The Best Places to Visit in France

France is one of the world's most fascinating countries to visit.  We believe that our recommendations on the best places to visit in France will provide you with  an incomparable travel experience. France is a scenic country whose people and culture have been at the center of  world history for over a thousand years. It is the visitor's good fortune that the French have determinedly preserved their culture and heritage.  Examples of the country's  spectacular attractions, particularly in the form of famous buildings and architecture, can be found almost everywhere, but particularly in the country's historically important cities, cathedrals, abbeys and incredibly lavish châteaux and palaces. Classic art and sculpture abound in this country and you can wander the collections of France's great museums surrounded by world-renowned collections filled with works by the world's master artists. If you prefer the outdoors, France offers a variety of outstanding and photogenic natural landscapes including  beautiful coasts and magnificent mountains. Across the many regions of France, there are innumerable  cities whose wonderful food,

wine, ambiance and geographical diversity reflects the landscapes and unique cultures that comprise France. For Instance, Paris, one of the favorite destinations of travelers worldwide, is fundamentally unique in France, as it is like no other French city.  This same this diversity of site, scene and situation occur across France and makes touring the regions of this country a perpetual morning, with something new to learn from each place you visit. We hope that you find time to explore France and discover the incredible cities and cultural regions, both historical and current, created by the French people.
 

Paris and Ile de France

Ile-de-France is a region of France that includes and surrounds Paris, the country's capital. Ile-de-France is the country's most populated area, but one with numerous charms and many outstanding attractions.
The City of Light is one of the world's great cities and a  trip to Paris is, for many, the vacation of a lifetime. Paris offers the tourist numerous attractions that are unique and without match.  The best art, fabulous architecture, visible history, leading museums, and romantic settings surround you when visiting Paris.

Château de Versailles  

• The splendor of Versailles, along with its splendid architecture and lavish parkland are unequalled in the modern world.  The opulence of Versailles can be appreciated only by visiting this historic, ostentatious home of the French monarchy.  Click on the link above for our  description (and photographs) of Versailles and its many attractions.
  
  

  Chartres Cathedral  

• Notre Dame of Chartres, a remarkably preserved Gothic-style cathedral, dates from the late 12th century and was built over a religious site previously used by Druids. The Chartres Cathedral towers above the surrounding plain and is a remarkable architectural achievement.  The cathedral's structure is magnificent, while its interior contains some of Europe's best stained glass windows.   Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a spectacular package and well worth a visit.
  
  • The cathedral's construction marked a unique point in the evolution of  building construction, as the size and height of  the cathedral proposed for Chartres surpassed what was thought possible at the time (for, example, its tallest tower is as tall as a 38 story building).
  • During your tour of the interior be sure to see the immense, beautiful Rose Window and its five lancets dating from the 13th century.
  • The Cathedral is well-known for its unusual circular labyrinth that dates from the late 12th century.  Scholars believe that walking the path of the labyrinth was once considered a  mini-pilgrimage undertaken by the faithful in a plea for the forgiveness of their sins.
  • If you visit on the weekend, you might be lucky enough to listen to one of the cathedral's famous organ concerts.
  • This site from the San Jose State University has a detailed photographic tour of the Chartres Cathedral.

• Fontainebleau   

• From its beginnings  as a royal hunting lodge,  Fontainebleau developed into a stately grand palace with expansive, lush grounds,  exceptional interior design, and elegant furnishings.  Touring Fontainebleau is an afternoon well spent. The buildings are cavernous and the grounds are expansive, so bring your most comfortable walking shoes.
  
  

  Giverny 

• Monet's home in Giverny has put this lazy, quaint town on the map. The house and the gardens have been revitalized  to match the look of the property when Monet lived and painted in this evocative parcel nested in a small country village. Although quite popular and crowded,  visiting Giverny is a visual and emotional treat.
• The water garden, comprised of lazily leafed willows, ponds,  water lilies, and the famous Japanese Bridge, is the most popular of Giverny's many areas. The Clos Normand, a formal French-style Garden close to the house, is another delightful area to wander.
• The gift store has an enormous collection of posters, books, calendars and other trinkets, all memorializing Monet, aspects of his life and his amazing paintings.
  
  

  Provins 

• Provins, a location famous in medieval times for its annual trade fares (including the Champagne Fairs), is a fortified city protected by a defensive wall and towers constructed before the 12th century.  The town is known to have been in existence by the 9th century and later gave rise to the Counts of Champagne, as well as playing a key role in French history.
• Located about 60 miles (91 km) southeast of Paris, the Old Town area that hosted the medieval trade fares has been well preserved. Most visitors, however, come to see Provins' amazing fortifications, and a castle-keep known as Caesar's Tower.  The experience of visiting a city that has authentic medieval roots makes Provins a popular destination with sightseers.

Vacation Destinations in Normandy, France

 

• Normandy is a delightful place to visit.  It is an area with a unique culture and tradition and your travels here will be unlike anywhere else in France. Its modestly sized cities contain many unique treasures, its coasts are delightful and its regional cuisine can be excellent.
• For numerous visitors, touring Normandy is based on their interest in the historic D-Day Invasion that led to the end of World War II.  Be prepared for an unexpected, emotional reaction when you visit the D-Day Invasion beaches and memorial cemeteries.
  
  

Top 10 American road trips

Here are 10 great one-day continental U.S. driving adventures -- selected for scenery, cultural attractions and geographical diversity -- to unleash your inner Kerouac.

