World Travel Guide Online

Most often bridges make us wonder how technology made possible their construction. They are a means of getting from one point to another but although we walk or drive on them (almost) daily, we don’t always stop to admire them.

Many bridges made history because of their uses, locations and popularity. Some of the most famous bridges in the world can be either walked across or climbed and some are open for the pedestrians for special occasions only.

1. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

The most recognizable landmark in Sydney is, without a doubt, the vista of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The bridge connects the central business district with the North Shore and offers dramatic views of the harbor. It is the place where crowds gather to watch the New Year’s Fireworks and climbing the bridge is one of the most appealing attractions for those visiting Sydney. The bridge opened in 1932.

Pedestrian access is possible on both sides and the bridge can be access from several places on either side. The southeast pylon has always served as a looked out point. Guided tours are available for those who want to climb the southern half of the bridge. Both daylight and night climbs are available. It is also possible to climb the upper arches of the bridge and it is possible to view the bridge’s internal structure.

2. Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, USA

It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Finished in 1883, the bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and is a landmark featured in many movies. Miranda and Steve (Sex and the City: The Movie) chose to meet on the bridge to reunite and continue their marriage. Romantic, yet with a possible tragic end and one if them wouldn’t show up.

The bridge has a wide pedestrian walkway available for walkers and cyclists, located in the center of the bridge. Its role of allowing pedestrians to cross gained significant importance during times of trouble when the usual means of crossing the river weren’t available (after the 911 attacks is one of the most recent moments).

3. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA

The Golden Gate Bridge spans over the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The construction began in 1933 and the bridge was completed in April 1937.

The bridge is open for pedestrians during the daylight hours. However, pedestrians are allowed only on the east sidewalk (city side). It takes about an hour to walk on it and you can also visit one of the vista points. If possible, plan to walk on the bridge on a clear day. Guided tours also include the bridge (and of course, you’ll also learn about the bridge during the tour).

4. Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni, Japan

It is a historical wooden arch bridge, located in Iwakuni. Built in 1673, it spans Nishiki River, in a scenic location (at the foot of Mt. Yokoyama, offering great views of the castle above). Destroyed by a flood the next year, it was reconstructed and periodical maintenance included reconstruction of the bridge. It was destroyed again by floods in 1950 and the bridge which stands today was reconstructed in 1953.

The bridge is a very popular tourist destination in Japan, especially during the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring.

5. Galata Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey

Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul. The first plans to construct a bridge at the location where Galata Bridge stands now were laid in 1502, but Leonardo da Vinci’s ambitious plans were not put into practice. Michelangelo was asked to design a bridge as well but he refused, so the idea of building a bridge in the located was postponed. It was only in 1845 that Galata Bridge was built. In 1863, the first bridge was replaced by a wooden one. A third bridge was completed in 1875 and by 1912 the forth bridge was completed in the same location. Unfortunately it was badly damaged in a fire and it was only in 1994 that a new bridge was reconstructed just few meters from the old one. All city tours in Istanbul include the bridge and the passageway to the Old City of Constantinople.

6. Bosphorus Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey

Bosphorus Bridge is one of the bridges in Istanbul which spans the Bosphorus straight, connecting two continents (Europe and Asia).

The bridge has a total of eight lanes. Each direction has three lanes, a sidewalk and an emergency lane. During the first four years of service pedestrians were allowed on the bridge. Today, the only possibility to cross it by foot is in October when anyone can sign up for a “fun run” (at the same time when the Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon takes place in the city).

7. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

Charles Bridge is a pedestrian bridge crossing the river Vltava in Prague. At the time it was built, the bridge provided the only link between the Old Town and the adjacent areas. It is protected by three towers. It is decorated with 30 statues (replicas of the original ones) and during the tourist season, it is filled with vendors, artists, musicians and tourists.

For the most spectacular views of the Old Town, make sure to walk on the bridge at sunset. The beautiful lit Prague Castle creates interesting views against the evening sky and the setting sun.

8. Tower Bridge, London, England

Often wrongly referred to as London Bridge, Tower bridge spans over the Themes and has become an iconic symbol of the British capital. The bridge’s two towers are connected by two horizontal walkways. Construction started in 1886 and two five years to be completed. The bridge was needed because of the rapid development of commercial ties between East End and London.

The high level walkways, once having a bad reputation of being a haunt for pickpockets and prostitutes, are now open as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition. The views from above are absolutely magnificent and contribute to the tower’s high popularity among tourists.

9. Pont des Arts, Paris, France

It is a pedestrian bridge in Paris, which crosses the river Seine, connecting Institut de France and the central square of the Louvre. In 1804 a steel bridge was completed on the location where Ponts des Arts stands today. But in 1976 several deficiencies were reported on the bridge because of the damage sustained during the two world wars and because of the collisions caused by boats. By 1984, the present bridge was constructed.

