Castles, Monasteries, Pyramids, Forts & Ruins! We live in a world where each country has an interesting tale of the past of how man evolved from cave dwellers to maharajas, of civilizations that are now extinct, of great loves, of warriors of old, of rites and rituals and more.

When you travel to India, you can visit palaces and forts that tell a tale of maharajas, princedoms and freedom struggles. If you head to South America, you will see the remains of the Aztec and Incas civilizations that are now extinct; in Egypt, the pharos and mummies; in Greece, the pantheon; and in Italy, the coliseum.

Each palace, pyramid and pantheon with their amazing architecture and detailed art represents the civilizations that shouldn't be forgotten. There are thousands of places across the world that are steeped in rich history and are awe-inspiring. Selecting a place to visit is not easy, so here are some must see historic destinations from across the world. Please keep in mind each country has numerous places of historic significance and this article just lists few.

Parthenon, Greece
Parthenon is one of the four greatest masterpieces of classical Greek art situated at the Acropolis in Greece. Built in the 5th century BC by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates under the supervision of the sculptor Phidias, this ancient temple is dedicated to the Goddess Athena. It is a rectangular shape structure that is generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order. It made of brilliant white marble, surrounded by 46 great columns, roofed with tiles, and housed a nearly 40 foot tall statue of the goddess Athena. The statue, known as Athena Promachos, Athena the Champion, was made of wood, gold and ivory and could be seen from a distance of many miles.

Today, the Parthenon is a testament of the civilizations, myths and religions that flourished for over 1, 000 years.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza are over 3,000 years old. There are 3 pyramids of varying sizes. The largest pyramid is known as the Great Pyramid was originally 146 meters (438 feet) high but time and weather has worn it down by 10 meters (30 feet). It is made up of approximately two million blocks of limestone with each weighing more than two tons, each of its sides are carefully positioned to point north, south, east, and west and the bottom of the pyramid has sides that measure 227 meters (681 feet) in length. Te Great Pyramid was built by the Pharaoh Khufu and once held his body.

The Second Pyramid belongs to the Pharaoh Khafre. It is 3 meters shorter then Khufu's and stands on the northern side of the Giza Plateau. The Third Pyramid (Menkaure) is the smallest of the three pyramids. It is not as detailed as the other two pyramids and stands 66 meters high.

The pyramids are a marvel of human engineering. They are aligned to the stars and the solstices and contain vast chambers that still haven't been opened.

Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island or the Isla de Pascua is located out in the Pacific Ocean and special territory of Chile. The island is surrounded by monumental statues, known as Moai statues, which were symbols of the spiritual and political power of Peruvian civilization. These gigantic and amazingly carved heads are the only thing left of culture that once lived here.

Taj Mahal, India
In the 1600s, Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This white marble tomb is located in Agra, India and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.

Manchu Pirochu, Peru
Located in Southern Peru, Machu Picchu was a sacred place of Inca civilization. It is known as the "Lost City of the Incas." It lies on top of a mountain and is only accessible by train or 4-day trek.. The Machu Picchu ruins reveal a self contained city with temples, baths, houses etc. Many of these structures were carved from the mountain granite and are still in great form. One such structure is the Intihuatana stone, which was used as an astronomical observatory and is an extremely precise marker of dates and celestial periods.

Statue of Christ Redeemer, Brazil
Brazil's most recognizable landmark is the statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). This statue is located at Rio de Janeiro and rises almost 130 feet from the ground.

Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal is a Mayan city-state located in northern Guatemala. It was one of the largest urban centres of the Maya civilization and today, is one of the best-preserved historical sites. The amazing and monumental architecture reflects the glory that the Maya kingdom had in the past.

Stonehenge, United Kingdom
The Stonehenge is located near Salisbury in England. The stones of this 3,000 plus year old megalithic structure come all the way from Wales.

Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China also known as "long Wall of 10,000 Li" in China extends about 8,850 kilometers (5,500 miles). It is not a continuous wall but is a collection of short walls that often follow the crest of hills on the southern edge of the Mongolian plain.