1.Massachusetts, Cape Cod
"If you're linear in your thinking," says Fodor's senior editor Paul Eisenberg, who worked on the Great American Drives series, "you're probably going to do best with something along a coast." His favorite is Cape Cod's eastern shore, from Bourne to Orleans. These 40 miles along the Old King's Highway (state Route 6A) are sprinkled with beaches, inns and museums. Plus, Eisenberg adds, "I like knowing I don't have to sweat the directions going back."

2.Vermont, Stowe to Smugglers' Notch
Autumn's hottest show? The deciduous trees of Vermont. For front-row seats, head south from Stowe along state Route 100, treating your sweet tooth at the Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury and your eyes to 100 miles of blazing fall foliage, much of it within Green Mountain National Forest. As a finale, the Smugglers' Notch mountain pass features 1,000-foot cliffs and, if you're lucky, peregrine falcons. Leaf hotline: (800) VERMONT.

3.Tennessee, Johnson City to Gatlinburg
So dang gorgeous, these 90 miles of rural Tennessee might inspire you to grab a banjo and strum an Appalachian love song. Take U.S. Route 11E toward Davy Crockett's birthplace (Everyone: "Born on a mountaintop..."). At Greenville, where two homes of Andrew Johnson anchor a presidential historic site, veer onto U.S. Route 321, skirting the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Next day, depending on your preference, visit the park or, for mountains of a different kind, nearby Dollywood.

4.Florida, Overseas Highway
Only car-crazy America would link a 105-mile long chain of islands -- from Key Largo, just south of Miami, west to Key West -- with a highway, U.S. Route 1. "You're on either a bridge or a causeway, surrounded by shimmering water," says Janet Groene, author of Great Eastern RV Trips. "It's a lovely, lovely drive." Two tips: Crowds are smaller during spring and early summer, and catch the sunset at Key West's Mallory Square Dock.

5.South Dakota, Pierre to Mount Rushmore
Mythic Mount Rushmore does not disappoint, even after driving more than 200 miles across jaw-droppingly cool scenery. From Pierre, follow U.S. Route 83 across the Missouri River and striking grasslands to Interstate 90, going west. The good stuff isn't visible from the interstate, so be sure to turn off at Murdo for buffalo burgers, Badlands National Park for dusty canyons and Rapid City for dead presidents carved into the Black Hills.

6.Texas, El Paso to Marathon
Plenty of trucker hats in these parts, atop both legitimate truckers and Brooklyn hipsters. Artsy types are flocking to the remote West Texas town of Marfa, home to the Chinati Foundation's minimalist art collection. Head east from El Paso along Interstate 10 (and the U.S.-Mexico border), turning south at Van Horn onto U.S. Route 90 -- about 230 miles total. When you tire of Chinati's aluminum boxes and fluorescent light bulbs, focus on the desert landscapes of Big Bend National Park, an hour from Marathon.

7.Montana, Great Falls to Missoula
"History-themed tours are always good," Groene says. "You could build a whole trip around Civil War sites or black history sites." Or you could honor the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's (and Sacagawea's) expedition with a drive through Montana's Bitterroot Range. Fine-tune your route at the excellent Great Falls interpretive center, heading east on whatever roads visit the sites that interest you most. (Estimate 150 miles.) As you cross the Continental Divide, note the lack of a Northwest Passage for boats.

8.Washington, Everett to Ellensburg
From the shores of Puget Sound, take U.S. Route 2 east and upward into the Cascade Mountains. Looming to your right is 10,541-foot-high Glacier Peak. At only 135 miles, albeit twisty ones, your journey allows time to explore one of the frequent hiking trails and the faux (but fun) Bavarian charms of Leavenworth, after which you'll head south on U.S. Route 97. End point Ellensburg is a cool college town of pretty streets and renowned rock climbing.

9.San Francisco, Scenic Drive
At only 49 miles, San Francisco's official self-guided driving tour is one of this list's shortest trips. Given the beautiful city's heinous traffic, however, it could take the longest. Begin anywhere you see one of the Scenic Drive signs with the big seagull, and follow the looping route counterclockwise to Mission Dolores, Coit Tower and other postcard-pretty highlights. Just spend rush hour at a café.

10.California, Monterey to Morro Bay
Like you needed reminding that state Route 1 along California's central coast ranks as one of America's -- heck, the planet's -- best road trips. South of Monterey begins 125 miles of windy highway within incredible scenery, most amazing at Big Sur, where the Santa Lucia Range slopes steeply into the Pacific. By the time you hit San Simeon, the Hearst Castle's architectural wonders will barely register against what Mother Nature just showed you.

Top 10 Zoos

10. Animal Kingdom, Orlando

Animal Kingdom is part of the Disney Theme Park collection in Orlando, Florida. While it’s obviously a commercial zoo, the zookeepers do their best to make sure each animal feels as though he is in a realistic habitat, with plenty of space and as little human distraction as possible. The goal is to make sure that the park promotes conservation as much as possible. Animal Kingdom is home to over 1,500 exotic animals, plus hundreds of fish and bird species!

9. Basel Zoo, Switzerland

Basel Zoo in Switzerland was opened in 1874, allowing it to rank as one of the oldest zoos in operation today. The zoo is, in fact, the second most visited attraction in all of Switzerland. There are more than 6,000 animals in this popular Swiss destination, including Somolian wild donkeys and dwarf hippopotami!