Today it is a live studio for painters, photographers and artists who are drawn to the unique location and scenery. It is a popular (and romantic) location for picnics, during the summer, both among tourists and locals.

10. Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy

Rialto Bridge is one oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal (Venice). The first crossing over the Canal was a pontoon bridge built in 1181. Thanks to the development of the Rialto Market the traffic on the bridge increased and by 1255 it was replaced by a wooden bridge. During the early 15th century, shops were built along the sides of the bridge which insured the money for maintenance (because of the taxes paid by shop owners). It partially caught fire in 1310, while in 1444 it collapsed under the weight of the crowd watching a boat parade. It collapsed again in 1524. The present stone bridge was completed in 1591. On either side of the bridge there are rows of shops.

11. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

It is a Medieval bridge which spans over the Arno River, in Florence. It is believed that a bridge was first built by Romans. It first appeared in a document in 996 and had quite a troubled history. It was destroyed by a flood in 1117, reconstructed in stone and swept away in 1333 again. In 1345 it was reconstructed again. During the World War II the Germans didn’t destroy the bridge (unlike destroying all other bridges in Florence

It is said that the term “bankruptcy” originated here. When a merchant couldn’t pay his debts, the table on which he sold his goods (banco) was broken (rotto) by soldiers and the process was called “bancorotto” (broken table).

Even today the bridge has shops over the bridge making it a major tourist attraction in Florence. Initially, butchers occupied the shops but today most shops offer jewelry and souvenirs for sale.

12. Jacques Cartier Bridge, Montreal, Canada

The bridge crosses Île Sainte-Hélène in the centre of the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal. It is the second busiest bridge in Canada. Construction started in 1925 and the bridge, originally named Montreal Harbour Bridge, was finished in 1940. In 1934 it was renamed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jacques Cartier’s first voyage up the river.

During the summer the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic for the firework competition held at la Ronde. It becomes passenger only during the event (mid June to mid August annually, during the day). It is also closed for traffic for the Oasis Montreal Marathon, each year in September.

13. Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary

Spanning over the Danube and connecting Buda to Pest, Chain Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe. It opened in 1849 and it was the first bridge over the Danube. Anecdotes and urban legends have always been linked to the bridge. It’s a famous urban legend that the lions at both ends of the bridge don’t have tongues, while the tunnel built under the Buda Castle is said to be there only to offer rain protection to the bridge (as both have the same length so the bridge can easily fit into the tunnel).

It is possible to walk on the bridge. At night, the views are magnificent regardless of which direction you are looking to. For a spectacular view, climb on the top of the Citadel and look down. You’ll see the square at the Buda end and the entire bridge.

Photo credits: 1 – brewbooks on Flickr ; 2 – silentsnake09; 3 & 9- wallyg ; 4 – d’n'c; 5 – ipohkia ; 6 – Serdar Gurbuz Photography; 7 – laura Padgett ; 8 – erney123 ; 10 – boggie33ad ; 11 – ‘redranch’ ; 12 – nessguide ; 13 – Cristina Dima and may not be used without permission

Source: bootsnall.com

Once again, the writers, editors, and community at BootsnAll have collected up our best recommendations for destinations we think are worth considering for any independent traveler. Lists like this seem to be everywhere these days, which is another reason we try to make ours special by highlighting a mix of popular places along with places that aren’t on everyone’s radar just yet.

Before we get to 2010’s list, if you haven’t been following along and want to look back at the places we’ve listed in prior years, here’s your chance:

Ready for 2010 now? Alright, here we go…

10 – Fukuoka, Japan

Fun to say? Sure. But on top of that Fukuoka is a highly recommended destination for anyone wanting to see what Japan is like outside of its insanely huge and crowded capital of Tokyo.

In spite of having a population of 1.5 million, Fukuoka is compact enough to see on foot, but they’ve also got a clean and efficient subway system for those with a bit less energy. For great views of this modern city you can head to the 234-meter Fukuoka Tower or the giant Sky Dream Ferris Wheel for a 20-minute ride. For something uniquely Japanese you can go to Robosquare, where you can watch or participate in demonstrations of personal robots for free.

The city also has its famous Canal City shopping complex, where you can get an up-close look at the Japanese retail obsession, complete with wacky one-of-a-kind souvenir items and all manners of trendy fashions. And if the sun is out you can head over to Mitoma Beach to see how the locals cool off and even surf when the waves are good. The notable local cuisine is a variety of pork-flavored ramen noodles that are found pretty much everywhere.

Day trips from Fukuoka include Hiroshima, Mt. Asa (an active volcano) and Beppu, a resort town with hot springs, monkeys, and themed pools termed “The Hells.”

