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20 April has become associated with the consumption of cannabis and the entire cannabis subculture through the notion of ‘four-twenty’.

The earliest use of the term cannabis began among a group of teenagers in California in early 1970s who used the term as a code for a plan to search for an abandoned cannabis crop that they had learned about. They designated the Louis Pasteur statue as their meeting place, and at almost half past 4 they would meet and enact the plan “4:20 Louis”. The phrase was eventually shortened to “4:20″, which ultimately became the code word which teens used to refer to pot smoking.

Here is a list of 10 unlikely marijuana friendly destinations.

1. Kingston, Jamaica:

When cold weather arrives, or any time you want a ganja vacation, you probably want to go to Jamaica. Land of Bob Marley, with marijuana growing an agricultural livelihood for many islanders,  cannabis lovers across the world flock to the Caribbean to get reggae ganja fun in the sun.

Jamaica has a lot going for it, and you find lots to love there,  but It’s also a third world country plagued by poverty, income inequality and crime. If you want a safe and fun Jamaican ganja vacation, you need to read this carefully.

I’ve visited Jamaica three times,and I’m giving you a very stern look at Jamaica as a vacation destination. Here’s the first thing to remember: you can’t just go anywhere and do anything you want in Jamaica as if you were on a tourist trip to Holland.

Even though marijuana is illegal on the island, lots of people will try to sell you ganja there.  You get offered ganja deals before you even got out of the airport, by taxi drivers who pick you up from the airport, by street vendors, and even by children and police officers.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hundreds of coffee shops where marijuana and hashish can be purchased over the counter and consumer. Amsterdam is the home of the Annual High Times Cannabis Cup, which is held ever November and boasts incredible museums and parks.

Info about 2012 ban:

A law that would have banned foreigners from using Amsterdam’s famous cannabis cafes was dropped by the city’s mayor just mere months after the Netherlands first began enforcing the restrictions in other provnces.

The tourist drug ban went into effect in three of the country’s southern provinces earlier this year and was due to expand to the rest of the country — including Amsterdam — by 2013, the Associated Press reported.

Mayor Eberhard van der Laan said that Amsterdam’s 220 coffee shops where  marijuana and hashish are openly sold and consumed will remain open to the public.

3. Toronto, Canada

“Canada’s Eastern regions boast some excellent marijuana and many businesses, especially those located on Yonge St. Although it is against the law to possess marijuana in Canada, enforcement agencies are primarily focused on individuals guilty of trafficking the drug. Marijuana users in Toronto report that police officers are lenient to those who are discreet.

But just as Colorado and Washington loosened up, Canada tightened its drug laws in November of 2012.

On the very same day as the U.S. election, the Canadian federal Safe Streets and Communities Act went into effect,  producing a mandatory minimum penalty for marijuana possession and production: one year in jail for more than 3 kg, and six months for between six and 200 plants.

Carl Valle, Press Secretary for Prime Minister Stephen Harper says that these drugs are illegal because of the harmful effect they have on users and on society, including violent crimes. The government therefore has no interest in seeing any of these drugs legalized or to make them  more easily available to youth.

A new poll done in 2012 showed that a majority of Canadians support loosening the country’s marijuana laws, a stance that’s starkly out of sync with the federal government’s pot policy.

According to the poll, released Tuesday by Toronto’s Forum Research, 65 per cent of Canadians favour either the legalization and taxation of the drug, or decriminalizing it in small amounts.

Although the laws have been tightened, the streets and some of the cafes are still puffing.

4. Manama, Bahrain

 If you get caught you will probably spend 2 to 4 weeks in prison and will be interrogated harshly and then released on bail until your case goes to court. The judge might sentence you to 6 months in prison minimum and 10 years maximum – so be careful.

There is no marijuana in Bahrain available, but high quality hashish is always an option. It is hard to buy it off the streets with no connections, but you could always try going to bars on exhibition road. A Thai hooker might also fix you up, if she doesn’t she will know someone who will. Everybody smokes hash in Bahrain, but are really serious about keeping it quiet.

Prices do differ with every dealer in Bahrain and dealers don’t sell the drug in grams. You could get a piece as big as your thumb for 20 bd – 50 $.

