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ALASKA TRAVEL GUIDE

ALASKA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Expert local guides and dedicated travel director
  • Enjoy an Alaskan salmon bake
  • Try your luck at gold panning
  • Visit Glacier Bay National Park and get up and close with a Glacier
  • Go ‘mushing’ with professionally trained and cared for sled dogs
  • Take the scenic route and retrace history on the White Pass & Yukon railway
  • Try to spot wildlife in the mountains
  • Go whale watching
  • Get a panoramic view of Alaska on an all-inclusive cruise

ALASKA VACATION TIPS

  • Alaska is the ultimate destination for outdoors activities such as hiking, biking, glacier walks, and other activities To get your best glimpse at bears or moose, try visiting Denali National Park
  • When in Alaska of all places, practice responsible travel and don’t leave a trail behind you, risking harm to the beautiful natural environment
  • Pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable
  • Seeing Alaska by cruise and land are two different experiences, so you can do both or plan out exactly what you want out of your trip to help decide which is best for you
  • Make sure you try the seafood. What should you get? Alaska King Crab legs of course!

THINGS TO DO IN ALASKA

1. GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK

Situated on the Pacific coast in Alaska is Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. It borders the Gulf of Alaska and the Icy Strait park. To its East is British Columbia, Canada. It’s the largest protected marine sanctuary in the world and the most recent time its ice sheet grew was between 200 to 500 years ago.

YOU SHOULD KNOW
Since being discovered in 1796, the glaciers at the park are retreating faster than anywhere else in the world.

2. KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK

Kenai Fjords National Park is over 600,000 acres large and was first designated a national monument in 1978 by President Carter. About 51% of the land is covered by ice. It wasn’t until 1980 that it was redesignated as a National Park. Both marine life and mammals can be found at the park, along with whales, otters, and seals. Today, more than 300,000 people visit the park every year.

YOU SHOULD KNOW
The grounding of the oil tanker Exxon Valdez in 1989 contaminated about 4% of the parks coastline, causing extensive damage to the area and its ecosystem. Today, cruise lines work with the National Park Service and have very strict and environmentally focused policies as they cruise in and out of the park.

3. HUBBARD GLACIER

Located 200 miles northwest of the capital city Juneau is Hubbard Glacier, whose source starts in the Yukon. At 76 miles long and 1200ft deep, it’s actually 25% larger than the state of Rhode Island!

YOU SHOULD KNOW
Hubbard Glacier was named after Gardiner G. Hubbard in 1890. Mr. Hubbard was named the first president of the National Geographic Society & regent of the Smithsonian Institution.

4. TRACY ARM FJORD / SAWYER GLACIER

Named after the Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Tracy Arm Fjord is located 45 miles south of Juneau. The twin Sawyer Glaciers, North and South, are located inside of Tracy Arm. You’ll fall in love with Sawyer Glacier for their deep blue color.

5. PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

Named after an 18th century British prince, Prince William Sound is dotted with beautiful islands and is home to fjords, coastal mountains, glaciers, and even some towns. Each of the three towns are very different from each other: Valdez is picturesque and home to the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, Cordova is a fishing port, and Whittier is nestled in by glacial mountains.

YOU SHOULD KNOW
Not many cruise ships come through here so it is very peaceful. Valdez provides more of the iconic, picturesque look of Alaska most people think about. Whatever mode of transportation you’re using, make sure to come through here and check out Prince William Sound and any of three towns.

6. HUSKY HOMESTEAD DOG CAMP

Before they become champion sled dogs, a team of people raise, care for, and train them. That all happens at the Husky Homestead Dog Camp. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by furry cuddles and wet kisses from these fast and not-so-furious little pups. You’ll also get a look into an authentic rural Alaska lifestyle.

YOU SHOULD KNOW
Four time Iditarod champion, Jeff King, calls the Husky Homestead Dog Camp home, so make sure to stop by and say hi! He’ll give you the insider perspective on what it takes to win the race and what training and raising the dogs are like.