You can fly directly into Fukuoka from most major cities in Asia and all over Japan, or you can take a 5-hour train ride from Tokyo if you are combining the two.

9 – Durban, South Africa

This is a very special year for South Africa, and for Africa as a whole. In June, the 19th World Cup, the largest and most-watched event in sport, descends on South Africa. Never before has a World Cup, or any event of this size, been held anywhere on the continent, and our pick of the ten cities hosting the Cup is Durban.

No stranger to visitors, Durban is the busiest port city in Africa, and also one of the most tourist friendly. The Golden Mile, Durban’s famous stretch of beach, is a must-see for the traveler who wants more out of their African vacation than just Big Five wildlife tours. Surfing is popular here, and though South Africa is famous for its sharks, netting protects the Golden Mile’s beach from the marine predators. If you want a safer look at the sharks that are swimming just beyond the nets, the uShaka Marine World aquarium has the world’s largest shark tank.

There’s no doubt that Durban (and South Africa overall) has its problems, with crime rates that might scare off some tourists, but it also has so much to offer to the educated traveler. Add in the world’s biggest international party, the World Cup, and you have a must-see destination for 2010.

There aren’t many international flights straight into Durban, and most travelers will have to enter South Africa through the main hub, Johannesburg. There are several small carriers like Mango and Kulula that run daily domestic flights to Durban from all the other major cities in South Africa.

8 – Iceland

By now most people are aware of Iceland’s financial mini-collapse, and as awful as that may be for many of its citizens, the silver lining is being enjoyed by budget-oriented travelers who can suddenly afford a visit. Long described as stunning, unique, and jaw-droppingly expensive, it seems that prices are actually now in line with other European countries so that third part is on hold, at least for a while.

You’ll fly in near Reykjavik and almost everyone enjoys spending the first day or so checking out the small and charming capital, but Iceland is similar to New Zealand in that the largest city is perhaps the least spectacular thing about the place.

One popular strategy is to rent a car for a week or so and trace the Route 1 – Ring Road around the island in either direction. Along the way you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, national parks, lakes, volcanic craters, and fjords along with a bit of wildlife.

Flights from either North America or Europe are reasonable, thanks to Iceland Air and their program that allows free Transatlantic stop-overs for those not satisfied with making Iceland their only destination. And the country’s most famous single attraction – the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa – is an easy stop near the airport.

7 – Sighisoara, Romania

Independent travelers wanting to visit Central-Eastern Europe typically start with Budapest, Prague, or Budapest and hardly ever go deeper than that. But those looking to explore some of the jewels of the region should definitely consider Sighisoara.

The Romanian town of Sighisoara, located deep in Transylvania, on Tarnava River, has preserved the features of a small medieval fortified city in a remarkable way. The landmark of this picturesque town, which has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is the Clock Tower, a 64-meter tower built in 1556, currently home to the Museum of History (and from the top balcony offering the best views of citadel and surrounding areas).

Near the end of July each year the tiny cobblestone streets of the citadel are flooded with visitors from all over the world coming here for the Medieval Festival. English, French and German are useful here, regardless of the time of the year when you visit, although if you venture into the new parts of the town, it’s useful to know at least some Romanian phrases.

In addition to the well-preserved medieval buildings, Sighisoara is also famous for being the (alleged) birth town of Vlad Dracul (a.k.a. Dracula). The house where he was born still exists and is located close to the Clock Tower (currently it’s a restaurant).

You can get to Sighisoara by train from any major Romanian city (Bucharest, Cluj Napoca, Brasov, Sibiu, etc.) and there are direct train connections from Budapest, Vienna and Prague as well.

6 – Philippines

As most of the world’s budget travelers seem to be descending on the mainland part of Southeast Asia, those looking to get off the well-trodden tourist trail will be heading to the Philippines. With over 7,000 islands in the archipelago, it makes perfect sense that you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to scenery and activities.

There’s world-class diving and snorkeling available, at prices that are significantly lower than in most of the rest of the world. Whitewater rafting is also big in the country, but for those who are more interested in just relaxing you’ve got a choice of excellent beaches of every variety, with Boracay Beach being the most famous internationally.

The culture is a mix of a variety of indigenous peoples along with some notable Spanish influences and even some American thrown in. The locals have a reputation as some of the friendliest towards outsiders in the world, and nearly everyone speaks at least some English so if you can read this article then there will be no language barrier to worry about. Prices for almost everything are quite low, so your travel fund goes a long way here and might allow you much more luxury than you are used to.

Most visitors will fly into Manila, which is certainly worth a look on its own, but another option is the large and modern seaport of Cebu, which seems to be gaining on the capital as a favorite entry point for travelers.

