Napoli

Napoli (Naples), Italy, has been both feared and loved by many tourists throughout the centuries. Napoli was originally founded by the Ancient Greeks (only during that time it was called Neapolis), and this region of Italy has been extremely important to Italian culture throughout the centuries. Napoli is ancient, impressive, and full of modern day Italian life.

Those that live within Napoli are called “Neapolitans” and they speak a language that is similar to Italian, but it is also a dialect all their own. Simply wandering through the city is a rather eye opening experience for many tourists ... though most tourists stick to the port side of the city that connects Napoli to the island of Sorrento and Capri. Though most tour guides will tell you to beware of traveling through the very heart of Napoli, the city is not to be missed. Napoli is the birthplace of pizza, mozzarella, spaghetti, sfogliatelle, casatiello, tortano, struffoli, pastier, babba, and many other types of sinful desserts and cuisines.

Though the Camorra (an organized crime outfit) runs most of the city, a stroll through Napoli is safe, exciting, and rather unforgettable. If you are to stick to the harbor side of town, you will find many breathtaking museums, monuments, cafes, and shopping centers ... but the really heart of Napoli lies within its crooked and crowded city streets. Tourists will stumble upon street sellers slinging their wares; kids playing soccer in the middle of crowded squares; chocolate shops that are sinfully delicious; hand crafted umbrella shops; a large mess of (somewhat treacherous) traffic; and pizza shops as far as the eye can see. Pick up a good tour guide book that includes a walk through the city itself, and wind up at the harbor (rather than strictly sticking to the harbor area). Once you explore the sites and sounds of this vibrant city, you will be sure to return to Napoli many times. Though Rome may be at the heart of Italy, Napoli is its definite soul.

San Diego

If you're looking for a serene beach vacation on the sunny shores of California, then San Diego might just be your next vacation destination. San Diego has loads of fun activities for the whole family, and is the ideal vacation spot for tourists who want either relaxation or excitement in their getaway. Seventy miles of beach ensure plenty of leisure time, and museums, amusement parks, and famous landmarks will keep you busy for days.

You can't mention San Diego without talking about Sea World. The famous water park is home to Shamu, the killer whale show featuring excitement and thrills that are sure to get your drenched. The park also has rides for adults and kids alike. The San Diego Zoo is also a must-see, filled to the brim with a variety of wildlife. And if you want to please the kids, visit LegoLand in Carlsbad. Want to go more low-key? Then don't miss Balboa Park, a sprawling estate filled with museums that cover every subject under the sun, including the San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Aerospace Museum, and more. Orson Welles used the buildings of Balboa Park in the classic film Citizen Kane.

For relaxation, visit one of the many beaches in San Diego. Upscale La Jolla features a beautiful coast and palms, along with lots of rich people… and seals! Or travel to Coronado Island to discover some of the greatest beaches in the world while staying at the Hotel Del Coronado. While you're in San Diego, visit the historic Old Town for some delicious Mexican cuisine. San Diego has something for everyone, so pack your sunscreen and have a blast!

San Francisco

If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear flowers in your hair. At least that's what the song says. Actually, you'll want to wear plenty of warm clothing, because despite the popular myth that California is sunshine and warm beaches, San Francisco has a cooler climate. But that doesn't detract from the myriad of sights the city has to offer. San Francisco is a must-stop tourist spot for those vacationing in California.

The city boasts some of the world's most famous attractions. The Golden Gate Bridge will definitely eat up plenty of pictures if you're seeing it for the first time. If you're lucky enough to book tickets before your visit, then Alcatraz is an awesome place to visit. And don't bother renting a car, San Francisco is best seen on foot or by their famous cable cars. Want to travel across the globe while you're there? Then visit Chinatown and pick up some souvenirs. Be sure to check out Haight Street, the birthplace of the hippie culture. If wildlife is your thing, then drop into the San Francisco Zoo or Aquarium. Or enjoy the majestic Golden Gate Park with its museum and Japanese tea garden. And if you really want to shop, then stop by bustling Union Square, the mecca of merchandise in the Bay City.

For a great view with plenty of photo-ops, cross the bay to Sausalito. San Francisco has plenty of beaches too, but don't expect warm water! With Giants baseball games, the Ghiradelli Square chocolate factory, Lombard Street - the "crookedest street," Fisherman's Wharf, and an active nightclub and party scene, there's never a lack of things to do in San Francisco.

