The 8 Fanciest Airlines On Earth

When you fly with some of the fanciest airlines in the world, all the problems of the common man are forgotten. Here are some of the most luxurious airlines on earth. If you manage to get a ticket, then lucky you.

1. Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways has come to be known for one thing: pure luxury. Forget everything you hate about typical air travel — Etihad will surpass your wildest dreams.

Etihad Airways’ top planes are like a flying 5-star hotels. Travelers can choose “The Residence” which means a top-deck cabin complete with a living room, shower, two bedrooms, a gourmet chef, and a freakin’ personal butler! It’s the crème de la crème. Flying at 40,000 feet with your own personal butler may just make you wonder what planet you’re really on.

It’ll cost you about $30,000 for “The Residence” style accommodations on a trip from New York City to Abu Dhabi. While that might be a yearly salary for some people, Etihad has done everything they possibly can to make it worth your while. They’ve won awards such as “World’s Leading Airline – Business Class”, “World’s Leading Cabin Crew”, and “World’s Leading Airline – First Class.”

2. Singapore Airlines Suites

It can be pretty difficult to get comfortable on an airplane, but Singapore Airlines Suites does everything they can to make air travel as soothing as lounging at home (if your home is amazingly decadent).

Booking a cabin on Singapore Airlines comes with certain amenities such as pyjamas and bedroom slippers, world-renowned aesthetic designs by Jean-Jacques Coste, LCD televisions, Italian upholstery, and pocket doors that can give you full privacy if you so desire.

It’s a magnificent yet surreal experience to be aboard Singapore Airlines Suites, but we don’t require realism from our airlines.

3. Cathay Pacific First Class

Cathay Pacific’s First Class cabins are literally a work of art. They feature creations that have been designed by some of the finest artists in the world and the delightful aesthetics will have you wishing it took longer to get to your destination.

The first class cabin is ultra-intimate, with only six seats. That makes it one of the smallest first class cabins in the world. That intimate setting allows for top-of-the-line service and a top-of-the-line price tag to match. The average one-way first class ticket is $10,000.

4. Emirates

Based in Dubai, Emirates has developed a stellar reputation as one of the top luxury airlines in the world that services roughly 141 destinations.

Amenities are out of this world and will not leave customers with anything to complain about. There’s an onboard shower spa to ease those mid-flight nerves and a bar and lounge that will finish the job.

Any airline that serves its meals on fine china knows what fancy really is!

Emirates — One Mile at a Time – BoardingArea

5. Qatar Airways

At Skytrax’s annual awards ceremony, known as “the Oscars for the airline world”, Qatar Airways have won the World’s Best Airline award four times in ten years, which gives you an idea of how top-shelf the service and quality of aircraft they provide really is.

The business class seating is plush, spacious, and comes complete with airline-provided pyjamas. The onboard amenity kit provided to passengers comes with high-end products such as Giorgio Armani, another testament to the experience Qatar is trying to provide for its passengers.

6. British Airways

No one likes their pores getting clogged while they’re flying at 40,000 feet, and British Airways has come to the rescue with luxury facial treatments for First Class passengers flying to New York JFK from London Heathrow. A relaxation massage is also an option.

First Class also comes complete with lavish seating and relative privacy from fellow passengers while you enjoy your afternoon tea.

7. Korean Air

Korean Air has been another contender for “World’s Leading Airline – First Class” at the Skytrax awards, and their top-of-the-line Kosmo Suites provide flyers with the ultimate privacy and comfort.

The airline has also created the all-new Celestial Bar which is a trendy airborne establishment done up in Chelsea, New York style.

They offer an assortment of menu options ranging from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Western. Some of the highlights are Korean-style dongchimi noodles and the Korean ginseng chicken soup.

8. All Nippon Airways

Riding First Class in Japan’s All Nippon Airways feels reminiscent of riding the Orient Express. Each traveler is provided an international phone, private cabin, and a dedicated jacket closet.

Even business class passengers are greeted with technology like the Nishikawa Sangyo’s Air Cyclone which allows guests to enjoy premium sleeping comfort and staggered seating for excellent privacy.

The amenity kit comes with relaxing facial mists, hand creams, and organic shea butter lip cream.

