Top 10 List | Top Ten Lists

The USA is a dream destination for holidays because there are so many excellent attractions to visit all over the country. The challenge for tourists is choosing which of them to see, so here is a list of 10 of the most iconic tourist traps for you to consider on your holiday in the USA.
 
1. The Statue of Liberty, New York
There cannot be many more iconic attractions in the USA than the Statue of Liberty. Ever since it was erected in 1886, the statue has been welcoming immigrants and travellers. Make sure you book a tour to get right up close to the statue to enjoy the best of this top New York attraction.

2. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
One of the most famous bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a spectacular work of architecture and an absolute must if you head to San Francisco.

3. Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando
If you are travelling to the USA with kids, Walt Disney World Resort is the ideal destination. A Mecca for children the world over, adults will also love the resort and you could even spend your whole holiday here.

4. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world. Learn about its formation at the visitor centre, and even go on a guided walk down the side if you are up for the challenge.

5. Yosemite National Park, California
The most famous of all the USA’s national parks, if you are looking for a holiday in a true natural wilderness you cannot do much better than a trip to Yosemite.

Berlin is one of the liveliest historical cities in Europe. During the Cold War, the city was divided amongst 4 countries: France, Great Britain, United States and the Soviet Union. In 1948 a blockade fell upon the city which prevented Western nations, access to the city which lay in the Soviet Union section of Germany. 4700 supplies were airlifted to individuals living inside the Western controlled region of Berlin. In 1961, the Berlin wall was built overnight to prevent emigration from East Berlin.

If you ever a plan vacation in Germany, you should consider going to the following top 10 attractions in Berlin. You will be intellectually surprised by the architecture, landmarks and museums in the city which carry historical, political, social, cultural and economic significance.

1. Holocaust Memorial: Monument for the Murdered Jews in Europe

6 million people were wrongfully murdered and exterminated in the Nazis quest to rid the world of the Jewish people, Romas, homosexuals and communists. The Holocaust and the Final Solution continually is a sombre reminder of Germany’s evil past. In recent years, especially after unification, the country has tried to gain the respect of the international community. It has honoured those murdered during the Holocaust by aiming to bring Nazi criminals to justice and by building Memorials, such as the one in Berlin.

The memorial in Berlin stands on a “Death Strip” where the Berlin Wall once stood in Mitte, the historic city centre. It could be visited day or night as it is outdoors. The information centre which is located on-site contains biographical and personal recollections of the Holocaust. Taking 17 years to build, this is truly one of the most remarkable memorials and historical landmarks you cannot miss to see when in Berlin.

2. Jüdisches Museum

Built and opened on September 9, 2001, the museum is dedicated to Jewish history. Its aim was to acknowledge Jewish void in Germany. It contains collection of material which cover Jewish history from 2000 years ago and which document the development of Jewish life in Germany and Berlin. The museum is not the first built in Berlin. The first Jewish museum was built in 1933, before the Nazis confiscated its material. If you love studying the cultural history of Berlin and Jewish people, you do not want to miss this.

3. Checkpoint Charlie:

This well-known border crossing is a symbol of division as it split Berlin into two parts during the Cold War. Between 1961 and 1989 only foreigners such as reporters were allowed to enter East Berlin through Checkpoint Charlie on one day visas. There is a museum on site which individuals could go to and learn about the political, cultural and historic strife Berlin and Germany encountered during the Cold War. Visitors could get a firsthand glimpse into a divided life throughout the Cold War.

4. Legoland Discovery Centre:

Berlin is a perfect vacation for you and your kids. It houses the Legoland Discovery Centre, the first indoor Legoland in the World. Here you and your kid(s) will enjoy the social aspects of Berlin as you view how Legos are made. To compliment this, there are 4D movies as well as a ThemeRide called Miniland Berlin. If you are travelling with kids in Berlin this is the place to stop.

5. Brandenburg Gate:

Brandenburg Gate was commissioned by Frederick Wilhelm II to symbolize peace in 1791. A Quadriga facing east was added in 1794 to depict Victoria, the Roman Goddess who represented victory. For over 2 centuries this gate and landmark served as the entrance and gateway into Berlin. However, during the Cold War it symbolized division as it stood part of the Berlin Wall which divided the city into two parts. Now since the Cold War has ended it represents reunification and not just peace. If anyone loves politics and history, they would want to visit this landmark.

Austria is a vibrant country with a vivid history. It was home to some of the most famous artists, musicians and historians for multiple centuries. Politics has brought this country through tumultuous times, especially in the 20th century. The kleindeutsch vs. grossdeutsch debate embarked on a century struggle between Germans in Germany and Germans in various parts of Europe such as Austria. Here are the top 10 places one must go to see when in Austria.

