Battambang

To get another perspective, leave the caves a little early and head back to Battambang. Ask your tuk tuk driver to stop as soon as you hit the main road after the caves and watch the spiral of bats snaking into the distance from afar.

It’s well worth heading to Phnom Sampeou in the early afternoon and spending some time exploring the site before hitting the bat caves. From the base of the mountain, you can either climb 700 steep steps to the top, or pay one of the moto drivers waiting at the bottom to take you up for $1 – tuk tuks are not allowed.

At the peak sits a delicately-decorated pagoda that affords unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside. Dubbed Cambodia’s rice bowl, Battambang is home to shimmering paddies studded with palm trees that stretch to the horizon.

The mountain – more a large hill – is also sacred to locals as it features in the legend of Neang Rumsay Sok. According to Khmer folk lore, she was a jilted by her lover, going on to battle a vengeful crocodile. She managed to defeat the beast by letting her hair down into the water causing the water the reptile was swimming in to dry up.

The site also pays tribute to those who lost their lives in Cambodia’s more recent history. Under the Khmer Rouge regime of 1975 to 1979, some of the caves – dubbed the Killing Caves – were used by soldiers who pushed their victims to death from a hole in the roof. A small monument containing some of the skulls and bones of those who died sits inside the main caves.

The pagoda also served as a prison and torture centre during the Pol Pot-led era, and up until the mid-1990s, government troops camped out on the mountain, with Khmer Rouge soldiers occupying nearby Phnom Krapeu.

With an intriguing history, stunning views and the chance to watch nature work her magic, a visit to Phnom Sampeou and the bat caves is a must on all Battambang visitors’ itineraries.

The Battambang Bat Caves, Cambodia

A crowd gathers at the base of historic Phnom Sampeou, which sits about 12km from Battambang [pronounced Battam-bong] city. Street sellers flog drinks to the crowd from their orange coolers, while the scent of barbecued chicken and pork floats from the food carts that dot the site.

A mounting sense of excitement sits in the air as the light is slowly teased from the sky. And then suddenly a gasp, followed by a chorus of gasps as out of one of the larger caves that scar the mountainside, a sudden stream of black snakes into the sky.

For the next 30 to 40 minutes, this spectacle continues as the bats rise from their slumber and burst from the network of caves to hit the surrounding countryside for a night of hunting.

The best spot to catch this is obviously at the entrance to the caves, which is where you’ll find the most people, with the spectacle kicking off from about 5.30pm.

Thankfully, Battambang isn’t yet teaming with tourists so the crowds remain relatively small and finding a viewing spot is still easy without having to arrive hours ahead of time. Plus, stallholders put out a handful of plastic chairs for punters to kick back on.

It’s also easy to avoid any crowds at all – if you can cope with a bit of a climb. Ask your tuk tuk to take the first left on the track leaving the bat caves. Soon you’ll hit a huddle of tuk tuks at the side of the road, marking where a small path leads up the mountains. A short climb up affords a great spot to enjoy the sunset to one side and the bats to the other.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

In combination with the TV Tower, the World Clock on Alexanderplatz have become popular motifs for Berlin visitors and an easy-to-spot meeting point for both tourists and Berliners. Though popularly known only as The World Clock, its complete name is actually Urania World Clock. The name is rooted in an Urania column which was found in 1966 during demolition work on Alexanderplatz. It was an old street clock with a built-in weather station – which was built by the former clock factory “Urania”. The clock mechanism is actually a Trabant (dabbed affectionately as ‘Trabi’) automobile gearbox located a few meters below ground in a separate room.

This memorial, which is also known as the Holocaust Memorial, is an ensemble of 2,711 concrete slabs erected in a 19,000 m² site, a block away from the Brandendurg Gate in Berlin. Based on a design by the Jewish architect Peter Eisenman, the memorial has both evoked criticism and sparked outrage in various circles. While many decry its seemingly too-abstract presentation of the monstrosities inflicted on Jews in Europe, the artist himself has largely refrained from providing any clues into the significance of the giant slabs. One popular interpretation however signals out the resemblance of the site to a cemetery where the uneven ground is the result of years and years of stacking up of the corpses in a small surface area.

