Wondering which countries are the most popular travel destinations? Each year, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) compiles a list of the most visited countries according to the number of international tourist arrivals for every country. In the last three years, European destinations like France, Spain and Italy have been leading the list, but China surpassed Spain and Italy this time, coming in at third place after France and the United States. It’s quite surprising to find Malaysia coming in as another Asian contender, while Thailand is nowhere to be found in the top 10. A pity none of the African and Middle Eastern countries have made it to the list. Here’s a look at the top 10 list compiled in 2010 (2011 is yet to be published).

1. France: 76.8 million visitors

With numerous world-known monuments and museums, it’s really no surprise that France has topped the charts over and over again. Whether you’re traveling to visit the famous Musée du Louvre or Eiffel Tower in Paris, or going wine-tasting in Bordeaux and castle-hopping in the Loire Valley, France has plenty to offer for the curious traveler. As a European country, France is also relatively compact –  it’s easy to travel from one region to the next on budget car rentals and go from city sight-seeing to relaxing on the beach within a short time frame.

Flickr photo by Frank Müller

2. United States: 59.7 million visitors

Stretching from California in the West to New York in the East, the United States of America covers an area of 3.79million square miles – that’s a whole lot of country to explore. The U.S. is as diverse as it is huge: with expansive national parks and vibrant cities visited by foreign tourists, local visitors and business travelers alike. We think New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San Francisco are the most visited cities in the U.S., with their array of attractions and popularity. What do you think?

3. China: 55.7 million visitors

In recent years, the number of visitors to China has skyrocketed, largely due to an increase in global business dealings and cultural exchange. A large number of companies has moved their production chains to China, so have banks and big-name franchise stores. At the same time, China is becoming more and more popular as a travel destination, with its ancient cities, historical sites and good food veering for the tourist limelight.

4. Spain: 52.7 million visitors

As a mainstay in tourism, Spain has always attracted hordes of European tourists to its shores. In summer, Costa del Sol and many of its islands are often flooded with German, British and Dutch tourists. But the country’s tourist board has also been branching out to the international market, drawing in global visitors to the cultural capital of Barcelona and traditional towns in Andalusia and Castilla la Mancha. Whatever the case, Spain makes for an excellent travel destination with its world-class cuisine, centuries-old history and vibrant, characteristic cities – whether you’re a backpacker or luxury traveler.

5. Italy: 43.6 million visitors

From the romantic canals of Venice to the history-rich piazzas of Rome and pebbled beaches in the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s attractions are bountiful. The country provides a diverse travel experience – no wonder it’s a dream destination for many. Italy’s one of our favorite countries in the world, and it’s obvious we’re not the only ones who have fallen for its charms. As far as tourism trends go, we predict that Italy’s tourism numbers will only keep rising.

6. United Kingdom: 28.1 million visitors

Although its numbers are a far cry to that of Italy, the UK also has quite a lot to offer on its shores – such as the old-world charm of England, the dramatic landscapes of Scotland and the lesser known coastline of Wales. Let’s not forget that London is a miniature world, where global cultures converge and where headquarters of almost every international company is located.

7. Turkey: 27 million visitors

Spanning across Europe and Asia, Turkey is famed for its distinctive cultures, age-old traditions and varied landscapes – ranging from the snow-peaked mountains of Nemrut to the unique valleys of Cappadocia. Historically, Turkey was home to distinctive civilizations through the centuries, with impressive Roman ruins and Ottoman architecture to bear witness. Most importantly, Istanbul is the crowd-puller, attracting business travelers and tourists alike with its extreme characteristics: with futuristic skyscrapers alongside traditional mosques and boutique hotels next to street food stands.

8. Germany: 26.9 million visitors

On UNWTO’s ranking of world tourism expenditure, Germany comes in at number one – it looks like all these money spent on boosting its tourism is well worth it. Many of Germany’s major cities are tourist magnets especially in festive season – drawing in visitors with their Christmas markets, beer festivals and summer events. Munich’s Oktoberfest itself accounts for a big percentage of the annual visitors, while Berlin and Frankfurt attract mainly European city lovers.