Milan

Milan may be overlooked by many tourists as a vacation spot since it doesn't feature as much of the historical feel of the old country. But the city more than makes up for its lack of aesthetic heritage with a busy nightlife, museums, theater and operas, and lively shops that feature the world's finest in fashion and clothing accessories.

Milan is located in northwest Italy close to the Alps and Lake Como. It is renowned as the heart of designer fashion around the world. You can find shops carrying the latest clothes, shoes, and accessories - and not everything costs an arm and a leg. Several shops carry moderately priced goods for the thrifty tourist. Milan is more of a metropolis than other Italian cities, featuring many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs for the active socialite. Shopping and partying are the main draws of the city.

For tourists looking to experience the unique flavor of Italian history, Milan delivers here as well. The city has the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Duomo, which is rumored to have one of the original nails of Christ in its crucifix. The humongous church was built in 1386. The famous opera house, La Scala, has been around since 1778. In the Santa Maria della Grazie you can see Da Vinci's The Last Supper. There are several museums and theaters to visit within the city to get your fill of culture. And of course, if you want to fill your stomach, Milanese trattorias and ristorantes can serve up spicy Italian dishes and wine that will leave you satisfied. So if you're eyeing Rome or Venice as your next Italian getaway, don't forget that Milan has plenty to offer and can be loads of fun.

Billabong

Australia's billabongs are quickly disappearing. These billabongs provide a wetland home to countless bird, reptile, fish, amphibian, mammal, and plant species. Visiting Australia's Kakadu National Park is a fantastic opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Australia's shrinking wetlands. There are many activities visitors can use engage themselves in order to appreciate Kakadu's natural splendor.

Kakadu National Park is located in Australia's northernmost reaches, three hours east of Darwin. It is home to many of the country's remaining billabongs. Billabongs are stagnant lakes created by a bend in a waterway. During the rainy season, the billabongs flood and create habitat for migratory animals. Kakadu National Park is involved with several agreements between Australia and numerous other countries in order to protect migratory birds and other species. Some of these agreements include JAMBA, CAMBA, Bonn Convention, CITES, SPREP, and Apia Convention. In addition, Kakadu is taking part in a program that exchanges information with indigenous tribes in order to manage local wetlands. For visitors, Kakadu offers a wide variety of activities. Visitors are welcomed to learn about Aboriginal culture, take walks in the park, view the park's rock art, fish, boat, camp, and view a myriad of wildlife species.

Overall, Kakadu National Park offers a wide array of attractions for visitors. The park is a wonderful place to visit in order to see Australia's surviving billabongs, learn about Australia's native Aborigines, view unique wildlife, and otherwise enjoy Australia's great outdoors. For visitors, Kakadu National Park provides an experience that cannot be forgotten.

The Inca Trail

Peru is rapidly becoming a more attractive tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world interested in the natural beauty of the nation's cloud forests, mountain ranges, art, cuisine and ancient ruins. The Inca Trail in particular draws thousands of backpackers and tourists every year who flock to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Whether they hike the trail itself or take the train to see the famed lost city of the Incas, it's an unforgettable journey into the heart of the history of that massive South American empire.

The Incan road system ran up and down the west coast of the South American continent, going the southern reaches of modern Chilé up to northern Ecuador. They were used chiefly for postal runners that kept the far reaches of the empire in close communication. The most popular section of the trail for hikers is the Capaq Nan, which runs from the small town of Ollantaytambo all the way to Machu Picchu. Guides are recommended, particularly during the rainy season when conditions on the trail can be dangerous due to mudslides. The steep climbs are made worth it by the spectacular views of the rugged Andes mountains, decorated by the cloud forests and fascinating terraced ruins. Many of the people that live along the trail are subsistence farmers, living much the same way and using similar farming techniques as their Ican ancestors.

Although the political situation from about 1980-2000 was quite violent as rebel groups like the Túpac Amaru revolutionaries and the Shining Path vied for power against the government in Lima, it has calmed down sufficiently for tourists to be reasonably safe. High-end hotels catering to Western tourists have opened in recent years in the ancient Incan capital of Cuzco and at Macchu Piccu itself.