Though this Soviet memorial is not as central as the one in Tiergarten, it still attracts a good number of visitors, especially on Victory in Europe Day (V Day) when thousands flow to the memorial to pay respect to the fallen Russian soldiers in the Battle of Berlin and lay wreaths at the foot of its central monument. This 12m tall statue depicts a Russian soldier holding a German child standing over a broken swastika and commemorates the heroism of Sergeant of Guards Nikolai Masalov who risked his life under heavy German machine-gun fire to rescue a three-year-old German girl.

The Reichstag

The Berliner Fernsehturm attracts over one million visitors every year, who often stand in long lines to get a chance to access its 360° panoramic deck to view Berlin from a 207m height. Many though are oblivious to the fact that the Tower was constructed to symbolize the German Democratic Republic (GDR)’s ‘alleged’ glory and prosperity. Having been built to serve the original purpose of broadcasting television signals, the Tower’s globe was intended to be colored the crimson red of the Communist Party.

The oldest and the best-known zoo in Germany is now home to more than 1,500 animal species, resulting in a staggering number of nearly 21,000 animals held in captivity. Like many of Berlin sites, the Zoo fell victim to bombing by the Allies during World War Two and out of its 3,715 animals at the time, only 91 remained by the end of the war. Though many had died during the bombardment, a good number were plundered and eaten by Berliners themselves when a serious shortage of supplies had struck the war and famine-ravished city.

The seat of Germany’s parliament, the Reichstag building fell victim to an ‘alleged’ arson attack four weeks after Adolf Hitler was sworn into office. Serving as an incentive for the Nazi Party to push out the Communist delegates out of the picture, the fire became the source of many conspiracy theories for the years to come. A popular one indicates the arson as a false flag operation masterminded by the Nazis themselves to solidify their power status. The building became functional as the seat of the Bundestag only in 1999, well after the Reunification in 1990.

Behind Berlin's Most Famous Landmarks

Everywhere you look, Berlin is full of landmarks and historical sites. Many incite wonder and amazement as well as an urge to reach into one’s pocket, pull out a smartphone and try to capture the next cooler and crazier selfie, where history or the back story is essentially pushed into the background. Berlin’s stories need to be heard because there is no shortage of wonder in the pages of history. Join us as we explore the lesser-known stories of some of Berlin’s most popular landmarks.

The Wall enclosed West Berlin which stood like an island in East Germany until its collapse in 1989. Parts of the remains are still visible in the form of The East Side Gallery, a 1.3 kilometer stretch of the Wall that brought together as many as 102 artists from 21 countries which transformed the bleak remains to a colorful display of humanity and affection. The East Side Gallery now attracts millions of visitors every year who are seldom aware of the stories of terror the Wall had seen during its existence from 1961 to 1989. As many as 140 people died or were killed trying to cross the Wall escaping into West Berlin.

The Deeper Meaning Behind Berlin's Brass Cobblestones

While walking the Berlin streets you will have no doubt come across a Stolperstein, or ‘stumbling stone’, a concrete and brass cube inscribed with a family name and dates, that now forms part of the pavement. These little cubes are actually memorials to the Jewish lives lost during the Nazi extermination. However, there is much more to the memorial than meets the eye.

These cobblestone plaques that bear a tragic chapter of German history are the open-ended project first initiated in 1996 by the German artist Gunter Demnig. Not only is their message one of remembrance and of personalising the victims by honouring their names, but their purpose is also thought-provoking, aiming to initiate discussion and stimulate thought.

Each Stolperstein that is embedded into the pavement is ten by ten centimetres, and their position is not random. The plaques are laid in front of would-be homes of the Nazi victims, so instead of being one big memorial erected in a location known by everybody, these small and scattered plaques pierce the memory when they are literally ‘stumbled upon.’