9. Malaysia: 24.6 million visitors

With a booming economy and an expanding trading industry, Malaysia is seeing a sharp increase in worldwide tourists and business travelers. The biggest draw of Malaysia is that once you’re done with business in the explosive capital city of Kuala Lumpur, you can easily hop over to the traditional seafront town of Penang or the secluded beaches of Terengganu or the jungles of Borneo and experience a very different side to the country.

10. Mexico: 22.4 million visitors

The miles and miles of turquoise beaches along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lure hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Riviera Maya, having been developed specifically for touristic purposes, is a holiday paradise. But beyond that, Mexico definitely has plenty of reasons to be on this list – its Mayan historical sites, colonial cities, and colorful festivals attract a fair amount of curious travelers despite its slightly tainted reputation.

*Source: UNWTO

This post is sponsored by CarRentals.com.

This is a sponsored guest post by Jonathan Hunter.

With summer fiercely approaching, now it’s a good time to plan your travels for the year. 2011 has been an eventful one so far, with massive global events taking the world by storm. Although it might not be safe to travel to certain parts of the world at the moment, there are still plenty of interesting spots to uncover. Thanks to recommendations from people in the know, we’ve come up with these 5 destinations that are perfect to explore this summer! Cool off from the sizzling heat and let your wanderlust take over – enjoy!

1. Doha, Qatar

Doha is a tranquil alternative to Dubai, with beaches that are arguably more beautiful. It is gearing up for more intensive tourism with its 2016 Olympic and 2022 Fifa World Cup bids. The annual Doha Tribeca film festival has recently placed it on the map alongside other popular tourism spots in the Middle East. When in Doha, don’t forget to check out the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) that boasts a magificent collection of Islamic artwork dating from 7th to 19th century.

  Flickr cc by Larry Johnson

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a rising star in South America as it’s fast becoming Brazil’s most popular tourism spot. The city is becoming increasingly sophisticated and glamorous, shedding its reputation as a riotous city and taking on a brand new image surrounding the sun, sea and samba. Again much of the development is associated with hosting the 2014 Soccer World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.

  Flickr cc by Mike Vondran

3. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden is a city of unconventional surprises and discoveries. With tourists deterred mainly due to high prices, Stockholm has stayed clear of the tourist trail and managed to take on a personality of its own. Stockholm boasts winding, cobbled medieval streets and stunning Royal Palace as its central attractions. You can also see the city from above on a guided rooftop walk, but the undiscovered creeks and marshlands are the real jewel; hop on the 1900 steamboat to find these hidden treasures.

Flickr cc by Phil Price

4. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta’s historical attractions and Civil War Museum at Kennesaw Mountain are the main draw for visitors, but unknown to many, there is a lot more on offer here in Georgia’s largest city. Atlanta boasts the world’s largest aquarium, a world–class zoo and stunning botanical gardens. There’s also the World of Coca-Cola Museum. With quality shopping, dining and nightlife in the city districts, all easy to get to on foot, Atlanta might just be the next big thing in the United States’ tourism industry.

Flickr cc by Jennifer Chong

5.  Tallinn, Estonia

Having been designated as European Capital of Culture in 2011, Tallinn – the capital of Estonia – will be undergoing a major facelift in the coming year. Several art projects and festivals are in the pipeline: the Tallinn Theater Treff Festival will be held in the Old Town, while the Open Spaces Living Art Festival and Tallinn Marathon will be held in conjunction with the new title. Estonia is just a short flight away from London and most European cities.

  Flickr cc by Adrian Perez

Wherever you decide to go this summer, make sure you have adequate travel insurance that is tailor-made to your trip. You need to take account of where you are going, what you will be doing and anything else that might be considered ‘out of the ordinary’ or an ‘increased risk’ for your insurer, such as a pre-existing medical condition.

