Asia

Asia is a fascinating continent where tradition and modernity co-exist in stark contrast. It is also Earth’s largest and most populous continent, with a remarkable diversity of culture and religion. The Taj Mahal in India attracts lovers and dreamers from all over the world, and in the Land of Kings—otherwise known as Rajasthan—are an abundance of colorful markets concealing an ocean of trinkets, textiles, exotic ornaments and other splendid souvenirs waiting to be discovered! Moving a little further southeast is one of the most breathtaking islands of the Indonesian archipelago: Bali—‘The Island of the Gods’. Bali is home to over 10,000 temples including the unforgettable Lempuyang temple which is so picturesque it has come to be known as the ‘Gates of Heaven’. Just a little flight north from Bali is Bangkok, Thailand, a top tourist destination in Asia famous for its vibrant food scene. Other incredibly beautiful, modern and exciting cities not too far from Bangkok are Kuala Lumpur and Singapore! Still a little further east from these lies Beijing and Hong Kong, home to remarkable architectural sites such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall. From Victoria Peak—the tallest hill in Hong Kong—one can get spectacular, sweeping views of the city below. And still moving further east is Kyoto, Japan, a city that is home to an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites that include temples, shrines and castles! Of course, no picture of Asia would be complete without mentioning the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, located in Nepal, or the magnificent Temples of Angkor in Cambodia.

Discover Europe’s most-visited tourist attractions: medieval cities, rich museums, ancient ruins, churches, and breathtaking scenery. There are 50 sovereign states located within Europe, with Russia being the largest of these. Some of the world’s biggest languages—English, Spanish, French, German and Russian—are spoken in Europe. But there are also many countries in which small languages are spoken, such as Lithuanian, Bulgarian and Slovenian. Europe offers travelers a rich blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Millions of people from all over the world come to Europe every year to explore all the wonders that the continent has to offer.

Approximately 565 million people live in the 23 independent countries of North America. In the United States you can admire natural wonders, cities, and historic landmarks. Disney World in Florida is possibly the most visited amusement park in the world. Many visitors to the US also come to see New York, Washington, Las Vegas or San Francisco. While the US has states, Canada has provinces and territories. Canada also has some of the most unique and extreme wildlife experiences in the world and is home to the renowned natural wonder: the Niagara Falls! And we certainly can’t forget about Mexico! Mexico is currently one of the most visited countries in the world. It is a country full of magic, color and life, home to the ancient Mayan ruins and breathtaking World Heritage Cities!

If you know some Spanish or Portuguese, South America can quickly become a lifetime addiction. South America is home to incredible wonders such as the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru. It’s also home to stunning cities—take for example Buenos Aires in Argentina which has been nicknamed the “Paris of South America”, or the festive city of Rio de Janeiro that hosts the largest carnival in the world. There is no shortfall of natural wonders either. Lying on the border shared by Peru and Bolivia, one can find the largest freshwater lake in South America, Lake Titicaca—a strikingly blue lake once believed to have been the birthplace of the sun. Then there is of course the renowned Amazon river that promises a world of excitement and adventure; the breathtaking stretches of sandy beaches scattered along Brazil’s Atlantic coast; the unforgettably scenic landscapes of Chilean Patagonia; and the majestic Angel Falls in Venezuela—the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall!

Australia is consistently ranked amongst the best countries in the world in terms of quality of life. It is also home to a spectacular and diverse natural landscape that supports 10% of the world’s biodiversity. A great number of the animals and plants found in Australia exist nowhere else on earth. The list of things to see and do in this great expanse seem endless. Apart from drives along the Great Ocean Road, and the incredible selection of food and wine, are both man-made and natural wonders such as the Sydney Opera House—an architectural masterpiece, and the Great Barrier Reef—the largest living organism on earth. The deeply sacred Uluru Rock which is protected by the Anangu people is also part of Australia’s incredible landscape, as are the Blue Mountains National Park, the Kakadu National Park and the world-famous Bondi Beach. The former three, as well as the Great Barrier Reef are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Africa’s population is the youngest of all the continents. It is also the second largest continent in terms of both land area and population. Vitality and lust for life radiate from the diverse cultures and landscapes found on this vast expanse of land! Over a thousand languages are spoken in Africa which is comprised of 54 countries—the most of any continent. Within Africa there are endless possibilities for adventure. Most people visit Africa for the safaris, but there is so much to be seen and experienced beyond this: from beautiful art and handmade crafts, spectacular expeditions through pygmy villages in the Congo Basin—one of Earth’s most vital wilderness areas, to life changing encounters with gorillas in the volcanic ranges spanning Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC.