Tag: World Travel

Have you visited any of the oldest cities in the world?

Slide 1 of 20: Varanasi or Banaras was settield around 1000 BCE. Located on the banks of the holy Ganges river, it's an important holy city for both Hindus and Buddhists. According to Hindu legend, the city was founded after a fight between the deities Shiva and Brahma. The five-headed Brahma lost one of his heads to Lord Shiva during the battle, and afterwards Shiva carried the head with him. But when Shiva got to Varanasi, he lost Brahma's head, and it disappeared, consecrating the ground.Varanasi is so holy in fact that many Hindu worshippers travel here at the end of their lives because it's believed that if the dead are cremated on the Ganges at Varanasi, they will be taken out of the cycle of rebirth and instead sent directly to heaven.

Varanasi, India

Varanasi or Banaras was settield around 1000 BCE. Located on the banks of the holy Ganges river, it’s an important holy city for both Hindus and Buddhists. According to Hindu legend, the city was founded after a fight between the deities Shiva and Brahma. The five-headed Brahma lost one of his heads to Lord Shiva during the battle, and afterwards Shiva carried the head with him. But when Shiva got to Varanasi, he lost Brahma’s head, and it disappeared, consecrating the ground.
Varanasi is so holy in fact that many Hindu worshippers travel here at the end of their lives because it’s believed that if the dead are cremated on the Ganges at Varanasi, they will be taken out of the cycle of rebirth and instead sent directly to heaven.
Slide 3 of 20: Larnaca's pristine beaches aren't its only attrction. The Mycenaeans settled here around the 13th century BCE, then known as the city state of Citium. They were initially there to mine copper, but the deposits didn't last long and the city fell into decline until the arrival of the Achaeans. The philosopher Zeno of Citium who taught in Athens around 300 BCE also called the city state home. Larnaca is peppered with archaeological sites worth taking a detour for.

Larnaca, Cyprus

Larnaca’s pristine beaches aren’t its only attrction. The Mycenaeans settled here around the 13th century BCE, then known as the city state of Citium. They were initially there to mine copper, but the deposits didn’t last long and the city fell into decline until the arrival of the Achaeans. The philosopher Zeno of Citium who taught in Athens around 300 BCE also called the city state home. Larnaca is peppered with archaeological sites worth taking a detour for.
Slide 4 of 20: This is the presumed home of the Argead dynasty, the family of Alexander the Great, and it's been continuously inhabited for 7,000 years, since about 6000 or 5000 BCE. It was a major Mycenaean stronghold around 1600 BCE, but today the city relies mostly on agriculture, with its own local variety of melon, the argetiko. A large number of ancient ruins are scattered in and around the city in various stages of renovation or disrepair.
4/20 SLIDES © VASILIS VERVERIDIS/123rf

Argos, Greece

This is the presumed home of the Argead dynasty, the family of Alexander the Great, and it’s been continuously inhabited for 7,000 years, since about 6000 or 5000 BCE. It was a major Mycenaean stronghold around 1600 BCE, but today the city relies mostly on agriculture, with its own local variety of melon, the argetiko. A large number of ancient ruins are scattered in and around the city in various stages of renovation or disrepair.
Slide 4 of 20: This is the presumed home of the Argead dynasty, the family of Alexander the Great, and it's been continuously inhabited for 7,000 years, since about 6000 or 5000 BCE. It was a major Mycenaean stronghold around 1600 BCE, but today the city relies mostly on agriculture, with its own local variety of melon, the argetiko. A large number of ancient ruins are scattered in and around the city in various stages of renovation or disrepair.

Argos, Greece

This is the presumed home of the Argead dynasty, the family of Alexander the Great, and it’s been continuously inhabited for 7,000 years, since about 6000 or 5000 BCE. It was a major Mycenaean stronghold around 1600 BCE, but today the city relies mostly on agriculture, with its own local variety of melon, the argetiko. A large number of ancient ruins are scattered in and around the city in various stages of renovation or disrepair.
Slide 5 of 20: The center of ancient Egypt is still a thriving city. Once known as the city of Waset, or Thebes to the Greeks, it was founded in 3200 BCE, the first capital of Upper Egypt. It was the religious center of ancient Egypt up until the arrival of the Greeks. It's home to the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, where the majority of ancient Egyptian royalty is buried. Looking out at the sunset over the Nile, it's easy to see why the ancient Egyptians believed this place to be holy ground.
5/20 SLIDES © realityimages/123RF

Luxor, Egypt

The center of ancient Egypt is still a thriving city. Once known as the city of Waset, or Thebes to the Greeks, it was founded in 3200 BCE, the first capital of Upper Egypt. It was the religious center of ancient Egypt up until the arrival of the Greeks. It’s home to the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, where the majority of ancient Egyptian royalty is buried. Looking out at the sunset over the Nile, it’s easy to see why the ancient Egyptians believed this place to be holy ground.
Slide 6 of 20: First settled in 2800 BCE, Jerusalem is an important religious center for three major world religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It's home to the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the al-Aqsa Mosque. Its role as a spiritual center has often been overshadowed by conflict, and both Palestine and Israel claim it as their capital city.
6/20 SLIDES © silverjohn/123RF

Jerusalem, Israel and the Palestinian Territories

First settled in 2800 BCE, Jerusalem is an important religious center for three major world religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It’s home to the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the al-Aqsa Mosque. Its role as a spiritual center has often been overshadowed by conflict, and both Palestine and Israel claim it as their capital city.
Slide 7 of 20: Beirut is Lebanon's capital and has a history stretching back over 5,000 years through Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab and Ottoman times. It's first mentioned in letters to the pharaoh of Egypt as early as the 15th century BCE. Now a sprawling metropolis, it was once a Phoenician port, the remains of which lie beneath its modern buildings. Much of Beirut's ancient architecture has been lost to time, but some Roman baths still remain, and the city is an eclectic mix of architectural styles from more recent eras.

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut is Lebanon’s capital and has a history stretching back over 5,000 years through Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab and Ottoman times. It’s first mentioned in letters to the pharaoh of Egypt as early as the 15th century BCE. Now a sprawling metropolis, it was once a Phoenician port, the remains of which lie beneath its modern buildings. Much of Beirut’s ancient architecture has been lost to time, but some Roman baths still remain, and the city is an eclectic mix of architectural styles from more recent eras.
Slide 8 of 20: Perched on the Euphrates River, the earliest inhabitants settled here in 3650 BCE. Gaziantep is full of beautiful architecture, from Roman mosaics to the Gaziantep Castle built by the Hittite Empire and expanded by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Gaziantep was also a stop on the Silk Road and is one of Turkey's most epicurean cities.