5.  Barcelona, Spain

Smoking in public in Spain isn’t 100% tolerated, but you can possess up to 40 grams legally and major cannabis events such as Spannabis are the talk of town.

Barcelona is a stunning city to visit, Guadi architecture is everywhere and nice beaches!

This is a list of the Top 10 most heavily populated cities in Europe. This list was compiled using 1913 census and include all those who lived within the ‘city limits’ or ‘city boundary’ at the time.

1. London, U.K.

Population: 4,684,794

London started of the 20th century as the capital of the world’s largest Empire and Britain’s dominant city. One third of the entire trade of Great Britain went through London’s docks.

Royal junctures such as the coronation of King Edward VII emphasized London’s role as the national capital of the largest empire of the world. But London was also a source for change. The decade saw rising political unrest in the capital as women and working men protested their demands to be given the right to vote. London’s local government also dawned a new era as 28 new metropolitan boroughs took over the administration of districts in inner London.

2. New York, USA

Population: 4,024, 780

In many ways the streets of New York in the early 1900s would look familiar to those who live and walk the streets today. Traffic was muddled with early cars, streetcars, bicycles, pedestrians and horses all fighting to find space in this vibrant city. Inhabitants were a mix of people from a myriad of different cultures. Central Park was a favorite gathering spot for the city’s poor who wanted to escape the packed tenements. Wall Street was still one of the country’s great financial centers. Broadway plays and professional baseball games were also present for those who could afford the tickets. The city, however, has gotten taller. In 1913 the Woolworth Building opened. At 55 stories, it was the tallest building in the world at that time.

3. Paris, France

Population: 2,750,000.

Paris is a city along the Seine River in France that has many famous landmarks. It is very rich in art and culture. I wrote this report about twenty five years ago. It’s about how this famous city grew and changed over the last few thousand years, since 1900, and through both World Wars.

In the early 1900s, artists from across the world migrated to the Left Bank of Paris. This tour featured the cafés, apartments, and streets where these artists lived and worked during the prime season of Modernism.

Few locations and time periods have seen as much artistic production as Paris during the early 1900s. The American writers Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote some of their best works in the city of love; Irish writer James Joyce wrote and published Ulysses, widely considered to be one of the most important novels of the 20th century. Painters such as Pablo Picasso created works that drastically altered the definition of art.

4. Tokyo, Japan

Population: 2,433,000

Southwest Tokyo, now known as the “burbs” of Tokyo, began to slowly enlarge in the early 1900s as the idea of developer Eichi Shibusawa. He purchased and named the area Denenchofu with a plan to create a “garden suburb” designed after some of the suburban developments in other major cities. His idea gained more than enough success, but the garden suburb truly began to boom after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Central Tokyo was leveled but Denenchofu remained virtually unharmed. Soon after many broad-minded Tokyoites bought into the idea, giving birth to what is now often called the “Beverley Hills” of Tokyo.

5. Berlin, Germany

Population: 2,006,850

The primordial conditions were unbearable for a world national capital, and the Imperial government brought in its scientists, engineers and urban planners to not only solve the scarcity but to forge the world’s model city. With those changes a British expert concluded that Berlin represented “the most complete application of science, order and method of public life,” adding “it is a marvel of civic administration, the most modern and most perfectly organized city that there is.”

In the meantime, Berlin had become an industrial city. Improvements to the infrastructure were needed; in 1896 the construction of the subway (U-Bahn) began and was completed in 1902. The neighborhoods around the city center were filled with tenement blocks.

The surroundings saw extensive development of industrial areas East of Berlin and wealthy residential areas in the South-West.
In terms of high culture, museums were being built an enlarged, and Berlin was on the verge of becoming a major musical city. Berlin dominated the German theater scene, with the government-supported Opernhaus and Schauspielhaus, as well as numerous private playhouses included the Lessing and the Deutsches theatres.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the open road to excite the senses, free the mind and experience the best of any destination. In this post we take a look at some of the worlds best road trips to add to your travelling bucket list.

1. Route 66, USA

Also known as Main Street, Route 66 is considered to be the most spectacular and famous highway in the world. It has been eugolised by numerous movies, books, songs, and television shows more than any other highway in the world. The 2,400-mile drive starts in the states of Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, and finally ends in California at the stunning beaches of Santa Monica in Los Angeles.