5 – Split, Croatia

It seems like everyone was talking about Croatia a few years ago so this is yet another spot where you certainly won’t be the only tourist in town. Still, it’s worth considering a visit for a great number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the country continues to be more affordable than most of its neighbors, and loaded with interesting things to see and do as well.

Those who want to get past Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb will usually head to Dubrovnik, but many people complain that it has gotten too touristy in the past few years in the same way that Prague seems to be bursting at the seams with gift shops. But Split isn’t yet suffering from that syndrome, so there’s still time to check out all the Roman ruins and palaces and unique culture without feeling like you are part of one big tour group.

Split is yet another city that has a well-preserved and easily walkable historic city center, so you’ll be able to take in all the cathedrals, temples, museums, and markets your heart desires. But of course you’ve got lovely beaches with opportunities to do water sports if you’ve got the energy, plus abundant ferries to nearby Adriatic islands for something more exclusive.

If you shop around you might want to look for a cheap flight into Zagreb and then take a train or bus to Split, but there are plenty of flights directly into Split itself so that’s worth a try, especially if you’ll be coming from nearby.

4 – British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia is going to be in the news in a really intense way in a month or so when the Olympics descend upon Vancouver. If past Olympics coverage is anything to go by, they should do a pretty good job of showing off the natural beauty of the region – but just in case you’re not glued to the TV, we wanted to make sure you still had BC on your tourism radar.

City lovers will find plenty to get excited about in Vancouver, but we would suggest British Columbia is more about wilderness. Two big mountain ranges, thick forests, and an intricate network of islands off the coast – some of which are extremely remote – are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to BC’s great outdoors.

And even though exploring the far reaches of Northern British Columbia isn’t exactly practical during the height of winter, by all means get excited about a BC trip during the 2010 Olympics and plan your own trip for the summer of 2010. BootsnAll writer Jessica Spiegel did a road trip through BC in August 2009, and highlighted “5 reasons to visit British Columbia” in a recent article.

Most visitors will want to fly into Vancouver, but flights to Seattle might be cheaper and it’s only a few hours away if you are doing the road trip thing anyway.

3 – Scotland

The majority of travelers coming to Britain don’t ever leave the confines of London, and this is a great shame, because just a short flight or train ride north is Scotland, land of whisky, bagpipes and golf.

Clichés aside, there are few travel destinations that offer so much to so many different kinds of travelers. Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is playing golf on world-famous courses like Turnberry or St. Andrews, or backpacking through some of the most rugged trails in Europe, you will find it here.

Edinburgh is by far the most popular tourist city, and home to one of Britain’s most visited attractions, Edinburgh Castle. For the more party-minded, Glasgow has a fantastic bar and live music scene, and has become one of the hotspots of British rock in the last decade. But it’s outside of the cities that you find the real heart of Scotland, especially up north in the famed Highlands.

Anyone who loves the outdoors (and doesn’t mind a bit of rain on their back) would be hard-pressed to find a better definition of heaven, with beautiful landscapes dotted with the ruins of medieval castles. And even farther up the map, the Orkney Islands offer a totally unique blend of Scottish and Norse culture and some of the best whale and wildlife watching in northern Europe. Scotland is definitely rugged, and the winters are not for the meek, but those who brave the chance of rain get back more than they ever expected.

Though you can get flights straight to Edinburgh from several cities in Europe, most people get their international flight to London Heathrow, then add a domestic leg on one of the budget airlines to Edinburgh or Glasgow. If you want to get out of the city and into the Highlands fast, fly from London straight to Inverness, capital of the Highlands and home of world famous Loch Ness.

2 – Pucón, Chile

For 2009 we recommended Bariloche, Argentina, and this year we are going with what is more or less considered the Chilean version of that, at least in that it’s known as the adventure capital of the country and is popular all year round.

Located in the Lake District on Lago Villarica, the entire area is gorgeous as the backdrop often includes the stunning and perpetually snowcapped Villarica Volcano. You can take a non-technical guided hike up the volcano and even visit the lava crater if that appeals to you. During winter the area is a major center for skiing and snowboarding, and there are plenty of natural hot springs to visit as well.

During warmer months it might take less space to list the things that aren’t available, but just to hit some highlights you’ve got easy access to hiking, white-water rafting, canopy tours, horseback riding, cycling, golf, and fishing. And since the place is a mecca for international backpackers as well as those from the region, it’s no surprise that there is active nightlife that can take on almost any form. Well-heeled Chileans also use the area as a summer resort, so there’s more going on than just catering to backpacker types.

Getting there can be a bit tricky, since the airport is only open during warm months (December through February), though affordable overnight buses from Santiago operate all year round.

1 – New Zealand

Picking New Zealand for a list of great destinations for independent travelers is a bit like picking the Beatles for a list of great British bands, so here it is. If you haven’t yet had the privilege to visit this country you are probably already sick of hearing people rave about it, but still, the visit itself is likely to be so different from anywhere else you’ve been that it’s hard to stay quiet about it.