It might take some serious saving to afford a ticket on one of these luxurious airlines, but if you manage to book one, you won’t ever want to get back on solid ground!

6 Festivals For Your Bucket List

Not all festivals require uncomfortable camping and minimal hygiene. Here are some of the best cultural evens in the world that everyone should experience if they can.

1. Carnaval, Rio de Janeiro

Brazil’s carnival (“Carnaval” for the locals) is one of the most lively celebrations in the world. Held annually at the end of the Brazilian summer, this week-long festival was initially intended to observe the beginning of Lent. However, this originally religious festival is now more of a cultural showcase, as well as a chance for Brazilians to cut loose for a few days. (Looser than usual, that is!)

The highlights of Carnaval are the parades, filled with larger-than-life floats, scantily-clad dancers, and the pounding drum beats of dozens of samba schools. Rio’s carnival attracts about 5 million people every year, with only half a million of these being tourists: indeed, Carnaval is truly beloved by Brazilians of all ages and all walks of life. While the carnival at Rio is the largest and most iconic, major cities throughout the country all have their own celebrations, each with their own distinctive touch.

Carnaval Brazil woman red feather costume — Happy Lent! Pixabay / 489327

2. Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland

Every August, hordes of tourists from around the world descend on Scotland’s capital for the largest performance festival in the world. During this month, the city comes alive with entertainments of every kind: dance, theatre, comedy, music, literature, and politics are all represented. Practically every bar in the city — and there are plenty — becomes a venue for the thousands of shows happening all day, every day.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s friendly people, charming cobbled streets, and towering castle provide the perfect backdrop to the activities. Every night, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place in the castle esplanade, a one-of-a-kind spectacle performed by military bands from Britain and Commonwealth countries such as India and Canada.

3. Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China

Harbin is a city in the north of China, meaning it tends to receive freezing Siberian winds in the winter — a fact it celebrates every January in truly spectacular fashion. The Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is exactly what it sounds like: a display of the largest and most extravagant ice sculptures in the world. These are not your average snowmen. Instead, picture towering structures over 20 feet high, intricately carved and illuminated at night with a variety of bright colors.

While the statues are the main draw, particularly the ice-lantern display as it lights up at night, the festival also includes a variety of winter activities such as skiing and swimming in the freezing river.

Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.YouTube

4. Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, India

India is a country famous for its colorful and lively festivals, from the brightly-hued clouds of Holi to the lights and fireworks of Diwali. However, for those seeking something a bit different, the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a great option. This festival differs from the more popular ones in that it is not religious in nature, and is not a long-standing tradition: in fact, it was created by the tourism board of Rajasthan.

However, this does not mean that it is not worth the trip. Jaisalmer is a fortress city, most popular as a base for trips to the nearby Thar desert. The Desert Festival, held every February, celebrates these longstanding desert traditions in a three-day flurry of color, dance, and food. Activities include camel racing and mustache competitions, with performances of Rajasthani folk dance and entertainment.

5. Oktoberfest, Germany

Although many cities around the globe hold their own version of Oktoberfest, there is no topping the real thing. Stretching from mid-September to the first week of October (hint!), Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest beer festival in the world. Almost 7 million liters of beer are served every year during the festivities in huge tents and traditional drinking halls.

It’s not swill, either: Munich’s breweries are iconic, serving high-quality beer brewed according to the “German Purity Law,” which sounds a tad Third Reich for our tastes, but actually regulates the manufacture of beer. The law states that the only ingredients allowed are water, barley, and hops.

If spending a few days drinking large quantities of some of the world’s best beer in a beautiful city sounds like your idea of fun, you can’t do much better than Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest ride Munich — Oktoberfest in Munich. Pixabay / rawpixel

6. Pingxi Lantern Festival of Taipei, Taiwan

Lantern Festivals are a popular way of marking the end of Chinese New Year celebrations by illuminating a variety of paper lanterns, from simple floating ones to huge complex models in the shape of animals and buildings. The Pingxi Lantern Festival in Taiwan is just one of these celebrations, but it is one of the prettiest: every year, residents send up thousands of sky lanterns to carry their wishes for the new year, igniting the sky over the Pingxi district of Taipei.

