Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals, Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie" (the good life).
21.07.2023 - 08:36 / roughguides.com / Winston Churchill
We’ve gathered a list of the top sights and activities in this beautiful, historic country.
The capital city, Yerevan, is the best place to begin your exploration of Armenia. It’s a city with a long history, having been founded some 2800 years ago, and traces of its ancient past can still be seen at the remains of Erebuni Fortress to the east of the city centre. More recent structures include the Cascades, a open-air art gallery on a white marble staircase stretching up the hillside, populated by wonderfully bizarre sculptures including a shiny blue penguin and a hugely fat cat. From the top of the Cascades, the views of the city with Ararat in the background are splendid.
Museum-goers are well catered for: the History Museum, with its huge range of fascinating and quirky exhibits (the world’s oldest shoe, anyone?), is arguably the best museum in the Caucasus region; the Matandaran offers a beautiful collection of ancient illuminated manuscripts; and there are numerous house-museums dedicated to the memory of Armenia’s many talented writers and artists.
If all that seems heavy going, though, a perfect contrast is a visit to the Ararat Brandy Factory: Winston Churchill was a fan, so who are we to argue? After an interesting tour to glimpse the process and a chance to sample the wares, relax in one of the city’s many restaurants, cafes or wine bars and enjoy further excellent local produce such as stuffed vine leaves and deliciously juicy pork kebabs.
Khor Virap church with Ararat Mountain in the background © MehmetO/Shutterstock
As the world’s oldest Christian nation, Armenia has more than its fair share of monasteries. Built in a unique Caucasian style, and often located in stunningly beautiful locations, it’s virtually impossible to pick the best. Sevanavank, on the shores of the enormous Lake Sevan, is a strong contender; or perhaps Tatev, reached by one of the world’s longest cable car rides.
But in terms of historical significance, Khor Virap perhaps edges into the lead – it’s where the country adopted Christianity in 301 AD, and you can still climb down into the pit where the monk who brought the religion to the country was imprisoned for fifteen years. It’s not bad to look at either, standing proud beneath the snow-capped peaks of Mount Ararat. For sheer isolation, try the often wind- and rain-swept Vorotnavank: it’s gorgeous, yet rarely visited by tourists, so it’s easier to imagine life as a medieval monk here. But our pick for the most picturesque monastery in Armenia is Noravank: built of striking pink-orange stone and set atop a rocky outcrop in the Amaghu Gorge, it’s arguably the pinnacle of medieval monastic architecture, and is particularly stunning at sunset.
The best news, though, is that
Packed with iconic museums and monuments, together with low-key treasures cherished by locals, Paris is a city that emanates "la belle vie" (the good life).
Somewhere in the world there is an excited dog flying for the first time. Whether this lucky pooch is flying economy or business class, it’s best to be well prepared for the big day. Flying with your dog takes planning and it’s important to prioritize their needs and follow airline requirements. As a travel writer I have met several jet setting pooches on my flights with happy wagging tails and a sense of adventure. But that is not to say all dogs love to fly, even if they do get a window seat on a private jet.
The passenger who generated dozens of memes for accusing another passenger of being "not real" on an American Airlines flight is said to live in a multimillion-dollar house in Lakewood, Dallas, per a New York Post report.
Like many trends we thought we’d lost to the ’90s, fanny packs are back in style, and for travelers, that's a great thing. The best fanny packs have always been the most practical way to tote your essentials around—be it your phone, hotel key, or wallet—with quick, hands-free access. And thanks to the resurgence in popularity over the last few years, there are now designs made specifically for everything from the trail to the city. Whether you want to elevate your summer outfits with an upscale leather piece or are looking for a tough, minimal belt bag for your next hike, there are styles here for you. And as we're transitioning out of summer and into fall, you'll find a mix of vibrant and light colors that will brighten your look as well as classic black options that we’re sure will become old reliables.
Long considered the automobile capital of the world, hence its “Motor City” nickname, Detroit is also where Motown music originated and produced an array of stellar performers throughout the Golden Age of Rock and Roll. Michigan’s largest city, Detroit is home to storied professional sports teams while delectable, eclectic cuisine can be found throughout the city. A must-see attraction, the Detroit Institute of Arts houses one of the largest art collections in the United States.
Once limited to billionaires, celebrities and high-level politicians, private jet travel has recently become affordable for a good number of travelers who prefer to up their budgets for the convenience offered by flying private.
After disembarking from your private seaplane, you'll find yourself crossing a serene cerulean lagoon within the Maldives' exclusive UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The dazzling white sands welcome you to your very own private paradise, where each moment and experience is meticulously tailored to your preferences. Embrace the boundless island living at Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah, where your desires take center stage.
We’ve all seen them. Envy-inducing Insta posts and enticing ads for longer-term, remote-working visas. You know the images we mean — pics of impossibly happy people lounging in hammocks, laptop casually to hand, with a beautiful beach as their genuine backdrop. No filter, no fake background. Just pure unadulterated, work-play balance bliss, and aspirational “this could be you” messaging. And the glorious truth is, this really could be you.
Western Europe’s most populous country doesn’t always spring to mind as a low-cost destination. However, in a place this big and diverse, there will always be a smarter way to spend your euros.
Georgia’s oldest city, not to mention the first capital, was established on the Savannah River in 1733 and, for nearly 300 years, has beckoned visitors to the Spanish moss-lined trees and charming homes. It’s one of the nation’s biggest ports, and its hospitable locals helped earn the nickname the “Hostess City.”
Traveling alone on a cruise ship can be liberating, convenient, and cheap — so long as you know how to do it right.
Lonely Planet contributor, Tasmin Waby, just returned from a trip to the northernmost part of Australia's Northern Territory. Here, she shares details of a trip spent mainly on water in the lush green wetlands of the Top End.