First off, Auckland is a pleasant enough city, but don’t waste more than a day or two at the beginning and/or end of your trip in the city, since all the magic is elsewhere. Train service in New Zealand is limited and slow, so most people either get around on one of the backpacker bus companies, or rent a vehicle of some kind for a DIY tour. Cars and motorbikes are available, but the true classic New Zealand adventure is done by renting a campervan (motor home) and staying in the cheap holiday parks (camp grounds) all over both islands that also serve the social function of hostels everywhere else.

Auckland is on the North Island, which is also home to many popular sights and attractions, but nearly everyone agrees that the South Island is the more special of the two, so don’t even think about limiting your trip to just one or the other. Queenstown on the South Island is gorgeous and loaded with things to do all year round, so make sure you don’t leave that one off your itinerary if it can be helped.

Flights to Auckland tend to be the cheapest and easiest to find, though if you are in the region already you might head straight for the pleasant city of Christchurch on the South Island instead.

If you are paying attention to such trivial things, you’ll eventually hear of many cities that have a nickname claiming they are the “Venice of” something. These can be found in almost every corner of the world, and a bit of research has demonstrated that some are much closer to the real thing than others. In fact, some of them have such a flimsy case that the real Venice should probably get a lawsuit going.

Even though some of them are really pretty close, it seems in order to call your city the “Venice of” something you must meet the following strict qualifications:

1. Your town must have at least one canal or slow-moving river

So let’s start by taking a quick visit to the real thing, and then we’ll compare and contrast all the fakes out there.

Venice, Italy – The Venice of Italy

The Venice that started the whole “The Venice of…” craze, it’s easily one of the most beautiful and romantic cities on earth, and it’s an excellent place to visit if you are a fan of crowds of other tourists wondering why this place is so damn crowded. But seriously, if you follow the advice of the pros, you’ll spend at least one night here and discover that the early mornings and evenings are amazing and easy to deal with.

Suzhou, China – Venice of the East (Chinese version)

This city of over 6 million in the suburbs of Shanghai is on a lake and also near the mouth of the mighty Yangtze River, and evidently many centuries ago it had an extensive canal network, which earned it the nickname “Venice of the East.” Most of those canals have since been paved back over, but enough still exist that they are a tourist attraction, and from certain angles this place actually does look just a bit like the Venice of Italy.

Alappuzha, India – Venice of the East (Indian version)

With over 2 million residents (this is India, after all) this is one of the largest cities on this list. Its canals somehow seemed unusual enough to earn it the title “Venice of the East” around 100 years ago, in spite of the fact that the canals themselves appear to be the only similarity, and even that might be stretching it.

Bangkok, Thailand – Venice of the East (Thailand version)

With its position on the Chao Phraya River basin, Bangkok actually has quite a bit in common with the real Venice. Its extensive canal network is actually not used for in-city shipping as much as it used to be, but the city is also said to be slowly sinking itself into the swamp. Many visitors will get to spend some quality time on the canals, as tours of the various “floating markets” in the area are a very popular novelty.

Basra, Iraq – Venice of the Middle East

Evidently, the canals that flow through this second-largest city in Iraq that sits near the Persian Gulf are at the mercy of the tides, so the nickname of “Venice of the Middle East” is only valid during parts of the day. We can excuse the city for not resembling Italy much, especially since any gondoliers that might have been here before have, up until very recently, been replaced by the British military.

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Venice of the North (Dutch version)

One of several cities sometimes called “Venice of the North,” Amsterdam actually has more canals and bridges than the Italian city (and Hamburg, Germany has more bridges than both of those combined), so this is not some phony nickname that stretches the imagination. Amsterdam is also extremely well known for its network of gorgeous waterways, and some of the nicest are those in the Red Light District (pictured), which is the oldest part of the city.

St. Petersburg, Russia – Venice of the North (Russian version)

This on-again, off-again capital of Russia sits on the Baltic Sea, and in the early 18th Century the city planners began digging a series of canals to help move goods around. Most of these canals remain, and the hundreds of bridges crossing over them definitely do make the Venice association believable.

Monasterevin, Ireland – Venice of Ireland

This small town of around 2,300 people in County Kildare that sits on the N7 road that connects Dublin and Cork is sometimes known as the “Venice of Ireland,” which does seem to be a bit of a stretch. A confusing passage on the Monasterevin city website says, “An aqueduct built in 1826 carries the Grand Canal over the River Barrow. Monasterevin is noted for its unusually high number of bridges,” so it sounds like the combination of a ‘Grand Canal’ and some bridges were all it took to adopt its own Venice nickname, in spite of the small size and look of the place.