Gaziantep, Turkey

Perched on the Euphrates River, the earliest inhabitants settled here in 3650 BCE. Gaziantep is full of beautiful architecture, from Roman mosaics to the Gaziantep Castle built by the Hittite Empire and expanded by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Gaziantep was also a stop on the Silk Road and is one of Turkey’s most epicurean cities.
Slide 9 of 20: There is evidence that Bulgaria's second largest city has been inhabited since 6000 BCE, meaning that it's the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Before the city finally became part of the Bulgarian state in 1344 AD, its control passed between Bulgarian and Byzantine hands, and briefly those of the knights of the Fourth Crusade.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

There is evidence that Bulgaria’s second largest city has been inhabited since 6000 BCE, meaning that it’s the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. Before the city finally became part of the Bulgarian state in 1344 AD, its control passed between Bulgarian and Byzantine hands, and briefly those of the knights of the Fourth Crusade.
Slide 10 of 20: Sidon was one of the most important and possibly one of the first Phoenician cities, but it was settled as early as 4000 BCE or 6800 BCE depending on the source. Many groups have taken control of the city throughout its history including the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Egyptians, the Persians, the Greeks, and later the Ottomans. The population has all but exploded since the early 20th century, and it's grown from a humble fishing village to a city of almost 250,000. Due to unchecked urbanization and lack of oversight, much of the city's infrastructure and environmental safety has been overlooked. It's now in the process of reversing the damage.

Sidon, Lebanon

Sidon was one of the most important and possibly one of the first Phoenician cities, but it was settled as early as 4000 BCE or 6800 BCE depending on the source. Many groups have taken control of the city throughout its history including the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Egyptians, the Persians, the Greeks, and later the Ottomans.
The population has all but exploded since the early 20th century, and it’s grown from a humble fishing village to a city of almost 250,000. Due to unchecked urbanization and lack of oversight, much of the city’s infrastructure and environmental safety has been overlooked. It’s now in the process of reversing the damage.
Slide 11 of 20: Cholula is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. The village was settled by the Maya between 500 and 200 BCE. Now the city subsides mainly on agriculture and commerce, particularly tourism. It's also home to the largest pyramid in the Americas, but you might not know it at first. The pyramid looks like a giant hill at first glance, with an imposing church on top. But in fact it's a pyramid similar to those found in Teotihuacan, just covered in vegetation. It was built in layers over the course of six centuries.

Cholula, Mexico

Cholula is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. The village was settled by the Maya between 500 and 200 BCE. Now the city subsides mainly on agriculture and commerce, particularly tourism. It’s also home to the largest pyramid in the Americas, but you might not know it at first. The pyramid looks like a giant hill at first glance, with an imposing church on top. But in fact it’s a pyramid similar to those found in Teotihuacan, just covered in vegetation. It was built in layers over the course of six centuries.
Slide 12 of 20: This Lebanese city was settled sometime during the Neolithic period, and has been continuously inhabited since 5000 BCE. The first example of the Phoenician alphabet was found here, inscribed on a sarcophagus, and the name "bible" comes from the same Greek root word, meaning papyrus. You'll find the ruins of many civilizations here, including royal tombs from Phoenician kings who were contemporaries of the Pharaohs in Egypt.

Byblos, Lebanon

This Lebanese city was settled sometime during the Neolithic period, and has been continuously inhabited since 5000 BCE. The first example of the Phoenician alphabet was found here, inscribed on a sarcophagus, and the name “bible” comes from the same Greek root word, meaning papyrus. You’ll find the ruins of many civilizations here, including royal tombs from Phoenician kings who were contemporaries of the Pharaohs in Egypt.
Slide 13 of 20: The ancient home of philosophy and the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens has been continuously inhabited for at least 7,000 years. Home to Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments and remains, it's hard not to be impressed by its vast Acropolis on the hill looking down at the modern city. It's a hub for travelers heading elsewhere in Greece, but has plenty of wonders all on its own including the Theatre of Dionysus and the Temple of Hephaestus.

Athens, Greece

The ancient home of philosophy and the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens has been continuously inhabited for at least 7,000 years. Home to Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments and remains, it’s hard not to be impressed by its vast Acropolis on the hill looking down at the modern city. It’s a hub for travelers heading elsewhere in Greece, but has plenty of wonders all on its own including the Theatre of Dionysus and the Temple of Hephaestus.
Slide 14 of 20: Early architectural finds date the earliest occupants of Flores between 900 and 600 BCE. The Itza people were the first to inhabit it, and Flores was the capital of the last Maya kingdom to fall to the Spanish invaders in 1697. Flores is one of the closest cities to Tikal, Guatemala's most famous Mayan ruins, making it a popular jumping-off point for tourists. Although no Mayan buildings are still standing here, the city still holds great cultural significance.

Flores, Guatemala

Early architectural finds date the earliest occupants of Flores between 900 and 600 BCE. The Itza people were the first to inhabit it, and Flores was the capital of the last Maya kingdom to fall to the Spanish invaders in 1697. Flores is one of the closest cities to Tikal, Guatemala’s most famous Mayan ruins, making it a popular jumping-off point for tourists. Although no Mayan buildings are still standing here, the city still holds great cultural significance.
Slide 15 of 20: The earliest inhabitants settled in 4300 BC. Aleppo was Syria's most populous city before a the Battle of Aleppo from 2012 to 2016. About 30% of Aleppo's historic old center was destroyed during the fighting, including the minaret of the Great Mosque and parts of the Al-Madina Souq. The city is slowly being rebuilt.

Aleppo, Syria

The earliest inhabitants settled in 4300 BC. Aleppo was Syria’s most populous city before a the Battle of Aleppo from 2012 to 2016. About 30% of Aleppo’s historic old center was destroyed during the fighting, including the minaret of the Great Mosque and parts of the Al-Madina Souq. The city is slowly being rebuilt.
Slide 16 of 20: Archaeologists have discovered evidence of human settlements dating as far back as 9000 BCE. Fortifications unearthed in Jericho from 6800 BCE confirm that it is the earliest known walled city, and evidence of other habitation in the area dates back about 11,000 years. It's also the lowest permanently inhabited site on Earth as it is well below sea level.