If you are a frequent traveler then a cheap annual travel insurance policy could be for you. It will be one less thing to worry as you get a last minute deal. And if you pick an exotic destination or any other circumstances change you can amend your policy at any time before you depart to ensure you have adequate cover.

Let´s take a break from my journals on Asturias and head back to Egypt. This is a sponsored guest post by Cheri Felix.

I believe in full disclosure, so let me confess: I love Egypt. And not in the “I once had a great time in Cairo” way but in a slightly obsessed way. I dream about it and I wake up with remnants of Arabic at the tip of my tongue and the taste of hummus and pickled vegetables in my breath. I guess I owe it to my deep longing and love for Egypt.

When you land in Cairo, you know you’re somewhere different. Every experience is magnified and everyone will want you to ride in their taxi. There are many hotel options but if you can afford it, stay in a nice place. Cairo has over 18 million people and it’s nice to have a quiet, clean, and comfortable place to rest your head and feet at the end of the day. For those with some spare cash, Cairo Marriott in Zamalek provides an excellent experience. The two newer towers combined with a palace that was built in the late 1800s make for a gorgeous hotel.

Pyramids of Giza

Cairo is certainly most famed for the Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining ancient wonder of the world. It’s an essential part of anyone’s itinerary and especially if you’re on holidays in Egypt, you’d want to stay somewhere close to Giza to spend your time there. The Mena House Oberoi Hotel is literally steps away from the pyramids – if this is beyond your budget, head to the hotel for the fantastic buffet breakfast instead. After breakfast, walk up the drive to the pyramids and spend the morning reveling in what is one of the greatest wonders of the world.

Egyptian Museum

For lunch, head back to the Zamalek area for some Egyptian food. Find a tamaya sandwich (similar to falafel but with fava beans instead) or some shawarma (shaved meat off a spit). With some spare time, head to the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important museums in the country. There’s no way you can see everything in one visit but spend a few hours taking in the museum’s mummies and queens and Egyptian cats.

Felucca Ride

When you’re done, head out to wander a bit before catching a felucca (small sail boat) ride down the famous Nile to watch the sunset. A boat ride at sunset on the Nile may sound so cliché but there’s nothing quite like hearing the call to prayer and gliding along the water as you sit back and let the wind do the driving. After your felucca ride, spend your last hours in Cairo at Khan el-Khalili sampling some coffee at the oldest coffee shop in the world: El-Fishawi Cafe.

Egypt is crowded, overstimulating, and amazing. It’s like that uncle in every family–a little crazy but you still love it just the same.

Cheri Felix loves to travel and is a mother, yogini, caffeine addict, and mountain biker who loves steep rocky hills. Right now her favorite countries are Egypt and Italy but she is fairly confident that after next month, Morocco will be added to that list. She lived in Egypt for two years and will consider that one of the best things she ever did for the rest of her life.

This is a sponsored guest post by Sergio Santos.

With a record number of over 1.5 million visitors expected to pour into London to catch a glimpse of the Royal Wedding this Spring, it could prove a challenge to scout out the best vantage points along the processional route or find the ideal viewing party location.

Many hotels in London have already sold out their suites for the big event to be held on Friday the 29th of April, others are raising their prices significantly, while airlines are also anticipated to jack up their fares dramatically as the date draws near – so make your reservations and travel plans early.

The service is set to take place at 11 a.m. at Westminster Abbey and finish about midday. The newlyweds will then proceed to travel by carriage along the route of many famous landmarks including past the House of Parliament, Horse Guards Parade, The Mall, St. James’ Park and Clarence House before returning to Buckingham Palace. Any of the above locations would afford a fine view of the royal couple, but make sure you arrive well ahead of time to secure your spot, and bring snacks, drinks, and any other essential supplies such as a jacket and camera.

