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As the #1 tourist destination in the United States, New York is home to dozens of landmarks that have become synonomous with the city. While the city is world famous for everything from fashion to finance, from diplomacy to theater, from art to sports clubs, it is the many iconic landmarks that most people picture when they think of New York City. Visitors will usually want to add at least one of these venues to their trip, in between enjoying the incredible diversity of food, shopping, and other attractions the city has to offer. Stay in one of the five star New York hotels or find a bed and breakfast housed in one of the city’s historic brownstones.

At various times both the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building have been icons of the New York skyline. While visitors are no longer allowed to climb to the torch or the crown of the Statue of Liberty, they can enjoy the statue’s museum. The Immigrations Museum at Ellis Island has also become a popular tourist destination. The Empire State Building is open until midnight and offers stunning views of the city.

No trip to New York would be complete without a visit to Central Park and Times Square — even if its just a driveby. Central Park is perhaps the most famous park in the world, with many international capitals modeling large parks after New York’s example. It is home not just to greenery, lakes, and recreation areas, but also houses the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It also hosts concerts and theater productions. Times Square has evolved into a “family-friendly” tourist center with theaters, themed restaurants, and hotels.

Lincoln Center and Rockefeller Plaza are also New York hot spots, but for very different reasons. Lincoln Center is the world’s largest cultural complex housed in architecturally stunning buildings. Enjoy the beauty of the structures even if you’re not interested in the world-class ballet, opera, theater, and symphonies that are performed inside. Rockefeller Plaza consists of amazing art deco architecture and is famous for its skating rink and annual Christmas tree. There are a number of shops and several eateries that overlook the Plaza.

Travelers also may want to take time to visit the World Trade Center Site. Plaques throughout the site document the history of the World Trade Center. The Freedom Tower is scheduled to be complete on this site in 2013. Other landmarks that round out a New York iternerary include the United Nations, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the New York Stock Exchange.

On the Mediterranean coast of Spain is beautiful Barcelona. Spain’s second largest city and a major tourist destination, Barcelona offers stunning architecture, important museums, delectable food, and an exciting, vibrant culture. Whether staying in one of the 5 star Barcelona hotels or any of the myriad of lodgings available, visitors to this city will have a memorable trip to treasure for years to come.

Many visitors will find that planning their holiday to coincide with one of Barcelona’s many festivals will add that extra something special to their trip. The city hosts many religious and cultural events throughout the year and the celebrations offer a glimpse into the varied traditions of Spain and Catalonia.

Perhaps the most well-known festival is Sónar. Officially, a festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art, this three-day festival is known for its music. Usually held the third week of June, it attracts around 80,000 attendees every year. During the day, the festival consists of live concerts, technology demos, multimedia art, DJs, cinema, and record & clothing fairs. At night, separate venues offer concerts, DJs, & VDJs featuring cutting edge dance music.

The city’s main festival is Festes de la Mercè. Beginning on September 22nd, there are a variety of events leading up to the actual public holiday, which is the 24th. Parades, musical performances, sports events, and fireworks are important elements of the festival. The parade of giants features gegants (giant wooden figures). Another popular event is the contest for the highest human tower, with contestent often creating towers eight levels high.

Other festivals include Festes de Gràcia, which is a Catalonian celebration lasting a week in mid-August, Festes de Sants (which is similar to Festes de Gràcia, but held in late August on a smaller scale), Casa de l’Ardiaca in late May, and Revetlla de Sant Joan, which is the summer solstice celebration. The city also host 80 exhibitions each year, under the Fira de Barcelona.

Singapore may be known for its exotic locale and multicutural society, but it is also a premiere destination for food lovers. Not only is it possible to find delectable examples of world cuisines such as Chinese, Indian, Thai, Malay, Italian, French, Japanese and American, but local foods offer an intriguing fusion of the diverse cultures of Singapore. The main influences on Singapore cuisine are Chinese, Malay, Indian and Tamil. These delicious flavors are prevalent throughout the island’s dining environments, from Singapore fine dining to the food courts and hawker stalls.

As the original inhabitants of Singapore, the Malays provided a distinctive influence on Singapore food. Malay dishes feature lots of spices, with many dishes being curries, dips or stews which are offered in Nasi Padang restaurants throughout Singapore. Malay cuisine fused with Chinese flavors to create Peranakan or Nonya cuisine.

The Chinese cuisine found in Singapore is usually from the southern regions of China. Here the food has incorporated tropical touches such as the use of chilli and fermented shrimp paste. Another distinction is the availability of “kan” (dry) noodles. In these dishes, noddles will be tossed with spices and chilli and served separately from the soup.

While Indians make up the smallest minority and, therefore, the smallest impact on the local cuisine, Indian food is available almost everywhere. A few dishes have been adapted into a Singapore version and are very popular with locals. These include fish head curry, Nasi briynani, putu mayam, and roti prata, which until the Indian version is usually made with egg and may include unorthodox ingredients such as cheese, ice cream, or chocolate.

The city formerly known as Bombay began as a group of seven islands on the Konkan coast of India. Eventually, the islands were joined into one island city which became the capital of Maharashtra. In 1996 the city was renamed Mumbai as India attempts to reclaim local names following independence from British rule. Mumbai has the second largest population in the world.

The recognized commercial and entertainment capital of India, Mumbai is home to financial institutions, the largest port in India, and Bollywood, the Hindu film and television industry. Visitors to the city will find a mixture of historic architecture and traditions blended with modern office buildings, shopping malls, and skyscrapers.

