Thessaloniki, Greece
Why Thessaloniki?
Many times travelers overlook the north of Greece completely which is a shame. Thessaloniki, also known is Salonika is hip, cool and artsy, and should not be neglected by tourists. Thessaloniki is Greece’s cultural capital. Some of Greece’s greatest musicans, artists, poets, thinkers were from Thessaloniki. Stroll along the waterfront. It has some of the most beautiful beaches and has some of the finest hotels and best restaurants in northern Greece. The Whit Tower, Thessaloniki’s most famous monument is also from Ottoman time: Lefkos Pyrgos, the White Tower. About thirty metres high, it is situated next to the port and hosts a museum of art and culture.
Nick’s Pick: Check out the Capsis Bristol Hotel for your stay. Eat along the waterfront at any of the fine restaurants. Dine on dishes exclusively from Northern Greece, which are especially tasty, varied and sometimes even a bit spicy.
Try pites, richly and variously filled puff pastries, or the famous mezedes, far relatives of Spanish tapas: small canaps, which might be composed of tomatoes, olives, or goat’s cheese, and which you will enjoy accompanying alcoholic drinks such as Ouzo, which is seemingly everywhere.
Merida, Venezuela
Why Merida?
The oil-rich country of Venezuela delivers many diverse offerings. An Eco Tourism dream country. Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world, An unspoiled part of Amazon rain forest, some of the world’s most spectacular scuba diving, white sandy Caribbean beaches, and many protected areas on land and by sea.
But far from the hustle and bustle of Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, high in the Western Andes, lies Merida, Venezuela’s historical and cultural capital, as well as Venezuela’s
University town. Mérida enjoys a mild, springlike climate year-round despite being surrounded by snow caped peaks. Merida keeps its steep native Indian roots and Andean local traditions. Start early in the day and take the teleferico,
The world’s longest and highest cable car. The Heladeria Coromoto serves Sausage and Garlic ice cream. Quite an experience. As most college towns, combined with a large tourist population, Mérida has a great assortment of cafes, restaurants, bars, and discos.
Nick’s Pick: Don’t miss the Merida Aquarium (Jardin Acquario de Merida). Well worth a visit. Stay at the Posada Casa Sol (Local Family Style Inn).Many accomodations in Venezuela are stays at locally run Inns called Posadas. This is a great way to meet the locals. There are many posadas in the Andean city of Merida.
Perth, Australia
Why Perth?
Sadly, few travelers make it to the West of Australia. With year round sunshine and a cosmopolitan vibe, Perth is the gateway to Western Australia.
While Sydney and Melbourne have a big city atmosphere , Perth has a laid back charm about it. A city filled with entertainment, bars, clubs, Australian and international culture. Perth is filled with parks and surrounded by the longest stretch of beach in the southern hemisphere. Shop like a local on streets and charm filled neighborhoods of Mt Hawthorne, Leederville, East Victoria Park, Subiaco, Claremont, Mt Lawley and Fremantle. Beyond the city visit the rugged countryside of the Avon Valley where you learn to sky dive or hang glide, or ride in a hot air balloon. Take a river cruise on the Swan River.
Nick’s Picks: Take the ferry ride to Rottnest Island. A Perthites favorite weekend hang out. Also, don’t miss the Perth Zoo. Take a short ferry ride across the river to the Perth Zoo to visit some down under critters and exhibits.
San Diego, California, U.S.A.
Why San Diego?
Many times San Diego takes a back seat to its big brother, Los Angeles. But a mere 90 miles away is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant nightlife and boasting some of the best beaches in California. With year round temperatures around 70 degrees, outdoor activities year long. La Jolla, Coronado, Del Mar, Pacific Beach are just a few of San Diego’s gems. The Gaslamp district is San Diego’s energetic downtown and night scene. San Diego is a city with world class restautants, Catch a baseball game at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. Party the night away at one of San Diego’s many roof top hotels, bars, and clubs. For families looking for a day at the beach or for night revelers, San Diego truly is “California Dreamin’.”