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John Hillaby got it right when he said;

"Few things are more pleasant than a village graced with a good church, a good priest and a good pub."

Of course Leeds is hardly a village and being Jewish I have no idea how good the priests are but if anyone is looking for a good pub, then you have come to the right place.

1. The Lord Darcy

Alwoodley Leeds

'The Darcy' is a home from home for residents of Alwoodley. Popular and long standing the Darcy is the anchor of the local population, not out of tradition but out of quality. A family and friends pub, networking, socialising or just relaxing after a hard day's work in the city are all done within these mahogany panelled walls. The Darcy serves the kind of food you would expect to find in a traditional pub. Nothing spectacular and no gastro-pretentiousness - expect Betty's hotpot and chips instead. Quiet window seats tucked away in private corners of the pub let you sit to suit whatever atmosphere you want, the pub is as popular with the young and fashionable as it is with the old and traditional. On balmy summer evenings you will find the pub's front beer garden busy and lively and since Leeds dropped out of the first division, much less rowdy when the football is on.

2. Roundhay Fox

Roundhay Leeds

Situated opposite the tropical gardens, this pub made regular appearances in my life while I was growing up. An afternoons dog-walking in Roundhay Park, a pre-fireworks drink on bonfire night and the romantic setting of my first date after strolling round the butterfly gardens. The pub is as cosy on the outside as it is on the inside and the food is traditional fish and chips steak and ale pie fare. The menu is not huge but everything on it is done with care and attention to detail. The condiment plate is massive and holds everything from tomato ketchup to apple sauce. For lunch sandwiches and salads or vegetable lasagna the Roundhay Fox is an excellent place to take the family or meet friends after an afternoon at the park.

3. The Dexter

Slade Hill, Wigton Lane, Shadwell.

The Dexter enjoys a similar crown to that of The Lord Darcy. Relatively close in proximity to the Lord Darcy the Dexter is similar in feel but without the panelled mahogany. In summer the front beer garden is overflowing with 20 something's smoking, drinking and socialising in summer gives Slade Hill most of its buzz. A quieter suburb than Alwoodley, Shadwell enjoys more countryside and has a more 'village' feel. The Dexter serves lunch and dinner but food is not its speciality, beer however certainly is.

4. The Angel Inn

Leeds City Centre, The Headrow

A great city centre pub the Angel Inn is almost a well kept secret. Hidden down a ginnel the pub is sometimes walked past without a second glance, hence it's popularity with students and locals. The beer is notoriously cheap (hence the popularity with 'indie' students) and the staff friendly if often a little distracted in their own conversations. Decorated like an unashamed gentlemen's club you almost feel that you should be smoking a cigar when sitting down on one of the high backed leather chairs. The Angel serves food but don't expect Michelin stars, lasagne and wedges are typical offerings leaving no room at the Inn for fancy food fans.

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Maine is known for its 17 million acres of forest, 711 mountains, 3500 miles of coastline, and 6000 lakes and ponds. This nature abundance makes Maine a destination for outdoor recreational activities all year round. Activities that can be enjoyed in the summer are hunting, fishing, biking, canoeing and kayaking, hiking as well as whitewater rafting, windjammer cruising and golf. Skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling are winter adventures.

Fishing in Maine

Fishing opportunities are abundant because of its many coastlines, rivers, lakes and ponds. A wide variety of species inhabit Maine's waters. Freshwater fishes are categorized into living in cold and warm waters. Cold freshwater fishes identified are the landlocked salmon, splake, arctic charr and the trouts- brown, brook, lake and rainbow.

Warm freshwater fishes are those that prefer shallower waters. Examples are the northern pike, chain pickerel, bass- largemouth and the smallmouth along with the perch- white and yellow. The latter types of fish are easier to catch and therefore preferred by fishing beginners.

Freshwater Fishing versus Saltwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing requires a license from residents and non-Maine residents. Saltwater fishing, on the other hand, requires no license. Both types of fishing activities have set limits in the number of fishes that can be caught. Saltwater fishing is also strict with the fish size. Most common fishes in Maine's coastal waters are the mackerel, striped bass, pollock, bluefin tuna and the pollock.