8. Beauval Zoo, France

The Beauval Zoo in France originally opened in 1980 as an aviary, housing over 2,000 species of birds alone. It wasn’t until over 10 years later when other animals were introduced to the habitat and the zoo has since grown to over 4,000 animals. Favorites include the zoo’s two white tigers, known as Gorby and Raisa; and the pair of twin manatees, known as Quito and Luna. Make sure you stop by and say hello when you visit!

7. Bronx Zoo, New York

The Bronx Zoo in New York is the largest zoo you’ll find in a metropolitan location in the United States. The park itself takes up over 250 acres of land and includes a number of endangered and rare species in its collection of over 4,000 animals. Stop by Tiger Mountain to meet the Siberian tigers, visit the stunning 6.5 acre Congo Gorilla Forest for an African safari adventure, or visit Madagascar to meet the lemurs and hissing cockroaches!

6. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Located in Pretoria, the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa leaves nothing to the imagination. As the largest zoo in South Africa, it houses over 2,500 species of animals. Incredibly, most of the animals at the zoo today were bred and born there. The zoo also features a reptile park, the largest aquarium in the entire country, and an extensive collection of exotic trees!

5. Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany

The Berlin Zoological Garden in Germany originally opened in 1844. It is considered a historical landmark because it survived World War II and was then rebuilt to a better state of existence. Even architects will enjoy the incredible structures contained within the zoos walls! The Berlin Zoo is acknowledged around the world because of the rare species it contains and because it successfully breeds animals on a regular basis.

4. Schonbrunner Zoo, Austria

The Schonbrunner Zoo in Vienna, Austria was founded in 1792, making it the oldest zoo in the world. Be sure to visit the Rainforest house and Artic Polarium while you’re there. The most entertaining exhibit at the zoo right now is the home of the polar bears. The mother bear had two beautiful cubs in late November of 2007. She brought them outdoors for the first time in March of 2008. If you’re lucky, she’ll bring them outside while you’re there!

3. Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, DC

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington DC has rightfully earned the title of the country’s National Zoo. The zoo can be found in Rock Creek Park and houses over 400 species totaling at least 2,000 animals. The coolest thing about the zoo is that regular admission is free. One of the most exciting features is the Snore and Roar tour – it involves a night-time tour of the zoo and a camp-out – if you dare!

2. Toronto Zoo

The Toronto Zoo also ranks amongst the largest in the world, spanning over 700 acres and housing over 5,000 animals! Did you know that 2008 is the year of the frog? Zoos around the world are participating in an effort to increase awareness about the dangers threatening amphibians. The Toronto Zoo has dozens of activities planned throughout the entire year in honor of the frog and his friends!

1. Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is famous for their incredible landscape design, with habitats simulating life in the wild for each of their animal species. The zoo features dozens of fun and unique attractions, including the famous Jungle Breakfast! Enjoy your breakfast with the animals in the distance. You may get to feed the elephants, but more often than not you’ll find yourself entertained by the orangutans as they mingle throughout the crowd!

10 Best Trips Destination of Summer 2012

Check out these 10 top trips, hand-picked by me as the best of summer 2012. Where do you want to go this summer? Share your travel plan.....

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  1. Muskoka Cottage Country, Ontario, Canada

  Photograph by Randy Craig, Getty Images

  In Eastern Canada, “cottage country” covers any lake destination within easy driving distance for a quick weekend getaway. Central Ontario’s Muskoka district is close to Toronto—about two hours north via Highways 400 and 11—while still offering an unplugged pace that’s a world away from Canada’s largest city. The 2,500-square-mile natural playground includes 8,699 miles of shoreline; 17 historic towns and villages; and countless waterfalls and lakes bordered by the granite peaks of Algonquin Provincial Park to the east and the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay Islands National Park to the west. Spend the day paddleboarding on Muskoka Lake or exploring the Riverwalk and shops of Canada’s waterfall capital, Bracebridge. For an old-school family vacation, head north to Peninsula Lake’s Pow-Wow Point Lodge, a 91-year-old, all-inclusive resort featuring simple summer pleasures like campfires, canoeing, and volleyball. Plan an August visit to catch Algonquin Park’s educational Thursday evening wolf howls starring—weather-permitting—the reclusive, inhabitant, four-pawed chorus.
  Pictured here: Colorful deck chairs invite lingering at Kahshe Lake in Muskoka, Ontario.
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  2. Patagonia, Argentina

  Photograph by Michael Truelove

  Follow winter to the Southern Andes to experience cool summer adventures on the world’s highest mountain range outside of Asia. Mid-June to late September resorts in Argentina's Patagonia region (accessible via direct flights from Buenos Aries) offer beginner-to-expert downhill terrain; deep, dry powder; open bowl, glacier and gladed tree skiing; and snowboarding. Patagonia’s comparatively lower altitudes (3,300 foot-base elevation at Cerro Catedral versus 7,349 feet at Las Lenas, Argentina’s largest ski area) help first-time visitors avoid high-altitude sickness. Stay at the Correntoso Lake & River Hotel to enjoy snowcapped Patagonian Andes and glacial Lake Nahuel Huapí views, transportation to nearby Cerro Bayo ski resort, and guided horseback and snowshoe treks through neighboring Nahuel Huapí National Park. Constructed of local stone and beech, the luxury resort delivers après ski pampering in its tranquil indoor pool, herbal hamman, and spa. For double-black diamond skiers, Adventure outfitter Andes Cross customizes small heli-ski and free-ride backcountry tours in the remote reaches of northern Patagonia between El Calafate and Bariloche.
  Pictured here: A skier jumps off a rock on Cerro Catedral.
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  3. San Juan Islands, Washington