Meanwhile, in the Yanshui District in the south of the country, the lantern festival is celebrated in a more explosive fashion, with a series of notoriously dangerous fireworks. Both celebrations are cultural institutions in Taiwan, and are referred to collectively as “Fireworks in the South, Sky Lanterns in the North.”

Whether these festivals were already on your bucket list or whether you are adding them just now, remember that these events tend to be a huge draw for tourists. Do your research well ahead of time and book in advance for the best prices and hotel rooms, and prepare for crowds. If you do this, you are guaranteed an unforgettable time at any of these amazing celebrations of humanity.

9 Essential Desert Survival Tips

Maybe you just believe in always being prepared, or maybe you’re planning a desert trip. Either way, here’s what you need to know to survive the sand and heat in case of an emergency.

1. Give The Heat The Respect It Deserves

If you’ve never experienced blistering heat, you might not know what to expect from the desert. Depending on the location, temperatures can get as hot as 50 degrees Celsius, or 122 Fahrenheit. Without shelter or shade, that can go from being unpleasant to being dangerous pretty quickly.

If you’re short on water and feeling the heat, your best bet is to keep your mouth closed as much as possible. Don’t talk and try to control your breathing so as to avoid panting. That will only dehydrate you more quickly.

2. Don’t Leave The Vehicle

If your vehicle is broken down and you’re stranded, it’s usually best to stay with the vehicle so a) you have cover from the heat, wind, etc. and b) so that search parties can find you easier.

If you must leave your vehicle and feel relatively certain about your location and the way back to safety, leave a note for rescuers with important information i.e. who you are, when you left, the route you’re taking.

Again, if you don’t know where you’re going, it’s probably best to stay put! Important note: if you’re staying with the vehicle, only step outside during mid-day to avoid the peak heat.

3. Don’t Drink All The Water

If you have clean water, you should definitely drink it, but you shouldn’t drink it all at once. You’ll burn through your supply faster than if you took small sips throughout the day to maintain minimum hydration.

A good way to test your hydration level is to evaluate your urine color. Light colored urine means that you’re relatively hydrated, whereas dark urine means you need to drink water ASAP.

Any water sources found in the desert should be closely examined before drinking. If they have any kind of contamination, you might waste the water in your system by vomiting it all back up.

4. Maintain Your Hunger

It’s a similar principle for food as it is for water: eat very small portions at any single time to avoid hunger pains and maintain your energy. Eating too much too fast will actually make you thirstier and cause you to have hydration issues.

People can fast for up to 40 days, so your body can survive without food for an extended period of time. Much longer than without water.

5. The Ground Is Lava

When you were a kid, did you ever play the game where you pretend the floor is lava and you can’t touch it? If you’re trying to make it in the desert, avoiding sitting or lying directly on the ground might make a big difference for your survival chances.

The sand can be 30 degrees hotter than the air temperature, so think creatively and use supplies you might have like a car seat, windbreaker, etc. to keep your feet off the ground. This will also protect you from possible dangers like snakes and insects.

6. Keep Your Clothes On

It might seem counterproductive to keep your clothes on in the heat, but taking them off actually speeds up dehydration. By keeping your clothes on, you’ll also avoid sunburns better than if you were bare skin.

woman walking in the desert — Unsplash / Katerina Radvanska

7. Control Your Emotions

There’s nothing more useless in a dangerous situation than blind panic. Urgency might help you work with a purpose, but direct your energy into productive solutions as opposed to screaming for help or wasting energy on other pointless endeavors.

A calm person has a much better chance of rationally figuring out their survival plan.

8. Watch For Dust Storms

If you haven’t realized it yet, the desert has a number of different ways to get you. One of them is dust storms.

If you see clouds of dust approaching you, prepare by covering your face as best you can. That might mean ripping a small piece of excess clothing and wrapping it around your face like a breathing mask to filter out sand or simply covering your mouth with your arm.

9. Prevention is the Best Solution

As with most things, preventing the problem altogether is better than having to solve it. If you’re planning a trip into the desert, think ahead about items that might be useful if your car were to break down or you were to get lost.

First, share your plans with someone reliable before you embark on your adventure, especially if you’re traveling alone (not recommended). Don’t solely rely on your cell phone for communication and navigation — the battery could die or the service could dip out. Consider renting a satellite phone or bringing an independent GPS unit.