Their presence takes on an even deeper meaning when the connotations of the name Stolperstein are considered. Metaphorically speaking, the German term can be interpreted to mean ‘potential problem’, while ‘to stumble across something’ in both German and English means to ‘to find out by chance’. Therefore, the anti-Semitic ‘Jewish problem’ of the past is presented in such a way as to stimulate thought and discussion around these issues in the present. According to the artist, because the Stolpersteine are embedded into ordinary, everyday life, stumbling upon them cannot be bypassed or avoided.

The inscriptions on the handmade brass plaques begin with ‘Here lived…’, followed by the name and date of birth of the resident, followed by the name of the concentration camp to which they were taken. At the bottom of the plaque is their date of death. The plaques are financed by private donors, and the decision to make one each by hand is deliberate.

Fondation Cartier Pour l’Art Contemporain

Unlike other corporately-sponsored exhibition spaces, the Fondation Cartier is an unique example of corporate philanthropy gone right. Exhibitions here are not only expertly curated but also cover a range of interests from Patti Smith (2008) to the most recent Beauté Congo (2015). Each exhibition creates a striking melange of different artistic media; music, dance, photography, and art are successfully organized in order to create a complete image of whatever subject is on display at that moment. This center for contemporary art is on a fast track to great success, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the Paris public for its most recent exhibits.

The Grande Galerie de l’Evolution is a must see for anyone traveling with children. Created in 1889 and re-opened in 1994 this museum is a modern testament to our pre-historic roots. It includes simulated rain and thunder-storms, interactive lessons and a breathtakingly life-like inventory of the animal kingdom. Any visit to the Galerie must also include some time in the Jardin des Plantes: a veritable splendor of botany and landscaping. This garden also has a little playground and benches to enjoy lunch or a snack. Furthermore, just across the street is the Grande Mosquée de Paris where for two euros patrons can sip authentic mint tea and enjoy some heartwarmingly splendid baklava.

Musée Picasso

The Musée du Quai Branly is a monument to indigenous art and culture located in the center of Paris. It includes work from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania with over 450,000 objects. It was opened in 2006 and is the newest of the major Paris museums. The building is meant to reflect the spirit of openness that the museum itself exemplifies. As such there are no barriers or railings – it is an open space both physically and artistically. Even the garden of this museum is designed to be the antithesis of a French formal garden: it has neither lawn nor gate but instead seems almost jungle-like in its deliberately overgrown facade.

The Musée de Cluny is a must-see for any enthusiast of the medieval period. Located in Paris’ Latin Quarter in a 13th-century abbey townhouse, the building is an excellent example of medieval architecture in Paris. At any one time, visitors can see 2300 paintings covering the Gallic period until the 16th century. The collection includes Romanesque and Gothic sculptures as well as stained glass windows from the Saint Chapelle.

The Musée Picasso is located in a private mansion, the Hôtel Salé, in the heart of the Marais. It was founded in 1974 after the artist’s death and houses over 5,000 works and tens of thousands of archived pieces. It is a testament to Pablo Picasso’s love for Paris that he and his family have left such an extensive collection to the city. Furthermore, the artist himself once said: ‘I am the greatest collector of Picasso’s in the world.’ The paintings include such masterworks as the Self-portrait, La Celestina, Man with Guitar, and Memento Mori.

The Maison Européene de la Photographie is also located in the Marais. It boasts an extensive library of contemporary photographic art, an auditorium, a library and a café located in an 18th-century vault. The exhibitions have included works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andy Warhol, and Annie Leibovitz. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary photography.

Palais de Tokyo

The Musée de l’Orangerie is a veritable treasure trove of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. It is the site of Claude Monet’s famous Water Lillies (Nymphéas), to this day organized in the manner outlined by the artist himself. Some other painters displayed in the museum’s permanent collection include Cézanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, and Renoir. The building is located in the heart of the Jardin de Tuileries and (unlike some other Paris museums) is unique in its ability to give the viewer space to breath and move while exploring its incredible collection.

Opened in 2002, the Palais de Tokyo considers itself an ‘anti-museum.’ Although it does not have a permanent collection it nevertheless acts as a site for contemporary art exhibitions and creation. As this museum remains open until midnight, an evening or night-time visit is highly suggested. This art space is located in a massive building constructed for the Paris Exhibition of 1937 and functions as a network of cavernous spaces where monumental contemporary installations are brought to life. Young, up-and-coming artists are given creative residencies at this museum and as such the Palais de Tokyo remains at the forefront of contemporary art creation in the city.

