Miami is one of the most colourful and lively destinations in America. A week or even two in Miami may not be enough as this city holds a wealth of attractions whether you are looking for vibrant beaches, the hottest nightlife or a cultural tour of the Art Deco area.

Miami was once a place visited mainly by pirates looking for a deserted spot to bury their treasure but now this Florida hotspot attracts more than 12 million visitors per year. The sub-tropical climate is perfect for enjoying Miami’s beaches all year round and although there is a rainy season the temperature is usually hot or hotter. Visitors don’t just come to enjoy the beaches and if you’re looking for a holiday destination with a different activity each day then Miami will be hard to beat.

Theme parks for children and adults

There is definitely no shortage of theme parks in and around Miami. If you are on a family vacation then the Miami Seaquarium is the only place to view the Pacific white-sided dolphins and killer whale shows. Kids will also love the Miami Science Museum, which includes the Miami Planetarium with its two telescopes, spectacular laser shows and a wildlife centre. Jungle Island is definitely worth a visit to view the tigers, panthers and chimpanzees uncaged and up close.

The Great Outdoors

Miami holidays feature a wealth of outdoor activities and there are more than 800 parks to enjoy. This is the only city in America bordered by two amazing national parks. The Everglades National Park provides breath-taking scenery as well as the famous American crocodile and boat tours are the best way to traverse regions such as the flamingo area or Shark Valley. Biscayne National Underwater Park is the place for snorkelling and canoe trips as well as dolphin spotting tours and scuba diving among ancient shipwrecks.

Miami Beach

The famous Miami beach is actually four different stretches of beach and each has its own distinct flavour. The beaches here are all lively with beautiful white sands and plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants nearby. Head to North Beach for concerts at the North Beach Bandshell or South Beach to view the famous Art Deco buildings. Miami Beach Central features an elevated boardwalk popular with joggers and skaters while Miami Beach South Pointe Park offers the most amazing panoramic ocean views.

Cultural Miami

Miami is home to some amazing architecture but it’s the Art Deco buildings that this city is arguably most famous for. Miami Beach’s Art Deco district is home to hundreds of buildings built between 1923 to 1943 and this is the world’s largest collection of Art Deco buildings. The area also features some of the funkiest boutiques, art galleries and world class restaurants as well as second-to-none nightlife once the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.

World class nightlife

Miami has been called the nightlife capital of the world and it is a place to spend a truly memorable night out. In this city you can dance till dawn in the world class mega-clubs or enjoy a more intimate setting in one of its many sophisticated cocktail bars. Music rules Miami every night of the week and whether you are a fan of live music bars or dancing to some hot Latin beats you will find something to suit your taste in this city.

Images by JustoRuiz, Capturing smiles… and Ines Hegedus-Garcia used under creative commons license

Dubai has built a reputation in the last decade of being one of the world’s wealthiest cities and a place of modern spectacle. Having some of the most awe inspiring symbols of the modern era such as the world’s largest shopping centre and the world’s tallest building, there is much for visitors to see. You don’t need to be a millionaire or even have a taste solely for the finer things to enjoy this Middle Eastern gem – Dubai truly is for everyone.

Beyond those things that are new, there is also a touch of the past here in Dubai as people can still visit the city’s historic district Bastakiya Quarter and view ancient mosque sites. While in Dubai there will be something new and something old to see and plenty of opportunity for varied outdoor activity. Some great things to do in Dubai include:

Bastakiya Quarter 

Al Fahidi Street | Dubai

In a city that has torn down so much of what was there before to make room for the modern opulence and spectacle that is now contemporary Dubai it is nice to see a district where some of the city’s past remains. The Bastakiya Quarter was largely populated by Persian Traders who made Dubai into their home in the early 19th century. With Dubai’s thriving economy then, same as now, these traders constructed beautiful mansions that now have become the cultural institutions, sheesha cafes and art galleries that make this district so special. The Bastakiya Quarter is located near to the Dubai Museum along the south bank of Dubai Creek. Be prepared for many of the establishments to close their doors between 1 – 4 PM during the day’s hottest hours.

 Wild Wadi Waterpark

Jumeirah Road | Dubai

At the foot of Burj Al Arab is Dubai’s ultimate cool down spot the Wild Wadi Waterpark. Actually connected to the story of Sinbad and the legend of Juha; where Juha and his children were ship wrecked on a island that just so happened to have streams and waterfalls that allowed them to all live out their lives leisurely. Such is the case at the waterslides where families go to enjoy a warm day in the same leisure as Juha once did. Full of different attractions families easily spend a full day here having abandoned the desert heat for the parks refreshing waters. The water park is open each day from 10 a.m. until its close between 6 and 8 pm. (depending on the time of year)

Author Bio: Annie found it really hard to think of just a few things to see and do in Dubai after hearing all about it from her friends who have lived there for a few years. Thanks to Travelbag, she might be heading there sooner than she thought – and she can’t wait:)

So you have decided or you are considering a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland… good choice! This is a place that is teeming with both natural beauty and cosmopolitan diversion. Iceland is far from just being the home of Bjork and the place that took in Bobby Fisher, it really does have an other worldly intrigue – especially in regards to its natural attractions – that simply must be experienced.  A wealthy nation the capital Reykjavik also has great parks and art galleries for visitors to enjoy. More things to do in Reykjavik include.

Laugardalur Park

East of city center | Reykjavik

One of the greatest natural features of Iceland are all the geothermal pools that bubble just below the earth’s surface. One such geothermal pool is at Laugardalur Park, which offers individual pools, or “hot pots” as they’re often called, for people to relax in. When you start to feel lonely in your hot pot there is always the larger geo thermal pool to swim in as well as well as lap swimming in a regular pool. Visitors to these hot springs truly can see that winter in Iceland opens up an entirely new set of diversions to be enjoyed.

Perlan (The Pearl)

Oskjuhlio Hill | Reykjavik

The Pearl is a modernistic complex that showcases various cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, gardens, and even a man made geyser over five floors. From the exterior the Pearl makes a fascinating, kind of like the shopping centre perhaps George Jettison may have gone to, as it is a futuristic play ground of commerce. On the top level is a restaurant that provides wonderful views out over Reykjavik and the nearby mountains. A little out of the action, a few kilometres from the city centre, you will need to take either bus 7 or 18 to get to the Pearl.

National Museum of Iceland

Suðurgata 41 | 101 Reykjavik |

The National Museum of Iceland tries the harrowing task of telling the full history of Iceland beginning with a pagan burial and making its way up to Bjork and modern fashion. In telling this story visitors to the museum will have the interesting experience of having a 14th century nun, a medieval chief, and other historical characters from Iceland’s past tell visitors through an audio narrative. Many visitors have had nothing but great things to say about this museum. The National Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and costs around $5.50 US to enter.