Tourists flock to Washington DC for its outstanding Smithsonian Museums, elegant monuments and memorials, and imposing government buildings. But the city is also home to a surprising amount of green space. Of course, everyone knows about the Tidal Basin thanks to its annual cherry blossom display, and the National Mall with its wide open view […]
Parks and Gardens
Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
Cruising Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway should be on every traveler’s wish list. The road winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southwestern corner of the state, offering breathtaking vistas at nearly every turn. Autumn is an especially good time to visit, as foliage blankets the mountainside in vivid shades of yellow and orange. The […]
Top 6 Things to Do in Padua, Italy
Padua is located in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, and often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Venice and Verona. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that Padua isn’t worth visiting! The city is home to the world’s first botanical garden and a renowned university where Galileo and Copernicus honed their scientific […]
Nara Day Trip: One Day in Japan’s Deer City
Nara, Japan is one of the most unique destinations in the world. The ancient city predates Kyoto as Japan’s first capital. It boasts many important temples and shrines, including eight UNESCO sites and one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. But it’s Nara’s welcoming committee that makes a visit here memorable. Nara […]
Himeji Castle Day Trip from Osaka – Is it Worth It?
Himeji-jo is widely considered to be the best of Japan’s remaining original castles. UNESCO praises its masterful wooden construction and gleaming white walls. Locals lovingly call it the “White Egret Castle,” since the 400-year-old main keep perched atop a hill is said to resemble a bird in flight. Himeji is 100 kilometers from Osaka and […]