The Musée du Quai Branly is a monument to indigenous art and culture located in the center of Paris. It includes work from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania with over 450,000 objects. It was opened in 2006 and is the newest of the major Paris museums. The building is meant to reflect the spirit of openness that the museum itself exemplifies. As such there are no barriers or railings – it is an open space both physically and artistically. Even the garden of this museum is designed to be the antithesis of a French formal garden: it has neither lawn nor gate but instead seems almost jungle-like in its deliberately overgrown facade.

Improve your writing and communication skills

Work ethic in Japan is a double-edged sword. On one hand the dedication and pride many workers take in Japan is something to be admired, however it can be taken to the extreme. In fact many people work so hard, that the Japanese have the word‘karoshi’ which translates to death from overwork.

In terms of working yourself to death, that’s definitely not an encouraging prospect, however what you can draw from spending some in the Japanese workforce is a sense pride and commitment to your job, which in turn gives many workers a true sense of purpose or ‘ikigai’. In Japan the term ‘ikigai’ means (in a very vague description) your life’s purpose, or reason for living. There is a little more to the ikigaiphilosophy and it’s worth investigating but essentially many have attributed this sense of pride and purpose to the long a fulfilling lifespan of the Japanese population.

For westerners learning Japanese can be an incredibly daunting task. Lack of English speakers and lack of personal Japanese skill may make living in Japan seems like a near impossibility, however in a number of cases it can be a personal benefit.

Teaching, writing and jobs that require English skills are increasing in demand as the country becomes more globalised meaning that if you can write and speak English really well there’s high probability of employment. Also what better excuse to drown yourself in fascinating anime and catchy J-Pop jams than under the guide of ‘studying’ Japanese.

The world of Japanese food discoveries is unlimited

In terms of travelling, Tokyo is one city on most peoples’ bucket lists. Fascinating traditions and history, wacky modern day culture and arguably some of the best food in the world it’s no wonder the city has become a well trodden stop off. However despite the seemingly intimidating crowds, Tokyo is also an incredibly liveable city, here are eight reasons why adventurous travellers should consider making it their new home.

Sushi, soba, ramen, Kobe beef, even those with a passing interest in Japan known that it’s home to some of the best cuisine in the world. Beyond the typical aforementioned dishes there’s a lot more to Japan’s food scene but uncovering often requires more than a passing visit.

Thanks to the nation’s rich history and diverse countryside Tokyo hosts a stack of different regional dishes just as diverse as anywhere else in the world. Each pocket of Japan boasts its own culinary specialty and each specialty is filled with history, pride and tells a story about that area. The pride that this city takes in food is a lesson in patience and educated appreciation that honestly takes a little time to learn.

As you witness monolithic, neon emblazoned skyscrapers tower over peaceful parks that play host to centuries old shrines you’ll realise Tokyo is a place where the past and the future can live harmoniously in the present. A country that’s filled with pride and an history depth that’s difficult to fathom without immersing yourself in the culture.

Tito’s death and the sudden decline

12,500 children took part in the first race, which covered 9,000 kilometres and also came with 15,000 signatures from young people in the region of Šumadija. The original relay actually ended in the Croatian capital of Zagreb, but the decision was soon made to switch the finish line to the Yugoslav capital, Belgrade. Where did the race start? Tito’s home village of course, the tiny town of Kumrovec.

Being an official state-sanctioned event obviously helped, but the size of the Relay of Youth quickly ballooned. By 1950, more than a million children were taking part in the event, which now lasted one month and covered all the major towns of Yugoslavia. The relay was the main event on radio and television over that month, as Yugoslavs from all over excitedly followed the progress of the baton from Kumrovec all the way to the Yugoslav People’s Army football stadium and Tito’s hand. In 1957, the relay formally became a national holiday.