7. WHITE PASS & YUKON RAILWAY

The Yukon Railway was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. The narrow two-gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. You’ll embark on at Skagway and go right into the heart of the Yukon on fully operating trains, taking you through the most breathtaking scenery imaginable, including waterfalls, gorges, glacial rivers, and the wilderness at large.

YOU SHOULD KNOW
This excursion has been rated Alaska’s #1 activity for many years running. Once you get on, you’ll understand why. At times, it’ll feel like you’ve been taken back in time. The connection you feel to nature is unexplainable, making this a must-do activity.

8. THE AURORA ICE MUSEUM

The Aurora Ice Museum is located 60 miles north of Fairbanks in the Chena Hot Springs resort. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The ice museum was built in 2005 and kept at 25F all year, using advanced geothermal technology. Carved to look like a church, the museum is made out of more than 1000 tons of snow and ice.

9. WHALE WATCHING

If Alaska is on your bucket list, chances are whale watching is right next to it. Seeing them in the wild is so rare, but being in Alaska gives you the best chances. To up your chances even more, take a cruise through Alaska, as passengers have reported seeing whales out of the window during dinner – can you think of a more incredible scenario?

YOU SHOULD KNOW
Former whale watching tour guide Erin Heist says “Juneau is the place to go whale watching if you’re coming to Alaska.” What are you waiting for? Let’s get booking!

10. ALASKA CRUISE

Of course, one of the biggest things to do in Alaska is taking an Alaska cruise. The ships here are a bit smaller than what you’d find in the Caribbean – around 3-4000 passengers max. All-Inclusive cruises are a great way to vacation and travel as accommodations, food, and entertainment all included and readily available to you. Ready to plan your Alaska cruise? Call one of our cruise consultants at 1-800-627-3753 today!

BEST TIME TO VISIT ALASKA

If you’re planning a visit to the last frontier, you’re going to want to know when the best time to visit it. Whether you’re here looking for the best trails to hike, glaciers to climb, or wildlife to see, we’ll help you plan the best time to visit Alaska.

QUICK FACTS:
Summer is the most popular time, and best time to visit Alaska May and September are both slower months and also great times to visit. Most visitors want to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora, you’ll have to visit between September and April, which happen to be the colder months.

1. Summer – June to August – High Season

The average high in Alaska during the Summer is 63F and 48F low. This is the most popular time for tourists coming to Alaska. The weather is warmer and you can participate in all the outdoor activities Alaska has to offer. While it’s the most crowded time, it’s the optimal time to visit.

2. Fall – September to October – Low Season

The average high in Alaska during the Winter is 40F and 29F low. The weather gets cooler and snow is not uncommon. The crowds also start to head home and that plus the nice cool weather makes Alaska a nice time to visit. You may also get a glimpse of the Aurora as well.

3. Winter – November to March – Low Season

The average high during Winter is 28F and 17F low. Visitors at this time are here because they love winter sports like skiing and snowboarding or trying to catch the Aurora. Winter will be your best chance to see the lights in all of its glory, as the nights are long and dark.

4. Spring – April to May – Good Season

The average high during Spring is 44F and 29F low. This is a good time to visit Alaska as the crowds have not yet arrived and the days are starting to get longer and snow is melting. The temperatures are still cool but comfortable. The plus side, the landscape are getting their color back as the flowers bloom.

India Travel Guide

India Tours Highlights

  • Attend one of the many festivals like Diwali, Festival of Colors, or Dussehra.
  • Stand in awe of the ivory-white marble Taj Mahal.
  • Visit the Elephanta Caves and see the 5 Hindu and 2 Buddhist temples.
  • Discover the beautiful nature in Meghalaya.
  • Drink an authentic Masala Chai, a milk tea with spices born in India.
  • See the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a 340-room palace houses the president of India and is the biggest residence of any president the world over.
  • History enthusiasts should not miss the National Museum on Janpath.
  • As a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, you might want to visit Raj Ghat.
  • The bazaars of Chandni Chowk have lots of shops and eateries.
  • Walk around City Palace, Jaipur.