Nick’s Picks: The Omni Hotel, as well as the nearby Marriot, are my two favorite hotels in the Gas Lamp district. If you like nostalgic hotels take a drive across the Coronado Bridge to the Hotel Del Coronado, home to Hollywood legends the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant. Try the Tapas at Ole Madrid. Party the night away at Altitude Sky Lounge. Join the young and the restless at one of Gaslamp’s loftiest hot spots, an open-air bar 22 stories above San Diego.
Marrakech, Morocco
Why Marrakech?
Marrakech or Marrakesh , take your pick. Just the thought of Morocco’s mystical city of souks and snake charmers conjures images of Arabian knights and flying magic carpet rides. Located at the foothills of Africa’s largest mountain range, the Atlas Mountains. Visit the souk or marketplace in the Medina for amazing deals on spices, textiles, carpets, fabrics, natural oils, pottery, leather goods, and more. Stroll Djemae el Fna, Morocco’s main square a circus of jugglers, fortune tellers, snake charmers, dancers, local musicians and becomes even more vibrant as the sun goes down loaded with food stalls in the evening. Moroccan cuisine is generally accepted as one of the World’s great cuisines. Marrakech offers some of the tastiest food around. Tasty tagines, cous cous. Whether you eat on the streets or in one of Marrakech’s fine restaurant, dining being one of life’s pleasures on any trip, especially holds true in the “Ochre City.”
San Sebastian, Spain
Why San Sebastian?
Basque in the glory of Spain’s elegant northern resort town. San Sebastian marches to its own beat. Seemingly a world away from the noise and the crowds of Madrid.
Are you really in Spain? Somehow, San Sebastian feels like you’re in place suspended in time. The best time to visit is anytime but July and August as this is when rich Spaniards and French tourist flood the city. Prices for accommodation can drop up to two thirds in the off season months. San Sebastian is all about beaches. With four main beaches you will find your own perfect beach paradise. La Concha is the closest to town and by far the most famous and with its close proximity to everything San Sebastian. Gros and La Zurriola, are popular with the young and the surfer crowd. Ondarreta beach is the quietest but a fair distance away. The old quarter of San Sebastian boasts some of the most delicious food in this nation of foodies. Get your food on, as the old quarter has more Pintxos or Tapas bars to satisfy any foodies taste. Kitchens serve up delightful meals, and be prepared to eat late if your goal is the see the real San Sebastian, start at 10pm or even later. San Sebastian may not be the cheapest city in Spain, and while many travelers flock to Madrid and Barcelona, don’t see the basque playground with the upmost charm of anywhere in Spain or in Europe for that matter.
Nick’s Picks: While San Sebastian is a city full of Tapas Bars try Bar Gaztelu. Tucked away in the old part of town, this is a traditional tapas bar with a crowd of regulars and a comfortable vibe. They have flavorful cured ham and fresh cheese, and these can be enjoyed individually or combined into a delectable sandwich that is prepared while you watch.
There are many combinations to choose from, and with a glass of house wine, this makes a good lunch or light dinner. The Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel has a picturesque setting on Mount Igueldo, offering impressive views of San Sebastian Bay. This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and rooms with balconies.
Kunming, China
Why Kunming?
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is known as the “city of eternal spring.” Set at an altitude of 6,000 feet and boasts a mild, yearlong climate. Kunming is the gateway to the Yunnan Stone Forest and the Golden Temple. Kunming is worth a visit for the scenery alone. From the snows edging the Tibetan plateau to the tropical rainforests of the south. The area is quite spectacular. Kunming is a relaxing city with excellent restaurants and very laid back by Chinese standards. The best place to see life in Kunming passing by is taking a seat in the Dianchi Lake and watch the seagulls, praised as “the Pearl of the Plateau”, the lake is the sixth largest fresh water lake in China. Kunming is world-famous for its abundance of camellias, orchids, azaleas and Primula malacoides, which can be found in the Kunming Botanical Garden, where 4,000 varieties of tropical and subtropical plants grow profusely. Although now a quite congested city, with so much in the surrounding area. Kunming is also renowned for many delicious local dishes; the most famous ones are Across Bridge Rice Noodle and Xuanwei Ham. You can enjoy them both at local famous restaurants or the night market. In the night markets you will find many pubs, bars and cafes that serve good quality meals.It’s well worth a visit to this many times missed part of China.