Nantes, France – Venice of the West

The 6th largest city in France is the largest in the Brittany region in the far west, so the fact that it has a canal network helped earn it the nickname “Venice of the West.” The current description on its Wikipedia page says the name is, “owing to its position on the river delta of the Loire, the Erdre, and the Sèvre (whose tributaries were infilled in the early 20th century).” Sounds like a perfect match!

Sète, France – Venice of Languedoc

“Languedoc,” (in case you didn’t know either) is the region in southern France that borders Spain and the Mediterranean Sea, so being known as the “Venice of Languedoc” may not sound like a big deal, but it turns out this city of around 40,000 actually resembles Venice, Italy more than probably any other on this list. The Canal du Midi spills into the sea here after its 240km journey from Bordeaux, and the whole town is filled with small waterways that actually look somewhat like the real Venice.

Puerto de Mogán, Canary Islands – Venice of the Canaries

In one of the more dubious claims on this list, this city in the Canary Islands (owned and operated by Spain) features what the most recent Wikipedia editor calls “Canal-like channels linking the marina to the fishing harbour.” This seems to set the bar pretty low, but still it is sometimes called “Little Venice” or “Venice of the Canaries.”

Recife, Brazil – Venice of Brazil

Lately it’s become more famous for its many shark attacks just off the coast, but this nearly-500-year-old city on the Eastern tip of the continent is also sometimes known as the “Brazilian Venice” due to the number of rivers and bridges in town. While it may be the closest thing Brazil has to the famous Italian city, this one does seem to stretch the moniker a bit. In our book, just having rivers and bridges doesn’t cut it, but we don’t get a say in these things.

Ft. Lauderdale, USA – Venice of America (East Coast)

This touristy city just north of Miami used to be mostly known as a cheesy Spring Break destination, but its 165 miles of canals just behind the beach definitely do qualify it for its nickname “Venice of America.” One major difference is the Italian waterways are used for shipping goods while these are mainly used so more people can park yachts in front of their houses and then get them out into the ocean.

San Antonio, USA – Venice of the Southwest

This huge city in Texas has a section called the River Walk, which is a series of canals just off the San Antonio River, and is said to be the number one tourist attraction in the state. It has at least a few bridges that appear to be inspired by Venice, Italy, so obviously its worthy of being known as the “Venice of the Southwest” by at least some people.

Venice, California – Venice of America (West Coast)

This is one of two actual ‘fake’ Venices on this list, since it was built in 1905 to copy the canal system (to some degree) of the Italian city it was named after. Over the following decades the city boomed and then fell into disarray, and the stagnant water in the remaining canals became something of a health hazard. But the canal area that sits a few blocks from the beach was cleaned up and revitalized, and it’s quite nice to look at today, even though it’s so out of the way that most people don’t even know it’s still there in this form.

Venetian Resort – Venice of Las Vegas

Since the vast majority of Americans don’t even have a passport, much less enough money for a flight to Italy, the Las Vegas Sands Corporation decided to grant a public service to under-traveled Americans by imploding the Sands Hotel and building a 5-star hotel in its place that has a kitchy and over-the-top Venice theme. You can now take a gondola ride through its indoor-outdoor canal system, and be piling prime rib onto your buffet plate less than 10 minutes later. Take that, Italy! The Venetian in Las Vegas has been such a success that it’s spawned an imitator, in the name of a similar Venetian hotel in Macau (owned by the same company) that features the world’s largest casino.

Exploring a Proud Heritage

The Prairie Provinces are home to a strong and proud aboriginal heritage, and provide perhaps the best opportunity in North America for travelers to come into contact with First Nations peoples in both a traditional and modern context. There are a number of places and events in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba that provide a glimpse into aboriginal culture, from the time of pre-history to the struggle to maintain identity in the present day.

Traditionally, the Siouan, Blackfoot, Gros Ventre, and Assiniboine peoples were nomadic Plains dwellers, and at a later date the Blackfoot and Plains Cree moved into this region (although Archaeologists and historians debate over when and why). Saskatchewan and Manitoba are also home to the Metis, descendents of both the European voyageurs that made the first push west, and the aboriginal peoples they found when they got there.

Tipi Village at Wanuskewin Heritage Park Photos courtesy of Tourism Saskatoon

Saskatchewan in particular offers a number of venues that offer visitors a glimpse into aboriginal life. Wanuskewin Heritage Park, located just north of Saskatoon, represents over 8000 years of aboriginal presence in what is now known as Saskatchewan. The name Wanuskewin is a Cree word chosen by Elders to describe the history of the place. Loosely translated, Wanuskewin means “seeking peace of mind” or living in harmony.

Amazingly, many of the archeological findings at this site pre-date the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Managed by First Nations peoples, Wanuskewin is a designated National Historic Site. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world-class interpretive center, or head out on the trail to view one of the many archeological sites (19 pre-contact and 2 historic), or just enjoy the view of this traditional wintering ground.