  Photograph by Phil Schermeister, National Geographic

  Summer in Washington’s San Juan Islands is all about the weather, whales, and water. The Olympic Peninsula’s rain shadow effect (basically, the mountains block rain-producing weather systems) produces dry, clear, comfortable days on the archipelago’s four named islands—San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw. Hike in Lime Kiln Point State Park on the west side of San Juan for shore-based orca whale watching or join a Sea Quest kayak tour for a porpoise-level view. Ferry hop to Lopez for leisurely biking, then spend the night on Orcas at Turtleback Farm Inn, a bucolic working farm bordering the 1,576-acre Turtleback Mountain Preserve. The islands are accessible via direct 30-to-45-minute flight from Seattle, or choose the drive-on Washington State Ferry to travel along the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway. The route follows traditional Coast Salish tribal canoe channels via marine highway from Anacortes to San Juan, then continues as two separate driving tours on San Juan and Orcas. Ferries are packed in summer, so arrive early and stay patient, especially on the eastbound ride back to reality.
  Pictured here: Sunset warms the San Juan Islands, connected with the Washington State mainland by ferries.
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  4. Minneapolis, Minnesota

  Photograph by Bruce Kluckhohn, Getty Images

  A pedestrian-and-pedal-friendly downtown and welcoming Midwestern vibe make it easy for first-time visitors to quickly feel at home in Minneapolis. Snow can fall here from October to April, so the arrival of warm weather launches a full throttle, June-August celebration of arts, music, and cultural festivals (check out the Minneapolis Aquatennial, July 16-24); farmers markets (17); and fan-friendly Minnesota Twins baseball (played downtown at Target Field—ranked the top sports stadium in North America by ESPN The Magazine). Survey the vibrant scene from the new CRAVE restaurant rooftop patio near the State Theatre, then grab a bike at the nearest Nice Ride Minnesota kiosk ($5 plus trip fees) and cruise all or part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, a 50-mile urban trail loop. With 22 city lakes and the mighty Mississippi, playing on, in or near the water always is an option. Indoor activities center on the city’s 57 museums and the 4.2 million-square-foot Mall of America housing 520 plus stores and Nickelodeon Universe, the nation’s largest indoor family theme park.
  Pictured here: Fans cheer on the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in downtown Minneapolis.
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  5. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

  Photograph by Alaska Stock Images/National Geographic

  Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is pure Alaska on the rocks. Glaciers cover 27 percent of this 3.2-million-acre marine wilderness, World Heritage site, and UNESCO Biosphere Preserve, home to humpback whales, harbor porpoises, moose, black and brown bears, mountain goats, and mountain peaks topping 15,000 feet. Mid-May to September, cruise past deep fjords, coastal forests, and the main attractions—seven active tidewater glaciers calving glaciers into the bay. Though most visitors see the park topside from cruise ships, locally owned park concessionaire Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks offers guided and unguided daylong kayak adventures, as well as multi-day rentals for experienced backcountry campers who want to explore the 700-plus miles of shoreline. Additional overnight options include Glacier Bay Lodge (the only lodging in the park) and the adjacent walk-in campground in Bartlett Cove, plus rustic inns, lodges, and cabins ten miles away in Gustavus, Glacier’s tiny gateway town. Located about 65 miles northwest of Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park is accessible only by cruise ship, tour boat, or seaplane, or, new for 2011, via the Monday and Wednesday (May-September) Alaska Marine Highway System ferry to Gustavus.
  Pictured here: Icebergs calved from Reid Glacier dwarf a visitor to Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park.
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  6. Cardiff, Wales

  Photograph by Keith Morris, Alamy

  Historically a city of castles and coal, Wales’s capital is emerging as a modern sports-entertainment destination. Summer action centers on Cardiff Bay, once the world’s largest coal-exporting port, now a 500-acre freshwater lake with eight miles of waterfront. Surrounding diversions, part of Europe’s largest waterfront development, include shopping and dining at Mermaid Quay, rafting and kayaking at Cardiff International White Water, and windsurfing and powerboating on the bay. Celebrate the August bank holiday weekend (August 27-29) at the Cardiff Harbour Festival featuring tall ships, free activities, and, new for 2011, the Breitling Wingwalkers aerobatic formation team. From Mermaid Quay, take an Aquabus or water taxi up the River Taff or bike along the Taff Trail to Cardiff’s compact city center. Signature sites here include the free National Museum Cardiff (closed Mondays), iconic Cardiff Castle (host of the Grand Medieval Melee, August 13-14, the 150-store St. David’s (named Global Retail Leisure International’s 2010 international shopping center of the year), and Millennium Stadium, site of several London 2012 Olympic Games soccer matches and the Brit Speedway Grand Prix, June 25.
  Pictured here: Visitors to the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay can look down into the National Assembly for Wales's debating chamber.
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  7. Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