Jericho, Palestinian Territories

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of human settlements dating as far back as 9000 BCE. Fortifications unearthed in Jericho from 6800 BCE confirm that it is the earliest known walled city, and evidence of other habitation in the area dates back about 11,000 years. It’s also the lowest permanently inhabited site on Earth as it is well below sea level.
Slide 17 of 20: Founded in 1600 BCE, Luoyang was the capital city of 13 ancient dynasties beginning with the Xia Dynasty. It's now a modern, bustling metropolis home to millions of people. Having been rebuilt several times up until 1944, the city has lost much of its original splendor, but it still houses many relics of ancient Chinese culture including the Longmen Grottoes, or Dragon's Gate Grottoes, located north of the city. These caves are home to thousands of carved sculptures depicting Buddha and his disciples dating back to 493 CE.

Luoyang, China

Founded in 1600 BCE, Luoyang was the capital city of 13 ancient dynasties beginning with the Xia Dynasty. It’s now a modern, bustling metropolis home to millions of people. Having been rebuilt several times up until 1944, the city has lost much of its original splendor, but it still houses many relics of ancient Chinese culture including the Longmen Grottoes, or Dragon’s Gate Grottoes, located north of the city. These caves are home to thousands of carved sculptures depicting Buddha and his disciples dating back to 493 CE.
Slide 18 of 20: Now absorbed into the greater metropolitan area of Tehran, Ray is the country's oldest continuously inhabited settlement. Evidence of a settlement here date all the way back to 6000 BCE, and it's even mentioned in the Apocrypha. It's home to Gebri Castle, which is 3,000 years old, and Cheshmeh Hill Ali, an ancient recreational complex, which is 1000 years old.

Ray, Iran

Now absorbed into the greater metropolitan area of Tehran, Ray is the country’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement. Evidence of a settlement here date all the way back to 6000 BCE, and it’s even mentioned in the Apocrypha. It’s home to Gebri Castle, which is 3,000 years old, and Cheshmeh Hill Ali, an ancient recreational complex, which is 1000 years old.
Slide 19 of 20: In 2750 BCE, this was an ancient Phoenician city. It's the legendary birthplace of Europa and Dido and home to a Roman Hippodrome, which was declared UNESCO world heritage site 1979. The city consists of a town on the mainland that was later expanded onto a neighboring island by a causeway built by Alexander the Great.

Tyre, Lebanon

In 2750 BCE, this was an ancient Phoenician city. It’s the legendary birthplace of Europa and Dido and home to a Roman Hippodrome, which was declared UNESCO world heritage site 1979. The city consists of a town on the mainland that was later expanded onto a neighboring island by a causeway built by Alexander the Great.
Slide 20 of 20: The earliest inhabitants of Damascus settled the area around 4300 BCE. It became an important settlement after the arrival of the Aramaeans, who established a network of canals, which still form the basis of the city's modern water networks. The city's old center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the World Monument fund warns that it's one of the most threatened sites of cultural significance in the world due to both the ongoing civil war in Syria and the population decline of the ancient center since 1995. Damascus is currently the largest city in Syria following a mass exodus from Aleppo between 2012 and 2016.

Damascus, Syria

The earliest inhabitants of Damascus settled the area around 4300 BCE. It became an important settlement after the arrival of the Aramaeans, who established a network of canals, which still form the basis of the city’s modern water networks. The city’s old center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the World Monument fund warns that it’s one of the most threatened sites of cultural significance in the world due to both the ongoing civil war in Syria and the population decline of the ancient center since 1995. Damascus is currently the largest city in Syria following a mass exodus from Aleppo between 2012 and 2016.

8 Safe Cities to Visit in Mexico

Slide 1 of 9: Mexico has long received a bad reputation as a crime-filled place that's unsafe for tourists, but the truth is far from that. According to the U.S. Department of State, Mexico is only under a Level 2 advisory which suggests American travelers should visit it under "Increased Caution," which is the same rating as France and the United Kingdom. Mexico is large and spacious, and while there are some areas unsafe for travelers, there are plenty of destinations for travelers of all kinds to explore in a completely safe environment, and we've listed them here. 

Safest Vacation Destinations in Mexico

Mexico has long received a bad reputation as a crime-filled place that’s unsafe for tourists, but the truth is far from that. According to the U.S. Department of State, Mexico is only under a Level 2 advisory which suggests American travelers should visit it under “Increased Caution,” which is the same rating as France and the United Kingdom. Mexico is large and spacious, and while there are some areas unsafe for travelers, there are plenty of destinations for travelers of all kinds to explore in a completely safe environment, and we’ve listed them here.

 

Slide 2 of 9: Cancun has some of the most extensive security plans in all of Mexico, like establishing a military police base in Isla Mujeres to protect the millions of visitors who visit every year. Granted, there were 342 homicides in the first 8 months of 2018 compared to the same period the year before, but those crimes rarely affect tourists who tend to stay in resorts or visit commercialized tourist spots. Cancun has an even lower crime rate than popular U.S. vacation spots like New York City, Los Angeles and Seattle. 

Cancun

Cancun has some of the most extensive security plans in all of Mexico, like establishing a military police base in Isla Mujeres to protect the millions of visitors who visit every year. Granted, there were 342 homicides in the first 8 months of 2018 compared to the same period the year before, but those crimes rarely affect tourists who tend to stay in resorts or visit commercialized tourist spots. Cancun has an even lower crime rate than popular U.S. vacation spots like New York City, Los Angeles and Seattle.

Slide 3 of 9: Los Cabos is one of the safest and popular destinations in Mexico, and it will assuage your worries to know that they have a five-point security system in effect that resulted in a 90 percent decrease in crime. Like Cancun, it has a better crime rate than most major U.S. cities. Don't fear leaving the resort in Los Cabos to go to the art walk in San Jose del Cabo or party throughout the night in Cabo San Lucas. You'll be completely safe. 

Los Cabos

Los Cabos is one of the safest and popular destinations in Mexico, and it will assuage your worries to know that they have a five-point security system in effect that resulted in a 90 percent decrease in crime. Like Cancun, it has a better crime rate than most major U.S. cities. Don’t fear leaving the resort in Los Cabos to go to the art walk in San Jose del Cabo or party throughout the night in Cabo San Lucas. You’ll be completely safe.