Open water fishing season usually starts in April and ends in September. However, there are some exceptions. A handbook containing details of fishing regulations and licensing fees are sold at information centers near fishing areas.

Among the most famous fishing locations in Maine are the Sebago Lake and Rangeley. Sebago Lake is the second largest in the city. Both are excellent fishing destinations in North America. Another recommended fishing location here is Belgrade in Kennebec with six island-dotted lakes. The Belgrade lakes are prominent for its notable species of bass, trout and northern pike.

Hunting in Maine

Maine's richly forested land along with its embellished waters makes the state a main place for hunting. It is one of the most populous areas in small and big game species. The demographics of deer, bear, moose, waterfowls and birds are ranked higher than most of the other states. Hunting requires specific permits for each species, whether it is for a small or big game.

The state is strict in implementing the hunting season and the bag limit to avoid abuse of the resources. They are also particular with the type of hunting method to be used as well as the type of bait or if the hunter is accompanied with a dog. Beginners are usually required to undergo a hunting course.

Big game hunts seek bigger species like bears, deer and moose which can be found throughout the state. Bears are found near their food source such as trees and grass. The deer is located in wet areas like swamps. The moose can be hunted out of the woods. The waterfowl, birds and other small game are abundant in the Kennebec Valley and Mooseriver area.

The hunting season is mostly implemented from October to December. Sunday is considered a non-hunting day. License fees vary according to the type of residence, type of wildlife to be hunted, type of weapon to be used and the age of the hunter. They also offer a combination of hunting and fishing licenses. This type of license costs $38 for residents, $137 for non-residents and $178 for aliens.

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Find the cheapest flight to Vancouver and experience your dream vacation! Vancouver British Columbia is one of the finest destinations among tourist who wish to spend their vacation in one of the safest place in the North American Continent. Although Vancouver is situated at a higher altitude of the northern hemisphere, it still does have a much warmer climate in contrast to other adjacent Canadian Cities. During the cold months, the temperatures in this highly urbanize city ranges from -12°C-9°C (14.5°F). And on warmer days the mercury rises at significantly higher readings of -6.3°C (20.6°F).

Vancouver is the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, a prestigious and worldwide highly anticipated sports event. It also has a very challenging yet fascinating bike trail that are very popular among avid mountain bikers. In addition to their vast mountain ranges, this exceptional metropolis also has something to offer to those people who want to spend their leisure time by the bay.

But for those groups who prefer the sights and serenity of a botanical garden, Stanley Park is the best place to relax and be with nature. A park that is being managed by the municipality could be considered as one of the great jewel of the capital. This wooded recreational space is also an excellent area for your kids to enjoy. To be with the family in close proximity with nature is a priceless moment that each one of us who value our folks the most should take pleasure in. That's the essence of good life and probably a good reason why we should have a family of our own.

Another place to visit with your kid's enjoyment in mind is the Science World. This kid friendly museum offers a variety of educational information for the whole family. Not to mention their ingenious and creative way in introducing the complicated world of science to the temperate but curious young minds of our children.

One more adventure to compliment your nature stopover is the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. This masterfully crafted piece of landscape is a very astonishing sanctuary in the middle of a very busy and highly strung district of China Town. After doing your usual shopping, this place is a very good break in to your journey for you to regain your lost energy of the day.

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre is another interesting site to visit. This marine sanctuary brings you to a close encounter with the species of the underworld. What sets this Aquarium Centre apart from other marine inspired theme park is the variety of sea creatures that they have as part of their attraction that you will not find in most oceanic recreational area.

Overall, Vancouver is a very nice city to be in. Not to mention that it has been recognized and voted as one of the safest and liveable city in the world. There is one caveat though, if you live in another country. There is a need for you to travel by plane, you might need to shop and avail for Vancouver cheapest flights to reach this wonderful destination. Finding the most affordable flight is just a matter of turning your computer and spending a few minutes finding the cheap Vancouver flights that you will find online. For sure, there is a Plethora of cheap flight offers to Vancouver that you can find in the internet. You just have to make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate site that would provide for all your travel needs. It may be challenging to scrutinize the entire offer on Vancouver cheap flights. But rest assured that finding the best deal for your vacation is worthy of your time.