  Photograph by Frank Chmura, Alamy

  Nearly 25,000 islands—only a thousand of them inhabited—make up Stockholm’s maritime “garden on the rocks.” The vast archipelago stretches more than 62 miles from north to south over emerald waters best explored via kayak, canoe, sailboat, or classic white ferry. Sweden’s allemansrätt (right of public access to land) makes it possible to roam freely throughout the verdant inner archipelago and the rocky outer reaches. In return for being responsible environmental stewards, travelers can picnic on sandy white beaches, camp on rocky islets, hike in pine forests, swim in secluded coves, and go ashore on any open space—all under a cobalt blue sky that, June through early July, doesn’t darken until 10 p.m. The closest island, Fjäderholmarna, is about a 25-minute ferry ride from the docks at Slussen, Stockholm’s public transportation hub, where you also can hop an eco-friendly bus, tram, or metro to connect to archipelago restaurants, museums, parks, and nature preserves. Lodging options include pastel wooden cottages in the village of Vaxholm, spartan youth hostels, quaint inns, and chartered yachts moored at the Royal Swedish Yacht Club’s historic marina in Sandhamn, site of Sandhamn Race Week, July 2-4.
  Pictured here: A waterside café in Gräddö has picture-perfect views of the Stockholm Archipelago.
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  8. Azores, Portugal

  Photograph by Günter Gräfenhain, Huber/SIME

  A remote location—about a thousand miles west of continental Portugal—has helped limit tourist traffic and development in this unspoiled North Atlantic archipelago. The nine major islands—connected by ferry service in summer, are home to green volcanic mountains, mineral hot springs, hydrangea-covered hills, rambling vineyards, white-washed seaside towns, cobblestone lanes, and traditional Flemish and Moorish windmills. Terceira (“the lilac island”) is known for its weaving tradition and 50 brightly painted imperios (empires), ornate chapels of the Holy Spirit. São Miguel, the biggest island, includes Ponta Delgada (the Azores' largest city), secluded black and white sand beaches, and natural steam vent ovens at Furnas Lake where Portuguese cozido (stew) is cooked in earthen pots buried along the volcanic shoreline. Faial, named “the blue island” for its abundant hydrangeas and blue-trimmed homes, features numerous grottoes, caves, churches, and museums, as well as the bustling Horta marina, a popular stopover point for transatlantic yachtsmen. May to September is the island-wide festival season with numerous religious processions and cultural events celebrating patron saints, the sea, and the local whaling heritage.
  Pictured here: Vacationers relax at a seawater swimming pool on Santa Maria, the southernmost island in the Azores.
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  9. Roatan, Honduras

  Photograph by Ivan Pisarenko, Archivolatino/Redux

  Located about 30 miles north of the Honduran mainland, this divers’ dream destination is encircled by a living coral reef, extending directly from the shore. The shallow-water, reef eco-system is teeming with tropical marine life, making the underwater pageantry easily accessible to snorkelers and novice divers. No longer a best-kept Caribbean secret, the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands is working—through the grassroots Roatan Marine Park—to promote sustainable growth by fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among locals and visitors. At the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences, located on the grounds of the all-inclusive Anthony’s Key Resort, guests can participate in government-sanctioned recreational and educational dolphin programs. Options include snorkeling with more than a dozen bottlenose dolphins; unstructured, small-group dolphin dives 60 feet below the surface; and a six-day Dolphin Scuba Camp for kids ages 5-14. For the ultimate Roatan retreat, book an over-the-water, thatched-roof cabana at the secluded Mango Creek Lodge in Port Royal harbor on the island’s less-traveled East End. Spend the morning fishing on the saltwater flats or kayaking through the mangrove canals, then float back to your cabana’s private deck for some afternoon hammock time.
  Pictured here: A diver swims with Caribbean reef sharks in the waters off Roatan Island.
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  10. Istria, Croatia

  Photograph by Huber/SIME

  More than 40 beaches on Istria’s 333-mile coast have earned a coveted Blue Flag for superior water quality and environmental management standards. While not as familiar to North Americans as Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, this densely forested peninsula at the top right-hand corner of the Adriatic Sea has been a popular summer hot spot since Austro-Hungarian Empire days. Head west and south for crystalline blue bays, tranquil coves, and white pebble and sandy shores bordered by fragrant pines. The Medulin Riviera, located near Istria’s southern tip, offers 49 miles of coastline, plus hilltop medieval villages and ancient ruins to explore. Just south of Medulin is rugged Cape Kamenjak, an edge-of-the-world nature reserve featuring sheer 70-foot cliffs, hidden coves, and flat stone outcroppings nature-made for sunbathing. The current is powerful here, so you may want to play it safe and watch the windsurfing and cliff-jumping action from the safety of the rocky shore. Make time to visit the regional capital Pula, home of the Pula Arena. This remarkably intact first-century Roman amphitheatre hosts numerous summer concerts and events, including the July 16-23 portion of the 58th Pula Film Festival.
  Pictured here: A beautiful day brings sunseekers to the beach in Umag, a town on the coast of Istria.