Mosques, museums, galleries and palaces dot the city along with parks and gardens. Although it is known as a concrete jungle, Mumbai has natural environments within its borders, including the Borivali National Park and the “Hanging Gardens” on Malabar Hill. The Veermata Jijabai udyan is the city’s zoo and is a well-preserved relic of colonial days.

Shoppers will find more opportunities than they can handle in the bazaars, markets, and modern shopping malls. Vendors have taken over entire streets in some areas and bargain hunters can buy everything from traditional handicrafts to cutting edge technology. The food in Mumbai is also noteworthy with dishes from all over India available as well as cuisines from all over the world.

Though it is still reeling from recent terrorist attacks, Mumbai is certain to regain its unique appeal as it has after other upheavals in its long history. Whether you stay at a small hotel or one of the five star hotels Mumbai, you’ll have plenty to see, do, and eat during your visit.

Ibiza is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations because the offers stunning scenery, world reknown nightlife, a rich cultural experience and incredible beaches. Add to this the friendly and helpful people and you’ll understand why thousands of visitors converge on this Spanish Island.

Officially known as Eivissa, the island became (in)famous as a party destination for European youth. While there is still a thriving nightlife of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and parties, the island has been working to broaden its appeal to families and older tourists. The sixty beaches on the island offer plenty of opportunities for activities ranging from parasailing and surfing to simple sunbathing and beachcombing.

Those looking to explore beyond the beaches and cities will find coastal walking trails, hills, forests and traditional villages. Large sections of the island are protected as UN World Heritage Sites. These include the island’s two National Parks and some of the Ibicenco cultural sites. Be sure to check out all the historical and military sites to get an idea of Ibiza’s interesting heritage.

Accomodations on the island run the full gamut. Visitors can rent cottages and villas or choose to stay in one of the 5 star hotel Ibiza. There are also a number of bed and breakfasts and smaller hotels. With all there is to do on Ibiza, most travellers can find lodgings that are close to whatever type of activities they prefer.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain is the island of Mallorca (English: Majorca). It is the largest island in Spain and enjoys warm Mediterranean weather with cool ocean breezes that keep it from being too hot in the summer. Visitors can enjoy the abundance of shopping and dining options as well as the popular nightlife. Accomodations range from private cottages to expansive resorts and a selection of 5 star hotels Mallorca.

Many visitors take time to explore the history of this gorgeous island. Archaelogical evidence dates back to the Paleolithic period of 6000 to 4000 B.C. In 123 B.C. the Romans occupied Mallorca and founded Palmaria (today’s capital city of Palma) and Polentia (now known as Alcudia). The island enjoyed Roman prosperity until it was concquered by the Vandals in 426. A century later, the Byzantine Empire took control and made the island part of Sardinia.

Christianity grew to prominance under the Byzantines, until Muslim raiders began attacking in 707. These raids continued until 902 when the Caliphate of Cordoba seized control. After a century of expansion under the Moors, Mallorca was ruled by a succession of conquerors, suffering various seiges and attacks until the island came under the crown of Aragon in the early 13th century.

From 1479 until 1716, Mallorca was held under Aragon and Castile rule. The War of Spanish Succession created a unified Spanish Monarchy and the Decretos de Nueva Planta placed Mallorca as part of the Baleares province. Mallorca was a Nationalist stronghold during the Spanish Civil War and was the site of the Battle of Mallorca in 1936.

Today, urban redevelopment and the meteoric tourist industry make Mallorca a haven for tourists from all across Europe and the rest of the world.

Chennai is the the capital city of Tamil Nadu, and Indian state, and the fourth largest metropolitan area in all of India. Formerly known as Madras, the city was founded in the 17th century and developed under British rule to become a force in commerce, industry, and culture. Its cultural mix of Hindu temples, music and film, classical dance shows, modern sports facilities, as well as numerous beaches and shopping make it an ideal vacation spot. Check out Five Star Hotels Chennai as well as the incredible restaurants that can make any visit memorable.

Modern day Chennai is a shopper’s heaven. Everything from traditional artwork, jewelery, and crafts to textiles, electronics, and designer labels are available. Wholesale markets in George Town and Parrys Corner literally offer almost anything you can imagine. Traditional handicrafts from Tirunelveli, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Mahabalipuram, and kanchipuram can be found in shops and boutiques. Modern shopping malls and department stores abound or shoppers can visit neighborhood markets where many streets are devoted to selling only one type of merchandise.

For those who prefer beaches, Chennai has numerous beaches and resorts along its coastline. These include Marina Beach (13 km long), Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar (preferred by the younger crowd), and Covelong Beach (featuring a fort built by the Nawab of the Carnatic). There is also a water sports park on the outskirts of Chennai.

Chennai one of the few cities in the world that encompasses a national park, the Guindy National Park, completely within the city. The park is home to a variety of species of deer, snakes, monkeys, and foxes, many of which are endangered. It also houses a large collection of snakes in the Guindy Snake Park, which is a vital resource of antivenoms. the Vandalur Zoo (official name Arignar Anna Zoological Park) includes a lion safari, a nocturnal animal house, and aquarium and an elephant safari. the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust is a center for herpetological research and is home to fresh- and salt-water crocodiles, gharials, alligators, snakes, and turtles. Plants and trees can be found at the Botanical Garden which features a fossilized tree trunk that is estimated to be twenty million years old.