The relay was underway when Tito died in 1980, and the baton was immediately placed on the ground in respect. Such was Tito’s hold over Yugoslavia it is somewhat surprising that the race continued in the years following his passing, and the final race was held in 1988. Enthusiasm for Yugoslavia was waning, so enthusiasm for a symbolic relay of unity was all but extinguished.

The final nail in the relay coffin came in 1987. Every year, a nationwide competition was held to decide on the official poster for the relay. The 1987 winner was the Slovenian art collective known as Neue Slowenische Kunst (NSK, or New Slovenian Art), but all was not what it seemed.

The poster NSK provided was actually a reworked version of an old Nazi propaganda poster, as the controversial collective aimed to shine a light on the hypocrisy of Tito’s personality cult. Somehow the poster managed to win the competition, but the truth soon came out. Many believe that this marked the end of the Relay of Youth.

One Man and His Batons

Josip Broz Tito is buried in the House of Flowers in Belgrade, but the eyes directed at his grave often find themselves diverted to the collection of batons that hang on the wall nearby. These bars are all from the annual Relay of Youth, one of the great staples of socialist Yugoslavia.

It is no secret that socialist regimes love themselves some pomp and circumstance, and the razzmatazz surrounding the Relay of Youth (Štafeta mladosti, in Serbian) ticked all of the necessary boxes. The relay achieved two major aims of socialism — namely uniting the whole country in one challenge, and engaging the youth in an active manner.

Yugoslavia came out of World War II as a united nation in international conversation only. The state had been decimated by a brutal three-way civil war during the first half of the 1940s, and Josip Broz Tito was the man tasked with bringing everyone together. His mantra of ‘Brotherhood and Unity’ constantly rang around the country, but Yugoslavia still needed something to unite the younger generations.

The idea came from a student organisation in the central Serbian city of Kragujevac, home to Serbia’s automobile industry. The premise was simple — a baton was to be carried from town to town, traversing the whole of the country before being handed to Tito on his official birthday, May 25.

Pencak Silat in Indonesian Culture

According to anthropologists, Pencak Silat first served its practical purpose as a technique to protect humans from nature. Back then, the more pertinent threats to the community were natural threats, such as animal attack or extreme living conditions.

During the upheaval leading to Indonesia’s independence, Pencak Silat assumed a new role as a technique that helped local warriors defend their hometown against the colonialists. Celebrated local heroes such as Sultan Agung, Prince Diponegoro, Cut Nyak Dhien and more, have used the form of martial art in a battle against invaders.

The process of imparting Pencak Silat through generations are often supported by legends of great and somewhat fighters, which finally make their way into everyday discourse and in turn help shape the local culture. Heroic figures from different cultures such as Si Pitung, Hang Tuah, and Gajah Mada are people with advanced Pencak Silat prowess, proving the ability in martial art as a desirable quality in the society.

More than physical capacity, Pencak Silat practitioners are also seen as people with superior mental and spiritual prowess. The martial art had somehow, through everyday discourse and customs, installed itself in the society’s many facets, especially religion and tradition.

Pencak Silat and the legends around it mix with everyday customs and religious teachings, and by the 14th century, the martial art was taught alongside Islamic principles in religious halls. Other communities require practitioners to start with meditation and asceticism to cultivate the inward qualities before proceeding to the physical performance so that the religious and cultural philosophy is contained in every movement.

As a cultural aspect, Pencak Silat is often present as a traditional performance or procession during ceremonies. In Betawi culture, for example, Pencak Silat is used as a ceremonial play in traditional weddings. The play shows the groom demonstrating his toughness as he protects his bride against another fighter who tries to abduct her, using the moves and stances of Pencak Silat.

Crouching Tiger

Indonesia’s rich and diverse culture manifests itself into countless of everyday aspects; what the people eat, what they wear, how they move, down to the forms of sports, arts, and entertainment. As Indonesia’s traditional form of martial art, Pencak Silat is so tightly woven into the fabric of local culture. More than just a measure to defend themselves, it also a form of performance, an integral cog in the nation’s history towards independence, and a form of religious practice.

