Québec City is a well-liked tourist destination both nationally and internationally. One reason that has lead to this popularity is its preservation of French culture and European flair. With spots like the Château Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham, the military Citadelle and Vieux Québec, history is prevalent. If, on your next vacation, you’d like to experience a city with medieval French charm, this is the place to visit. In this video, WatchMojo.com shows you where to visit on your trip to Québec City.
An important cultural event for many countries, the Dominican Republic is also well-known for their annual Carnival festivities. Falling in the season directly preceding Lent, it is traditionally an event related to the Roman Catholic Church. Bright costumes and elaborate masks pepper the large celebrations and parades throughout the lengthy carnival season. In this video,
It was over four decades ago that the Beatles were at the top of their game. But, for some reason, their music transcends generations. And with the advent of The Beatles’ Rock Band, a whole new generation will likely be introduced to their music. Check out these real-world locations that were frequented by or connected to the Beatles:
Cavern Club, Liverpool - a replica of the club where the Fab Four played over 300 gigs, built from the bricks of the original building.
Abbey Road Crossing, London - the location of the crosswalk where the Abbey Road album cover was photographed.
The Royal Albert Hall, London - The Beatles played this venue numerous times, once even sharing the stage with the Rolling Stones.
Hamburg, Germany - The early Beatles honed their craft in this city.
Amsterdam Hilton, the Netherlands - The location of John Lennon’s and Yoko Ono’s first Be-In for Peace.
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal - The location of John and Yoko’s next Bed-In, and where the song, “Give Peace a Chance,” was recorded.
Strawberry Fields, Central Park, New York - A memorial to John Lennon.
Candlestick Park, San Francisco - August 29th, 1969 was the Beatles’ next-to-last concert at Candlestick Park.
Rishikesh, India - After a week long meditation course with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Wales, the boys followed him to his ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Savile Row/Apple Studios, London - Location of the Beatles’ final rooftop performance.
Learn more about John and Yoko’s Montreal Bed-In for Peace in this video:
The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 swine flu rose Friday from 257 to 331. European countries are now expressing concern that the illness is spreading in that area, as opposed to being contained to only those who have recently traveled to Mexico. Mexico and the United States are the only two countries to report deaths from the flu.
The reaction worldwide has been extreme. Japanese sumo wrestlers are being dealt antibacterial soap and face masks, while travelers through the Hong Kong airport must sign a declaration of health to enter the country. Hundreds of American schools are closed, and even a White House employee contracted the disease while on a tour in Mexico, though he and his family have since recovered.
Many things are unclear about the disease, most importantly how quickly it will spread and how serious the pandemic might become. While American infectious disease experts continue to work in emergency mode, some worry the fear over swine flu has been blown out of proportion. Every year, between 75 and 150 children die of flu, and many of them had been healthy prior to falling ill. Read more…
Traveling and bathrooms are inextricably linked, and yet the need to use the bathroom while in a foreign land can be a daunting experience because of cultural or language differences (heck, I even got confused once at an Irish pub). So, to start:
- It’s good to know how to say “toilet” in the language of the country you’re traveling to. You’ll also notice that many countries use the term “W.C.” or “water closet” to mark the bathroom, as this was the original term for the room with the toilet.
- Europe is filled with freestanding public urinals, called”pissoirs.” Unfortunately (and obviously) these are for men only.
- In Beijing, pay-as-you-go toilets are also self-cleaning so you don’t have to worry about germs and odors. However, you sometimes have to worry about exact change.
- In India, you may find a public toilet manned by an attendant. Make sure to have lots of change, because they may charge extra for toilet paper.
- In Japan, you may encounter hi-tech toilets with many special features, such as a heated, adjustable seat, water jets, massage options, a blow dryer, flushing sounds and more.
Shortly after 3:30am, an earthquake lasting 30 seconds struck Italy. The quake was a magnitude of 6.2, and has resulted in 100 confirmed deaths, as well as 1,500 people injured. Important Renaissance era and Baroque buildings in the area were also heavily damaged. The quake’s epicentre was a medieval town called L’Aquila, which had allegedly been dealing with increasing tremors for the past three months. Read more…
If a traditional church wedding isn’t your thing, you’re in luck: Creative couples are finding new ways to make their big day different. Check out this list of unique places to get hitched:
- The British Airways London Eye in England
Say your nuptials while overlooking the Thames River, Parliament, and the Tower Bridge.
- Ferris Wheel in Vienna, Austria
Get an aerial view of one of Europe’s most romantic cities.
- Marriage in the Sky, Anywhere
You and your wedding party could be suspended 164 feet in the air.
- Skibo Castle in Dornoch, Scotland
This is where Madonna and Guy Ritchie were married.
- Liebig Dome in New Zealand
Say, “I do” on an isolated mountain top.
- Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada
Rebuilt each December, Quebec’s ice hotel offers packages that include a civil celebrant, a bottle of champagne and handmade ice flutes that are created especially for each couple.
- Four Seasons Nudist Resort near Toronto, Canada
At least you won’t have to buy an expensive wedding dress.
Check out WatchMojo’s video profile of Quebec’s Ice Hotel:
Tourism to Italy dropped 25 per cent in 2008 from the previous year. The tourism industry is the country’s most important business, affecting many other industries: restaurateurs and tour bus operators both complain of empty seats. The country claims that fewer visitors are coming from Europe, Russia and Japan; however the most missed tourists are from the United States. Read more…
A British couple caught having sex on the beach in Dubai last year made international headlines when the two were arrested, fined and deported for the act. It’s fairly common knowledge nowadays that Dubai is and has been seeking to uphold their religious morals. Included in this effort are “suggestions” for tourists involving crude language, clothing choices, and public displays of affection. Actually, they are now more than mere “suggestions:” they are instructions that may at some point become law, which could result in numerous arrests. Dubai straddles a line between having a booming tourism industry, and preserving their conservative sensibilities.
Things that could be outlawed (and are currently frowned upon) include:
Check out WatchMojo’s travel profiles on Dubai:
Looking at a monument is like an historical study in itself: many of these structures and sculptures have survived for many years. Here is a list of ten monuments you should check out, if you get the chance:
Check out WatchMojo’s profile of the Washington Monument:
PLAY