Travel Tips

  • India is huge and diverse, there are 22 official languages and all 29 states have variations in their cultures and traditions.
  • India has four major weather seasons- summer, winter, monsoon, and post-monsoon. Each part of India experiences different climatic conditions, so plan ahead on what to wear.
  • Some villages won’t have doors on their houses or will leave them open when running errands.
  • Mangoes are very popular fruit and should be on your list to try when traveling.
  • India takes the sport of Cricket very seriously and you can oftentimes see school children playing.
  • Talk with your doctor about any medicines you might need when traveling. Western food and water is different than what is found in India.
  • Temples and holy places will require you to dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering.
  • Public transportation is vast in India, taking the train or a rickshaw are common ways to travel.
  • Haggling is customary in India, especially at local bazaars.
  • 220-volt electricity is used in India, so pack necessary converters for your electronics.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN INDIA

1. GET UP CLOSE TO THE TAJ MAHAL

The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. This ivory and white marble mausoleum was commissioned in 1632 as a tomb for the emperor’s wife. The huge complex includes a mosque, a guest house, a garden, and a water feature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed by 20,000 builders and is considered a universally admired masterpiece.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • The Taj Mahal is located about 125 miles from Delhi in the popular Golden Triangle.
  • It is worth it to arrive before the sun rises. The changing of light in the day makes the structure appear to change colors.
  • Vehicles aren’t allowed within 500 meters of the Taj Mahal because of pollution

2. ATTEND ONE OF THE MANY FESTIVALS

There is Diwali, Dussehra, and many other festivities worshiping the Hindu gods, but Holi has become the worlds’ happiest and most famous festival of India. At this festival, people smear each other with paint and throw colored dye to celebrate the beginning of Spring. The Festival Of Colors is a day full of fun and dancing that invites everyone, and it has even expanded to other parts of the world.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Holi is celebrated in February or March every year during Phalguna. Diwali is 5 days during mid-October and mid-November. Diwali is celebrated 21 days after Dussehra.

3. EXPLORE AMBER PALACE

Amber Palace is a fort located in the small Amer, Rajasthan, outside of Jaipur. Located on a hill, it is known for its artistic style elements, large ramparts, and series of gates and cobbled walkways. The palace was built in 1592 and was the residence of the Rajput Maharajas and their families and is one of the best-known attractions in Jaipur.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

The heat can be scorching hot in the Summer, so aim to visit between October and March.

4. WALK AROUND CITY PALACE, JAIPUR

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan, and is still the home of the Jaipur royal family. The palace has lots of artistic buildings, spanning courtyards, galleries, holy shrines, and even places to eat. It is a paradise for art and history lovers. The Chandra Mahal is a four-story building that has a separate entrance fee.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • The City Palace is located in the middle of the old city wall of Jaipur.
  • Budget a few hours to walk around. Don’t miss Chandra Mahal, the Mubarak Mahal, and the City Palace Museum.

5. GO TO THE HISTORICAL AGRA FORT

A little north of Taj Mahal sits Agra Fort, a historic walled city built in 1573. It did serve as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Agra Fort is known for its rich history and has been owned by many rulers are emperors. The semicircular fort has various palaces and halls and faces the bank of the Yamuna river.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • The entire fort was built using the red sandstone, but then underwent some major changes and many structures were rebuilt with white marble.
  • When the British took over the ownership of Agra Fort, they made more changes but some structures were able to still stand.

6. LOOK UP AT THE QUTUB MINAR

This tall, slender tower in Delhi is elaborately decorated with inscriptions and geometric patterns. It is part of the Qutub complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tower is the highest tower in India, 73 meters, and is complete with five stories and projecting balconies. It was built in 1193 to celebrate the victory of dominance.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Qutub Minar is open daily. Since it is an outdoor site, it is best to visit during the cooler months in the Winter and Spring for pleasant weather. Plan to stay for about 2 hours.