Finally, use a vehicle that’s meant for all-terrain driving and won’t easily get stuck. Make sure it has safeguards like a spare tire or a self-starting charger should the car break down.

Meet The 10 Smallest Countries In The World

These countries may not be big, but they are still mighty! Each location has something that makes it worth visiting and definitely worth learning about. These micro nations all have interesting stories. Maybe one of them will inspire your next getaway.

1. Vatican City

You may or may not be surprised, but the smallest country in the world is actually Vatican City. And, yes, it is an official country. It covers only .17 square miles. That makes it about one-eighth the size of Central Park in New York City. The Vatican is, of course, located in the middle of Italy’s capital city of Rome.

According to World Population Review, the current population of Vatican City is 801. This is up from the recorded population in 2017, which was 792. Of the 800 people who currently live here, around 450 of them are official citizens. You can only be granted an official citizenship if you are a Swiss Guard, a Cardinal who resides in Vatican City or in Rome, a diplomat of the Holy See, or someone who lives in Vatican City because of their service.

Vatican City is governed as an absolute monarchy with Pope Francis at its head. And despite being the smallest country on Earth, it is home to the biggest church in the world — the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica.

2. Monaco

Monaco has earned itself the title of second smallest country in the world, coming in at .78 square miles. It is located on the French Riviera, surrounded on three sides by France and on the fourth side by the Mediterranean Sea. It is home to the largest number of millionaires and billionaires in the world per capita. Because of that fact, it is known as essentially a giant (or not so giant) playground for the rich and famous. The population comes in at just over 38,000 people, which actually makes it the most densely populated country in the world. If you’re big on gambling, this is the place to do it because it’s home to the legendary Monte Carlo Casino. One of the most popular events that happens annually in Monaco is the Formula One race, also known as the Monaco Grand Prix. The course is laid out through the streets of Monaco, which makes it more exciting in comparison to other races.

3. Nauru

The third smallest country in the world is Nauru, formerly known as Pleasant Island. It is indeed an island nation, located east of Australia, with a total area is 8.1 square miles. That makes it the smallest island country in the world. Its population currently sits at around 13,000 people. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Nauru had one of the highest per-capita incomes for any sovereign state in the world. But in the 1980s, its phosphate resources were depleted by an intense increase in strip mining operations. The country lost its economic value when the mining exhausted its resources and destroyed its environment. Consequently, Nauru had to start relying more heavily on Australia. Now, it is mainly a quiet and peaceful place that stays off the radar of most tourists.

Nauru sunset — Nauru. Flickr / sean.kelleher1

4. Tuvalu

The fourth smallest country in the world is another island in Polynesia. Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellis Islands, can be found in the Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia. Its total area is 10 square miles and its population of approximately 11,000 people. The country was once a British territory, but gained its independence and became an independent country in 1978. Tuvalu has its own Tuvaluan language which is related to other Polynesian languages such as Hawaiian and Tahitian. Because of its far-off location, Tuvalu is not a common destination for vacationers. In 2010, it was recorded that less than 2,000 visitors came to the country and a majority of them came for business. This would make Tuvalu the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a super secluded island getaway.

5. San Marino

San Marino makes the list at number five. It covers 24 square miles and its population is a little bit over 33,000 people. It is surrounded entirely by Italy, which makes it an enclaved micro state, but it’s still technically its own country. San Marino is located on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains on the Italian peninsula. Its economy, which relies mainly on finance, industry, services, and tourism helps make it one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita. It is also known for having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world and holds the title of being the oldest sovereign state still in existence. The land is covered with picturesque cliff-top castles that make it look like something right out of a historical movie or fairytale.

San Marino castle hilltop — San Marino. Pixabay / KitaLewen

6. Liechtenstein

A tiny country with a long name is a bit like a large man in a tiny birthday hat.

If you’ve never heard of Liechtenstein, that’s unsurprising. This beautiful landlocked principality is both small (61 square miles give or take) and tough to reach. Not only does it not have its own international airport, it’s also wholly located in the Alps, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. It’s no wonder Liechtenstein is one of the least-visited countries in Europe, charm and beauty notwithstanding.