Why not find the cheap Vancouver flights, save some money for the ticket and accommodation, and have more cash to spend for your wardrobe at the finest ski resort that you like?

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Peru is regarded as an epic fantasyland. Here, you can let your imagine run wild and imagine cobwebbed imperial tombs, forgotten temples, entangled jungle vines as well as ancient bejeweled treasures. From shaman rituals to Inca warriors and steamy rainforests, Peru will continue to surprise you. As the perfect launch pad, traveling to Peru is your two adjoining points to adventure. It features panoramic train rides to the Andes, beachfront cafes, luxury lodges in the Amazon, countless indigenous people, varieties of wildlife and world class to cheap Peru hotels.

Peru has so many attractions and places of interest to offer. There is Lima - the vivacious capital that offers superb colonial museums, architecture, nightlife and cuisines. Arequipa - a colonial city near smoldering volcanoes and the deepest canyons in the world. Nazca and Huacachina, on the other hand, features condor's eye views of the Nazca lines along with huge sandboarding dines. When it comes to Cuzco, it showcases steep Inca-walled cobblestone streets having museums and artisan shops mixed with vibrant festivities. Lastly, for Lake Titicaca - it features a breathtaking high elevation along with unique cultures and storybook isles.

Cheap Peru Hotels

Ramada Lima Airport - This cheap Peru hotel is situated by the Main Square - the city's historic center. It features silver covered altars, carved stalls, mosaics, fine woodwork and lots of business establishments. It is also near cinemas, nightclubs and the Jockey Plaza Shopping Center. Other amenities include wheel chair access, meeting rooms, a restaurant and non-smoking rooms.

El Condado MirafloresHotel and Suites - This cheap hotel in Peru has 90 elegantly furnished rooms. It is equipped with air conditioning units, Cable TVs, mini bars, international dial phones, saunas, hydro massage bathtubs, Internet access and electronic safety boxes among others. Other amenities include family rooms, a fitness center, restaurant, business center, wheelchair accessible facilities, laundry/dry cleaning services and more

This first class hotel is noted for giving excellent value for your money in both informal and friendly atmospheres. It is suitable for both business and leisure travelers. Check in time is at 3pm while check out is at 12nn.

Best Western Embajadores - This is one of the elegant yet cheap Peru hotels you can find. It is definitely the economical alternative to those traveling to Lima, Peru. It lies along Miraflores in the center of financial and entertainment areas of the city. They offer a pool, mini gym, spa and well equipped rooms.

Guestrooms of this hotel are equipped with mini refrigerators, direct dial phone, cable TVs and data ports among others. Other amenities are family rooms, airport shuttle services, a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, pool, non-smoking rooms, business center and more.

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Cusco is nothing short of a charming and irritably beautiful city. Tucked in the depths of the Andes, this is truly one of the world´s gems. Infamous for once being the heart of the Incan Empire then taken over as a Spanish colony this city is rich with culture, history and delicious cuisine. It is recommended that all tourists spend at least a few days here to wander the streets and check out some of the great museums here before going on to visit Machu Picchu, the rainforest, Puno the western shore.

If you only have two or three days in Cusco, it is recommended you spend your first day on a Cusco city tour. These guided tours in your mother tongue will take you through the Plaza de Armas, or the main square where you will see the main Cathedral and the central meeting place for locals to hang out in. You will then wind up the mountain to the sites of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Each site had a different logistical reason for construction and you will learn a little bit about each one before descending back into the valley to return to your hotel.

During the evening if you are not too tired, you can head into the main area of the city to try some of the restaurants, coffee shops, bars and night clubs, all within a few minutes walk of the Plaza de Armas. But be forewarned, at this altitude one drink is not equal to a drink at sea level, so be careful if you decide to drink alcohol in your first few days.