Private Hotel Parties

If you don’t feel like standing the entire time or if you prefer a more relaxing party atmosphere, there are numerous fun and exciting events taking place throughout the city in celebration of the occasion. Many hotels, restaurants, and pubs are hosting Royal Wedding viewing parties where reservations may be required.

Public Outdoor Events

There are also numerous public outdoor activities that you can take advantage of such as the party at Hyde Park in central London. This spot was where Princess Diana and Charles got married in 1981. The Royal Wedding is planned to be broadcasted right here on huge screens for the over 200,000 attendees. Flickr Creative Commons by Garry Knight

South Marine Park Picnic

Another enjoyable location from which to escape the masses converging on London will be at the seafront South Marine Park in South Tyneside. The organizing committee has invited the public to pack a picnic lunch and gather with your blankets for the gala event. Here, you can avoid the crowds and watch the royal nuptials and wedding procession with in-depth coverage of the event on a giant screen.

Royal Wedding Campsite

If you can’t find an affordable hotel or if you’re looking for a unique experience near the action, you can set up your tent and stay at the Royal Wedding campsite on Clapham Common in South London. Hundreds are expected to gather here to party and enjoy giant screen viewing of this social event of the year from Thursday through Sunday.

Flickr Creative Commons photo by Ewan Munro

If you take the time to explore the plentiful options available for well-wishers to cheer on the bride and groom as they pass by, you will be sure to secure a great spot where you can sit back, watch the royal marriage and procession in comfort, and enjoy all the festivities associated with what is bound to be one of the most memorable and historic events of the decade.

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Dancing shoes? Check. Party hat? Check. Time to hit the city and paint the town red. For many young travelers, a vivid nightlife can just be as important as monuments, beaches or attractions. You can often soak up the undercurrent of a city through its nightlife. This week’s sponsored guest post by  Miss Moci from Only-Apartments brings us around Europe to suss out the best places to let your hair back and party till dawn.

Berlin

As the modern arts metropolis of Germany, Berlin is exploding with a revolutionary arts scene, futuristic architecture and most importantly, palpitating nightlife. In this cosmopolitan hub, nightlife is constantly evolving, perfect for those looking for refreshing spins. The electronic music scene in the city is huge, with music events taking place every other weekend. One of the most famous clubs at the moment is Berghain/Panorama Bar (Am Wriezener Bahnhof).

Amsterdam

Lauded as Europe’s party HQ, Amsterdam is the capital of hedonistic pleasures. The Dutch city is best known for its coffee shops, where items on the menus range from hash brownie to mushroom and marijuana joints. The red light district, located in one of the most prominent parts of the city, provides an eye-opening experience for the uninitiated. Amsterdam is one of my favorite European cities, not just for the night life but also for the variety of museums and attractions. Besides, flights to Amsterdam are easily available from most parts of Europe and US. As far as clubs go, I’d highly recommend is Bitterzoet (Spuistraat 2).

Barcelona

The Capital of Cool is Spain’s hippest party zone, home to the country’s trendiest clubs, beach bars and champagne lounges. As with everywhere else in Spain, the action starts late in Barcelona; expect clubs to open their doors only around midnight and the parties to end at dawn. For those who want to avoid the tourist crowd and overpriced drinks, steer clear to the swanky beach clubs. If you’re looking for some indie alternative music,  I’d recommend Marula Café in the Barrio Gotico (Escudellers 49).

Prague

Next to Germany, the Czech Republic is touted as one of the most famous beer capitals of the world. With prices lower than most of the other Western European cities on the list, Prague is definitely one of my personal favorites. The city is dotted with traditional Czech-style taverns and beer halls. Besides the national brand of beer, Pilsner, they often serve big portions of pork knuckles, roasted duck leg and a plethora of cured meat.