2. Amalfi Drive, Italy

The Amalfi Drive is considered to be one of the best and thrilling roads not only in Italy, but also in the world. It stretches from the peaceful village of Amalfi to Sorrento. The route passes through wonderful hillside villas, historical buildings, and small historical towns. It offers stunning views of the expansive Mediterranean from its highest points.

3. Ring of Kerry, Ireland

The ring of Kerry is one of the most scenic and famous drives in the world. Found in the south-western region of Ireland, the circular drive starts in Killarney, winding gracefully through the beautiful historical towns of Kenmare, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Killorglin. It offers very beautiful sceneries and attractions including Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney National Park, Killarney Golf Club, Stone Age ruins, shimmering lakes, glaciated valleys, and unspoilt beaches.

4. Icefields Parkway, Canada

Also referred to as Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway starts from Lake Louise Town in the south and stretches for about 230 kilometres to Jasper Town in the north. Traversing the rugged landscape of Rocky Mountains, and Banff National Park, the route offers excellent views of impressive wildlife including bighorn sheep, grizzly, moose, black bears, elks, and mountain goats. It also offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, emerald lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and alpine meadows.

5. Ring Road, Iceland

The Ring Road is the highest highway in Iceland. Circling its way through the country for about 1,400 kilometres, the highway connects many major towns and cities including Reykjavik, Isafjorour, Blonduos, Akureyri, Husavik, Egilsstaoir, Hornafjorour, Vik, and Vestmannaeyjar. It passes through wonderful plateaus, thundering waterfalls, rugged fjords, and volcanic mountains. It also passes through Blue Lagoon, Myvatn, Dettifoss, Jokulsarlon, and Skaftafell national parks.

Whether you are wanting to take a trip abroad or visit a new part of the country, travelling is a great adventure and we are lucky to have so many variations of transport to choose from. However, journeys can be delayed or even cancelled, and if travelling with kids, your dream break away could become a nightmare.

If you will be travelling with kids in the near future, you may want to make a note of these top 10 tips:

1. Be prepared with some inexpensive wrapped toys

Will your journey take in excess of three hours? If so then we recommend that you come prepared with some inexpensive wrapped toys. Every hour or so, give your toddler a gift to unwrap and they will be entertained throughout the journey.

2. Have a tablet with you

Have a tablet with you and download a couple of apps that are sure will entertain your kids. The amount of apps will depend on the duration of the journey and your kids’ attention span. If flying, make sure you have the tablet on flight mode.

3. Be prepared with bottles

Babies need regular feeding and coming prepared with bottles premade with milk powder will save you time. There are some mixtures that can be made up using mineral water. However, if you want hot milk, you can find travel milk warmers in most shops.

4. Have a window shade

When travelling in the car have a window shade to help your kids sleep. It could also be a good idea to see what toys can be clipped onto the car seat to keep them occupied.

5. Always bring a potty with you

Car journeys can be a nightmare when your little one wants to constantly go, so be prepared – having a potty with you will also make your child feel more comfortable.

When it comes to holiday planning, European beaches enjoy immense popularity among tourists. For ages, the European beach destinations have attracted people to enjoy their holiday breaks, or short weekends. Whether it is a stag party, or a hen weekend with friends, or it is a trip with family, European beaches have it all. The pleasant climatic condition and the wide range of entertainment activities offered in the European beaches make them the favorite of everyone. If you are planning a holiday trip, you can surely check out the European beaches. The broken coastline of the continent has led to the formation of different beaches, which attracts innumerable tourists every year. The beaches have something for everyone, and so you can easily plan your honeymoon or your family trip here. As there are thousands of beach destinations in Europe, it might be a little tacky for you to find the perfect destination for your trip. However, if you check out the list of the top ten European beach destinations, the task of selecting the ideal beach destination will become simple.

1. Costa Del Sol, Spain

The climate of the Spanish beach, Costa Del Sol makes it one of the most popular beach destinations of Europe. This beach receives little rainfall, and so you can visit it at any time of the year. Different types of entertainment activities including the beach bars have made this beach popular among the youths.

