Yet even with UNESCO’s imprimatur on sites big and small, natural biospheres and even intangible culture, the same famous mega-monuments always seem to get the lion’s share of travel love. Lesser-known but equally worthy sites still fall to the wayside as travellers rush for the obligatory photos of world icons and check off another legendary site on the do-before-I-die lists.

UNESCO recognition through its World Heritage List and time in the subsequent travel spotlight can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, a new site gets a big status boost and protection under the UNESCO umbrella. On the other hand, an influx of tourists adds pressures and more need for protection.

One way to curb this effect is for travellers to visit alternative heritage destinations where high tourism congestion isn’t causing problems. In that spirit, below is our list of seven UNESCO World Heritage all-stars plus just-as-incredible alternatives. Why not avoid the heavy traffic and step lightly while doing your own thing? That way, the all-stars won’t get loved to death and more places will have a chance to benefit. The photos will be just as cool.

The All-star: Chichén Itzá in Cancun, Mexico. Photo courtesy of flickr/Dtraveller

1. The All-Star: Chichén Itzá in Yucatan, Mexico

The iconic Mayan pyramid of Chichén Itzá was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Then, in 2007, it was nominated for the New Seven Wonders of the World. Now that it has officially been identified as one of the honoured seven, some predict tourist visits will double within five years. As a convenient day trip from the mass-tourism destination of Cancun, Chichén Itzá, given its amazing story and stunning coastal location, is the second-most-visited ruins site in Mexico. Authorities have gradually needed to close parts of the monument to the public, no longer allowing visitors to enter interior chambers.

The Alternative: Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico. Photo courtesy of flickr/Ivanka Majic

The Alternative: Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico

Deep in the jungle of Chiapas in southern Mexico are the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, which was inscribed as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. While it doesn’t attract the kind of mass tourism that Chichén Itzá does, thousands visit it each year. Guided tours fascinate with stories about the buildings’ precise astronomical alignment and visitors can still go into some of the ancient passages and chambers.

The All-star: The Great Wall of China. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Jakub Halun

2. The All-Star: Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the best-known world monuments of all time, but added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1987. The Badaling section of the wall, near Beijing, attracts around 10 million visitors per year. Sadly, as a result, Geography in the News points out that “There is little concern over protection and conservation. Instead, exploitation of the site has culminated in an almost Disneyland type scene.” Booming tourism, development and inadequate protection are eating away at the Great Wall, of which as much as two-thirds are in a state of collapse.

The Alternative: Wall of Ston, Croatia. Photo courtesy of flickr/Poo-tee-weet?

The Alternative: Walls of Ston in Croatia

While nothing can really compare with the magnitude and might of the Great Wall of China, it is definitely not the only great wall in the world. In the historical city of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, for example, are the Walls of Ston, known as the “European Wall of China.” It dates back to the 15th century and its 5.5 kilometres of length form an irregular pentangle.

The All-star: The Parthenon, Athens, Greece. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Steve Swayne

3. The All-Star: Parthenon in Athens, Greece

Lit up and glowing over Athens, Greece at night, the Parthenon is the jewel of the Acropolis, the ancient city on a hill. As the grandest remains of Greek Antiquity, the Acropolis was deemed an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Greece is a world tourism powerhouse, welcoming more than 17.5 million visitors each year. In 2005, Athens alone received 6,088,287 tourists (each of them wanting a photo of the Parthenon without any other tourists in it).

The Alternative: Temple of Bacchus, Baalbek, Lebanon. Photo courtesy of flickr/Ben Piven

The Alternative: Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek, Lebanon

One of five of Lebanon‘s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Baalbek demonstrates that Greece is definitely not the only Mediterranean country with amazing ancient ruins. As UNESCO states about the ancient imperial city, “The archaeological site of Baalbek represents a religious complex of outstanding artistic value and its majestic monumental ensemble, with its exquisitely detailed stonework, is a unique artistic creation which reflects the amalgamation of Phoenician beliefs with the gods of the Greco-Roman pantheon through an amazing stylistic metamorphosis.”

The All-star: Medina of Fes, Morocco. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Pawel Ryszawa

4. The All-Star: Medina of Fes, Morocco

Compared to Marrakech (one of Morocco‘s most famous destinations), the city of Fes is a modest place. Yet every visitor to inland Fes is bound to wander through its medina, the walled city centre that dates back to the 8th century. By some measures, it’s the largest car-free area in the world.