Popular Cities in England

London #1 most popular location

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Blackpool #2 most popular location

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Manchester #3 most popular location

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Liverpool #4 most popular location

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York #5 most popular location

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Birmingham #6 most popular location

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Torquay #7 most popular location

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Brighton #8 most popular location

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Bath #9 most popular location

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Bournemouth #10 most popular location

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Bristol #11 most popular location

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Cambridge #12 most popular location

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Oxford #13 most popular location

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Leeds #14 most popular location

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Scarborough #15 most popular location

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Newquay #16 most popular location

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Weymouth #17 most popular location

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Nottingham #18 most popular location

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369travelers 10reviews 23blogs

Newcastle upon Tyne #19 most popular location

Newcastle is the largest city in the North East and is populated by so-called 'Geordies'. The city isituated on the north bank of the River Tyne. The city is well known for it's vibrant ni…

286travelers 13reviews 13blogs

Windermere #20 most popular location

Windermere, and its nearby neighbour Bowness on Windermere are situated at the southern end of the English Lake District, Cumbria. Windermere the lake, on the shore of which both towns lie …

4travelers 4reviews 7blogs

Paignton #21 most popular location

Paignton is a popular seaside resort and famous for its long sandy beaches,popular Zoo and occasionally bustling pier. Paignton is located in the very centre of torbay,in between its big …

11travelers 9reviews

Southampton #22 most popular location

Southampton is a large maritime city on the south coast of England. Southampton has a population of approximately 235,000, it is the gateway to the Isle of Wight, and has an eventful past du…

262travelers 8reviews 11blogs

Salisbury #23 most popular location

Salisbury is a magnificent medieval city: historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional English eating houses and characterful shopping streets, and of cause o…

58travelers 18reviews 19blogs

Plymouth #24 most popular location

Plymouth is a city with vast amounts of history! Situated on the south coast of Devon, Plymouth is famous for being a historic Naval city. One of only three English ports that holds naval shi…

159travelers 13reviews 10blogs

Chester #25 most popular location

Originally founded by the Roman's Chester or (Deva Victrix as the Roman's called it) is a touristy city with a population approaching 100,000. Popular attractions and sights include the ra…

97travelers 9reviews 8blogs

Eastbourne #26 most popular location

Eastbourne is a large sea side town in East Sussex, on the south coast of England, with an estimated population of 93,630 as at August 2005. The area has seen human activity since the stone a…

40travelers 7reviews 6blogs

Cheltenham #27 most popular location

Cheltenham is a spa town located within the borough of Gloucestershire in England. It is situated on the very edge of The Cotswolds and has an air of wealth and respectability! It certainly i…

73travelers 3reviews 3blogs

Canterbury #28 most popular location

Canterbury is the the home to 2 large universities and is very student populated. It is full of history - The Cathedral, St Augustines Abbey and Canterbury Castle to name just a few. Plenty…

85travelers 16reviews 13blogs

Harrogate #29 most popular location

Harrogate is a spa town in North Yorkshire, England, Located to the south-east of the Yorkshire Dales. The town is a popular tourist destination; its spa waters, RHS Harlow Carr gardens a…

51travelers 6reviews 8blogs

Sheffield #30 most popular location

Sheffield created two inventions that changed the face of the world: steel and organised football (Allegedly - I haven't seen any recent evidence of this myself, to be honest...) A city th…

314travelers 27reviews 22blogs

Norwich #31 most popular location

Norwich is a medium sized city located in the East of England within the county of East Anglia. It is in a great location very near to the Norfolk countryside and the Broads. The populatio…

207travelers 3reviews 10blogs

Stratford-upon-Avon #32 most popular location

Stratford-upon-Avon (IPA: /ˌstrætfɚd əpɒn ˈɛɪvən/) is a market town and civil parish in south Warwickshire, England. It lies on the River Avon some 38 kilometres (24 miles)[1] south …

22travelers 4reviews 4blogs

Whitby #33 most popular location

Whitby is a seaside resort located on the Yorkshire coast, the East coast of England. The most famous landmarks and tourist attractions here are the statue of Captain James Cook, who sailed f…

12travelers 5reviews 8blogs

Great Yarmouth #34 most popular location

Great Yarmouth is a coastal town in Norfolk, England. It has a rich history from the herring industry and there are a few museums dedicated to this. It is has a large residential area and …

16travelers 7reviews

Portsmouth #35 most popular location

Portsmouth or Pompey, as it is affectionately nicknamed, offers you a worldclass welcome. You'll enjoy a great day out shopping, boat trip services or a night on the town! Portsmouth Cathedr…

224travelers 9reviews 9blogs

Swindon #36 most popular location

Swindon is a strong UK business town on the M4 corridor, with a long history of engineering. It's home to the STEAM museum, dedicated to the Great Western Railway, a thriving railway by Isum…

79travelers 12reviews 5blogs

Windsor #37 most popular location

Windsor, Berkshire, England, is situated about 25 miles due west of London, along the M4, just south of Slough. Home to the royal family, it has evolved into a posh little neighborhood with a…

33travelers 11reviews 11blogs

Exeter #38 most popular location

Exeter is a city in the southwest of the Untited Kingdom, on the south-coast which has about 120.000 inhabitants. Exeter is located on the river 'Exe' and has been founded by the Romans. The …

125travelers 2reviews 4blogs

Reading #39 most popular location

Reading is a town on the main commuter routes into London from the West, lying a short way outside the M25 motorway. It is not well known for its tourism, but has a good shopping mall and a …

194travelers 5reviews 4blogs

Ambleside #40 most popular location

Ambleside is a bustling little tourist village right in the heart of the English lakes. Just a few miles from Windermere, and located on the northern end of the Lake itself. It may have a…

2travelers 10reviews 9blogs

Coventry #41 most popular location

Coventry is an industrial town in the Midlands, not far from Birmingham. It is known for its beautiful modern cathedral, built in the 1950s near the ruins of the medieval cathedral, and its …