Munich

As a major tourist destination in Germany, Munich has plenty to offer besides attractive architecture, traditional fare and characteristic culture. As a university city, Munich boasts of a night life that’s excellent all year around, and not just during the Oktoberfest. My recommendations: Ed Moses (Prinzregentenstraße 2) and Crux (Ledererstraße 3). To rub shoulders with celebrities, check out the snazzy club, P1 (Prinzregentenstraße 1).

Budapest

In recent years, Budapest has acquired quite a reputation for its nightlife. Famous for its ancient baths and spas, Budapest has blended their infamous nightlife with spas to come up with a brand new concept:  “sparties”. At the Ruda Spa (Dobrentei ter 9), one of the most beautiful thermal baths in Budapest, groove to the beats of the city’s best DJs and amazing acoustics and light effects. Recover the night at one of the many Budapest apartments on offer.

This sponsored post was written by Miss Moci from Only-Apartments. She contributes regularly to WildJunket with her  tips on traveling in Europe.

Mention Paris and more often than not, the first thing that springs to mind is the Eiffel Tower. Many cities in the world are hallmarked by iconic towers that dominate their skylines. The meaning and function of a ‘tower’ have evolved over time: from basic fundamental survival tools to representations of today’s architectural development. This week’s sponsored post by  Miss Moci from Only-Apartments brings us around the globe to check out seven iconic towers around the world:

The Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)

There is no doubt that the Eiffel Tower is the most representative symbol for Paris, France. The tower is the tallest building in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair. Millions of people rent apartments in Paris to visit and climb it.

                  Flickr creative commons by xlibber

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa, Italy)

The Tower of Pisa earned its name from its unique tilted structure that has survived till this day. Originally built on unstable soil, the tower took over 177 years to complete. Originally constructed to be a free-standing bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa, it has somewhat snatched the limelight and become the protagonist in Pisa. Today, it is among the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, still leaning at 3.99 degrees.

Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE)

Dubai is a city of decadence and luxury. In recent years, it has attracted a high number of visitors each year and plenty of worldwide attention for innovative large-scale construction projects. One of them is the Burj Khalifa which currently holds the record as the world’s tallest man-made structure, standing at 828m. The tower has residential areas, hotels and malls.  (Flickr photo by elqomri)

CN Tower (Toronto, Canada)

Until Burj Khalifa was completed, the CN Tower held the record as the world’s tallest free-standing structure at a height of 553.3m. It still remains as the tallest tower in the Western hemisphere. “CN” stands for “Canadian National” which refers to the railway company that built the tower. The tower dominates Toronto’s skyline and earns the reputation as a major Canadian icon.

Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin, Germany)

The television tower in Berlin is Germany’s tallest structure and is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers (CN Tower and Burj Khalifa are members as well). A rather interesting fact about the tower is that when the sun shines, the reflection resembles a crucifix which was not intended. Many refer to this occurrence as “The Pope’s Revenge.”

Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Until 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers were the world’s tallest buildings at a height of 451.9m. Although taller constructions have been built since, they still remain the tallest twin buildings in the world. The 88-floor buildings are connected by a sky bridge on the 41^st and the 42^nd floors. The twin towers in downtown Kuala Lumpur are my favorite of the tower constructions for their futuristic  architectural style.

Tokyo Tower (Tokyo, Japan)

Standing at 332.5m tall, the Tokyo Tower is the second tallest structure in Japan. As the symbol of Tokyo, the communications and observation tower acts as a support structure for an antenna. Visitors can go up to the observatory to get a bird’s eye view of the city. The Eiffel Tower-inspired tower has a lattice structure and is painted white and red for air safety reasons.

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This sponsored post was written by Miss Moci from Only-Apartments. She contributes regularly to WildJunket with her  tips on traveling in Europe.

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Paris has a huge variety of famous landmarks for first-time visitors: from the atmospheric Seine River to the stunning Sacred Coeur. For those who want to go beyond the essential sights, there is a host of offbeat things to do in Paris. Today’s sponsored post by Gurdeep Gola brings us on a tour of Paris’ quirky museums that will give a rather interesting perspective of the French capital.