Its 37,000 inhabitants get to enjoy spectacular medieval architecture (Liechtenstein is the last surviving principality of the Holy Roman Empire), and secluded alpine vistas beyond compare. Plus Liechtenstein is one of the wealthiest countries in the world per capita. The country is famous (or, rather, infamous) for its ask-no-questions approach to banking, a fact which has attracted plenty of business.

7. The Marshall Islands

Clocking in at 70 square miles, the Marshall Islands take small and remote to whole new levels. This country is both small and spread out; since their homeland is comprised of more than 1,100 separate islands, the 53,000 residents have plenty of room to breathe. Being in the middle of the Pacific helps too, as the Marshall Islands are approximately halfway between Hawaii and Southeast Asia.

The Marshall Islands have an interesting relationship with the United States. Although technically independent, they have an agreement of “free association”, meaning the U.S. sees to the islands’ defence, and Marshallese are able to work in the U.S. if they wish.

One person on beach in the Marshall Islands, palm trees in the background. — A beach day in the Marshall Islands.

8. Saint Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the western hemisphere, and the least populous. Located in the southeastern Caribbean, the country is made up of two main islands: Saint Kitts and — you guessed it! — Nevis. The 54,000+ Kittitians and Nevisians have been independent of the UK since 1983, but they remain in the Commonwealth.

The islands are noted for their exceptional bird-watching since they’re home to several rare and unusual species. Perhaps even more famous are the wild vervet monkeys, which some say were first brought to the island by pirates. A sighting is quite likely if you visit, but keep an eye on your drink: some of these monkeys are quite partial to cocktails.

9. The Maldives

The Maldives may be one of the smallest nations on earth, but it’s also one of the one of the islands. Even if you’ve never heard of the Maldives or couldn’t find it on a map, you’ve surely seen pictures of its thatched huts connected by wooden boardwalks, all suspended above surreally turquoise waters. As if the place weren’t already beautiful enough, one of the islands also features bioluminescent plankton that washes up on the beach, creating a spectacular glow-in-the-dark effect.

It’s little wonder more than 400,000 people live in a space covering only 115 square miles worth of the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives is truly something to see, but if you’re planning to go, sooner is probably better than later. This archipelago is only about 2 meters above sea level on average, so global warming may well wipe it off the face of the earth in the coming decades as ice caps melt and water levels begin to rise.

Woman on the beach at night, surrounded by bioluminescent plankton — The Maldives’ glow-in-the-dark plankton. Unsplash / Kevin Wolf

10. Malta

We have another famous one to round out the top ten. Malta is 122 square miles of history, architecture, and culture, smack dab in the middle of the Mediterranean between Sicily and Libya. With a population of around 475,000, its three inhabited islands are quite densely populated — at least on average.

Malta is home to some of the world’s oldest ruins. Its rather mysterious, ancient temples — some of which predate the pyramids — bear witness to the fact that humans have been living on these islands for at least 5,600 years. The island is rife with more recent history too, including old crusade-era forts, and the beautiful 16th century city of Valetta which was largely built by the Knights Hospitaller. Pains have been taken to preserve this fascinating legacy of multi-national influence.

There you have it: the ten smallest countries in the world. While they may be short on space, they’re not short on charm, hospitality, or history. Happy trails!

5 Deeply Underrated Destinations

There’s nothing wrong with the classics, but there are some pretty underrated destinations that don’t get nearly as much attention as they should! Here are our top 5. Their charm and restorative qualities may just surprise you if you decide to go exploring.

1. The Philippines

The Philippines is anything but a small country, with a population of 103 million people living on more than 7,000 individual islands. Despite having gorgeous beaches, reefs, volcanos, and historical landmarks to check out, it seems that travelers often choose Thailand or Indonesia over the Philippines.

You’ll get great value for your money in the Philippines and a large part of the population already speak English, which makes this country a relatively easy travel experience for most Americans.

A couple highlights that are worth exploring are the Chocolate Hills, a series of unusually symmetrical geologically formed mounds with green grass growing on them, and the impressive Banaue Rice Terraces which were carved from mountain ranges nearly 2,000 years ago.