103travelers 3reviews 3blogs

Milton Keynes #42 most popular location

Most English people frown when they hear about Milton Keynes. This, though, is only because most cities in England are really old have a lot of history whereas Milton Keynes was "built" as re…

114travelers 11reviews 6blogs

Bowness-on-Windermere #43 most popular location

5reviews

Durham #44 most popular location

Durham is a small city compared to giants like London and Edinburgh, but has its own lovely charm. Durham lies to the south of Newcastle upon Tyne and to the north of Darlington. The shops ar…

87travelers 9reviews 6blogs

Dover #45 most popular location

Dover is a major port on the south-east coast of England. Situated in the county of Kent, it faces Calais, France 22 miles across the English Channel. It has a population of over 40,000. D…

18travelers 9reviews 14blogs

Keswick #46 most popular location

6travelers 7reviews 4blogs

Southport #47 most popular location

Southport is situated in the North West of England and is a beautiful place mainly visited by neighbouring towns and cities who fancy a nice day out and a wander across the beach.

39travelers 4reviews 13blogs

Leicester #48 most popular location

Leicester is a city and county town of the county of Leicestershire. The city itself has grown from being a roman military settlement to the urban metropolis it is today. Many ethnic minoriti…

210travelers 5reviews 13blogs

Newbury #49 most popular location

Newbury is a nice typical town, located in the middle of Southern England. The town is famous for its racecourse, and also for its 17th century castle (Highclere Castle). It is very beauti…

29travelers 5reviews 2blogs

Crawley #50 most popular location

Crawley is in the county of West Sussex in the South of England. It is one of the new towns created as London overspill after the second world war. It has a college and a big shopping centre.…

42travelers 12reviews 2blogs

Telford #51 most popular location

32travelers 2reviews 1blogs

Ipswich #52 most popular location

99travelers 3reviews 1blogs

Northampton #53 most popular location

Situated in the centre of England, Northampton is steeped in historical significance. It was one of the country's most important cities during saxon times. Market square is the centre of No…

98travelers 3reviews 8blogs

Hastings #54 most popular location

Hastings town is home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe, the remains of the first castle in England to be built by William the Conqueror, a preserved Old Town and a strong…

43travelers 4reviews 3blogs

Stonehenge #55 most popular location

Stonehenge is famous for one thing and one thing only and that is the Stonehenge monument itself situated in the English county of Wiltshire. One of the most famous prehistoric sights in t…

57travelers 7reviews 9blogs

Lincoln #56 most popular location

The Cathedral city of Lincoln is one of Britain's prettiest cities in the North. It has a fantastic cathedral, which gathers many visits from all over the country, and indeed the world, but t…

112travelers 3blogs

Skegness #57 most popular location

Skegness is a seaside town located on the Lincolnshire coast of the North Sea. It is 43 miles east of the city of Lincoln. It has one of the better known seaside resorts in the UK as the …

6travelers 3blogs

Warwick #58 most popular location

Warwick (pronounced /ˈwɒrɪk/ war-ick (silent w in middle)) listen (help·info) is the historic county town of Warwickshire in England and has a population of 25,434 (2001 census). The town…

20travelers 5reviews 3blogs

Derby #59 most popular location

Derby is a centrally located city with great access to the M1 and other cities. It has little else offer, unfortunately, in terms of nightlife and sports. It is connected to Nottingham via…

125travelers 4blogs

Carlisle #60 most popular location

24travelers 5blogs

Winchester #61 most popular location

Winchester is a small cathedral city near the South Coast of England, not far from Southampton with good rail links on the London mainline. It has a cathedral with some interesting early med…

47travelers 3reviews 7blogs

Maidstone #62 most popular location

Maidstone, in Kent is toughly an hour’s drive down the M25 or the A2 from London, about 20 minutes drive from the Medway towns and is probably most famous for two things. Firstly, it’s…

51travelers 7reviews 4blogs

Luton #63 most popular location

Luton is the biggest town in the county of Bedfordshire, which is 45km north-west of central London. Luton had a big straw industry back hundred's of years ago but now the main industry seems…

57travelers 16reviews 6blogs

Horley #64 most popular location

9travelers 8reviews

Taunton #65 most popular location

37travelers 2reviews 1blogs

Alnwick #66 most popular location

Alnwick is a quiet market town situated on the coast, in the North East region of England. Home to some fantastic landmarks including the beautiful Alnwick castle and the gardens that surroun…

5travelers 2reviews 2blogs

Dorchester #67 most popular location

9travelers 3reviews 1blogs

Dartmouth #68 most popular location

Dartmouth is a beautiful town situated on the mouth of the river dart,with its busting marina and posh restraunts,a few of which are run by celebrity chefs,it makes Dartmouth a popular destin…

5travelers 5reviews 1blogs

Poole #69 most popular location

Poole is a coastal city in south-west England part of the conurbation with Bournemouth and Christchurch in Dorset County. Poole is an historic harbour city which is easily noticed by its rela…

51travelers 3reviews 15blogs

Bradford #70 most popular location

The textile industry was pretty specialised by location in England and Bradford specialised in worsteds - fne quality cloth made from wool. The term 'woollens' was applied to cloth of lesser …

74travelers 4reviews

Chesterfield #71 most popular location

While the term “market town” might not hold any significance to most Americans, to Europeans and especially residents of the UK it still holds a special place in their hearts. Market town…