From the medical oddities housed in the Musée Dupuytren to the tennis trinkets on show at the Roland Garros ‘Tenniseum’, niche museums appeal to the curious traveler in search of something a bit different. For those planning to travel to Paris, set up your home base in one of the many Paris apartments available and get ready for an adventure unlike no other.

French submarine Argonaute Museum

This ex-French Navy submarine, launched in 1958, is now a permanent museum in Paris where visitors can get a feel for life onboard a military sub. Decommissioned in 1982, the Argonaute traveled through the waterways of the Saint-Denis Canal before being winched and trucked into its current position in 1989, opening as a museum in 1991.

Musée Français de la Carte à Jouer (Playing Cards Museum)

This museum of playing cards is housed in the Château d’Issy, located in Issy-les-Moulineaux – a suburb of Paris. The museum won the European Museum of the Year Award in 1999 and features an incredible variety of almost 6500 playing card designs, as well as thousands of related items.

Musée du Vin (Wine Museum)

If there’s one museum the French really should have in their capital, it’s a wine museum! The Musée du Vin is located in the Charles Dickens square near the Eiffel Tower, and showcases the comprehensive history of winemaking in the country. The museum also runs tasting sessions for those wanting to learn how to experience the country’s heritage to the full.

Fragonard Musée du Parfum (Perfume Museum)

The Fragonard Musée du Parfum is a free entry museum housed in a beautiful Napoleon III town house in the 9^th arrondissement of Paris, complete with period furnishings. The museum holds historical perfume-making equipment, as well as antique perfume bottles and packaging designs, alongside more modern perfume ephemera and equipment.

Musée Galliera (Fashion Museum)

Also known as the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, this museum is a mecca for fashion fans. Among the 70,000 items in the museum’s collection, you will find extraordinary pieces and materials from designers such as Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent.

Musée du Fumeur (Smoking Museum)

A museum dedicated to smoking! This small museum has displays of every kind of smoking device you can think of – peace pipes, clay pipes, sheeshas – they’re all here. These are exhibited alongside photographs, etchings and videos related to the hazy world of tobacco consumption.

Espace Dalí

A museum shaped around the surrealist world of Salvadore Dali, the Espace Dali is suitably theatrical in its presentation of his sculptures and engravings. Music is piped into the space to guide visitors around the artworks, and the gallery’s design and layout add to the sense of unsettling abnormality conveyed by the artist’s work.

Tenniseum (Tennis Museum)

The Tenniseum can be found at Paris’ Stade Roland Garros, where the French Open is battled out each year. The museum, created by the French Federation of Tennis, contains around 1000 m² of tennis displays, including a collection of around 100 tennis rackets dating from the 1950s to the present day.

Musée Dupuytren (Anatomy Museum)

Not one for the faint of heart, this museum displays anatomical exhibits which illustrate disease and malformation. Some of the preserved specimens date back to the 17^th Century, and include the Siamese cattle twins in the image above!

Catacombs of Paris

Located in the tunnels of the city’s former stone quarries, Paris’ catacombs are home to the remains of over 6 million people. A tourist attraction since the 19^th Century, the carefully arranged bones and tombstones which survived the 1789 Revolution are a sight to behold!

Images: Flickr Creative Commons 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Source: www.wikipedia.com

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This sponsored post was written by Gurdeep Gola. He is a regular contributor to WildJunket.

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Clad in gothic carvings and medieval spirals,  cathedrals are not just religious buildings of worship, but are also outstanding architectural works. Many of the world’s most well-known cathedrals took centuries to construct and the hard work of our predecessors certainly paid off, producing some of the most impressive architectural constructions in the world. Today’s sponsored post by Miss Moci of Only-Apartments brings us a selection of 10 amazing cathedrals in the world:

Notre Dame (Paris, France)

Backdropped by the Seine River, the Notre Dame is engulfed in an atmospheric surrounding in the heart of historical Paris. Aside from Quasimodo, Notre Dame is the other protagonist in Victor Hugo’s novel: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. It is considered to be one of the prime examples of Gothic architecture and one of the most important landmarks of Paris.