Perhaps it’s time to give the Philippines some serious consideration for your next trip! Though if you do, you want to stay far away from any criminal activities; the current president, Rodrigo Duterte, has been known to use violent methods against perceived wrongdoers. You’ll also want to research which regions of the country you’ll be visiting. Some are much safer for tourists than others.

The Philippines beach — Unsplash / James Connolly

2. Gdansk, Poland

Dating back a thousand years, Gdansk is one of Poland’s oldest cities and holds a special place in the country’s history. It was the location of the start of World War II and also the place where Communism in Central Europe started to crumble. (The port of Gdansk was the heart of the Solidarity movement, led by the electrician/activist Lech Walesa, which nearly overthrew the Polish government in 1981-83 and ultimately came to power after the collapse of the USSR.)

Beyond its impressive history, Gdansk actually has a number of large beaches that stretch along the coast, such as Stogi Beach with its white sands, expansive views of the sea, and calm, peaceful aura.

History will definitely be the draw for many visitors, though, and the historic city center along with its fantastic museums will not disappoint. The Amber Museum is located in an old prison building and houses some captivating amber pieces including jewelry and even a Fender Stratocaster guitar.

The Solidarity Museum is also to be found in Gdansk, which is dedicated to the aforementioned labor movement. If you’re a history buff or a lover of freedom, you cannot miss this monument to civil disobedience in the face of Communist tyranny.

No To Cyk is one of the top bars in the city. It reflects the town’s communist history in a trendy way, and we recommend grabbing a drink here yet another journey to the past.

Gdansk canal — Gdansk. Pixabay / Kamracik

3. Bolivia

Tourism is definitely an important industry in the South American nation of Bolivia, but compared to its neighbors Peru, Chile, and Brazil, it’s still extremely underrated. It brought in roughly 900,000 visitors in 2016, while these other countries had numbers ranging from 3.7 million to 6.6 million.

While beach lovers might be disappointed with the lack of sandy shorelines and lapping waves, it has some other pretty amazing features — like the world’s largest salt flats measuring an immense 10,582 sq km and sitting 3,565 meters above sea level. The flats are completely covered in salt during dry season while in the wet season they have a thin sheet of water over top. They make for some spectacular photos, as the shallowness of the lake allows visitors to walk or even drive through it with ease.

Bolivia has seven World Heritage Sites, including the silver mines of Potosi, not to mention its powerful volcanoes, blood-red lakes, and lively inhabitants.

Bolivia salt flats water — Bolivia’s salt flats. Unsplash / Christopher Crouzet

4. Nara, Japan

Most people interested in traveling to Japan focus on Tokyo or Kyoto. While Nara is often overlooked, it has much of the same tourism activities as Kyoto but without the overwhelming crowds.

Nara has a number of beautiful gardens, ancient Buddhist temples, and shopping areas like Naramchi, an old neighborhood with wooden townhouses transformed into cafes and restaurants.

The deer of Nara Park have been designated a national treasure, and for good reason: there are over 1,200 free-roaming deer in the park, and they’ve become a symbol of the city. The park will allow you to get up close and personal with these tame creatures and explore scenic sights throughout.

Nara has also staked a claim as the birthplace of sake, so of course, you’ll find many excellent sake bars that do their city proud.

Want to read more about the land of the rising sun? Check out 5 Once-In-A-Lifetime Adventures To Try In Japan.

5. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a rapidly growing travel destination with a nearly 300% year-over-year increase in tourists from 24,000 people in 2015 to roughly 74,400 in 2016, according to the World Tourism Organization. It’s still got nothing on South Africa’s massive 10 million per year, but it’s an up-and-comer and worthy of your attention!

With its breathtaking beaches, friendly people, and traditional lifestyles, Sierra Leone has a lot to offer visitors. Lumley Beach and Cotton Tree, a local symbol of freedom from slavery, are two landmarks worth seeing for yourself.

Wildlife is a prominent feature of Sierra Leone, and the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is one of the top choices for seeing the local primate inhabitants. The Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates endangered primates and offers twice-daily tours for visitors to see chimps frolicking through their leafy, waterfall-framed environment.

Sierra Leone has a bloody history, but the situation has stabilized considerably in the last decade and a half. Hopefully, it will stay that way.