7. VISIT THE INDIA GATE

The India Gate stands as a memorial to the 70,000 British Indian Army soldiers who died in WWI. Located in New Delhi, it has 13,300 soldiers and servicemen’s names inscribed on the gates. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the monument was completed in 1931. Many say it resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Although the India Gate is grand in any light, the site transforms in the evening when it is dramatically lit up. Their fountains and colored lights with a huge green lawn makes this a popular picnic spot or perfect for a friendly cricket match.

8. VIEW THE GATEWAY OF INDIA

Located in Mumbai, this arch monument as built in 1924 to commemorate the first British monarch to visit India. The triumphal arch made is of basalt and is 26 meters high. It has been called a symbol of conquest and colonization as a way of commemorating British colonial legacy. It is located on the waterfront at the Apollo Bunder area.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • The Gateway Of India is the perfect place to see a mixture of culture, sea level beauty and deep history all at once.

9. SEE THE RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN

The official residences of the President of India is located in New Delhi. The estate has large open spaces, huge gardens, reception halls, guest rooms, and staff offices. Few official head of state residences in the world will match the grandness and sheer size of Rashtrapati Bhavan. It took 17 years to build, has 4 floors and 340 rooms with an area of 200,000 square feet.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Check the schedule of visiting days because the complex has different schedules for different sections of the building. Most circuits are open Thursday- Sunday.

10. SHOP AT THE CHANDNI CHOWK

One of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, it is located by the Old Delhi Railway Station. It was built in the 17th century and has a ton of little shops and local eateries. Everything you’ve imagined about India’s bazaars comes alive here. Not only are they full of vendors that have perfumes, jewelry, clothing, books, and hardware, it is also a wonderful spot for foodies who want to sample the local cuisine.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Don’t feel overwhelmed by looking for something specific. Vendors stay grouped together by what they specialize in. It’s best to hire a shopping tour guide if you want the best deals and specific goods.
  • It is common to haggle and if a deal is too good to be true, it usually is because fakes are common.
  • Keep an eye on personal belongs because pickpockets are common in this crowded area.

BEST TIME TO VISIT        

Most shops are closed on Sundays. There is an early morning bazaar close to the Red Fort, we suggest getting there before 8am in order to get your choice of things offered.

What Is Your Travel Style?

Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but with so many different destinations and
activities to choose from, planning a trip can be overwhelming. Identifying your travel style is
one way to make the planning process easier and ensure that you have the best possible
experience. Understanding your travel style can help you choose the right destinations,
activities, and accommodations for your trip and ensure that you have an enjoyable and fulfilling
experience.

There are several different travel styles to consider, each with its own unique characteristics and
appeal. These include world discovery, self-discovery, pure adrenaline adventure, family fun,
and sit back and relax. In the following sections, we will explore each of these travel styles in
more detail, providing examples of popular destinations and activities and tips for planning a trip
that aligns with your travel style. By the end of this article, you’ll better understand your travel
style and will be ready and eager to finding your perfect adventure!

World Discovery:

If you’re someone who is always eager to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, then
world discovery may be your travel style. This type of travel is all about immersing yourself in the
local culture, experiencing new things, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around
you.

Popular world discovery destinations include cities with rich history and cultural significance,
such as Paris, Rome, Tokyo, and New York City. These destinations offer a wealth of
museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks to explore. Additionally, several UNESCO
World Heritage Sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Machu Picchu, and Petra, offer unique
and fascinating experiences.


In terms of activities, world discovery travelers enjoy exploring local markets, trying new foods,
and attending cultural festivals. They also tend to take guided tours of historic sites or attend
local cultural events. Additionally, world discovery travelers may choose to learn a new
language or take cooking classes in order to fully immerse themselves in the local culture.