2. Costa Dorada, Spain

The natural beauty with dunes and sand beaches has made Spanish beach, Costa Dorada a popular tourist spot. The shallow water of this area makes it an ideal place for the kids, and you can surely plan a family holiday here. A wide range of accommodation facilities are provided here to make your trip comfortable.

3. Costa Blanca, Spain

If you are looking for a thrilling nightlife, and need a perfect beach destination for partying with friends, Spanish beach, Costa Blanca is for you. It is better to plan a long holiday break when you are coming to Costa Blanca. Apart from the beach activities, you can check Terra Mitica, Entertainment Park in Benidorm.

4. Costa Del Garraf, Spain

It is rightly said that Spanish beaches attract everyone. Costa Del Garraf beach in Spain is not only the ideal holiday destination for straight couples, but also it is one of the best places for the gays. The beach located in Sitges is known to attract thousands of gay couples every year.

5. Ibiza, Spain

Bars, clubs and DJs make Ibiza the perfect place for stag parties and hen dos. The nightlife that is offered here can be rarely matched with any other countries in the world. Though Ibiza attracts people for its nightlife, it has some of the important cultural sites too. You can visit Benirras Bay to have a look at the “God’s Finger”, one of must see places in this beach destination.

There are regular flights that can help you book flights to these European beaches and the airfares are quite economical.

Here are the top 10 cruise liners you should check out. Many of them will take you on a never before seen trip of a lifetime.

1. Princess Cruises

This is a British-American cruise line whose main office is in California, United States. Two of its ships were used on the TV show, the Love Boat. In 2013, it is expected that Royal Princess will become flagship of Princess Cruises.

2. Carnival Cruise Lines

Based in Miami, it was founded in 1972 by Ted Arison. It has the largest fleet so far in the world, including 22 vessels. Carnival Destiny is the world’s largest cruise ship in the world.

3. Disney Cruise Lines

This cruise line is fun for the whole family, especially those who have little children. An American corporation, it is owned by the Walt Disney Company. It does several expeditions to Europe, the Caribbean and South America.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line

An American corporation, Norwegian Cruise Lines controls approximately 8% of the cruise line markets. It is renowned for its Freestyle Cruising concept. There are no set times or seating measures for mealtimes.

5. Polar Cruise Lines

Polar Cruises provide expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. You can see polar bears and view penguins on their different trips. The cruise is small but is popular for those who want to see Antarctica for themselves.

Amsterdam was once the center of international economic activities many centuries ago. It has a total of 175 nationalities living in its towns and municipalities. Its people are known to be some of the tallest in the world. Furthermore, it has various attractions that cast a cultural, artistic and historical look over Amsterdam. As such, here are top 10 attractions you should visit while in Amsterdam.

1. Red Light District:

Men do need to pay to enter a strip club in Amsterdam, when they have a whole street dedicated to stupendous women. Dating back to the 14th century, Red Light District is known to be one of the most vibrant tourist attractions in the older part of Amsterdam. It has sex shops, strip clubs and window girls looking to have a good time. Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands and the girls who offer their services do pay taxes. Furthermore, one should note that window prostitution is distinct in the Netherlands and cannot be viewed in many places. If you are a couple, it is quite normal to walk through the street together. This district is mainly a tourist attraction and you will not be the only male/female couple walking.

2. Anne Frank House:

There is not one person out there, who has not read the Diary of Anne Frank, or at least saw a movie or documentary about it. The actual diary cannot begin to tell readers what it was like to live behind the bookcase in the annex. The museum is actually the place where Anne Frank, her family and family friends hid to avoid racial persecution during WWII. The hiding place or hidden annex as it is called is no bigger than a North American apartment. As you enter the hidden annex, you cannot help but notice the small wooden staircase. The rooms where 8 individuals were living for most of WWII were small and crowded. You could barely fit a bed in them. As such, the Anne Frank house is something that will make you appreciate more of what you have and let’s you walk in the shoes of those unjustifiably shunned from society for being Jewish.