Slide 4 of 9: Guadalajara is a thriving city in western Mexico well-known for its art and food scene, historic churches and as the jumping off point to the town of Tequila. In terms of crime statistics, Guadalajara is safer than New Orleans, Chicago and Houston. If you're looking for an opportunity to visit a city that's free of resorts and maintains an authentic and distinct Mexican personality, you'll want to head to Guadalajara.Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a thriving city in western Mexico well-known for its art and food scene, historic churches and as the jumping off point to the town of Tequila. In terms of crime statistics, Guadalajara is safer than New Orleans, Chicago and Houston. If you’re looking for an opportunity to visit a city that’s free of resorts and maintains an authentic and distinct Mexican personality, you’ll want to head to Guadalajara.

 

Slide 3 of 9: Los Cabos is one of the safest and popular destinations in Mexico, and it will assuage your worries to know that they have a five-point security system in effect that resulted in a 90 percent decrease in crime. Like Cancun, it has a better crime rate than most major U.S. cities. Don't fear leaving the resort in Los Cabos to go to the art walk in San Jose del Cabo or party throughout the night in Cabo San Lucas. You'll be completely safe. 

 

Merida

Merida sits in the Yucatan peninsula and attracts people for its vibrant markets, proximity to cenotes and Chichen Itza and its amazing art museum. Plus, Merida offers a small city vibe that Cancun and Playa del Carmen can no longer provide with their large Americanized resorts. The best part? The crime rate is so low that if it was located in the U.S., it’d be among the top three safest cities.

Slide 4 of 9: Guadalajara is a thriving city in western Mexico well-known for its art and food scene, historic churches and as the jumping off point to the town of Tequila. In terms of crime statistics, Guadalajara is safer than New Orleans, Chicago and Houston. If you're looking for an opportunity to visit a city that's free of resorts and maintains an authentic and distinct Mexican personality, you'll want to head to Guadalajara.

Mexico City

According to the U.S. Department of State, “Both violent and non-violent crime is prevalent in Mexico City. Mexican government statistics indicate criminal incidents in the capital city occur at a significantly higher rate than much of the rest of Mexico.” Yet, if you stay in the main tourist areas, like the historic city center and away from neighborhoods like Tepito and Guerrero, you’ll be fine. If you still need more convincing, Mexico City has a slightly lower crime rate than Chicago and is also safer to walk around at night.

 

Slide 6 of 9: According to the U.S. Department of State, "Both violent and non-violent crime is prevalent in Mexico City. Mexican government statistics indicate criminal incidents in the capital city occur at a significantly higher rate than much of the rest of Mexico." Yet, if you stay in the main tourist areas, like the historic city center and away from neighborhoods like Tepito and Guerrero, you'll be fine. If you still need more convincing, Mexico City has a slightly lower crime rate than Chicago and is also safer to walk around at night. 

Mexico City

According to the U.S. Department of State, “Both violent and non-violent crime is prevalent in Mexico City. Mexican government statistics indicate criminal incidents in the capital city occur at a significantly higher rate than much of the rest of Mexico.” Yet, if you stay in the main tourist areas, like the historic city center and away from neighborhoods like Tepito and Guerrero, you’ll be fine. If you still need more convincing, Mexico City has a slightly lower crime rate than Chicago and is also safer to walk around at night.

Slide 7 of 9: Tulum is one of Mexico's most popular beach destinations, so it makes sense that more than 300,000 people visited in the summer of 2018. If you break down the numbers, Tulum has a lower crime rate than U.S. beach destinations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and Fort Myers, according to Numbeo.com. With cenotes, archeological sites and a hipster vibe, it's one of the most happening destinations in Mexico right now. 

Tulum

Tulum is one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations, so it makes sense that more than 300,000 people visited in the summer of 2018. If you break down the numbers, Tulum has a lower crime rate than U.S. beach destinations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, and Fort Myers, according to Numbeo.com. With cenotes, archeological sites and a hipster vibe, it’s one of the most happening destinations in Mexico right now.

Slide 8 of 9: Tourists love San Miguel de Allende for its colonial-era architecture and art and cultural festivals, which is why it was awarded the American Capital of Culture 2019. The crime rates are slightly elevated in San Miguel de Allende, but once again, lower than the United States' most crime-ridden cities. 

San Miguel de Allende

Tourists love San Miguel de Allende for its colonial-era architecture and art and cultural festivals, which is why it was awarded the American Capital of Culture 2019. The crime rates are slightly elevated in San Miguel de Allende, but once again, lower than the United States’ most crime-ridden cities.

Slide 9 of 9: Puerto Vallarta falls under the U.S. Department of State's "Reconsider Travel" rating, and and that's because the tourism destination had a few incidents in the past. Even then, the crime ratings for Puerto Vallarta are still extremely low. Comparatively, the beachy destination is as safe as Boise, Idaho, the 10th safest city in the U.S. according to WalletHub. It's even safer than Cancun. 

 

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta falls under the U.S. Department of State’s “Reconsider Travel” rating, and and that’s because the tourism destination had a few incidents in the past. Even then, the crime ratings for Puerto Vallarta are still extremely low. Comparatively, the beachy destination is as safe as Boise, Idaho, the 10th safest city in the U.S. according to WalletHub. It’s even safer than Cancun.

What to Do in Las Vegas When It’s Raining

a close up of a flower shop: Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio

Sure, the casinos and shows in Las Vegas are all inside, but if you’re visiting, you probably also hoped to do outdoor things like see the Bellagio water show or lay by the pool. Rainy days might dampen those plans. (Although they are rare: Las Vegas averages 320 days of sunshine and less than five inches of rain a year.)

Luckily, there are plenty of indoor things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling. Here are a few of them.

The Mob Museum

a close up of a street in front of Mob Museum: Dennis K. Johnson/Getty Images© Dennis K. Johnson/Getty Images Dennis K. Johnson/Getty ImagesAlso known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas tells the history of organized crime and law enforcement through interactive exhibits and insights from both police and mobsters. You can sit inside a courtroom to learn about the first Senate inquiry into organized crime or look at the variety of weapons used by gangsters.

The Bellagio Conservatory

This is an indoor option when the water show isn’t working out. The 14,000-square-foot indoor courtyard at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is filled with flowers and plants that reflect the season. Horticulturalists and designers work on the displays, which change completely with each season and for the Chinese New Year.

Dolphin Yoga at the Mirage

You can start your day with a relaxing yoga class with the dolphins in the underwater viewing area at the Mirage hotel. The class is in a sheltered spot out of the rain. You can also check out the rest of the fitness center and book a session with a personal trainer, or explore the rest of the dolphin habitat.