When planning a world discovery trip, it’s important to research the local culture and customs in
order to have a respectful and enjoyable experience. Consider staying in locally-owned
accommodations such as guesthouses or bed and breakfasts, which will provide a more
authentic experience. Additionally, try to spend time in areas outside of the typical tourist
hotspots to truly experience the local culture.


World discovery travel is perfect for those who are curious about the world and want to learn
and experience new things. By choosing world discovery as your travel style, you’ll be able to
broaden your horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Self-Discovery:

If you’re looking for a more introspective travel experience, self-discovery may be your style.
This style is all about self-reflection, personal growth, and taking time to connect with oneself.
Self-discovery travel can be incredibly fulfilling, and it can also be a transformative experience
that leaves a lasting impact on your life.

Popular self-discovery destinations include places that offer a quiet and peaceful atmosphere,
such as Bali, Costa Rica, and the Himalayas. These destinations often offer meditation retreats,
yoga classes, and wellness programs, which can help you connect with your inner self and find
peace within.


When it comes to activities, self-discovery travelers may choose to embark on a solo journey, or
they may opt to join a group retreat or wellness program. These programs often include
activities like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness exercises, which can help travelers connect
with their inner selves and achieve a sense of clarity and peace. Finding Your Perfect Adventure

When planning a self-discovery trip, choosing a destination that aligns with your interests and
goals is important. Consider attending a wellness program or retreat that offers activities that
appeal to you, such as yoga, meditation, or hiking. Additionally, try to spend time in nature, as
being in a natural environment can be incredibly restorative and rejuvenating.


Self-discovery travel is perfect for those who are looking to disconnect from their daily routine
and reconnect with themselves. By choosing self-discovery as your travel style, you’ll be able to
gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world and return home feeling
refreshed and renewed.

Pure Adrenaline Adventure:

If you love an adrenaline rush and crave excitement, then pure adrenaline adventure may be
your travel style. This style is all about pushing your limits, trying new things, and experiencing
the thrill of adventure.

Popular pure adrenaline adventure destinations include places like New Zealand, Costa Rica,
and the Swiss Alps. These destinations offer a range of activities such as bungee jumping,
white water rafting, skydiving, and extreme sports like snowboarding and skiing.

When it comes to activities, pure adrenaline adventure travelers enjoy pushing themselves to
their limits and trying new things. They may choose to participate in extreme sports, like surfing
or rock climbing, or take part in adventure tours, like jungle treks or zip lining.

When planning a pure adrenaline adventure trip, it’s important to research and plan ahead to
ensure your safety. Consider booking with reputable adventure tour companies and read
reviews from past travelers. Additionally, make sure to pack appropriate gear and clothing for
the activities you’ll be participating in.

Pure adrenaline adventure travel is perfect for those who are looking to push their boundaries
and experience something new and exciting. By choosing pure adrenaline adventure as your
travel style, you’ll be able to step out of your comfort zone and create unforgettable memories.
So, whether it’s skydiving, bungee jumping, or white water rafting, get ready to feel the rush and
embrace the adventure!

Family Fun:

If you’re planning a trip with your family, then family fun may be your travel style. This style is
about creating lasting memories with your loved ones and enjoying activities everyone can
participate in.

Popular family fun destinations include theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios
and beach destinations like Hawaii and the Caribbean. These destinations offer a range of
activities, such as water sports, hiking, and amusement park rides that are perfect for all ages.

When it comes to activities, family fun travelers enjoy spending time together and participating
in activities that everyone can enjoy, they may choose to visit museums, go on bike rides, or
explore nature trails together.

When finding your perfect adventure, it’s important to choose a destination that offers a variety of
activities for all ages. Consider visiting a theme park or beach destination that offers a mix of
activities perfect for kids and adults. Additionally, make sure to plan ahead and book any
activities or tickets in advance to avoid long lines or sell-outs.