The Medina of Fes has been on the official UNESCO World Heritage roster since 1981, but may soon also be added to the list of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO cites two major threats: uncontrolled urban development due to overpopulation, and deterioration of the buildings. The governmental plan to address these issues is to safeguard everything, intervene where houses are collapsing and increase sustainable tourism.

The Alternative: Medina of Tétouan, Morocco. Photo courtesy of flickr/luisgosalbez

The Alternative: Medina of Tétouan, Morocco

In the smaller and less-touristed city of Tétouan in northern Morocco, another medina has gained World Heritage status. Full of mosques, madrassas and markets, Tétouan’s ancient city centre exhibits the same definitive Moroccan culture and tradition as its better-known counterparts in Fes and other cities. While also in need of protection and conservation, Téotuan is less overwhelmed than the Medina of Fes and in a better position to absorb increasing tourism traffic.

The All-star: Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Photo courtesy of flickr/daveperkes

5. The All-Star: Angkor Wat, Cambodia

A spectacular temple complex from the 12th century, Angkor Wat has been a power player for tourism in Cambodia since before its 1992 inauguration as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thomas Holdo Hansen of AngkorHotels.org, the whl.travel local connection in Cambodia, comments that “Angkor would without doubt be on my personal Top 10 World Heritage Sites list. It’s not without good reason that this important archaeological site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comes high up on many people’s must-see lists. The flip side of the coin is that the recent increase in tourism potentially can bring about many negative impacts if not managed properly.”

The Alternative: Preah Vihear, Cambodia. Photo courtesy of flickr/theonlymikey

The Alternative: Preah Vihear, Cambodia

Compared to Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear is a minor temple complex. It’s a less-likely tourism destination because of political strife. “Preah Vihear is more controversial but still a stunning archaeological site,” says Hansen. “It is situated right on the top edge of a steep cliff bordering the Sisaket Province in Thailand. After its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Preah Vihear has been the centre stage for some border conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia and, thus, many travellers have been discouraged from visiting.”

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The All-star: Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo courtesy of flickr/[togr

6. The All-Star: Machu Picchu, Peru

The year 2011was special for South America’s favourite pre-Colombian archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It marked 100 years since Hiram Bingham, a Yale University historian, arrived at the majestic high-elevation Incan citadel and announced its existence to the rest of the world. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Since then, UNESCO has had to fight many battles to protect it from private interests and overdevelopment, including the implementation of a daily visitor limit. Still, safe-keepers fear irreparable damage if poor administration continues in the face of surging tourism.

The Alternative: Wiñay Wayna, Peru. Photo courtesy of flickr/Greg Headley

The Alternative: Wiñay Wayna, Peru

Also along the Inca Trail in the Sacred Valley of Peru where Machu Picchu is found, Wiñay Wayna is a minor Incan ruins site that is often considered a mere “stop in the road” on the way to Machu Picchu. While it’s true that it can’t match Machu Picchu’s scale and grandeur, Wiñay Wayna charms and impresses. With staircases and fountain structures connecting the layers of terrace, it is a perfect example of the hillside architecture traditional to the Incas.

The All-star: The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. Photo courtesy of Bruno Girin

7. The All-Star: Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. They are, of course, Egypt‘s most visited attraction. In 1999, the largest of the three pyramids was reopened after a year of restoration work. The project’s goal was to undo some of the damage caused by long-term exposure to mass tourism. According to the BBC, “humidity levels in the tunnels and chambers inside had reached 80 percent because of the sheer volume of people going in,” which caused condensation and a build-up of salt. Since then, a cap of 300 visitors per day has been set on pyramid access.

The Alternative: The Pyramids of Gebel Barkal, Sudan. Photo courtesy of flickr/shovelingtom

The Alternative: Pyramids of Gebel Barkal, Sudan

The Pyramids of Gebel Barkal are part of the larger Gebel Barkal mountain site, which was approved as a UNESCO cultural World Heritage Site in 2003. It is one of only two in the country of Sudan. The Kushitic pyramids themselves were built as a royal cemetery in the 3rd century, which makes them only half as old as and very modest in size compared to the likes of the Great Pyramids of neighbouring Egypt. Travel to Sudan is complicated at the moment, but pieces of cultural heritage like this already under UNESCO protection hold promise for a tourism future.