Mermaid Swims and Shark Reef

Other indoor aquatic activities include the 117,000-gallon aquarium inside the Silverton Casino Hotel. You can look at thousands of tropical fish and catch real life mermaids swimming by. Also check out Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, where you can walk through a 1.3 million-gallon shipwreck with an almost 360-degree view of sharks and fish. You can also visit the Touch Pool, where you can put your hands on sharks, rays and crabs.

High Roller Observation Wheel

a close up of a logo: George Rose/Getty Images© George Rose/Getty Images George Rose/Getty ImagesThe views might be cloudy, but you can still be indoors in the fully-covered pods on this giant ferris wheel. It goes 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip, and takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution. Cabins have special treats, including a Happy Half Hour open bar, yoga classes and wine or chocolate tasting.

Shopping

There are endless options for shopping in Las Vegas, including at The Shops at Crystals, The Forum Shops at Caesars, The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, The Shoppes at The Palazzo, and The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Try Grand Bazaar Shops outside of Bally’s Las Vegas, which is modeled after the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. You can walk under a tiled roof in this two-acre outdoor walking mall with more than 80 boutique retail spaces. Or go to Fashion Show, a nearly 2 million square foot mall with department stores and more than 250 shops and boutiques. The mall also has an elevated runway for fashion shows and events.

Gordon Ramsay’s favorite place to travel is one you’ve never heard of

Pole Position Raceway Indoor Carting

Grown ups and kids over 4 feet tall can take to the track at this go kart racing arena. Show up and join in races that last about 10 minutes, or rent out the entire facility for big groups.

Take a Class

Several of the hotels have classes you can take. Try a cooking class at Jaleo inside Cosmopolitan, where you can learn to make paella or tapas. Or take courses from master chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, hair stylists, makeup artists and DJs at The Wynn. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can learn first hand from Cirque du Soleil performers at Cirque SPARK sessions. In the classes, you can try your hand at Cirque du Soleil arts, working on the equipment next to the acrobats and artists.

Save Some Green With St. Patrick’s Day Deals From Aer Lingus, Norwegian, Las Vegas

Source  – ( http://www.forbes.com)

 

 

St. Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of St. Patrick, commemorates the Saint who helped bring Christianity to Ireland, and celebrates Irish heritage and culture in general. In the US, St. Paddy’s Day occasions celebrations of all sorts, including parades from New York to Las Vegas,  the wearing of the green and a bit of tippling to wash down green bagels or corn beef and cabbage.

Now a pair of airlines are joining this March celebration, offering St.Patrick’s deals that will help you “save the green” when booking a trip to Ireland.

Norwegian Airlines is offering a tempting package to go across the pond for St. Patrick’s Day. The sale, launched this week and ending on March 17th, will take flyers to Ireland via Cork, Dublin and Shannon airports starting at  $99 one-way including tax. The $99 flights to Ireland depart from Stewart International (NY) and T.F. Green International Airport (Providence, RI), each near US Irish-American strongholds NYC and Boston. Flights to Dublin from Hamilton International Airport (Toronto, Canada) start at $199.

The travel period for these sales begins on March 30 and ends on June 23, 2019.

A Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 737-800 landing at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, the Netherlands. Photocredit: NurPhoto via Getty ImagesGETTY

And in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the flag carrier airline of Ireland, Aer Lingus, has launched some airfare deals for spring. Aer Lingus says that throughout the entire month of March, cross-Atlantic flights to Europe for trips between April and June 15 will start at $499. (Some restrictions apply.)

Flights departing from the New York area, Seattle and elsewhere in the US will provide what Aer Lingus calls “a fun and frugal gateway” to Europe,an cities including Dublin, London, Barcelona and elsewhere.

Aer Lingus also partners with a number of other airlines in terms of frequent flyer loyalty, including Air Canada, KLM, Etihard, United, JetBlue, FlyBe, British Airways and Alaska Airlines.

With these flight deals not starting until the end of March, , what are you options for St. Patrick’s Day in the USA?

In New York’s Hudson Valley, The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast (voted one of the top 25 bed and breakfasts in the US) is pushing the “luck of the Irish” by offering guests a scratch off lottery ticket from one of many lucky local sellers.  The beautiful Valley area may not boast any leprechauns guarding pots of gold, but apparently it’s home to more than 25,000 New York Lottery tickets winners since 2012!

But everyone will walk away a winner after a full Irish breakfast feast on Saturday, including egg, beans, Irish sausage, Irish bacon, tomatoes, black and white pudding and Irish Soda Bread. On Sunday breakfast will incorporate Irish treats and locally-made Irish soda bread. Guests can sample the wares along the nearby Shawangunk Wine Trail or walk a few steps from Caldwell house to the local Irish (naturally) pub. Package cost starts at $185/night; Irish breakfast only available on March 16-17, 2019.

Las Vegas, not necessarily known as a home of Irish culture, is getting into the St. Patrick’s spirit as well with the annual O’Sheas BLOQ Party.  The party will take place in the LINQ Promenade area  near the giant observation wheel, and will feature the annual parade, food and drink specials at various bars and restaurnants, a weekend-long crawl and live entertainment.

Yes, there will be bagpipers, Irish dancers, and Darby O’Gill, billed as an “Irish drinking band.” As for food, Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar will feature green nachos, green tacos, green burritos and green beer . And at Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen + Bar, the topical menu will include Guy’s “Killer” Corned Beef and Cabbage (8-day brine, cabbage, carrots and buttered potatoes) served with spicy mustard and creamy horseradish sauce for $24.50. Sprinkle Cupcakes will offer green cupcakes and ice cream cones.

And the Linq High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, will be lit up in shades of emerald as well.

The BLOQ St. Patrick’s Parade in Las Vegas, March 2018.THE LINQ PROMENADE

Trips Led by and for Women, to Celebrate Women’s History Month

Source – ( http://www.nytimes.com )

The number of agencies and tour operators specializing in travel tours for women have grown significantly in recent years. Here are a few special destinations.

What better way to commemorate Women’s History Month, in March, than by taking a trip for women, led by women? As an another motivation to book such a getaway, International Women’s Day falls on March 8.

The popularity of such trips seem to have increased since the #MeToo movement. Annette Youngbauer, a travel agent from Delafield, Wis., who specializes in women’s group tours around the world, said that her sales of these trips have increased 200 percent since #MeToo. “Whether it’s a Caribbean cruise or hiking in Macchu Picchu, these trips are a lot about bonding and sharing each other’s struggles and passions,” she said.

