Planning where to go next? There are so many wonderful countries to visit, each which its unique culture and points-of interest. Where to go? It can be hard to choose. Here are five countries I highly recommend visiting, if you haven't already:
China: Chinese is the most commonly spoken language in the world, and China is a vast country, with vibrant cities as well as vast stretches of desert and mountain to explore. For the urbanite, the city of Shanghai is filled with life and has the world's third tallest TV tower - the Oriental Pearl TV tower, as well as the impressive Jade Buddah Temple. In Beijing, don't miss visiting the Temple of Heaven. Outside these two major cities, there are miles of the must-see Great Wall to walk, the ruins at Xi'an to visit and camel tours of the desert. Most food is safe and knowledge of chopsticks helps. Some local cuisine to try includes dumpling soup, Peking duck, steamed filled buns, lamb-on-a-stick and Tsingtao beer.
Italy: Delicious food, warm culture and a Medeterranean lifestyle - all aspects of a perfect vacation. With cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan and the walled-off Vatican City, a separate state onto itself, inside Rome, this country is an ideal vacation spot. In Rome, it is hard to miss the Colosseum, the Pantheon or the many other ruins as you wander the streets. Stand awe-struck in the Vatican City and then have a gelato across the street. Ride through the famous Venetian canals in a gondola. With mild Mediterranean weather, well linked by air, water and train to other countries in Europe, filled with regional differences and oozing with extra virgin olive oil and delicious wines, Italy is home to ancient Roman culture and a country to delight the senses.
Singapore: Once a jungle-island of opium dens, Singapore is now a high-tech island. Tropical Singapore has miles of shopping malls and just as many rules and regulations: No chewing gum in public, no urinating in the elevators (not that you were planning on it), no spitting on the street - they even sell shirts advertising their laws. The country is also one of the most rich in culture and cuisine. Visit the Merlion, a Singapore equivalent of the Statue of Liberty, the nearby Sentosa Resort island (don't be surprised to wake up to a monkey at your hotel window), take a night safari, lay on imported-sand beaches, visit Arab Street, Little India and Chinatown. Walk along Clarke Quay both for its daytime view and rich nightlife. Sit in local Hawker Centers, which serve traditional foods such as chicken rice and Satay. Try the chili crab, kaya (coconut egg jam) or the locally brewed Tiger beer.
Greece: Well known for its beautiful islands, blue waters and rich history as the birthplace of democracy, Greece lives up to its reputation. Lay on the beautiful beaches on the island of Santorini, Corfu or Mykonos. Ride donkeys on the cars-forbidden island of Hydra, and explore hundreds of historic ruins. One of the best ways to visit Greece is by sea and there are many cruise companies that organize "island hopping" events where tourists can plan to visit several Greek islands. Some must-see spots include the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Oracle at Delphi and Olympia. A relatively new and very proud member of the EU, Greece is comparatively less expensive than some of the other European countries (such as Switzerland or England). While there, don't forget to eat some of the delicious local cuisine: Greek salad, honey-soaked pastries, Tzatziki, fresh local seafood and the local licorice-flavored alcoholic drink: Ouzo.
England: Cheers! For unforgettable memories, visit Buckingham Palace and the Big Ben, watch the changing of the guard and ride the London Eye and look out over all of London. Also try local Indian food - London has some of the best Indian food in the world. Take a tour down the Thames River, ride the (expensive) Underground, visit the Tate museum or wander across one of the many bridges in London. Outside London visit Cambridge and Oxford for college tours like no other - and for Harry Potter fans, a large portion of Harry Potter was filmed in the town of Cambridge - so look out for familiar sights. Though not famed for their cuisine, the British do specialize in tea - try some with scones and cream and jam or have shepherd's pie, jacket potatoes, or a spot of sherry. Also don't forget to stop by a local pub for some pub fare: fish and chips and a pint.