Living in Europe cured me of my packing vices. Between EasyJet, RyanAir and yes, WizzAir, I saved a lot of money by only travelling with one carry-on bag. I soon realised that it is totally feasible to pack less without turning to witchcraft or compromising on style, fashion, beauty and composure.

For trips of six days or less, the object of the game is to avoid the steely grind of the airport baggage claim by travelling with a carry-on only. Yes ladies, it is possible. Photo courtesy of flickr/caseywest

Seriously. Once you get the hang of it, travelling light is actually pretty easy to do. You even forget about all the stuff you wanted to bring, but wound up leaving behind.

That being said, while I can usually manage a six-day-or-less trip with one carry-on bag, anything from a week upward gets tricky. These useful packing tips are therefore really intended for excursions lasting less than a week, but may still prove helpful for longer adventures too. Happy packing!

1) Plan.

Make a list of everything you absolutely need, such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, brush etc. Then look at your travel itinerary and make some decisions. Will you definitely be using the hotel gym? Will you be doing enough walking to supplement a workout? If not, ditch your running shoes. Is it summertime? You can easily get away with packing a pair of shorts and a skirt as your only bottoms.

2) Invest in minis.

Most drug stores carry toothpaste, face wash, deodorant, hair spray, shampoo, conditioner etc. in travel-sized containers. Get some and use them, because they will be your best shot at abandoning a lot of unnecessary weight. Make sure you have a solid clear toiletries bag and strategically arrange your items so they all fit inside. Boots in the UK even sells miniature tubes of sunscreen, which was a total lifesaver for me during a four-day trip to sunny Croatia.

A pashmina is a shawl of light wool (from the Himalayas) that is one of the best, most versatile items a girl can pack in a carry-on bag. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Sogenannte Pashmina-Schals/ Scarf

3) Pack a scarf or pashmina, even in the summer.

I don’t know how many times I’ve been saved because I had a pashmina on hand. In Italy, for instance, you can’t enter most churches with bare shoulders, but if it’s super hot out, you don’t want to be wearing something heavy. Ta-da, there’s a pashmina in your bag! Did it all of a sudden get a bit chilly? Ta-da, wrap yourself in a pashmina! They really are a wonder item.

4) Use a smaller makeup case.

Transfer only the essential makeup items into it. Going on a summer trip to a beach area or a winter ski vacation? You probably don’t need your smoky-eye black-and-grey eyeshadow palette. Be smart and ruthless, but make sure you don’t leave out anything crucial, like concealer.

5) Pick items that are versatile.

Don’t bring a top that only goes with one pair of pants; that’s silly. Dark jeans are great for casual and dressier situations, a black cardigan will rarely ever steer you astray and a good pair of black flats can take you anywhere. Use your planning time to determine what kinds of outfits you need and examine your wardrobe to see what you can mix-and-match.

Success! Lindsay has fit everything into her trademark pink carry-on suitcase and boards her flight knowing there's no checked baggage to wait for (or lose)

6) Limit your shoes.

I’m sorry, but it’s true. You can survive for four days without your heels, especially in an old historic town with cobblestone streets! Unless you’re going to Vegas or a wedding, I advise you to take a good pair of well-made walking flats. Pick something that goes with everything (see tip #5 – black is good) and you’re set. You could throw in one more pair, just to switch it up a little, but if you’re going away for five days or less, you’re unlikely to need more than two pairs of shoes.

7) Get familiar with your destination.

Choose your luggage as a function of it. Last summer I went to Dubrovnik, Croatia, for four days and, guessing that the old town was probably covered in cobblestone streets, opted to bring my over-the-shoulder bag rather than my small case on wheels. I’ve heard cobblestones can break the wheels right off and all that dragging noise attracts an awful lot of attention!

8 ) Invest in a suitcase or bag that you like.

I have two favourites – a small, pink, rolling Heys hardcase, and a roomy, navy, double-strap shoulder bag that has a structured bottom and lots of pockets. The Heys fits a little more, but the navy one is great for times when I don’t want to have a bag on wheels.

9) Share something.

Travelling with a friend? You bring the shampoo, she brings the conditioner. You bring the bug spray, she brings the sunscreen. Just make sure she doesn’t forget anything!

10) Give yourself an indulgence.

Of course. Do you absolutely desperately need your hair straightener? Then bring it. Just maybe skip the hair dryer, as most hotels have one anyway.