Family fun travel is perfect for those who are looking to create lasting memories with their loved
ones. By choosing family fun as your travel style, you’ll be able to bond with your family and
enjoy activities that everyone can participate in. So, whether it’s riding roller coasters, building
sandcastles, or exploring a new city, get ready for some family fun and adventure!

Sit Back and Relax:

If you’re someone who wants to escape the stress of daily life and unwind on vacation, then sit
back and relax may be your travel style. This style is about taking it easy and enjoying activities
promoting relaxation and rejuvenation.

Popular sit back and relax destinations include beach resorts in the Caribbean, Hawaii, and the
Maldives. These destinations offer a range of activities, such as lounging on the beach, enjoying
a spa treatment, or taking a leisurely stroll through beautiful gardens or parks.

When it comes to activities, sit back and relax travelers enjoy activities that promote rest and
relaxation. They may choose to read a book on the beach, take a yoga class, or enjoy a
massage.

When planning a sit back and relax trip, it’s important to choose a destination that promotes
relaxation and rejuvenation. Consider booking a resort or hotel that offers spa services,
meditation classes, or yoga sessions. Additionally, make sure to pack comfortable clothing and
anything else that will help you unwind, such as a good book or a playlist of soothing music.

Sit back and relax travel is perfect for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle
of everyday life and focus on self-care and rejuvenation. By choosing sit back and relax as your
travel style, you’ll be able to unwind and recharge, returning home feeling refreshed and
rejuvenated. So, whether it’s lounging on a tropical beach, enjoying a spa treatment, or taking a
leisurely walk, sit back, relax, and let your worries slip away.

Choosing Your Travel Style:

Now that you know the different travel styles, how do you go about choosing the one that’s right
for you? Here are some factors to consider:
● Your interests: Think about what you enjoy doing in your free time. Do you prefer
adventurous activities or more relaxed experiences? Are you interested in exploring new
cultures or spending time with your family?
● Your travel goals: Consider what you hope to get out of your trip. Do you want to see
new sights, learn something new, or simply relax and unwind?
● Your travel companions: Think about who you will be traveling with. Are you traveling
with family, friends, or solo? Are your companions interested in the same activities as
you?

Once you’ve identified your interests, travel goals, and companions, you can start to narrow
down your options and choose a travel style that’s right for you.

If you’re having trouble identifying your travel style, try taking a quiz or researching to see which
style aligns with your preferences. Remember that there is no right or wrong travel style, and
what works for one person may not work for another.

Agra Fort a UNESCO World Heritage site

Newly Recognized UNESCO Sites

UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. They preserve pieces of culture and land, as well as buildings by marking them as historic sites. They have a mission to promote world peace and provide security in many of these areas that would otherwise be ripped down. They use international sciences, culture, and education to work to do this.

This year, 2021, there have been newly added and newly recognized UNESCO sites to the list. The list is already full of hundreds of sites, and if you’re interested in history and culture then visiting these sites is important. Here are the newly added sites, if you’re interested in visiting any of them and seeing what they’re about.

33 new sites have been added to the list. This is much more than normal, but this is because it covers two years and not just one. This is joining the list of over 1,000 different sites that are protected under UNESCO.

The rules for putting these areas under UNESCO has changed in the recent years. This covers many more sites than what they normally would cover. This allows them to add even more sites to protect in the area that are not just nature-based or history-based but offer much more to the visitor as a modern choice that has been added to the UNESCO list.

The Church of Atlantida, Uruguay

This spot is usually one that not many people think about because it is in Uruguay. However, it is important to note that this remarkable building is worth spending a bit of time in. You can go up in the bell tower and look at the art throughout. This is a great visiting spot if you’re a bit low on cash and need something to do.

The Great Spa Towns of Europe

Who doesn’t want to visit a spa that is going to pamper and relax you? There are several towns throughout Europe that are protected because they were built around natural mineral water springs. They cover 11 different towns that are in 7 different countries. They’re found in Czechia, City of Bath, France, and Belgium which is the most famous one.

