Wenceslas Square Christmas Market

Christmas Markets in Prague, Czech Republic

The Christmas markets in Prague offer over 150 stalls of everything from decorated gingerbread to wooden toys to punch. However the sound of this market is what it is known for, as almost every church will have its choir singing carols. A small zoo also adds flavor, with pony rides and a petting zoo, and a nativity scene nearby. At the center of it all is an enormous Christmas tree that transforms the city's skyline.

Alter Markt Christmas Market

Christmas Markets in Rheinland, Germany

During the run up to Christmas, Cologne is one of Germany's most popular destinations. Annually, the city's 6 markets boast over 1 million visitors. The city is fully decorated for the occasion. The top market in Cologne is the Cathedral Market with the largest Christmas tree in Germany right next to the magnificent Gothic Dom. The Neumarkt market is Germany's oldest, just a few hundred yards away - both are in the center of the shopping district. The most child-oriented market is the Alter Markt Christmas market. Kids can enjoy a puppet theater, a children's roundabout and a multitude of toy shops. These three are the most well known, but are only half of the Christmas markets you can find in Cologne.

SeaWorld San Diego

Visitor Attractions in West Coast, United States

San Diego’s Sea World is more than just a zoo for marine animals - it's a theme park. Home to a bevy of marine animals from dolphins to Orca’s (more commonly known as killer whales), Sea World also features roller coasters and different marine themed rides and exhibits. Visitors can also soak up the San Diego sun in it's world class water park. Sea World’s most famous attraction is Shamu Stadium, where the Orca whale, Shamu (from a long line of Shamus), performs with trainers and supporting animals, executing stunts to the delight of the crowd. It is truly spectacular to watch the 6 ton mammal jump into the air on command. The shows last for about 20 minutes and are run several times during the day. The show has been famously imitated in shows and movies such as the children’s film, Free Willy. Another big attraction at the park is the Shark Encounter ride - a metal tube in which visitors are lowered into a shark tank. Being underwater with one of the most feared predators in the ocean is an amazing experience.

San Diego Zoo

Visitor Attractions in West Coast, United States

The San Diego zoo is one of the world’s largest and most fun zoos. The zoo displays an array of over 4,000 animals for you to marvel at while soaking in San Diego’s always gorgeous weather. It also features exhibits that range from an African rainforest to an Elephant exhibit to an Artic themed park complete with adorable polar bears.

A family oriented experience, the San Diego Zoo has a whole area dedicated to children called the Children’s zoo. The Children’s Zoo features over 30 different exhibits and even a petting zoo. This part of the zoo is not only for the kids however, as there are many animals there that are not available to see in any other part of the zoo. Coupled with the petting zoo and the exclusive animals, the Children’s Zoo is a cant miss part of your visit here. Even better, the Children’s Zoo is free with your admission to the rest of the park.

One of the zoo’s most intriguing exhibits is the Tiger River. Along this exhibit you will find not only a tigers den, but you will also find a crocodile pit and a marsh with different types of trees and fauna. The tigers den features a waterfall and it is fun to watch the tigers splash in the pool or just act silly in front of their guests. This part of the park has a very distinct rain forest feel to it, so don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild in this area as you get as close to a real rain forest you can in the United States.

The San Diego Zoo’s most famous attraction by far is its Giant Panda exhibit. With only 5 zoos in North America having them and only 1500-3000 of them that are not in captivity, the panda exhibit is truly an amazing experience. Marvel at these charming creatures as they sit around, eat bamboo, and act as if you are not even there. The San Diego Zoo is awesome because of its mix of rare animals, intricate exhibits, and its location in always sunny, downtown San Diego.

Tōdai-ji Temple

Temples in Osaka, Japan

Even though it was rebuilt to only two-thirds of its original size, the Todaiji Temple is surely a sight to see as it is the largest wooden building in the world. Inside, the temple also houses the largest Buddha statue in the world.  The building currently serves as the headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism.