♫ Gimme, gimme more, gimme more ♫
Sleek, sterile rooms and perfectly Marie Kondo’d apartments are all well and good, but there’s something to be said for a place where every available square inch is jockeying for your attention. These places are designed so that no matter where you look, your senses will be utterly delighted (and occasionally a little bewildered).
Relive some pretty interesting glory days.
Once they were imposing hubs of their nations, home to emperors, kings, and sultans. Now they exist in the shadow of current national capitals and tourist magnets like Tokyo, Bangkok, Beijing, Seoul, and New Delhi. Asia is littered with former capitals, many of which are unappreciated tourist destinations despite possessing rich remains of their glory days. From the Japanese city dominated by deer, to an abandoned Thai citadel, India’s British-influenced hill station, and the Malay kingdom that sprouted from a fishing village, here are 10 of Asia’s most intriguing former capitals.
Get a taste of these famous sights before heading abroad.
Every traveler fantasizes about their day standing atop the Eiffel Tower, looking down and around at the stunning Parisian architecture. They imagine the moment they’ll get to explore the ancient wonders of the Parthenon as they see history before their own eyes. For now, however, this remains a daydream for many. While you might not be able to pose in Pisa with the famous Leaning Tower, you can still embark on your bucket-list sightseeing tour all while staying local. Throughout the U.S., you’ll find recreations of famous landmarks that, though a bit out of place (as well as smaller and made in the 1900s), will be the perfect travel placeholder you need. So, fill your gas tank and get ready to embark on your national landmark journey all without ever renewing your passport.
Who needs Airbnb when you have Heir-bnb?
You know how it is. You spend all year holding court (literally) at your primary palace and now you can’t wait to finally kick up those well-heeled heels of yours at your vacation palace. OK, so the experience of owning a secondary palace might not be the most universal, but we all share the need to have a vacation. The royals just tend to do it with a lot more flair and square footage. Here are where monarchs and royalty (past and present) have gone when they were in need of a little “me” time.
Discover the stories fashion can tell about a place’s culture and history.
Every country retains its national identity through its unique clothing that has been passed on from generation to generation. This clothing represents the history, cultural traditions, design sensibilities, craft traditions, as well as an adaptation to local weather. It can also represent social, marital, or religious status. It’s often rooted in rich traditions and gives people a sense of continuity. In many countries, national costumes are now only worn during festivals, ceremonies, and special occasions, but in others, like Bhutan, traditional clothing is worn in everyday life even today. Here are 13 traditional outfits and signature items of clothing from countries and cultures around the world.
Discover this unique region’s beautiful monasteries and otherworldly landscapes.
The Buddhist monasteries that are found in the cold deserts of the Himalayan region are awash in centuries of fascinating history, traditions, and legends. While exploring these incredible places, you’ll discover everything from ancient documents and colorful festivals to 75-foot statues and tales of levitating monks.