Pencak Silat is a form of traditional martial art evident throughout different cultures in Southeast Asia from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, to the Philippines. Each locality has different take on the art, but most forms seem to focus on strikes, joint manipulation, throws, and weaponry. ‘Pencak’ means traditional movements in traditional attire accompanied by traditional music, while ‘Silat’ means the techniques of self-defense. So basically ‘Pencak Silat’ means ‘martial art’ in the local dialect, with an emphasis on the traditional aspect.

Pencak Silat goes way before any of its documented records. It is believed that the form of traditional art was mostly taught orally and experientially from generation to generation. In some ancient kingdoms, the origin of Pencak Silat is closely tied to the legends about a fight between two animals, typically witnessed by a woman. In Sriwijaya Empire, it’s believed that Pencak Silat is inspired by a brawl between a tiger and a large bird, while according to a Sundanese legend it’s of a monkey and a tiger. The strikes and movements of the two animals became the basics of the Pencak Silat movements. Other communities attribute the conception of Pencak Silat to respected leaders, fighters, even spiritual leaders of the ancient times.

The functions of gamelan

Nowadays, the enticing sounds of gamelan can be found in many settings from ceremonies and traditional dance or theater performances to the background music during spa treatments. But originally, Balinese gamelan was developed as solemn religious purposes, like warding off evil spirits or preparing worshippers to enter a state of trance. In fact, the beats in Balinese gamelan can be used as cues to inhalation and exhalation to induce a meditative state.

Javanese gamelan does have its religious purposes as well, as an accompaniment during religious ceremonies. It has also been used as a form of entertainment performed for the amusement of the royal family, as well as accompanying the wayang puppet shows.

Nowadays gamelan is often loosely used as a means to induce an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. The ancient musical principles and customs are still used to compose and improvise new pieces that continue the mystical and spiritual traditions. The huge gong is still used to mark the officiation of formal events, such as an opening of a festival, inauguration of establishments, or similar.

Gamelan’s musical attributes

The earliest known records of gamelan were found in the reliefs of Borobudur Temple, dating back as far back as the 8th-century.

But as with many other historical objects, it’s difficult to pinpoint a sole or exact origin, whether of time or place, from which gamelan came to be and develop. Scholars argue that a combination of Hindu and Buddhism influences, Java’s own local customs, and the bronze culture in Southeast Asia all contributed to this mystical orchestra. Later, Middle Eastern influences added bowed instruments and European military style added variety to the rhythms. In short, the wide array of instruments, styles, and even tunings are drawn from the archipelago’s own long history and diversity.

Without getting into great technical details about this traditional orchestra, it is worth noting that there are different tunings for in different gamelan sets. Tuning is a very complex process and consideration when putting together a set of gamelan. There are at least four different scales used in different gamelan, including the diatonic scale.

The composition of gamelan music also pays attention to the combination of tempo and density called irama. Generally, Balinese gamelan sounds more dramatic and loud compared to the Javanese. The style of music falls into even more variation in the northern and southern part of the island, the northern Bali music is often said to be more aggressive.

The origin of gamelan

More than just ambiance for tourism, spa treatments or performances, the traditional gamelan music of Indonesia is a representation of the nation’s diverse and dynamic identity. From legends to musical attributes and close religious connections, discover the ancient secrets of Indonesia’s gamelan music.

Gamelan originally refers to a set of musical instruments rather than a genre. Many members of a gamelan family are percussive – different kinds of metallophones, drums, chimes, xylophones, and melodic instruments like flutes, strings, and sometimes even a vocalist. Just like many other cultural elements in Indonesia, there are different variations and takes on this traditional art throughout the diverse culture of the archipelago, but perhaps the Javanese and Balinese gamelan are the best preserved and most popular.

In Javanese culture, the origin of gamelan was mentioned in the mythology of a hermit called Sang Hyang Guru who first created a type of gong to call on the gods. More percussive items were added to send out different messages to the gods, resulting in a full set of instruments.

The earliest known records of gamelan were found in the reliefs of Borobudur Temple, dating back as far back as the 8th-century.