Sitio Roberto Burle Marx, Brazil

This is a garden area that was developed over four decades, leaving an amazing and worth seeing place. This was started at his home in 1949 and continued for years having been added too. It is dramatic and colorful, and it stands out. It is 100 acres long, and it is just 90 minutes west of Rio de Janeiro and a garden worth walking through and taking in. Not just that, but there is a museum display inside putting his arts and crafts on display.

Mathildenhohe, Darmstadt, Germany

This is a colony that is full of artists, and it is worth a visit if you want something colorful, beautiful, and worth seeing. This is a spot that has a lot of exhibits that date back to World War I. They have many items and pictures, as well as other pieces on display for those who are visiting the area, or those who live there and want to learn more about the area.

Trans-Iranian Railway

You’ve probably heard of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Though the railway is not protected by UNESCO, it is one of the best ways to see some of the many sites that are around the area. This railway is protected though, and it is smaller, but it is worth the ride. There are hundreds of bridges, twist, and turns that you can go on.

World Heritage Sites Protected by UNESCO

Here is a list of the other sites that were added to UNESCO if you were curious to know more about what to expect with these areas and where you can visit.

AFRICA

Africa is home to the Sudanese Style Mosques in Northern Ivory Coast and the Ivindo National Park, Gabon.

ASIA

Asia is home to the Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China, Quanzhou, the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island, Japan, Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats, South Korea, Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Thailand, a Harappan City, India and Dholavira, and the Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple in Telangana.

EUROPE

Europe is home to the Colonies of Benevolence, Belgium and Netherlands, the Cordouan Lighthouse in France, the Winter Resort Town of the Riviera, France, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, the Lower German Lines in Germany and over the Netherlands, ShUM Sites of Spreye, Worms and Mainz, Germany, The Porticoes of Bologna in Italy, The Works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana – Human Centered Urban Design in Slovenia, the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales in the UK, Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea in Russia

Europe is also continued to cover these other sites including the Padua’s Fourteenth-Century Fresco Cycles in Italy, Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of different arts and sciences located in Spain. Romania has the Rosia Montana Mining Landscape and the Great Spa Towns of Europe, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Czechia, Italy and the United Kingdom. Last, but not least in Europe is the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands in Georgia.

MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East is home to even more sites that include the As-Salt or the Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality in Jordan, the Cultural Landscape of Hawraman and Uramanat in Iran, the Hima Cultural Area in Saudia Arabia, and in Turkey the Arslantepe Mound.

SOUTH AMERICA

South America has a few added to their list which include the Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parincota Region in Chile, in Peru, you can find the Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex and the World of Engineer Eladio Dieste at the Church of Atlantida in Uruguay.

Please note, these are only some of the newly added sites on UNESCO’s list. There are a number of other sites that you can visit that have already been placed on the site.

Visiting World Heritage Sites

Those who are interested in visiting these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in for a treat when visiting any of the above-mentioned sites. They welcome visitors from all over, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to see a piece of history when visiting one of these sites. You can plan your trip around many of them in the same area. These are only the newer ones, there are thousands on the list worth spending time.

Regardless of where you are choosing to spend some time, you will easily find that one of these top places are going to be worth the visit. You won’t have to spend a lot of money on a lot of them since they’re not asking for admission or they’re a part of a nature center. You can be sure that you are getting the best out of your trip when you add any sites from the UNESCO list. Visit some of them today!

Simulation Cruise and New Health Protocols

By: Leah Jorgensen

On July 28, I received an email. I was offered a 4-night Caribbean sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas’ Simulation sailing. The kicker? It was sailing on August 1, and only available to fully vaccinated guests. So I quickly contacted my mother since she is retired and always up for an adventure, made sure we both had our passports and vaccination records, and accepted the offer! Three days later, my father and brother drove us down to Galveston to the ship!