I’ve found that you don’t have to compromise your appearance or style to travel lightly, and the more you practice responsible packing, the more you’ll discover the fun of being Holly Go-Travel-Lightly, not Wanda Weighed-Down-by-Luggage.

After all, no one likes a girl with a lot of baggage.

Here is our selection of five great places for a Carnival carouse outside of Brazil.

Costumes are key in the Carnival celebration on the Maltese island of Gozo. Some take the disguise aspect so seriously that they will conceal their identities completely by remaining silent. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia/Thyes

Malta and Gozo

The central Mediterranean island of Malta is known to spiral into madness, absurdity and lively celebrations for the five days of Carnival, the most colourful event on the Maltese calendar. The holiday has been celebrated in Malta since the 16th century, giving it a momentum that has been building for hundreds of years.

The small island of Gozo, just to the northwest of Malta, is particularly notorious for its own version of Carnival, hosted in its capital city of Victoria on It-Tokk, its main square, and in the village of Nadur. Gozitans take pride in their parallel and distinct celebration of Carnival, which they sometimes interpret a little differently than their Maltese counterparts.

For example, in Nadur, the costumes take on a whole new level of absurdity, highlighting the grotesque and ensuring complete anonymity. In fact, in Nadur, the masqueraders are so serious about remaining unrecognised that they will don sacks, sheets, wigs and outrageous makeup. They will even stay silent to conceal their voices, which is why the party in Nadur is known as the Silent Carnival.

Each village around Rijeka, Croatia, has its own distinctive bellringer costume that appears in the International Rijeka Carnival, one of the biggest in Europe. Animal masks are most common, but variations include flower hats and coloured paper streamer headpieces. Photo courtesy of Kvarner County Tourist Board on Flickr/whltravel

Kvarner, Croatia

Croatia is another Mediterranean country with a flair for celebrating Carnival. Its all-out annual festival is headquartered in the coastal city of Rijeka in the Kvarner region, which plays host to huge street parties, costumes and parades that draw masses of people.

Croatia’s own traditions and customs make its Carnival party unique, and the most iconic revellers are the bell ringers. Shepherding in the Carnival magic, the bell ringers dress in lambs-wool costumes and huge animal masks. They band together along a procession route from village to village, and ring the bells they wear around their waists. Bell ringers from each region have their own costume and musical walk, but all of them play the same role: to ward off evil spirits. Villagers welcome them with wine and refreshments.

The several days of Carnival in Croatia culminate with a massive procession in Rijeka. The International Carnival Parade tends to be around five kilometres long, with thousands of participants from both Croatia and abroad. They outdo themselves each festival season with elaborate costumes and decorations for their floats. Spectator numbers surpass 100,000, forming a sea of masks, merriment and revelry.

The Tourism Board of Seychelles is excited to promote its first annual International Carnival of Victoria, kicking off a new tradition of large-scale celebration that will rival the biggest Carnival parties worldwide

Victoria, Seychelles

The Seychelles sells itself as a “melting pot of cultures,” an appropriate slogan given the rich blend of influences and traditions that characterise this island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is also fitting that the island aspires to host the biggest international celebration of Carnival worldwide.

This year, from March 4th to 6th, Seychelles’ capital city of Victoria, found on Mahe Island, hopes to attract the representatives of Carnival celebrations from all around the globe to an international melting pot of festivities. The initiative came from the Seychelles Tourism Board, which is planning this high-profile event as a showcase for both participating countries and for Seychelles itself as a premier international destination.

Alain St. Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, told reporters “We envisage attracting a strong and varied contingent from abroad. Pledges of support have been given by several international carnivals and others probably including South Africa.”

The paint and plumage of Carnival costumes in Madeira, Portugal, reveal the vibrancy of one of Europe's most famous street parties. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Jamie Neely

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a Portuguese island that has long been a destination for fun lovers and pleasure seekers. The capital city, Funchal, certainly knows how to host a party! Its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display reaches Guinness World Record proportions and its celebration of Carnival has gained notoriety as one of Europe’s most raging street festivals.

This year (2011), the festival begins on the 5th of February and lasts until the 8th. Thousands of participants will fill the streets in outlandish costumes that rival the most exquisite plumage and glam in Rio de Janeiro. Samba bands will play music in the streets, providing a baseline for days of dancing, singing and merrymaking.