 Flickr creative commons by Jamie Henderson

Il Duomo (Florence, Italy)

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the biggest churches in Italy.  The architectural style of the cathedral is Gothic which is rather rare to see in Florence when you rent , as it is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.  Located in Florence’s Piazza del Duomo, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of the city.To rent apartments in Florence, it’s best to look outside of the historical centre for cheaper deals.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (S. Compostela, Spain)

As one of the most important religious buildings in the world, the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is the final destination of pilgrims who walk the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago). This cathedral was built to house the relics of St. James after the original church was destroyed by the Moorish army. Completed in 1211, the cathedral spots a seemingly Baroque facade which is in fact predominantly Romanesque.

Flickr Creative Commons by Jairo Abud

Kölner Dom (Cologne, Germany)

UNESCO declared this cathedral a world heritage site and it is the most visited landmark in Germany. In the church itself you will find the Shrine of the Three Kings, a sarcophagus that is believed to hold relics of the Three Wise Men.

San Marco Basilica (Venice, Italy)

It earned the nickname Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold) as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power thanks for the lavish design and the mosaics that decorate it. It is a well-know example of Byzantine architecture and it located in the heart of the city at the Piazza San Marco.

Flickr Creative Commons by Robert Montgomery

St Patrick’s Cathedral (New York City, USA)

In Manhattan right on the east side of 5^th Avenue, next to skyscrapers and right across from the Rockefeller Center you will find this beautiful neo-gothic cathedral. It is the largest Catholic cathedral in the United States and can accommodate 2,200 people. The Big Apple is notorious for the fast-paced lifestyle and this church in the middle of this hectic frenzy is a nice counterweight.

St Paul’s (London, Great Britain)

The St Paul’s Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill, in London’s financial district. It is one of the most significant monuments in the city. The Royal family traditionally holds weddings, funerals and other religious services at Westminster Abbey, but one of the few exceptions was the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana which was held here.

Flickr Creative Commons by Thamer Al-Hassan

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Vienna, Austria)

Located in the heart of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is an outstanding piece of work, having withstood many important events in the country’s history. Built on the ruins of two earlier churches, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is now the most important religious building in the Austrian capital. Its mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles, combined with its coloful rooftop tiles, has earned it its iconic status.

St. Basil’s Cathedral (Moscow, Russia)

This church is located at the Red Square in Moscow and is certainly one of the most colorful cathedrals you will find. As part of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shape and design are supposed to resemble a flame of a bonfire and essentially consists of 8 churches surrounding one central church.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City (Mexico City)

Better known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary of Mexico City, this is the oldest and largest cathedral in the entire Latin America. Completed in 1788, the cathedral is a blend of various architectural styles from baroque, neoclassic to Mexican churrgueresque. Built over an original Spanish church, the cathedral was built using some of the stones torn down from previous Aztec temples.

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This sponsored post was written by Miss Moci from Only-Apartments. She contributes regularly to WildJunket with her  tips on traveling in Europe.

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London has a special place in many travelers’ hearts thanks to its centuries of history, vibrant pop culture and the countless famous landmarks which tourists flock to every year. With the upcoming Royal Wedding and Olympic Games, the spotlight is definitely on the capital. But if you’ve exhausted the usual tourist haunts and are seeking the hidden gems and lesser-known cultural treasures of the city, follow these unique suggestions for off-the-beaten-track places to visit, brought to you by Hotels4u.com.

Flickr photo by Anirudh Koul

1. Return to your childhood

Take a trip down memory lane at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. This museum showcases the best toys, dolls and artefacts from childhoods past and helps us to relieve the fondest memories from our own young years. With exhibitions running all year round, this is a great place to get lost in imaginary friends, dolls and stories.