Nick’s Picks: The Bamboo Temple is another place to go. The 500 arhat statues in the halls are the pride of the temple. Stay in local tea houses. Visit the night market to buy local indigenous crafts.
Salta, Argentina
Why Salta?
Argentina may have more diversity than any other country on the planet. Where else can see penguins, waterfalls, jungle, desert and mountains in one country? Salta, is in the northwestern most region of the country is like nowhere else in Argentina. Salta contains some of the most gorgeous landscapes you’ll ever see. This is the Argentinian Andes. Salta is widely accepted as Argentina’s best preserved and most picturesque, colonial city. The weather is perfect with a very mild summer and warm and dry winter, with average temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, 22 Celsius which makes the city an ideal place to live or visit. The dusty colonial town is home to the Calchaqui Indians and is steep in Catholic traditions. The refreshingly slow pace includes a daily mid-day siesta. From one to five in the afternoon everything shuts down. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking from desert to cloud forests. Flocks of goats on the road are the norm in Salta’s outskirts. Like most Spanish colonial cities there is a quaint main square along with an amazing cathedral de San Francisco. Salta’s outdoor eateries give it a most European feel. Take the Teleferico, a cable car that takes you high above the city for some spectacular views.
Nick’s Picks: In the outskirts you take a unique train ride “El Tren a las Nubes” (The Train in the Clouds). It consists of a train journey that goes through the clouds as it crosses the Andes at 4,220 meters or close to 14,000 feet above sea level. Salta is famous for its scrumptious empanadas.
Durban, South Africa
Why Durban?
Think of South Africa and you probably think of Safaris in Kruger Park, or visiting Capetown and taking the cable car up Table Mountain. But perhaps South Africa’s third city is its finest. Durban is situated in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, on the east coast of the South Africa. Durban is another city on the water with year round warm temperatures making it ideal for surfers and beachcombers. Durban’s “Golden Mile” beach area is even protected from sharks by metal nets. Durban’s waterfront has a Mediterranean feel and is great for bar hopping and filled with many places to eat and stay. Durban is home to a very large Indian population. Victoria Indian Street Market is a bustling with delicious Indian delicacies along with mosques and temples. As the sun sets, Durban becomes a city with a vibrant nightlife. Live music, dancing, bar hopping, party boats surround the city. If you wish to pull a late night of partying, you can easily stay out into the wee hours of the morning.
Nick’s picks: Visit Ushaka Marine World Aquarium, home to a large and diverse selection of West Indian Ocean sea life. Right on the promenade of Durban. Umgeni River Bird Park houses over 3000 indigenous birds in a lush vegetation setting. In a sense it is a zoo full of birds. Check out Tiger Tiger and Studio 54 for clubbing and dancing.
Beirut , Lebanon
Why Beirut?
Nick’s Picks: Le Patio Boutique Hotel, situated in the heart of Beirut, Le Patio Boutique Hotel is a family-friendly hotel, and is within walking distance of Martyrs Square, Clock Tower, and Mohammed Al Amin Mosque.Also nearby are Planet Discovery and Beirut Municipality Stadium.
Le Gray Beirut Hotel is worth checking out if not for a stay, at least to visit the revolving rooftop restaurant and club. The view is fantastic. Beirut is full of fine cuisine and nightlife. Clubs such as Sky Bar Beirut, The Basement Lebanon and I-Bar stay open until the wee hours of the morning.
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