As with many of the Carnival celebrations worldwide, Madeira’s is a burlesque. Costumes are caricatures of famous personages and parade floats are fun-poking allegories on wheels. After four days of fiesta, the revelry finally winds down for the seriousness of lent.

Unlike in Rio, the dances in Oruro never change because each one corresponds to a Bolivian folk story. The Caporales dancers shown above are presenting the story of the Yungueno slaves, and their rich costumes show the money that their slave owners paid for (and profited from) them. Photo courtesy of Maureen Valentine

Oruro, Bolivia

At 3,708.5 metres of elevation, high in Bolivia’s altiplano, is the cultural centre of the nation for the 10 days leading up to Ash Wednesday. During this time of the year, Oruro shows its true Carnival colours with ornate costumes, pumping music and plenty of heavy drinking.

An intermingling of pagan beliefs with the Catholic faith, typical Bolivian dance groups like the Morendaas, Tinus, Caporales and Llameradas parade through town and act out myths from Bolivian culture while dressed in elaborate garb that has taken the entire year to fashion. Two of the major players are the devil and the archangel and when they both arrive in the Carnival stadium on Sunday morning before Lent, there is a battle of dance that symbolises the confrontation of good and evil.

During the day, wearing a poncho and glasses is advisable; local children are out in full force with water balloons and spray foam to attack any easy targets – and gringos are notably easy targets. Also, a wise traveller books reservations in advance; the arid highlands of Bolivia can be unpleasantly cold and this small town of 250,000 will swell to more than double its size during Carnival.

Split, Croatia

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and a central location in Dalmatia, a historical region of the east coast of the Adriatic Sea. In fact, the town is set in a natural bay and surrounded by mountains and hills on all sides except the south, where it faces the sea and the islands of Šolta, Brač, Hvar and Vis. Due to its central position, Split, whose name comes from the ancient word aspalathos, the name of the yellow flowers called Spanish broom or weaver’s broom that grow all around the region, is one of the country’s busiest ports and the perfect place to start your discovery of the Croatian islands.

Riva is the main waterfront promenade of Split, Croatia, and a perfect place for a coffee break in the sun

Although there are vestiges of prehistoric civilisations, the year 295 AD is considered the official year of the foundation of Split, as that was when construction of the Diocletian Palace commenced, to be finished 10 years later. The Diocletian Palace, a unique architectural wonder, was the retirement home for one of the last great Roman Emperors, Diocletian, who decided to return in his old age to a site not far from his birthplace. Over the centuries, the extended Palace area evolved into the core of the Old Town of Split and home to many people who built their houses, churches and other monuments inside its walls. People still live inside the Palace, making it a unique living monument whose importance was recognised by UNESCO and added to its World Heritage List.

In addition to the Palace, Split is also known for its special Mediterranean atmosphere and way of life, vivid tiny streets and open squares packed with small shops, galleries and bars, long waterfront promenade that serves as an open living room for all citizens and visitors, colourful greenmarket and fish market, fashionable people, football fans, many beaches, good nightlife and many other things.

The belltower of the Cathedral of St. Domnius was built in 13th century in Romanesque-Gothic style. The view from the top is a must-see in Split, Croatia.

Ana Roščić, your whl.travel local connection in Split, here shares her inside perspective on what she believes is some of the best her hometown has to offer.

Day Trip

No visit to Split is complete without a tour the Diocletian Palace. Walk through the basements to learn about the original look of the building and the way it developed over the centuries. Visit the Mausoleum of Diocletian, which was turned into the Cathedral of St. Domnius and climb the 60-metre high belltower to enjoy the view of the Old-City rooftops and the islands. Learn about local traditions in the Ethnographical Museum and urban history in the Town Museum. Enjoy fine art in the Emanuel Vidović Gallery or just wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and be surprised by all the layers of history to be found just inside the Palace walls.

Split, as seen from the viewpoint on Marjan Hill, is surrounded by by mountains on all sides except its outlet to the sea

Time permitting, spend an afternoon at Marjan Hill, the recreational zone and source of fresh air situated just above the Old Town. Marjan is adjacent to beaches and covered with walking paths, cycling tracks and rock-climbing sites, as well as romantic viewpoints. Finish your Marjan tour in Meštrović Gallery – the former home and atelier of the greatest Croatian sculptor, Ivan Meštrović.