But as with many other historical objects, it’s difficult to pinpoint a sole or exact origin, whether of time or place, from which gamelan came to be and develop. Scholars argue that a combination of Hindu and Buddhism influences, Java’s own local customs, and the bronze culture in Southeast Asia all contributed to this mystical orchestra. Later, Middle Eastern influences added bowed instruments and European military style added variety to the rhythms. In short, the wide array of instruments, styles, and even tunings are drawn from the archipelago’s own long history and diversity.

St. Louis, Missouri

With big names such as Pabst Blue Ribbon and Miller High Life produced in town, and offering guided brewery tours, beer is king in Milwaukee. The Harley-Davidson Museum is another highlight, celebrating the 100-year plus history of the brand and showcasing bikes once belonging to the likes of Elvis Presley. The Milwaukee Art Museum, one of the biggest museums in the country, is equally impressive, housing almost 25,000 artworks.

Home of the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot symbol of America’s westward expansion built in the 1960s, St. Louis is a big city with a big soul. The blues music scene is excellent here as is the delicious barbecue. Make sure you visit Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, which dates back to 1907 and has one of the most extensive mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere.

Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is home to a host of independent bookshops and learning opportunities for the intellectual traveller. There is a community drum circle on Friday nights in downtown where all are welcome to drum, dance and join the fun. You can also visit George W. Vanderbilt’s epic Biltmore Estate, which holds the title for America’s largest home.

Encinitas, California

One of the famous twin cities, Minneapolis is also known as the ‘City of Lakes’ because it is home to 13 impressive bodies of water. If water sports aren’t your thing, there are 197 parks to explore, but make sure you check out the renowned Walker Art Center, and don’t miss the craft beer, which is some of the best in the country.

As host of the annual Kentucky Derby, Louisville is a supreme stop for sports lovers, who come to see the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack, where the derby takes place. It is also home to the the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, which honours the classic baseball bat, and the Muhammad Ali Center, a museum commemorating the boxer, who was also born here.

South of Seattle and on the banks of the Puget Sound, Tacoma offers an eclectic mix of nature and art. The art scene is especially impressive here with The Museum of Glass and the incredible Chihuly Bridge of Glass, a is a 500-foot (150m) pedestrian footbridge designed by architect Arthur Andersson and adorned with installations created by glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is home to a host of independent bookshops and learning opportunities for the intellectual traveller. There is a community drum circle on Friday nights in downtown where all are welcome to drum, dance and join the fun. You can also visit George W. Vanderbilt’s epic Biltmore Estate, which holds the title for America’s largest home.

A coastal town in San Diego county, many visitors like to rise early, bring their coffee to the beach, and spend the day surfing. Whether or not you’re up for getting in the water, make sure to eat as many burritos as possible during your stay; they’re a local favourite. Encinitas really takes the laid-back California attitude to a new level.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

When deciding where to travel in the United States, the possibilities are endless. From coast to coast, many people will choose to head to some of the more cliché American cities such as New York, Miami or LA, or the obviously trendy spots such as Nashville, Portland and New Orleans. The country has plenty of destinations that are both more affordable and relatively less explored, however. Here are 11 spots to visit that are fun, quirky, cultural and won’t break the bank.

The capital of Indiana is brimming with culture. Kurt Vonnegut was born and raised in this Midwestern city and the author is commemorated in the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library. Racing fans will enjoy a spin on the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500, and the White River State Park is the perfect picnic spot on a sunny day.

Located South Central Texas, the city is home to the historic Alamo, where, on Feb 23, 1836, Mexican troops infamously overpowered 200 Texan defenders after a 13-day onslaught. Visit the site, as well as the Mission San José, which dates back to 1720, and San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral. After discovering the landmarks, take a stroll along the River Walk, which takes you along the San Antonio River.

Art lovers will thrive in this capital city, which is home to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 300 art galleries and dealers and the third largest art market in the country. From biking and hiking trails to winter skiing opportunities, the city offers as many wellness activities as it does cultural ones. Visiting an Indian Pueblo is also a must when visiting Santa Fe. There are 19 around New Mexico all offering an important educational experience.