42travelers 13blogs

Richmond #72 most popular location

Richmond, North Yorkshire, the first of all Richmonds Richmond is an historic market town in North Yorkshire, with a Norman castle, Georgian architecture, cobbled market place (said to be …

17travelers 8reviews 4blogs

Kendal #73 most popular location

Kendal is an old market town located within the county of Cumbria, North England near to the Lake District and is often referred to as the 'southern gateway to the Lakes'. It is probably most…

23travelers 3reviews 3blogs

Colchester #74 most popular location

Colchester is England's oldest recorded town, and is in the North of Essex. The castle is one of the best preserved Norman keeps in England, although it has lost a lot of the outbuildings an…

89travelers 2reviews 2blogs

Gateshead #75 most popular location

19travelers 4reviews

Loughborough #76 most popular location

Loughborough is a town within the Charnwood borough of Leicestershire, England. It is the second largest settlement in Leicestershire after Leicester, is the seat of Charnwood Borough Council…

39travelers 3reviews 5blogs

Lancaster #77 most popular location

Lancaster, on the county border with a background of the Lake District, an old town with cobbled streets and intriguing passages. With its history based on its port and canal, Lancaster has…

64travelers 3reviews

High Wycombe #78 most popular location

51travelers 1reviews 5blogs

Wells #79 most popular location

Wells is a tiny city in the English county of Somerset. It is near both Bristol and Bath. It is very pretty, and has a stunning cathedral with one of the world's oldest working clocks. There…

7travelers 2reviews 3blogs

Cirencester #80 most popular location

Cirencester is in the Cotswolds, an area well known for its natural beauty. There is a church that is almost totally obscured by its own enormous stone gateway, and a recently refurbished mu…

16travelers 4reviews 3blogs

Stansted #81 most popular location

Stansted airport is based 45km north of the centre of London and was saved by no-frill airline Ryanair back in the early 1990's when the former air base looked like it was facing closure and …

3travelers 8reviews 9blogs

Chelmsford #82 most popular location

Chelmsford is the County Town of Essex. There is a small university, Anglia Ruskin, which also has a campus at Cambridge, but Chelmsford does not really have the atmosphere of a student town…

52travelers 3reviews 2blogs

Salford #83 most popular location

Salford is a city in Greater Manchester - many visitors do not realise they are in a separate city from Manchester itself when they visit. After decades of decline, it has been the focus of …

9travelers 3reviews

Glastonbury #84 most popular location

A land steeped in magic and myth, Glastonbury is believed by some, to be the Isle of Apples, Ynis Witrin, the Land of Youth...Avalon. Tradition says Jesus once visited the holy place and that…

21travelers 4reviews 10blogs

Wakefield #85 most popular location

29travelers 5reviews 1blogs

Halifax #86 most popular location

'Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford Leeds - weave the wool that goes in tweeds' young children used to chant but Halifax was named in a more desperate adult saying - 'from Hell, Hull and Halifax…

35travelers 5reviews

Royal Tunbridge Wells #87 most popular location

Royal Tunbridge Wells, located just 30 miles south of London, is surrounded by glorious Kent countryside. In Georgian times, this historic spa town gained a reputation as the place to see an…

12travelers 4reviews

Camden Town #88 most popular location

Camden Town is an inner city district in northwest London, England. Camden is home to the ever famous Camden Markets. Camden is well-known for its markets, Camden Lock market proper started …

11travelers 9reviews 7blogs

Heathrow #89 most popular location

Heathrow Airport, is UK's and Europe's biggest airport, and also one of the biggest airports in the world alongside JFK in New York. Based 20km west of central London, Heathrow is expanding r…

6travelers 4reviews 28blogs

Alton #90 most popular location

9travelers 6reviews

Greenwich #91 most popular location

Greenwich (pronunciation (help·info); IPA /'ɡɹɛn.ɪtʃ/ "GREN-itch", /'ɡɹɪn.ɪdʒ/ "GRIN-idge" or /'ɡɹɛn.ɪdʒ/ "GREN-idge")[1][2] is a district in south-east London, England, on th…

19travelers 7reviews 11blogs

Southend on Sea #92 most popular location

Southend-on-Sea is a part of Essex down in the South East of England. Its main claim to fame is that it is home to the world’s longest pier extending into the sea at a whopping 1.34 miles!!…

25travelers 2reviews 1blogs

Watford #93 most popular location

63travelers 1reviews 6blogs

Devizes #94 most popular location

Devizes is a small town near Salisbury Plain, Swindon, and the prehistoric sites at Avebury and Silbury Hill. It has at least two independent coffee shops, a village green, and a market squa…

8travelers 5reviews 2blogs

Warminster #95 most popular location

4travelers 4reviews

Grasmere #96 most popular location

2reviews 19blogs

Stoke on Trent #97 most popular location

43travelers 3reviews 2blogs

Staines #98 most popular location

Staines is located in Surrey, about 30km to the west of London. It has its origins in Roman times; there used to be a settlement at the banks of the River Thames. There's not really anything …

18travelers 7reviews 4blogs

Aylesbury #99 most popular location

Aylesbury...a square miles of rolling countryside, the lively market town since 13th century, makes up a whole by modern shopping areas. A lot to offers, historic houses, beautiful countrysid…

28travelers 2reviews 18blogs