colombia

Back in the early 2010s, Colombia wasn’t the cheapest place for Americans to visit, but times have changed since then and the dollar has been stronger in the past few years than just about any other point in the country’s history. While people might have a negative opinion of what’s available to tourists when visiting Colombia, the country actually has a lot to offer from Medellin to Bogota to Cartagena.

Airfare is not significantly cheaper heading to Colombia compared to some other countries, but everything else costs far less. From hotels and restaurants, $50 per day will get an entire family of four very far in Colombia. You can use the money saved to visit some of the nation’s best sights including the Tayrona National Park, Salt Cathedral, and Castle San Felipe de Barajas. If traveling solo, you can spend less than $1,800 in total and live like royalty.

India

Despite being the second-largest country in the world, India doesn’t have close to a 1:1 conversion rate. Instead, it’s one of the cheapest countries for Americans to visit, costing around $35 with food and lodging. The spending power has only gotten better over time, too.

There are some obvious sites that you’ll want to see when visiting India including the Taj Mahal and the Sri Harmandir Sahib. There are also some lesser-known places for people from the west including the Mysore Palace and Mahabodhi Temple which are must-sees. There’s really no wrong place to go in India, especially if you’re a fan of architecture.

Chile

Like Mexico, Chile uses the peso, but their own version stretches further for Americans than Mexico’s does. $1 in the United States converts to over 800 Chilean pesos, and visiting the country costs an average of $36 to visit. This includes food and lodging, making it a no-brainer.

Some of the best natural beauty in the world can be found in Chile, meaning it will save you even more money when visiting the country. The Torres Del Paine National Park and Valle de la Luna are two must-see places, while Easter Island is one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. For a beautiful blend of both ancient and modern, make your way to Santiago to get a masterclass in structure.

Vietnam

Ever since the end of the Vietnam War, the country has been a friendly place for Americans to visit while also having the dollar stretch further. It has become even more so on both fronts in recent years, with $1 USD able to convert into well over 20,000₫, a currency which was adopted as the official currency in 1978. 

Vietnam is filled with a lot of natural beauty, especially if you’re a fan of islands. Halong Bay is one of the most captivating sites not just in the country, but in the world. Ho Chi Minh City is a city that only gets better with time, while places like the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offer up something for cave fans to enjoy.

Croatia

Croatia tends to come and go as one of the countries where the United States Dollar goes a long way, but in recent years, it has been a great place for American to visit for a low cost. Starting in 2014, the dollar had a lot more spending power in Croatia, with an average cost of $60 per day to visit.

Fans of both modern and ancient history will have something to do in Croatia from the Walls of Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes to the Pula Arena and Diocletian’s Palace. Zagreb is the busiest city and has the most to do, while others including Rovinj and Sibenik offer up some of the best sites in the country.

Southeast Asia is a tourist hotspot, but it still maintains its authentic vibe. Choosing a place to go is perhaps the most challenging part of visiting this section of the world. With so many great options, it’s hard to narrow it down, but to help you get started, this post looks at five of the area’s best travel destinations. 

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Situated in northwest Cambodia, Angkor Wat is a World Heritage site and the country’s largest religious monument. Its ruins include hundreds of sandstone structures, spanning over 162 hectares. In addition to exploring the ruins of this 12th-century wonder, you can also learn about more recent history at the Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Center and the War Museum located in nearby Siem Reap.

In this traveler’s paradise, you can enjoy the unique vibe of country residents and vibrant cafes, or you can wait until after sunset and hit the clubs. Shopping includes two massive markets offering gifts, souvenirs, food, and more. 

2. Koh Samui, Thailand

In the past, Koh Samui was a prime destination for backpackers exploring the best travel destinations of Southeast Asia, but over the last few years, it’s become a high-end destination full of resorts and posh spas. The white beaches, however, are just as pristine as they ever have been. If you want to get out and explore, the Ang Thong Marine National Park offers trails running through a tropical forest to hidden waterfalls and a 12-meter-tall Buddha statue.

3. Bagan, Myanmar

If you like temples, then Bagan, Myanmar needs to be on your must-see list. Nestled next to a mountain range, this UNESCO World Heritage site features over 10,000 pagods and Buddhist temples built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Currently, the Bagan Archaeological Zone features 3,5000 buildings and over 41 square miles to explore. 

The Ananda Temple features a blend of Mon and Indian styles, and if you want to learn more about the area’s historical architecture, you can head to the town’s Archaeological Museum, which includes countless artifacts, including a Rosetta Stone that’s over 1,000 years old. 

To learn about the area’s modern culture, check out the lacquerware art workshops in Myinkaba. Then, hit the sunset at the Shwesandaw Paya pagoda — with just a bit of climbing, you can catch a 360-degree view of the area. 

4. Bangkok, Thailand

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a great jumping-off point for other destinations in Southeast Asia, but this world-class city also merits a stay. Over 24 million people visit Bangkok every year, and they get to enjoy the pleasing contrast of contemporary skyscrapers and ancient temples. You can do a lot of sightseeing in the area’s temples, museums, and the world’s largest teak building — the Vimanmek Mansion. Use a tuk-tuk taxi or a water bus to get around, or simply whip out your phone to contact the local ride-share company Grab. You can also dive into modern culture at the city’s clubs and cafes. 

5. Luang Prabang, Laos

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang features stunning architecture that combines the best elements of French colonial and traditional styles. Its location along the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers offers stunning natural beauty. With just a short hike, you can check out the Kuang Sit Falls or Pak Ou Caves, which are full of mini Buddha sculptures. On most mornings, the town fills with the color orange as local monks take to the streets for Alms Ceremonies.