These destinations are slightly off the beaten path in comparison to the Parises and Mexicos of the world, but they’ll give you memories that last a lifetime!

6 Train Trips You May Not Have Heard Of

There is nothing quite as relaxing as a long train journey across a beautiful landscape, with nothing to do but watch the world go by. Here are some of the best options on earth for those who prefer to go by rail.

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Affectionately known as the “Toy Train,” the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway snakes its way up the foothills of the Himalayas from the Indian city of New Jalpaiguri to the famous hill stations of Darjeeling. This steam-powered train is small, its tracks narrow so that it can make its way through village streets and mountainous terrain. On the way, you are treated to stunning views of the hills and tea plantations, the hot Indian air cooling as you rise. No wonder this railway is listed as a World Heritage site.

The trip takes about 7 hours from one end to the other. Make sure to check whether the service is running before planning your trip, as landslides in the area sometimes block the train’s path.

2. The Ghan

This epic train journey crosses the full length of Australia from top to bottom takes 54 hours to complete. Passing through the heart of Australia’s outback, this is perhaps the best way to see the wilderness of the country: from the comfort of an all-inclusive train cabin. There are a few itinerary options for travelers, but the four-day Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide is the full experience.

Several stops along the way allow you to get out and explore in person, but the highlight is seeing the otherwise inaccessible and remote interior of the country through your window, from northern rainforests to the “red center.” You can keep an eye out for some of Australia’s iconic wildlife, such as kangaroos, as well as some rarer species like the camels that are represented in The Ghan’s logo.

3. The Jacobite

This train is the only daily steam service in the UK, and arguably one of the country’s most iconic trains. Its main claim to international fame is its association with the Harry Potter films, which used a train made by The Jacobite’s manufacturers as well as parts of the steam engine’s route for their depiction of the Hogwarts Express. The scenic Glenfinnan viaduct, in particular, was featured prominently in the film and has become a popular point of pilgrimage for fans of the series.

However, The Jacobite is not just for Harry Potter fans. The steam train makes its return journey from Fort William to Mallaig twice a day, providing stunning views of the Scottish Highlands and coastline, crossing mountains, lochs, rivers, and glens. Travelers also get a chance to enjoy a few hours in the charming coastal village of Mallaig before beginning their return journey, or they can take a ferry to the famous Isle of Skye.

4. The Train To The Clouds

El Tren a las Nubes is the fifth-highest train journey in the world, taking you along the Andes from Salta in Argentina to the Chilean border. Because it does not use a rack and pinion system, which enables trains to rise steep inclines, the Train to the Clouds is built on an impressive track of tunnels, bridges, spirals, and zig-zags, which allow the track to remain level even as it rises into the mountains.

The trip culminates at the La Polvorilla viaduct, an impressive steel structure that is one of the highest and tallest of its kind. The service runs weekly, departing early in the morning on Saturdays and returning at around midnight. There are various stops along the way where travelers can get a taste of rural Andean life, exploring local markets and sampling regional specialties.

5. California Zephyr

Stretching from Chicago to San Francisco, the California Zephyr is one of the best ways to see the varied nature of the U.S.A. in all its glory. Operated by Amtrak and clocking in at almost 52 hours, this scenic journey takes you across the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, along the Colorado River, and directly through endless fields of grain.

The train stops in various large cities along the way, including Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno, which makes it easy to hop aboard at various points if you do not feel like taking the full ride. There are various accommodation options available, from a no-frills coach seat to a full bedroom suite.

6. Harz Railway

In a country full of scenic train journeys, Germany’s Harz Railway is a strong contender for the most beautiful views. Passing through over 40 charming German villages, as well as castles, forests, mountains, and rivers, it is the best way to see Germany’s highest mountain range in the very heart of the country. At certain times of the year, you can expect to see magical snow-covered landscapes from the warmth and comfort of your steam-powered carriage.

The full network is actually made up of three routes: Harzquerbahn, Selketalbahn, and Brockenbahn, with the first being what is commonly known as the Harz Railway. Most tourists use the train to reach Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz and a popular destination for hikers.

If you’re looking for a somewhat old-fashioned but still efficient way to get where you’re going, and if you cherish a breathtaking view, consider booking one of these train trips. We’re sure you can… engineer something.