For those looking to involve themselves even more deeply in the experience they can stay in the Tipi Village overlooking the South Saskatchewan River, listen to elders share traditional stories around the campfire at night, and share in the early morning sounds of the Opimahaw Valley. Part of this experience includes a sampling of traditional foods (including the preparation of bannock, a traditional type of bread, over an open fire).

Those wanting to get more information on Wanuskewin Heritage Park can call 306-931-6767, or check out www.wanuskewin.com.

Powwows are held throughout the summer at a number of venues across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. If you have never experienced aboriginal culture before, a Powwow is a spectacle you will never forget. This summer will see one of the largest in North America, the Muskoday First Nation Traditional Powwow, mark the 125^th anniversary of the signing of the Plains treaties. Participants will attend from across North America. The Powwow takes place from July 20 to July 22, with the Grand Parades commencing at approximately 1pm and 7pm daily. Muskoday is located just 19 kilometers southeast of the city of Prince Albert, in northern Saskatchewan. For more information call Margaret Bear at 306-763-2753, or check out the events section of www.sasktourism.com.

The Metis have played an integral part in the development of the prairie region. One of the Prairie’s most famous sons was the Metis leader, Louis Riel, who went from being a member of Government to outlaw and center of national debate. Now widely regarded as a hero for his role in protecting the rights of the Metis people, Riel, along with Gabriel Dumont and other Metis leaders, took a definitive role in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885.

Warrior in traditional garb at sunset Photos courtesy of Tourism Saskatoon

The Rebellion was a response of the Metis to the perceived threat presented by the Government of Canada, which had failed to look after the aboriginal peoples of the area. The only battle at which the Government took a decisive victory was at Batoche, although both Riel and Dumont escaped. Visitors to the area can now visit Batoche, a National Historical Site located just northeast of Saskatoon. The bullet holes from the battle can still be observed in many of the buildings. Costumed interpreters lend to the atmosphere of the site, and you almost feel like shots will ring out at any time. Camping is available at the site. For more information on Batoche check out the Parks Canada website.

The annual Back to Batoche Days held on the site (July 27-29, 2001) are a celebration of Metis identity. More information can be found at www.backtobatoche.com, or by calling 306-668-8514. Events include Metis dancers, fiddling and jigging contests, musical entertainment, chuckwagon events, traditional voyageur games, and the launch of the Metis Art Culture Festival.

Regina, to the south of Saskatoon, is home to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the extensive First Nations Gallery. Story circles and large dioramas cover over 12,000 years of history, including the signing of treaties and present day life.

Wat’chee Lodge in Manitoba is for those who need some adventure with their culture. Open only in the month of March every year, Lodge owners Michael and Morris Spence offer full-service non-consumptive wilderness encounters. You can experience many traditional aspects of aboriginal culture that still exist by going out on a trapline, taking a dog team for a ride, and building a snowhouse. You can even go check out some polar bears. The brothers can be contacted at 204-675-2114, or via email at watchee@cancam.net. For online information, you can see their site at www.watcheelodge.mb.ca.

There are a large number of other aboriginal events scheduled for the summer; these are listed on the Saskatchewan Tourism site, and for Manitoba.

Many people who were hoping to fly to Europe or some other continent this year have had to rethink those plans due to record airfare prices combined with ridiculous currency exchange rates almost everywhere. As independent travelers ourselves, we are right there with you. Most people who travel a lot have to do it on a fairly tight budget in order to be able to afford so many trips, so paying big bucks for one journey just doesn’t fit into the plan.

Here at BootsnAll we decided to come up with a list of places where you can really feel like an “international” traveler without having to actually go abroad. You might have been to some of these places before, but chances are you haven’t been to all of them yet, so you could still have plenty of opportunities to experience foreign cultures, even fairly close to home.

Montreal & Quebec City, Canada

There are two great cities in the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec that we wanted to include on this list, and rather than make them duke it out in a cage-match, we decided to have them share the limelight. Both Montreal and Quebec City are worth mentioning on this list, although their appeals are somewhat similar – at least as far as pretending you're visiting France without leaving North America goes. Montreal is the larger of the two cities, and is often described as the most European city in North America. Quebec City is the capital of the province and uber-charming, though smaller than Montreal and with fewer tourist attractions. Which of these two cities you choose to visit depends largely on how much Paris you want to pretend to visit – if you want your faux-Paris to be a thriving cultural capital with loads to see and do, go to Montreal. If, on the other hand, you want to delude yourself into thinking Paris is a cute little historic town with an almost sleepy quality, go to Quebec City. And either way, bring a French phrasebook.

