23. Seoul
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and its largest city. Already known as the center of Korean history for over 5,000 years, it’s also the center of technological innovation and fashion. It’s a beautiful, fusion of palaces, temples, and modern-day skyscrapers. In the center are the Sejong Performing Arts Center, the beautiful presidential Blue House and the main palace Gyeongbokgung, where you’ll find the Admiral Yi Sunshin statue. Be sure to stop at the National Folk Museum and view the different kinds of Korean dress then take a short walk over to Samcheongdong, a small neighborhood with great cafes and shops. If you’re into shopping, check out the popular shopping districts of Myeongdong, Hongdae, and the song-famous Gangnam. Into clubbing? Seoul’s got your back. Districts like Hongdae, Gangnam and Itaewon are all known for the promise of a great night out.
24. Wellington, NZ
Welcome to the “other” windy city – Wellington. Known for its vigorous winds, “Windy Wellington” overlooks Wellington Harbor and is famous for its grassy hilltops laced with 19th-century wooden cottages. If you head downtown, you can check out Te Papa Museum, Wellington Museum, and the wide variety of theaters and galleries scattered throughout. When you tire of walking, go experience the craft beer culture at the famous Mighty Might. With everyone “tatted” and “bearded up”, Wellington has been called “the coolest little capital in the entire world”.
25. Sri Lanka
Once known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka evokes exotic sensations – the bright colors, mystical forests, aromatic teas and cricket. Positioned at the eastern tip of India, this magical place is a crossroads of civilization offering a respite from our hectic world. It boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, reflective of its 3,000 years of history. Visit the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, one of the holiest Buddhist cities and the longest inhabited city on earth. Or head to the mystical hill towns with tea plantations producing the finest tea in the world. Get up close to the world’s largest leopard population in one of the national parks. Head to the capital of Colombo and taste some of the spiciest food in the world flavored with spices grown close by. And shop, especially for high quality gems.
26. Mongolia
Long isolated from the world, Mongolia is one of the last wild places on earth. The endless plains and steppes, soaring mountain ranges, magnificent lakes and open spaces can easily overwhelm you. This is the birthplace of Genghis Khan and you can almost envision Khan and his army spanning the horizon and heading for the next conquest. And although the endless countryside is still quite wild and underdeveloped, the locals are very friendly.
Stay in a ger or traditional Mongolian tent to better experience life on the steppes. Or hang in the capital of Ulaanbaatar which is rapidly evolving on its way to modernity. This is a democratic country where tourism and business is encouraged. Visit the Museum of Arkhangai Aimag housed in a 400 year old temple complex or Karakorum Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history. The Winter Place of the Bogd Khan palace, built in the late 19th century, is where Mongolia’s eighth Living Buddha and its last king spent his last 20 years. The food scene in Mongolia is international with influences from China and Russia.
27. Namibia
Imagine a place where you can safari one day and celebrate Oktoberfest the next. You can in Namibia, a stunning African country with a European edge. Once a German colony, independent Namibia is filled with spectacular natural beauty.
Start in the modern capital of Windhoek and visit the National Museum of Namibia which provides a good overview of the history of the country. The Trans-Namib Transport Museum, with its old German Cape Dutch architecture, is also worth a visit. Stroll past colonial architecture, stop at a café, visit the market and the Namibia Craft Center. This is a mining country so shop for gems.
Then rent a 4WD vehicle and head out to view some of the most brilliant scenery in Africa. One of the most photographed places in the world is the Sossusvlei pan, home to some of the world’s largest dunes … all red. Sandboard in the Namib Desert. Trek to Etosha National Park and see one of Africa’s largest concentrations of wild life. Check out the rock carving in Damaraland and be sure to get permission to visit the abandoned mining town of Kolmanskop.
28. Tanzania
The largest country in East Africa, Tanzania’s provenance includes Kilimanjaro, the exotic island of Zanzibar, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. This is safari country and the landscape is breathtaking. Camps are comfortable and often quite elegant. There are several game parks. In Mahale Mountains National Park there is a chimp sanctuary reachable by hike or boat. Ruaha National Park is home to huge herds of elephants. Arusha National Park is notable for scenery. The more adventurous and intrepid traveler might want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. For the less adventurous Mt Kiliminjaro National Park offers pristine beauty. While the interior is the top reason to visit Tanzania, the beaches along the Indian Ocean are perfect for winding down.
One to Watch: Pitcairn Island
Pitcairn Island is a British Overseas Territory, famous for its original British citizens, Fletcher Christian and eight Bounty mutineers who arrived in 1790 after a tremulous Polynesian journey. They were attempting to find a safe “home” in the South Pacific after their mutiny. They brought with them Tahitian women and men to help build a colony. For the next 25 years Pitcairn was isolated until rediscovered by the British in 1814. After that the island became a way station for the British Navy.
Tourism is increasingly important, but still in the nascent stage. This is a remote place situated between New Zealand and the Americas. It’s quite small yet interesting for the intrepid traveler looking for a totally new experience. Relax and enjoy the natural beauty or hike the Pitcairn Eco Trail. Dive or snorkel to see the wreck of the HMS Bounty. St. Paul’s Pool is a beautiful natural formation perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visit Henderson Island a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its rare birdlife. The island has broadband Internet despite its distance from civilization. There is even a museum with historic artifacts. The locals produce a variety of lovely crafts and honey as excellent souvenirs.