Crane Beach, on the Atlantic coast of the Caribbean island of Barbados, is a fantastic wide white sand beach that is popular with honeymooners. The beach used to be a harbor, and the name “Crane” Beach came about because of the large ship loading crane that was at the top of the cliff overlooking the beach. Today, Crane Beach is called one of the 10 best beaches in the world. With it powder soft pink sands and incredibly blue ocean, it’s easy to see why. On the cliff above the beach stands The Crane Resort & Residences, a good option for those seeking high-end accommodation. Cheaper accommodation can also be had nearby. See more pictures of Crane Beach, Barbados
The sunny South shore of the island of Kauai (known as the “Garden Isle”) in the tropical state of Hawaii in the United States is home to Poipu Beach. Poipu Beach is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 10 beaches due to its pristine white sands, swaying palm trees, and sparkling blue waters. The activities to be enjoyed in the area are seemingly endless and include kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, surfing, mountain biking, deep-sea fishing, horseback riding and ATV tours. There are also two 18-hole golf courses. The classic beach is popular for weddings and honeymoons. There is a large variety of accommodation in the area, including the exceptional Villas at Poipu Kai. The Villas at Poipu Kai is a new boutique condominium resort with 3-4 bedroom poolside villas, 2-4 bedroom garden villas, and a stunning private home on the villas property. See more pictures of Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Officially a collectivity of France, the island of Bora Bora lies in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. With its amazing reef, fantastic white sand beaches, and laid-back local population it is easy to see why Bora Bora is considered by many to be paradise on Earth. The island itself features an extinct volcano in the center and is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. Bora Bora is a tourist hot-spot and many resorts and over-the-water bungalows have been built on the island. The population of locals is just under 9,000 with Tahitian, French, and some English spoken. Visitors can enjoy world-class diving and snorkeling, as well as sunset catamaran cruises, fishing trips, and jet ski rentals. See more pictures of Bora Bora, French Polynesia
In Arizona, near the border with Utah, in the United States, you can find a stunning sandstone rock formation called The Wave. The Wave is on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, which are in turn located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, on the Colorado Plateau. This formation is actually sand dunes calcified in vertical and horizontal layers, and the fascinating color bands are iron oxides, hematite, and goethite. The Jurassic-age Navajo sandstone making up The Wave is estimated to be 190 million years old. Getting to The Wave requires a moderately difficult 3 mile hike from the Wire Pass Trailhead. Due to the delicate nature of this formation, visitors must arrange a day permit in advance and pay a $7 fee per person. Only 20 of the highly sought-after permits are issued for each day. More info on permits can be found on the Bureau of Land Management website. Camping is not allowed in the permit area, and the closest accommodation can be found in the small towns of Kanab, Utah and Page, Arizona. See more pictures of The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Arizona, USA
The incredible moonscape hills and the impossibly beautiful cities of Turkey’s Cappadocia region are a sight to behold. Located in the center of Turkey, the Cappadocia region includes the towns of Avanos, Göreme, Nevsehir, Ortahisar, Uçhisar, and Ürgüp. Popular activities in the region include visits to the underground cities, viewing the ancient Christian cave art, exploring numerous hiking trails and volcanos, seeing the “fairy chimney” rock formations, and taking sunrise hot air balloon rides for a view of the breathtaking landscape from above. See more pictures of Cappadocia, Turkey
Built between 802 CE and 1220 CE, the stunning Angkor Wat temple complex includes hundreds of temples stretching over an area of 400 square kilometers (249 square miles). The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Phrom (setting of the Angelina Jolie Tomb Raider movie). Recommended activites include exploring the temples, watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, watching the sunset at one of the west-facing temples, and for those more adventurous types: getting in a hot air balloon or a helicopter for a breathtaking view of Angkor Wat from above. Visitors to the temples are required to buy a 1 day ($20), 3 day ($40), or 7 day ($60) temple pass. In the last decade Angkor Wat has exploded onto the tourist scene. 15 years ago the nearby town of Siem Reap had only 1 hotel, now there are hundreds. See more pictures of Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Ah, Venice, a favorite destination for romantics for centuries, this Italian town is known for its canals, gondolas, and Saint Mark’s Basilica. The city is so amazing it’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venetian sights not to be missed include the Grand Canal, Saint Mark’s Basilica and Square, Academia, and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is a good sized town with a population of over 270,000. All ranges of accommodation and any dish you desire can be found in this enchanting town. So grab your amore and visit beautiful Venice! See more pictures of Venice, Italy
I recently visited the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and that inspired me to share these pictures of the 10 tallest buildings in the world with you. Here they are in ascending order by height, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH):
10. Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai, China
This 88-story skyscraper stands at a height of 421m (1,380ft). Completed in 1998, the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai, China contains offices and the Shanghai Grand Hyatt hotel.
