Many people think of cities like New York or Paris. But there are many other amazing places to explore. From San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter to Machu Picchu’s ancient wonders, let’s explore amazing cities for your travel bucket list.
San Diego, California
Many people visit California for the beaches and Hollywood. But the Golden State has much more to offer. One place many people love to visit is San Diego. This city by the sea offers more than beautiful beaches and surfing. In fact, you’ll find a burgeoning foodie scene and plenty to enjoy in the Gaslamp Quarter.
You’ll find street after street lined with restored Victorian buildings, shops, and bars. They all add to the area’s historic charm. Nightlife offers live jazz, rooftop lounges, and chef-led restaurants to excite your senses. If you’re visiting for the first time, a San Diego Gaslamp food tour can give you a taste of the diverse dishes in this historic and colorful part of the city. You’ll also hear the tour guide share stories and scandals that have shaped the history of this part of town.
New Orleans, Louisiana
You don’t need to visit during Mardi Gras to enjoy this quirky and distinctive city. New Orleans offers a vibrant and exciting experience no matter what time of year you arrive. Whether you come to enjoy the beignets at Café du Monde, explore the French Market, or take a cruise on a paddleboat for a different perspective of the area, there is so much to do and see.
Did you know you can take a guided tour of the cemetery? If you like spooky history, this is a hidden gem for locals and visitors. Prefer to see grand houses and a taste of the high life? Then book a tour of the classic southern mansions that are part of the Garden District.
Machu Picchu, Peru, and Surrounding Areas
If you want to immerse yourself in world history and enjoy a hike in the process, a guided tour of Machu Picchu in Peru is calling your name. You’ll learn about the history of the temples, terraces, and much more. It is one of the best-preserved architectural sites in the world and showcases how advanced the Incan culture was at the time. Using precise stone-cutting techniques, the bricks—still standing today—were constructed without mortar.
Beyond Machu Picchu, you can head to the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes, learn more about the local history in a museum, or even experience the beauty of nature. The Mandorpampa waterfalls are framed by mountains. You’ll find trees, flowers, and butterflies that you might not have seen before.
Kyoto, Japan
On the other side of the world is a culture steeped in tradition and honour. You’ll step into a place of beautiful landscapes and distinctive architecture when you visit Kyoto in Japan. In this city, you can visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine. It’s one of many shrines in the country. What makes this shrine special, though, are the thousands of red torii gates. This magical setting is a quiet, sacred space that encourages visitors to pause and reflect.
From there, you can tour Kinkaku-ji and admire its famous reflecting pond. If you’re up for a hike, you can head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and then visit the monkeys at the monkey park. The towering bamboo trees are a sight that is unique in their beauty. Kyoto offers many experiences that make it a great place to visit on your travels.
Discovering San Diego and enjoying the unique tastes of the Gaslamp Quarter is truly special. Also, enjoying beignets in New Orleans is a delight. Then you can jet off to discover the temples of Machu Picchu and the shrines and bamboo forests of Kyoto. These four spots will help you enjoy other cultures and their rich histories.