1. Linz: Hartheim Euthanasia Centre

Built in 16th century, this castle belonged to the Princes of Starhemberg. For centuries it provided a home for the physically and mentally disabled. With Anschluss and the incorporation of Austria into the Third Reich, came dire consequences. The Nazis were fundamental believers in survival of the fittest and eugenics. Between 1939 and 1940, they turned the castle into a euthanasia centre where they implemented Aktion T4 and built gas chambers and crematoriums. Before using Zyklon B to exterminate Jews and other prisoners of war, they experimented the mentally and physically ill using Zyklon B in asylums such as the Hartheim Euthanasia Centre. This centre went on to exterminate various Jewish people, opposing Catholics and clergy as well as prisoners of war throughout most of WWII. Approximately 18,000 individuals lost their lives at Hartheim. It now has a built-in memorial which remembers victims who died during the Holocaust.

2. Upper Austria: Mauthausen Memorial

The memorial stands on the former grounds of a concentration camp where approximately 37,000 were murdered and exterminated. This visit provides a sombre reminder of a baffled past in Austrian history. Your heart will drop as you look up the Death Stairs. Most of the concentration camp is non-existent as the grounds are used to build neighbourhoods.

3. Salzburg: Mirabel Palace and Gardens

This baroque style palace is built surrounding gardens. It is made famous by the movie Sound of Music. If you a fan of Sound of Music, this place is for you. You can walk in the shoes of Maria and other children as they sang “Do Re Mi” and used the steps as musical scales. The botanical gardens are astounding. You can sit, relax and enjoy a beautiful day surrounded by blossoming flowers, if you are there in the summer.

4. Salzburg: Mozart’s Birth House

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is famous for being a child prodigy. He spent most of his writing and composing music and operas. By the time he was 35 he had composed 600 works in total. When others are being schooled and take life easy, Mozart was writing symphonies and performing for royalty at age 5. When you go to Salzburg, you need to go to the Birth House. It is well kept and is preserved in memory of this great composer. Some of the furniture and instruments are still from Mozart’s time.

5. Vienna: Schönbrunn Imperial Palace

This summer palace once belonged to Habsburg Monarchs, who were imperial and colonial rulers until 1918. Individuals visited the imperial palace can view the French gardens, see the Sun Fountain and take a tour of the former residence of the monarchs. You can also relive history where John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev met to discuss the Cold War in 1961. If you are tired and want a snack, you can take part in a cooking class which teaches you how to make a strudel. You then can sample the strudel yourself.

Travel destinations and tourism has indeed evolved in a great fashion. There are wide choices of destinations worth seeing in the current global platform. Italy holds a special place for tourist attractions. Its natural resources and ruins of past year are equally worth seeing. Stepping into Italy is like stepping into 3000 years old heritage city. Italy holds special interest for every people whether it is young heart or an old wanderer.

Here are the top most visited places in and around Italy.

1. Rome

As it is seldom quoted that the capital city was not found in a single day, one has to spend a lifetime seeing around Rome. There are indeed wide variations in places and interesting sites that one can never be at a receiving end so soon. Whether it’s the Roman culture and heritage or a simple wish made in the Trevor fountain, Rome holds special attractions for every visitor. Rome definitely holds unique promises for everyone alike. History plays a special trait in this city with Roman cultures, forums and the thoughts of Caesar hounding the tourist.

2. Florence

Obviously the birthplace recognized with renaissance and the host to David, this city can never be overlooked at any point of time. So if anyone is interested in foods and quality wine don’t ever ignore Tuscany, the wine place or the famous Gelato.

3. Venice

Recognized in a wide spectrum as a lover’s paradise, this city brings in warmth for both couples and all types of families at large. One can stroll around David’s Square or walk along the alleys and get mystified.Ofcourse there is the famous gondola which can take you through a historical journey amidst canals in Venice. Though Venice has been listed several times as a costly city but the beauties it holds makes it worth for every penny you spent.

4. Cinque Terra

It’s a cliffy paradise with its breath taking destinations and long trails of connectivity. One can easily indulge in quality foods or shop at ease in small café outlets. You can also plan out a relaxing tour of the town with a fresh shot of Lemoncello.Its a picturesque destination with great added attraction for every tourist alike. You can also very well explore the wild olives in and around the city or relax watching the serene beauty of the cliffs.

5. Sicily

Sicily is blended with historical flavors and holds a vibrant culture. Being in domination for long years at the hands of foreign countries, it has a special type of cultural blend. This city is also famously known for its mafia habitation, thereafter don’t dare ask anyone of Tony Soprano.