There are a few activities that automatically spring to mind when you think of Las Vegas: gambling, nightclubbing, getting married by Elvis, screaming yourself silly at the Stratosphere, and… shooting guns? Yes, one of Vegas’ most popular tourist attractions is a shooting range called The Gun Store, located just a short drive off the strip, on Tropicana Avenue. The Gun Store has been featured in episodes of CSI and Pawn Stars, and has been reviewed on the Travel Channel, the History Channel, the BBC, and CNN. Shooting ranges aren’t that uncommon throughout North America, however, what makes this one so interesting is the sheer variety of guns on offer. When you arrive at The Gun Store, the first thing to catch your eye is the ...
There is an air of mysticism which surrounds the Greek Islands. As the setting for some of the oldest myths, it is no surprise that there is a powerful allure drawing tourists and travellers to these majestic islands. Some of the Greek Islands have become so popular that they have lost some of their authentic appeal and become tourist hotspots filled with hotels, gift shops and tourism agencies. The beautiful Island of Santorini, though a popular destination, has somehow maintained a low-key atmosphere with traditional villages and unique, breathtaking landscapes. Aside from the spectacular sunsets over sunken volcanic islands, one must-see site is the cliff-enclosed Red Beach. Cut off by striking red cliffs, reaching the beach on foot is an adventure all on its own. ...
Some of the greatest moments of a trip are not the ones that you plan, but those unexpected experiences that arise from keeping an open mind and a relatively loose itinerary. The ancient ruins of Ephesus are one such experience. The history of Ephesus is beyond impressive—it’s a literal palimpsest of human history, and evidence of human presence dates as far back as 6,000 years to the Neolithic age. Ephesus continued to grow and prosper until its decline in the Turkish area in the 15th Century. As the largest and best-preserved classical city ruins of the Eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus gets tons of tourist traffic; and given that the farthest entrance to the ancient city of Ephesus is situated approximately 5km outside of the nearest “living” ...
A city founded in 1519 has much history, life and unique explorations awaiting your arrival. Step into Old Havana and experience an elegant town that used to be a crossing point between the New and Old World for the treasure laden Spanish Galleons. With its rich history, Old Havana creates wonder in the minds of those that walk through the uneven streets. Built in neoclassical style, through the years Old Havana has gone through much disarrangement, but continually caters to the tourist who is looking for a relaxing laidback vacation. To step into Old Havana you may want a little bit of background information about the city to familiarize yourself with its many years of greatness. The city was based around the port back in ...
Stepping inside Istanbul's Sultanahmet Camii—commonly known as the Blue Mosque—is a unique experience. It is immediately apparent that this breathtaking building not only stores memories from centuries of Turkish history, but as an active mosque, the Blue Mosque remains central to Turkey’s ongoing story. Built in the early 17th Century AD during the reign of Ahmed I, The Blue Mosque faces Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome, alluding to its important historical role in the city. Sections of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque were built on parts of the foundation of the Great Palace, the royal residence of Byzantine Emperors from (303 BC–1081 AD), when Istanbul was known as Constantinople. The architecture is beyond grand, and once you have entered the Sultanahmet mosque through the rear entrance ...
Found on the border of the twin cities—Niagara Falls Ontario, and Niagara Falls New York—the Falls has fascinated all who have witnessed it. Although there have been many documents suggesting who discovered Niagara Falls, the bottom line is, the only thing they deserve credit for is writing about it in their journal and giving themselves a pat on the back. The Niagara Falls we see today started forming itself over 10,000 years ago (meaning lots of time for people other than the Europeans to "discover" it). Over these thousands of years, Niagara Falls has been moving ever so slowly. It's believed to have started approximately six miles down river, where currently the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge connects the U.S and Canada. Each year the Falls recede roughly ...
Situated at the center of Berlin, the Brandenberg gate sits at the heart of history and emotions for the many visitors who visit Berlin each year. However, every New Year’s Eve, the Brandenberg gate is transformed into the party of the year showing the world and Germans alike that they can shake off the past and move forward into a new year. The Brandenberg New Year’s Eve bash is the largest outdoor, open-air party in the world rivaling that of New York and London. Visitors travel from miles around to be part of this fun and historical event. There is nothing better then to party "German style" under the stars surrounded by great friends, music and a backdrop that holds so much history. The main ...
The annual Winterlude festival in Ottawa, Canada, is a celebration of all things cold, icy, and distinctly Canadian. With ice sculpting contests, snow slides, and of course, skating on the famous Rideau Canal, it’s a chilly way to embrace the coldest month of the year—a time when most of us would rather be bundled up indoors. The main hubs of the Winterlude festival are Confederation Park, Jacques-Cartier Park, and the Rideau Canal, all of which have tons of family-oriented activities. Confederation Park, at the head of the Rideau Canal, is home to the Crystal Garden, where an international ice-sculpting contest takes place. Throughout the Winterlude festival, incredible feats of ice sculpting are on display, and guests can even try their own skills with hands-on demonstrations. ...
It is virtually impossible to visit the vibrant, art-infused city of Barcelona and not be drawn into the captivating world of Gaudi (Antoni Gaudi i Cornet), the creator of Spain's most famed monument: La Sagrada Familia. Your first taste of the historical significance held by this man and his work will be the hundreds of miniature replicas of La Sagrada familia, which are crammed onto shelves of the gift shops lining the main street of Barcelona: La Rambla. Apart from every hostel and hotel offering a “Gaudi Tour,” there were also the more in-depth and (dare I say more accurate) historical Sagrada Familia tours for those willing to spend a bit more for a museum-quality tour dedicated to Gaudi. You should be able to find ...
Should you find yourself in Madrid around the middle of May each year, you might notice that a healthy portion of the populace is traditionally dressed with red carnations stuck in their vest buttonholes or pinned to their hoop skirts. This is for the Festival of Saint Isidro, the Patron Saint of Madrid, Spain, and of La Ceiba in Honduras. Should you follow a mass of these folks, who will occasionally cluster together to sing choral arrangements, you will undoubtedly find yourself (eventually) at some street party or another where thousands of Madrid’s inhabitants have come to talk and drink long into the evening. To the residents of Madrid, this late spring Festival of Saint Isidro marks the beginning of the long hot summer, and ...
