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Other Feature Lists
This is the sixth in a regular series of posts that will pick out and highlight a few interesting and fun submissions from Day Zero participants.
If past years (or recessions) have sucked up your travel budget, plan smart and get more in bang for your buck in these value destinations, from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012.
Experience the unique culture and history of this nation of contrasts and contradictions where the past meets the present. Here's a feature list of 24 things to see and do in Japan.
With so many incredible National Parks around the globe it's a tough call to highlight just 10 of the best. Here's Lonely Planet’s attempt, from an excerpt of their 1000 Ultimate Experiences book.
For a great list of the absolute must-see locations around the globe, Smithsonian magazine has published a list of their top 43 places.
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Smithsonian Magazine's 43 Places to See Before You Die
Posted by Michael on August 18, 2011
Visit the Tranquil Zen Garden of Kyoto
For a great list of the absolute must-see locations around the globe, Smithsonian magazine has published a list of their top 43 places:
Some of the sites are portals into the past — ancient cities so well preserved that visiting them is like stepping into a previous century. Others feature feats of engineering or sublime works of art — or, in the cases of the Taj Mahal and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, both. Travelers can visit temples and churches so breathtaking they must have been built with divine inspiration. For the more adventurous, we offer rewards beyond mere sightseeing — from a three-day hike across the Grand Canyon to a ride along China's Yangtze River.
"Climb into the Colorado cliff dwellings and imagine what life was like for the Ancestral Pueblo Indians who lived there."
"Preserved under the volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius are the everyday goings-on of ancient Roman life."
"An ancient Mayan city, once hidden by overgrown jungle, evokes a childlike sense of wonder."
"Balancing tourist access and the preservation of the sandstone city may be a tough call."
"The ongoing debate about how the pyramids were built is a testament to the brilliance of its makers."
"This year, millions of tourists will visit the marble monument—and the Indian government is restoring it for millions more."
"A riddle of engineering hasn't stopped archaeologists from debating how the giant carved stones were transported around the island."
"Almost too big to comprehend, the 4,500-mile wall has a lore of its own."
"One of the best reasons to head to Canada for vacation is to catch the beautiful Northern Lights."
"Hordes of wildlife travel 300 miles across the “land of endless space” in the largest migration on Earth."
"A series of 200 separate waterfalls, Iguazu is best viewed when the river is high and the moon is full."
"The “lost city of the Incas” has captivated visitors with its magnificent setting and detailed stonework."
"Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo are just two of the works housed within the walls of this fortress-turned-royal palace-turned-museum."
"With Zen rocks strategically placed in carefully raked white sand, the Ryoan-ji garden evokes peace and beauty."
"Having survived bombings and floods, the Florence, Italy museum is home to a priceless collection of art."
"Fallingwater, a southwest Pennsylvania house designed by the famous architect, allows residents to live within a waterfall."
"Dubbed “the wildest, wickedest river,” this 4,000-mile-long waterway has played a major role in Chinese civilization."
"A trek up the world’s tallest freestanding mountain takes you through five different ecosystems and offers a stunning 19,340-foot view."
"No matter how many times you’ve seen it, visiting the canyon never fails to take your breath away."
"Nearly a thousand years after the Burmese kingdom was formed, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling city."
"After a recent restoration, the center of the Athenian Acropolis and symbol of Western democracy still inspires."
"The 12th century temple is the worlds largest religious structure and a jewel of Khmer architectural style."
"Ruled over the centuries by Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, there is much to see of the city’s former splendor."
"The enchanting city celebrates its Middle Age and Renaissance glory through its art, architecture and enduring spirit."
"With an ecosystem under siege, every moment in this wild wonderland is one to savor."
"Beautiful beaches and unrivaled underwater views lure lovers of marine life to the world’s largest coral reef."
"Evolution disciples and the merely curious can experience conspicuously adapted wildlife off the coast of Ecuador."
"You may not be wearing the yellow jersey, but taking a bicycle on the world's most famous race is still thrilling."
"For the thrill-seeking sports enthusiasts, few races can compete with this exhilarating Swedish ski race."
"For decades, the backbone of the Eastern United States has given much needed respite for thousands of nature enthusiasts."
"The zigzagging road may take long to traverse for only being 52 miles long, but the eye candy alone makes it worthwhile."
"High above Cape Town, this craggy wildlife preserve provides sprawling views and thrilling hikes."
"The Greek isle, a remnant of a long ago volcanic eruption, has most everything a traveler would want: great food and awe-inspiring scenery."
"Set atop a tectonic hotspot, the small island is home to breathtaking eruptions and other geologic sites."
"Breathtaking views and millennia of history charm guests of these islands off the coast of Scotland."
"The New Mexico national monument is a barren and desolate place with an otherworldly appeal."
"Abandoned for centuries, the Indian site attracts tourists from around the world for its majestic buildings."
"After withstanding world and cold wars, the German city is a thriving metropolis, filled with nightclubs and cultural treats."
"The capital’s cityscape bears the unmistakable Modernist mark of the Spanish architect in its churches, buildings and parks."
"Close government watch on wildlife has made the Central American country a must-see for animal lovers."
"Once a home base for commercial whalers, the Canadian province is now a popular locale for spotting the massive creatures."
"The swampy nature preserve is home to many of southern Florida's infamous reptile natives."
See the original list and article from the January 2008 edition of Smithsonian magazine.