If that sounds good to you, here are four to consider.

Kelly Lewis, founder of the travel-guide company Go! Girl Guides and the chief executive of Damesly, a boutique travel company, is leading a trip to Honolulu, her hometown, from May 17 to 23.

The theme of the trip is “finding yourself,” and participants will engage in self-identity work through workshops led by a life coach. Other activities include hula-dance classes, lei-making lessons, surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling and rainforest hikes with picnic lunches ($2,800 a person, with accommodations, some meals and activities included).

In Canada, Wild Women Expeditions is offering a cultural retreat, from July 8 to 13, at a ranch near Calgary. The trip will introduce participants to the culture of the Cree, the indigenous people of the area, and is led by Tracey Klettl and Brenda Holder, two sisters with Cree heritage.

Guests stay in canvas tents in the forest, and will be taught traditional Cree beliefs and skills including traditional plant medicine and archery ($1,895 Canadian dollars per person, approximately $1,430 U.S., with accommodations, transfers, meals and activities included).

Organized by Natural World Safaris, the “Women of the Arctic” expedition cruise will sail in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard from Aug. 10 to 20. A naturalist named Kate Humble is leading the trip, with other female naturalists are on-hand as guides.

The World’s First Floating Museum Has Docked In Paris

Fluctuart, a three-story, sustainable, floating building with transparent walls and flexible spaces and entirely dedicated to urban art has docked in Paris, and the art world is in thrall.

To be inaugurated in May,  France’s first center for street art and graffiti and the world’s first floating museum will open its doors in the heart of Paris , on the banks of the Seine River at the foot of the Pont des Invalides (the Invalides bridge) facing the Grand Palais.

The museum will be “at the same time a place of creation, experimentation and exchange,” according to the center’s website. “Everything about urban art in its most open definition, from street art to contemporary art and with an offer of cultural events, exhibitions (at least three per year), workshops, a library and a rooftop bar with a direct view on the Grand Palais.”

Free and open all year, the floating art center will bring together street artists from all backgrounds, including young newcomers, historical pioneers and world-famous contemporary masters.

The Invalides Bridge where Fluctuart is docked and preparing to open in May.FLUCTUART

French and international artists from the urban scene will have carte blanche to create works in situ in the entirety of Fluctuart spaces, explained Nicolas Laugero Laserre, artistic director, an expert in urban art and one of the founders of the project.

“Paris is the world’s capital for urban art,” he said. “Here, Shepard Fairey performs his biggest works and Banksy is never far either. The number of artists, projects, auctions and specialized galleries in Paris is truly unique. We believe in the idea of ​​art for all. The quest for an art accessible to all is inscribed in the movement’s DNA, with committed artists who are in tune with their times.”

The first traveling exhibition is dedicated to the work of urban artist Swoon.

Several ‘bateaux-mouche’ under the Invalides Bridge.   Photo Jacques Demarthon/AFP/Getty ImagesGETTY

Fluctuart, winner of the  2017 “”Réinventer la Seine” (Reinvent the Seine), a call by Paris officials  for projects aimed an revitalizing the Seine river, was planned by the architecture firm Seine Design and built in less than two years in Dieppe.

It was designed to correspond to the image of the artists that will be shown there: “creative, open to the world, engaged and in its time,” according to the architect Gerard Ronzatti. “Fluctuart is above all a place in perpetual movement that is both artistic and festive, between discoveries and encounters.”

Fluctuart will offer a permanent collection of urban works by major French and international  artists, while regularly hosting temporary exhibitions by prestigious names and occasional artists in residence “so that the place becomes the new, unmissable place of urban art.”

Eiffel Tower, Pont des Invalides and Seine River bank in Paris at night seen from Pont Alexandre III. Photo: Getty ImagesGETTY

Drinks, food, concerts and space for trendy parties surrounded by frescos and art works by the greatest artists are planned for the upper terrace with panoramic views. This rooftop, covered by a marquise, will be open all year, adding a new, festive meeting to the banks of the river.

Fluctuart will  also offer a brunch service in the middle of the permanent exhibition and a space for children with workshops and childcare services.

The “Reinvent The Seine” plan is launching 40 projects along the banks of the Seine and its canals and includes Rouen, in Normandy, and Le Havre.

Trips Led by and for Women, to Celebrate Women’s History Month

Source : NYTIMES

The number of agencies and tour operators specializing in travel tours for women have grown significantly in recent years. Here are a few special destinations.

A trip to South Africa organized by Roar Africa will feature prominent female conservationists and activists working in the region.CreditCreditRoar Africa

What better way to commemorate Women’s History Month, in March, than by taking a trip for women, led by women? As an another motivation to book such a getaway, International Women’s Day falls on March 8.

The popularity of such trips seem to have increased since the #MeToo movement. Annette Youngbauer, a travel agent from Delafield, Wis., who specializes in women’s group tours around the world, said that her sales of these trips have increased 200 percent since #MeToo. “Whether it’s a Caribbean cruise or hiking in Macchu Picchu, these trips are a lot about bonding and sharing each other’s struggles and passions,” she said.

If that sounds good to you, here are four to consider.

Deborah Calmeyer, founder of the travel company Roar Africa, has organized a women’s empowerment trip in South Africa from June 11 to 16. Female guides and animal trackers who have broken stereotypes in these traditionally male fields will speak. Conservationists and philanthropists including Christine Schuler Deschryver, the director ofV-Day Congo, an organization that aims to end violence against women and girls, will also attend.

The itinerary starts in the semidesert region of Karoo where travelers will visit the SA College for Tourism, an institute that trains women from at-risk communities for jobs in the hospitality industry. The bulk of the trip will occur at a lodge in the semiarid savanna of the Kalahari, where guests will have the opportunity to see migratory birds and track black rhinos on foot. There will also be visits to ancient archaeological sites with rock carvings created some 380,000 years ago ($15,600 a person, all-inclusive).

Kelly Lewis, founder of the travel-guide company Go! Girl Guides and the chief executive of Damesly, a boutique travel company, is leading a trip to Honolulu, her hometown, from May 17 to 23.

The theme of the trip is “finding yourself,” and participants will engage in self-identity work through workshops led by a life coach. Other activities include hula-dance classes, lei-making lessons, surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling and rainforest hikes with picnic lunches ($2,800 a person, with accommodations, some meals and activities included).