2. Enjoy the sensory overload at Smithfield Market

Smithfield Market – or to give it its proper title, London Central Market – is a hub of activity from 3am through to mid-morning, with meat traders selling their wares and many buyers haggling for a great deal. For a true sensory overload of sight, sound and smell (and even taste, at one of the local cafes) then make sure you’re there from around 7am. The market is steeped in history so it’s worth a visit to the nearby museum to learn more about its past too.

3. Swat up on your brand knowledge

Do you think you know your Kit Kat from your Crunchie? Your Daz from your Ariel? Then a visit to the Museum of Brands is a must! Whether you’re a design enthusiast or are simply keen to reminisce about the early days of advertising, from the humorous to the heart-warming, you’ll enjoy the advertisements displayed here. Visitors will often remark how many British brands they know and love – and how many they had forgotten about!

4. Discover the personal art collection of Sir John Soane

Sir John Soane was a an English architect who collected incredible works of art within his London homes, the most famous of all being his house at 12 Lincoln Inn Fields. After his death the house was turned into a museum of architecture, featuring both a collection of his drawings and models of his work, and many items from his extensive collection of antiques and artefacts. The Soane museum is situated right in the centre of London, so there are many London hotels just a few minutes’ walk or a short Tube ride away.

5. Get lost in an adult wonderland

Callooh Callay is a secret bar hidden away in a creative part of London’s eastern corner. Step through the magic wardrobe into a curious land of grown up cocktails and Alice in Wonderland-themed quirkiness. From the eccentric décor to the fabulous drinks menu, there is plenty here to intrigue and entice. You just have to know where to find it…

Image provided by hotels4u.com

6. Indulge in Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a uniquely British pastime, with many popular London hotels such as the Savoy and the Ritz serving up a delicate blend of tea, sandwiches and cakes. For the best afternoon tea however, head to the Langham, which was awarded “Top London Afternoon Tea” by the prestigious Tea Guild in 2010. If this isn’t reason enough to go, it’s worth noting that the hotel’s Palm Court, where their tea service is held, is reputedly where the afternoon tea tradition first began – over 140 years ago.

7. Find the giant squid

The Darwin museum is a great place for children and adults alike to discover animals and species which they’ve never encountered before. And if you ask nicely, you may also get to view the colossal squid. At 2.5m long, the preserved squid is quite a sight to behold, and scientists have been able to determine a lot about its habits. Discover some fascinating facts about squid and other creatures, and gain a renewed perspective of the natural world.

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8. Meet a wise monk

Battersea Park is home to a Japanese pagoda, tended to by a resident monk who doles out kind wisdom to those who seek to meet him. Reverend Bikkhu Gyoro Nagase considers himself the keeper of the Peace Pagoda, working hard to remove litter, graffiti, and damage. He relies on donations and kindness to keep the pagoda looking as beautiful and welcoming as it does, and whether you want to volunteer to help or simply stop and ask to join him in prayer, you’re unlikely to meet anyone else like him in London.

9. Get stuck in the mud

Experience life on the farm in the heart of the city! Mudchute City Farm is a fun place for visitors of all ages. Covering 32-acres of farmland in the centre of the city, visitors to Mudchute are given the chance to get up and close to a range of barnyard animals, including pigs, sheep and horses. There are also regular daily events, from daily duck walks to summer open days.

Photo from guardian.co.uk

10. Gain free entry to the Tower of London

The Ceremony of Keys is a century-old traditional process in which the Tower of London and its gates are carefully locked up for the night. A small number of visitors may accompany the Chief Warder as he does this, giving them a special insight to the secrets of the tower and its hidden treasures. This is free of charge, however as places are limited you will need to make sure you book at least two months in advance to avoid disappointment. The good news is that the ceremony takes place every night without fail, so there are plenty of chances to attend.

This post is part of a monthly Travel Tips Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find London hotels suitable for all tastes and budgets.

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