On days two and three, get up slightly early and jump onto a tour through the Sacred Valley. There are a number of trips, some cover the market of Pisac and the infamous military outpost of Ollantaytambo where Manco Inca Yupanqui and his men made the Inca´s final attempts to defeat the Spanish.

Other tours include a visit to Chinchero, Maras Moray and the Salt Mines. Chinchero is a cute little village with its own Inca terraces, a quaint but beautiful church and a good informational tour about the weaving techniques of the local handicrafts. They will show you the process of spinning the llama and alpaca wool, cleaning it, dying it and then of course weaving it. You will continue on to see the agricultural wonder of Maras Moray. This coliseum like structure has numerous microclimates for agriculture within it giving the chance for the Inca to produce a large variety of supplies in each location. Finally you will visit the Salt Mines where natural springs bring salt from inside the mountain onto a cascade of 'pans' for the salt to then be harvested under the strong sun.

Your other option is a little further but includes visiting the archeological site of Tipon with a stunning backdrop of the Andes. You will then visit the Wari city of Piquillajta, which was in the first century the capital of the Wari Empire. The distinct architecture is still well preserved and retains much of its original structures. Before returning back to Cusco you will stop in the small village of Andahuaylillas, where the 'Sistine Chapel of the Andes' stands. A chapel built with a mix of Christian and Quechua symbols, this chapel´s intricate detail and amazing frescos rated in line with the works of the European masters.

If venturing into the Sacred Valley isn't your cup of tea, there are hundreds of things to do within the city. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed with the endless activities you can participate in while visiting Cusco.

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Every year millions of tourists from all over the world flock to the Yucatan Peninsula to enjoy the sandy beaches and beautiful warm, blue seas. The heavy tourist season is from December to April. The weather during this time is mostly dry, hot and sunny.

September is the best time of year to vacation in the Yucatan if you don´t enjoy crowds. Summer vacations are over in most parts of the world, the majority of the people have returned home and the prices are lower. The beaches of the Yucatan can still be enjoyed because the weather continues to be warm, and sunbathing is still possible.

Resort Town Beaches

The two main resort towns are Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. Most of the beaches in these areas have lifeguards on duty and warning flags posted where there is danger. Cleanliness is important and daily the staffs from the different hotels remove the garbage and sea weed from the beaches.

The International Airport is in Cancun along with the most luxurious hotels. Add that to the miles of beach and Cancun becomes the most popular resort in the Yucatan. Although the east side beaches draw the largest crowds, interestingly enough, the northern beaches are the best ones for swimmers because the ocean waves and winds are buffered by the Isla Mujeres (Women´s Island) just off the coast.

In the last 10 years or so Playa Del Carmen has grown and become a popular resort. It has all of the amenities Cancun has to offer, but without the rush or the high cost. Playa Del Carmen has miles and miles of the beautiful beaches of the Yucatan. Many people prefer these beaches because there are fewer tourists.

Smaller Secluded Beaches

If you don´t care for the well-known beaches because of the multitude of people and higher costs, there are a number of smaller, secluded beaches in the Yucatan.

o Isla Mujeres is a small island to the northeast of Cancun that can be reached by a short ferry ride. Many people go to Isla Mujeres just for the day, but there are hotels if you prefer to stay on the island. The beaches here are beautiful.

o Costa Maya is where those who want total seclusion go to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are swimmable. The advantage in this area is the abundance of wildlife and fauna.

o Puerta Aventura is an excellent place for diving. The main beach here is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Yucatan. There are restaurants and general services available.

o Akumal is a thriving place for divers, fishermen, beach lovers and boaters. Many of the beaches are natural in this area, but there are some sandy beaches that are safe for children. There are many sea turtles in this area and it is a great place to snorkel. The main beach is beautiful with lots of palm trees for cover.

Whether you choose the beach in a resort city like Cancun or one of the small secluded beaches, you will quickly discover why the beaches of the Yucatan are popular with people from all over the world.

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