In Canada, Wild Women Expeditions is offering a cultural retreat, from July 8 to 13, at a ranch near Calgary. The trip will introduce participants to the culture of the Cree, the indigenous people of the area, and is led by Tracey Klettl and Brenda Holder, two sisters with Cree heritage.

Guests stay in canvas tents in the forest, and will be taught traditional Cree beliefs and skills including traditional plant medicine and archery ($1,895 Canadian dollars per person, approximately $1,430 U.S., with accommodations, transfers, meals and activities included).

Some young women are spending up to $175 for a girls night in

Source : Marketwatch

JOMO, the joy of missing out, can be an expensive pastime

The ‘Girls Night In’ newsletter promotes JOMO.
The ‘Girls Night In’ newsletter promotes JOMO.

Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Jillian Wilson, 28, uses her “me time” to shop for mundane household items she doesn’t get around to buying during the busy work week. “I get so much satisfaction from staying in, listening to music, enjoying glass of wine, and just spending time with me,” she said.

That doesn’t always come cheap. A recent iteration of her own Girls Night In included spending $40 on wine, browsing Amazon.com, AMZN  where she racked up a $100 bill on wine stoppers, chip clips and a space heater. She spent $100 on new shoes at Revolve.com.

Companies are now eyeing the “girls night in” market. “Girls Night In,” an online newsletter withmore than 100,000 subscribers that caters to millennial women ages 25 to 34, has found a sweet spot in the saturated self-care space.

The editorial platform offers readers — who would rather watch Netflix NFLX  than hit up a rowdy bar or club — advice for things to do at home. Those pricey hobbies range from cooking and baking to reading and expensive beauty regimes.

It’s a way to make people pay for JOMO, the joy of missing out, not to be confused with the opposite, anxiety-inducing acronym FOMO, the fear of missing out, which can be made worse by scrolling through your Instagram FB  feed.

Girls Night In founder Alisha Ramos. (Courtesy of GNI/Alisha Ramos).
Girls Night In founder Alisha Ramos. (Courtesy of GNI/Alisha Ramos).

Girls Night In relies heavily on brand partnerships with advertisers like Netflix, custom furniture company Burrow and fashion brand Everlane. The self-care industry alone in the U.S. is worth approximately $11 billion. And the wellness market grew 6.4% from $3.72 billion in 2015 to $4.22 billion in 2017, according to the most recent statistics from the Global Wellness Institute.

Girls Night In founder Alisha Ramos shared her own suggestions for a lavish Girls Night In: A scented candle ($38), toner ($6.59), clay mask ($12), face wash ($9), Netflix ($15.99), a recipe for shrimp stir-fry a la Bon Appétit magazine ($16), wine ($34), Saint Germain ($33) and Prosecco ($10). Total: Just shy of $175.

Although staying in on a Saturday night may seem cheaper than going out, businesses like Girls Night In, which arrives in subscribers’ inboxes every Friday, have found a way to get consumers to shell out in the name of laying low.

Take luxury candle subscription box service Wickbox ($26.95 a month), which delivers a high-end candle tailored to a subscriber’s specific scent preferences. MiniBar, an app that delivers wine, liquor or beer in 30 minutes, makes it easy for those looking to imbibe in their pajamas, or host a dinner party at home.

Hygge Box (starting at $25 a month), another subscription company, capitalizes on the Danish and Norwegian word for coziness and comfort while promoting wellness through monthly boxes filled with items like organic teas and cocoa, cookies, bath accessories and home decor.

The trend of staying at home isn’t just for ladies’ nights. Companies like BirchboxMan (starting at $20 per month), a grooming kit that ships men’s skin-care products, promotes similar self-care rituals. Loot Crate (starting at $14.99) sends subscribers new video games and related merchandise like T-shirts and collectibles.

The “Girls Night In” newsletter recommends products that the company’s staffers have tried themselves and it receives a commission for any items that are purchased through affiliate links.

Founder Alisha Ramos, 29, told MarketWatch that she wanted to not feel guilty about staying home on a weekend. “Yes, you do save money, but for me, as an introvert, it’s a great way to nurture my relationships with friends rather than being in a loud club atmosphere,” she said.

The D.C.-based platform launched in February 2017, Ramos said, with a few hundred subscribers and a simple mission: Helping women navigate how to take care of themselves without spending a ton of money between work and personal obligations.

They’ve since grown their Instagram account to more than 63,000 followers. Last week, Girls Night In announced it raised $500,000 from SV Angel, Third Kind Capital, and Combine VC.

GNI plans to use the new funding to host live events — arguably a strategically delicate task given that the company is focused on celebrating (and selling products to) women who want to stay home. The money will allow the company to build out the newsletter’s “holistic wellness category” to include mental health content, Ramos said.

The newsletter typically includes an interview with a high profile author, entrepreneur, activist or celebrity. Previous interviewees include Celeste Ng, author of “Little Fires Everywhere,” and Sophia Amoruso, founder of fashion retailer Nasty Gal UK:BOO

Similar to Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP website, the weekly online newsletter also promotes eccentric trends, like “cacti are the new succulents,” plus tips on how to get more organized, skin-care routines, binge-worthy series to stream and cooking hacks.

Some 39% of adults in the U.S. reporting they feel more anxious than they did a year ago, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Mental health experts and fitness instructors recommend yoga, free meditation and even sleep apps to help create more work-life balance.

Chinese Women Hold Up Most of the Travel Industry

Women are a growing majority of China’s domestic and outbound travel markets, according to online travel agencies Ctrip and Lvmama. Photo: Shutterstock

Chinese women don’t just hold up half the sky, they’re holding up entire industries. A growing proportion of travel consumers and decision-makers in China are now women. And social media is playing a pivotal role in their travel decisions, with short video platforms like Douyin and vlogs expanding their influence in the lucrative sector.

China’s most popular online travel agency, Ctrip.com International, released a report just ahead of International Women’s Day (Friday, March 8th), stating that women travel more than their male counterparts, while also spending more as well. This data is backed up by the family travel site Lvmama’s report showing that women make up 60 percent of all bookings on the platform. Lvmama added that women do a great deal more research on destinations than men. Li Qiuqi, head of brand development at Lvmama, said in an interview with the Chinese travel media Pinchain that women focus more on quality when booking tours and experiences. Li added that they are more willing to pay more for travel products that viewed as higher quality.

Both platforms, however, also noted the increase in women planning independent trips. Most importantly, Ctrip notes that in the case of girlfriends’ trips, 62 percent of customers book hotels near shopping centers, indicating that travel retail is not falling out of favor among Chinese tourists.

