Sunday, September 21, 2008

Global Travel

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? While it's fun to toss about ideas, could you narrow the choice down to a single destination? We couldn't either. So, we polled our well-traveled staff and came up with a range of eclectic answers to help you decide. Some are metropolitan centers so dense with history and culture you can't walk a block without stumbling upon something worthy of admission. Others remain almost untouched by humanity. No matter where you decide to take your global travel, take our advice and ask for a possible discount.Below are Travel-Wise's top picks for places to see before you die. No matter what your travel style, we guarantee at least one, if not all, will give you itchy feet.

* Africa - We cheated and combined three must-see destinations into the trip of a lifetime. The World Heritage mosques of Tunisia, Kenyan safaris and the mystical allure of Morocco make Africa an intriguing journey for any adventurer.
* Barcelona - An array of architectural styles, ranging from medieval to ultramodern, a summer chockfull of colorful street festivals and some of the best seafood in the Mediterranean give Barcelona an edge over other Mediterranean cities.
* Beijing - While the 2008 Olympics has Beijing sprouting modern amenities, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and impossible acrobatic feats are wonders of the past that no modern sports center can rival.
* Belize - This tiny country in Central America won our hearts with breathtaking Mayan ruins and the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. Even though there are no major cities to draw urbanites, spectacular caves and unparalleled views are enough to make you forget the skyline of Manhattan.
* Galapagos Islands - The inspiration for Darwin's theory of evolution, these remote islands just off Ecuador are home to some of the world's most fascinating creatures - none of which are afraid of humans.
* Egypt - Images of camels crossing the desert with the great pyramids in the distance isn't a cinematic cliché. Here you can touch the Sphinx, tour the Valley of Kings and cruise the river Cleopatra once ruled.
* Greece - Ancient ruins, tiny sun-bleached islands and cliff-side monasteries that defy gravity are only a few of the wonders Greece offers. Tourists love its rich cuisine, hop-able islands and cloudless skies.
* London - The most popular tourist destination in Europe, London has earned the number one spot with an unbeatable combination of culturally significant landmarks, top-drawer attractions, world-class theater and matchless British charm.
* Quebec City - This World Heritage Site is a walled wonder. Cobblestone streets, fabulous cuisine, street entertainers and an irrepressible joie de vivre make Quebec City one of North America's most popular destinations.
* Sydney - Perched on the world's largest natural harbor, Sydney offers art, architecture and unforgettable dining. Clean, easy to navigate and surprisingly friendly, this city retains its warm Olympic charm.

Editor in Chief Travel-Wise

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