New York City, New York

One of the most international cities in the world, you can literally visit the United Nations headquarters here, but you might be better off experiencing the real multicultural vibes by branching out into New York City’s hundreds of authentic ethnic neighborhoods. Manhattan itself has its shrinking Little Italy surrounded by its expanding Chinatown, but your best bets as a virtual globetrotter are in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn. Queens in particular is only rivaled by London as the most international place on earth, with small neighborhoods representing hundreds of nationalities and ethnic groups. You can smoke at an Egyptian hookah bar, have dinner at a Brazilian restaurant, and then dessert at a Greek coffee shop, without traveling more than 2 blocks or losing sight of the Midtown Manhattan skyscrapers.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is perhaps most famous for its Mardi Gras parades, but the city positively oozes charm year-round. Arguably one of the most European-feeling cities in the United States, New Orleans is not only an ideal place to spend a holiday, it's also a place that really needs your tourist dollars. The foreign theme here isn't so much French as it is a mix of French and Spanish with the local indigenous cultures, and this combination has produced a unique cuisine and language that'll transport you right out of America as you know it. Much of the region is still recovering from the 2005 hurricanes, and you can do your part to help stimulate the local economy while still getting your fix of Dixieland jazz and Bourbon Street excess. Plus, the famous French Quarter (which survived the hurricanes relatively unscathed) is French in name but Spanish in architecture – so it's kind of a European two-fer.

Napa Valley, California

Fancy a trip to Tuscany or Provence this year but can’t bear to get clobbered when exchanging currency? Napa Valley isn’t exactly cheap, but it is thoroughly delightful and the wine here is better anyway. There are well over 200 wineries in this small area, and almost all of them are set up for public tastings. You can hop on board the 37-mile-roundtrip Napa Valley Wine Train for excellent views and plenty of wine-tasting opportunities without having to risk getting behind the wheel yourself. The northern part of the valley around Calistoga has long been home to fancy spas and posh resorts, and in recent years the formerly blue-collar city of Napa in the south has transformed into a more affordable and trendy place to stay, with plenty of world-class dining opportunities mixed in. This isn’t exactly an “international” destination, but it sure does feel exotic compared to a theme park vacation, and Napa Valley is brimming with actual foreign visitors all summer as well.

Victoria, Canada

The fact that Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, is in a province called "British Columbia" should be a clue to the culture most accurately represented here. Yes, you'll find plenty of British-style pubs in Victoria, and you'll find things like fish and chips or shepherd's pie on menus in lots of other restaurants besides. You can take afternoon tea at the famous Empress Hotel, which overlooks the pretty harbor, though the experience will cost you a pretty penny as well. And although Canada has no current ties to the UK, you'll be able to visit a few attractions with the word "Royal" in their title. One gets the impression that if the British Army were to come in and claim Victoria as part of the British Empire, the locals would welcome them with open arms. An added bonus to all this English-ness, however, is that Victoria is also home to the oldest Chinatown in Canada.

Miami, Florida

You can find dozens of other areas in the United States that are heavily stamped with an unmistakable Latin American influence, but you’d be hard pressed to find one that’s more fun to visit. The city of Miami has its well-known Calle Ocho Cuban district, which doesn’t look too special on the surface even though it’s an authentic and vibrant neighborhood rather than a tourist trap. Miami Beach is just across the causeways, and there you can mingle with the vacationing wealthy from just about every Spanish-speaking country on earth. The nightclub scene in South Beach is one of the best in the world, and the tropical beach vibe will feel extremely exotic to anyone coming from more than a few hundred miles away.

San Francisco, California

Few cities in the United States have as many thriving cultural centers as San Francisco does. Just by walking around for a few hours (or taking the streetcar, if those notorious hills are too much for you) you can find areas where you'll hear Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese (just to name a few) mixed in with a little English here and there. Visiting San Francisco's famous Chinatown, the "Little Italy" area in North Beach, Japantown, and the Hispanic area of the Mission will let you experience several different cultures without leaving the city. In addition to that, San Francisco itself has a very cosmopolitan attitude toward all things foreign and different – so even in the areas where you'll hear nothing but English, you'll see and hear things in this city that you aren't likely to see and hear anywhere else. Including Europe, for that matter.

Vancouver, Canada

Canada’s large west coast city always gets high marks from previous visitors, and it’s one of the most cosmopolitan places on the continent as well. About half Vancouver’s population speaks a first language other than English, and this diversity has famously made the restaurant scene in the city into something of a pan-everywhere delight. Even those confining themselves to the lovely downtown areas will be able to sample from cultures all over Asia, Europe, and Latin America on a short walk. The Indian and East Asian communities are among the more prominent, and the combination of those influences and hundreds of expert chefs make Vancouver one of the best restaurant cities on earth, especially for those with adventurous palettes.