These recent reports support the data released by Ctrip and MasterCard in November 2018 emphasizing Chinese women free independent travelers (FITs) — tourists who self-book itineraries and travel in group of fewer than 10 — spend about 14 percent more on their trips than their male counterparts. Meanwhile, younger travelers — those born in the 1990s and early 2000s — outspend their elders; this may be due to the simple fact that this younger travel segment is only increasing. Here are some more of the most important findings in the two platforms’ reports:

  • 70 percent of hotel bookings are made by women; whether for solo, couples, friends, or family travel (Ctrip)
  • 75 percent of women book four- or five-star hotels for family vacations (Ctrip)
  • 57 percent of solo travelers in 2018 were women (Ctrip)
  • 65 percent of FITs were women (Lvmama)
  • 35 percent of women choose to travel with friends (Lvmama)
  • 21 percent of women choose to travel alone (Lvmama)
  • Female users on Lvmama travel an average of twice per year
  • 10 percent of women book their trips about three months in advance, with 30 percent booking a month in advance (Lvmama)
  • Women spent an average of $35 (RMB 235.3) per meal while traveling, compared $30.60 (RMB 205.8) for men (Ctrip)
  • Only 9 percent of female travelers made reservations at Western-style restaurants through Ctrip
  • Bookings for activities like zip lining, rafting, skydiving, and bungee jumping increased 12 percent year-on-year (Lvmama)

Top 20 Places Women Are Traveling In 2019

Source : Forbes

A new report from Airbnb says that Los Angeles is the top place U.S. women are traveling right now.GETTY

Solo travel is on the rise — especially among female travelers. An estimated 32 million American women travel alone every year, according to the Travel Industry Association. And a new Global Solo Travel Study conducted by British Airways reports that almost 50% of women around the world have taken a vacation by themselves, while 75% are planning a solo trip in the next few years. So where are women going? In honor of International Women’s Day, Airbnb has released its first-ever report on the top places women are traveling right now. This 2019 report was shared exclusively with the Transformative Travel column on Forbes.com.

Solo travel is continuing to grow in popularity, with research that shows more women are prone to travel alone over men and are more apt to try new things and veer off the beaten path when they get to where they’re going,” says Ali Killam, Consumer Trends Spokesperson at Airbnb.

Airbnb broke the report into two lists: the top 20 places its female guests from the U.S. are traveling and the top 20 places women from around the world are going. The lists were based on bookings by travelers across Airbnb platforms, from Homes to Experiences.

According to Airbnb, Los Angeles is popular due to its range of experiences. Here, a solo traveler is pictured enjoying Santa Monica beach.GETTY

When it comes to destinations for U.S. women, Los Angeles ranks number one. “Los Angeles has been a popular market throughout the years for travelers, especially for those booking with Airbnb,” says Killam, who attributes the city’s popularity to its range of experiences and accommodations in places like the seaside enclave of Venice and the iconic Hollywood Hills. In 2018, Airbnb Experiences also expanded significantly throughout California, offering handcrafted activities led by local experts. “Experiences is creating new economic opportunities for California residents by allowing them to unlock their talents and interests and make money from them,” says Killam.

Paris is at the top of the list for global travelers and second in popularity with U.S. travelers. “Paris is one of those cities that’s on most people’s bucket list or one that people can go to time and time again and never get bored,” says Killam. What has people buzzing about the destination this year, according to Killam: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in France and Paris will be one of the host cities. Plus the Palais Galliera, the Fashion Museum of the City of Paris, will become the first permanent fashion museum in France in 2019 thanks to the support of the House of Chanel.”

Paris is the top place for solo female travelers from around the world and the second highest rated destination for U.S. women.GETTY

In addition to the data on where women are traveling, Airbnb found that solo female travelers are booking twice as many Airbnb Experiences over solo male travelers year over year, as a way to meet locals and fellow travelers, learn new skills, enjoy a meal and partake in unique cultural experiences. “Looking at bookings by solo female travelers, we found that women flying solo are more drawn to modern history and mindful movement with activities like shopping with a fashion anthropologist, learning how to box with a world champion or weaving a tapestry with mindful zen arts,” says Killam.

Paris is the top place for solo female travelers from around the world and the second highest rated destination for U.S. women.GETTY

Coincidentally, Airbnb hosting is also more popular among women — and growing. In the U.S., 55.87% of accommodations are run by women hosts — a growth of 12.40% year over year. Globally, women also represent the majority of hosts in places like Australia (61.33%), Europe (53.8%), Latin America (51.89%) and Asia (50.51%). And the numbers of women hosts are growing globally, too: up 33.32% in Asia, up 27.61% in Latin America, up 24.55% in Australia and up 12.16% in Europe.

“What the trends say about women right now is that we are not waiting on anyone to chase our dreams,” says Jessica Nabongo, a writer, entrepreneur and globetrotter who collaborates  with Airbnb on a variety of projects and is on a mission to become the first black woman to visit every country in the world.

Read on for the lists of where women are going right now.

Snapping a photo in Los Angeles, the top location for U.S. women travelers.GETTY

Top Destinations for Women from the U.S.

  1. Los Angeles
  2. Nashville, Tennessee
  3. New Orleans, Louisiana
  4. San Diego, California
  5. Austin, Texas
  6. New York City
  7. Paris, France
  8. Seattle, Washington
  9. Chicago, Illinois
  10. Portland, Oregon
  11. Brooklyn, New York
  12. Las Vegas, Nevada
  13. Denver, Colorado
  14. Rome, Italy
  15. Kissimmee, Florida
  16. Washington, D.C.
  17. Atlanta, Georgia
  18. London, England
  19. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  20. Boston, Massachusetts
In Paris — the top travel destination for women around the globe.GETTY

Top Destinations for Women Worldwide

  1. Paris, France
  2. London, England
  3. Los Angeles, California
  4. Rome, Italy
  5. Barcelona, Spain
  6. Lisbon, Portugal
  7. Seoul, Korea
  8. Tokyo, Japan
  9. Madrid, Spain
  10. Ōsaka, Japan
  11. New York City
  12. Toronto, Canada
  13. Prague, Czech Republic
  14. Budapest, Hungary
  15. Nashville, Tennessee
  16. Brooklyn, New York
  17. Sydney, Australia
  18. Montréal, Quebec
  19. Taipei, Taiwan
  20. Edinburgh, Scotland
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