For a Simulation sailing, just about everything is the same, but the guests are at 10% capacity, and the CDC was disguised onboard. Having 400 guests on a ship that has the capacity for 4,370 passengers made it feel like the ship was just ours! It was a little eerie how empty it was, but there was never a line or a wait for anything! The entire crew is vaccinated and had been in quarantine on the ship for 2 months already. They were thrilled to be working again after 15 months, and so happy to just see other people on board. I’ve never seen a happier crew, happier entertainers, and happier guests.

Embarkation was seamless! We could only arrive at the port at our assigned time, and everything was organized. Passports were checked, vaccination records were checked, recorded, and photographed, quickly went through security, and then we were allowed onboard!

One of the biggest headaches of starting any sailing is the safety drills. Due to Covid, they are no longer safe since social distancing needs to be followed. But Royal Caribbean now has a fantastic app for your phone! Once we made it to our rooms and picked up our Sea Passes, we watched a video on our apps of how to find and wear lifejackets, what to do in an emergency, and played the sound clip of the ship’s emergency notification horn. Then it was time to find our assigned lifeboat. Once there, a crew member verified we had watched the safety video and placed a sticker on our Sail Passes to show we had completed the safety drill.

Now I’m not one who wants to keep my phone on me when I’m on vacation (isn’t the point to get unplugged and out of reach?), but the app really was handy! Easy to use and find scheduled activities, we were able to make dinner reservations, reserve show tickets, and make our own personalized schedule. If you’re not sure where something is, the deck plans are there at your fingertips! Don’t worry about waiting in line at Guest Services- your on-board account is already in your hand!

Speaking of hands, we are still living in a pandemic. Every doorway now has hand sanitizer, but instead of just sitting there available, we were asked (required) to use it every time. And outside the Windjammer restaurant, soap and water stations have been installed, and are required to be used before entering. The amount of food has not changed, and the crew will happily put whatever you would like on your plate for you. (Really- I suggest taking the stairs as much as possible so you can fill up with less guilt!) The crew was constantly sanitizing hand rails, chairs, tables, anything that could be touched, and often disinfected the walls. The ships have always been clean, but it was spotless- all of the time.

Relaxing in the pool

Being vaccinated, I was allowed into any venue, activity, public area, and restaurant. But being a simulation, there were some people that were chosen to be “un-vaccinated”. Those who are vaccinated are given a purple plastic bracelet to wear- and they were often checked too. Those who were un-vaccinated had specific shows, time and location for main dining, and activities they were allowed to enter. They still had a full schedule and throughout the sailing were still allowed to see and do everything, but there were just specific times they were allowed to do certain activities. Everyone is still required to wear masks while moving around the ship, but we were allowed to take them off while sitting and actively eating and drinking, and while outside. The crew is still required to leave their masks on even while outside.

When we arrived in Cozumel, we parked next to the Adventure of the Seas, that is currently sailing out of Nassau, Bahamas. Vaccinated guests are allowed to leave the ship, but unvaccinated guests are only allowed off for a Royal Caribbean excursion. On the docks, we got the chance to talk with some very happy folks from Michigan who told us what a fantastic vacation they were having! Their sailing had about 900 guests and they were getting the Royal treatment as well! Mom and I were able to find a taxi (William in taxi 318) to get us to a beach to stick our feet in the water, which is all we were looking for, and back to the dock (I do not normally suggest ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ as there’s always a chance of being late and being left!)! All of the shops in Cozumel were ecstatic to see people shopping there again- the pandemic and halting of travel has really affected us all.

All-in-all, I felt extremely safe. The safety protocols are working and people are able to be back at work. This sailing was a dream, but I hope we don’t have to live through this again in my lifetime. If you do get a chance to sail on the Independence of the Seas, especially before January (and contracts move workers), tell pianist Timothy Boaz, guitarist Darla Fox, and waiters Sanjay and Red that I sent you!