3. Canal Cruise:

Amsterdam is known as “Venice of the North”. It is made up of more than 100 canals, 90 islands and 1500 bridges, which were declared UNESCO monuments in 2010. Many attractions could either be seen by foot or by boat. If you would like to see the many hidden treasures of Amsterdam, canal cruising is for you. While on tour, you can view the boathouses of various celebrities such as Pat Sajak and primordial architectures that withstood WWII and flooding. If you ever take the cruise at night, you would be awestruck and flabbergasted by the color and lights that spark the city.

4. Sea Palace:

If you are ever looking to have an amiable and scenic sit down dinner in Amsterdam, the Sea Palace is for you. The Sea palace is a floating Chinese restaurant located in central Amsterdam. This restaurant is unheralded with astounding scenery one cannot miss when going to Amsterdam. The food is finger licking. From dim sums to Beijing Duck to specialty Szechuan and Cantonese dishes, this restaurant has it all.

5. Van Gogh Museum:

Vincent Van Gogh is known mainly as a crazy 19th century Dutch painter who painted a portrait of himself after cutting off his ear. If you are an impressionist and post-impressionist art lover, this museum is for you. This museum carries over 200 permanent art and letter van Gogh collections. While visiting the museum, tourists can also view the various art collections of other painters and compare. There are audio and guided tours that can assist visitors as they walk through the museum, which is open to the public 364/365 days a year.

If you are planning an international family vacation, then one of the things to take into account is the security situation in various holiday destinations. Thanks to technology, we are now able to keep tabs on the going on in various cities either through the internet or cable news. The last thing you want in your mind while on holiday is worrying about the safety of your family. In addition, when planning to start a family the environment in which your children grows up in is of importance. Despite what the authorities may say about crime rates in a certain city, doing your own research will not hurt. Moreover, it only functions to give you a peace of mind that nothing out of the ordinary will occur while on a vacation with your family or bride.

Discussed herein are some of the safest destinations in the world.

1. The Dutch ABC Islands:

Whereas, there is no doubt about the beauty of Caribbean Islands, it has not been without issues. The area has experienced some of the worst political turbulence and crimes that are not worthy to write home about. However, despite the negativity brewed by some of the Islands, there are those that have managed to exist in peace due to political and economical stability thus attracting thousands of tourists annually. Unlike other Islands, the ABC Islands has relatively minimal crime rates. Moreover, so far the area has not experienced political unrest. The best part of it all is that the Islands are not on the path of hurricanes. The Dutch ABC Islands scores the most points for offering heavenly picturesque sceneries and security.

2. New Zealand:

New Zealand is best known for its prowess in rugby. The All Blacks team is known all over the world for bringing beauty in the game. Other than that, New Zealand is well known as one of the safest locations in the globe. Other than the earthquake that hit one of its cities, it is generally a calm location. The distance from the rest of the world and a relatively low population makes it one of the best countries to bring a family.

3. Ulster, Ireland:

The Irish have a reputation for being heavy drinkers, involvement in mafia and fighting. However, not many know that Ireland is a country to recognize when it comes to rugby. They are rival England and have beaten them a couple of times. In addition, their reputation ought not to be considered when viewing Ulster as a holiday destination. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently voted the Emerald Isle as one the most peaceful locations in Europe. Crime levels are extremely low and as such, judging a book by its cover will make you miss on one of the most beautiful and peaceful locations to visit. You can always find last minute holiday deals on sites such as Expedia for you and your family travel needs.

4. Cyprus:

Cyprus has also not been without its shares of political and economical issues. Nonetheless, over the years this reputation has been forgotten as the country has gone through various reforms. The three main things that keep Cyprus going are culture, religion and booming economy. It is believed the Orthodox Church has its origin in Cyprus and as such holds a special place in the hearts of many religious ardent. Cyprus is a Eurasian Island that is situated on the East of the Mediterranean and is blessed with some of the most beautiful beachfront that allures hundreds of tourists annually.

5. Switzerland:

Swiss is known for its neutral stand on global matters. But, it is also one of the wealthiest countries in the globe with the highest per capita than most superpowers. Switzerland is categorized into three linguistic and national regions. Switzerland is famous for its sweet chocolates, the Alps as well as high cost of living. In fact, it is the most expensive places to live in the world. For individuals who are dreaming of a high life then Switzerland is the place to be in. The security provided by the country is what makes it one of the best holiday destinations especially winter holiday sports.

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.