The Split vicinity offers a variety of excursions and activities, such as white-water rafting on the Cetina River, horse riding at Trilj, visits to the historical towns of Salona and Trogir, day trips to Krka National Park with its waterfalls and ethno village, discovery of the island of Šolta with its olive oil tasting and visits to the honey farm and many others.

Split is also the start and the finishing point for seven-day island-hopping cruises around the Adriatic Islands. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the Adriatic Sea and visit some of the most popular islands like Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Mljet.

The Cetina River, near Split, is the main destination for river-based activities in Dalmatia, Croatia, such as rafting and canyoning. As the river passes through a magnificent canyon, the rocks also attract climbers from all around the world

Shopping

Engaging local shopping experiences can be found every morning from Monday to Saturday at the greenmarket and fish market. The colourful and vivid greenmarket or Pazar is notable for its fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and milk products, although there are many other unexpected things. The fish market is a chance to learn about the different Adriatic fish species and then try the very fresh catch of the day. Fashionistas will enjoy the huge choice of shoe shops as well as places to buy sunglasses.

Restaurants

Just a short walk from the Palace is a little fishing port called Matejuška, surrounded by the historical suburban district of Varoš. The area here is full of typical Dalmatian restaurants, called konoba.

Start a healthy local-fare dinner, complete with a delightful house wine, with homemade smoked ham, called pršut, cheese and olives, or some salted anchovies; as a main dish, try a shrimp risotto, a fish stew (brodet) or veal in a wine sauce (pašticada). For dessert, indulge in the Dalmatian-style crème brulée, called rožata.

Picigin is a game invented in Split, Croatia, and played on the Bačvice beach through the year.

Local Treats

A five-minute walk from the Old Town is a beach called Bačvice, cherished by the locals as the place where the special game of Picigin was invented. As soon as you step on the beach, you will see people playing it, mostly young men in groups of five or six at the shallow part of the beach. The game is played by throwing a small rubber ball to each player without losing it and making as much effort as possible to get the ball, which means jumping and throwing your body into the sea. There is even a world championship organised every summer for the best teams in Split and from other parts of the world (it’s mostly Croatia, but everybody is invited). The most fanatical players can be seen playing throughout the year and especially on New Year’s Eve and Christmas, even if the weather is snowy or sunny. Don’t be afraid to try and play. Local groups have welcomed visitors who, after some practice, show skill at it.

Night Out

Nightlife in Split usually starts with a few drinks in the Palace in some of the tiny narrow streets packed with bars, where people stand on the street or sit on the stairs. Afterward, most of the young people continue to Bačvice beach and choose one of the many cocktail bars that play music all night. Near Poljud (the famous football stadium) is another location known for its fancy nightclubs.

Another way to spend the evening to enjoy some of the cultural performances taking place in the Palace every night in summer. Watch a movie in the open-air cinema or a play in the open squares and other locations during the Split Summer Festival.

The flightless dung beetle is an endangered species, one of the largest populations of which is in the Eastern Cape of South Africa (photo courtesy of Riverbend Lodge)

Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Not far from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is a must-see destination for wildlife fanatics. Launched in 1931 as a conservation area for the preservation of only 11 elephants, Addo Elephant National Park now boasts over 400 pachyderms on its reserve. It is also home to elephants, buffalos, rhinos and lions, protected from the past carnage of unregulated poaching. Today, travellers can enjoy an Addo Safari and see the dense African elephant population in its safe haven, along with the rest of the Big Seven – the Big Five plus great white sharks and southern right whales! If you appreciate the small things in life too, Addo is one of the only places to see the unique flightless dung beetle, integrating perfectly into the Addo ecosystem and providing an important cleanup service in the area.

Tangkoko National Park in Sulawesi, Indonesia, is home to the rare tarsiers, one of the smallest primates in the world, known for their small bodies, long tails and bulbous eyes. As you can see, they have the largest eye-to-head ratio of all mammals!

Tangkoko National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Get into the thick of it. Outside Manado in the north of Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island, is the rainforest of the Tangkoko Batuangus Mountain Nature Reserve. Here, from the village of Tanduk Rusa, near the city of Bitung, travellers can climb Mount Tangkoko and take in the 8745 hectares of Tangkoko National Park’s wild jungle landscape of endemic flora and fauna. Many rare species are in residence, including the Sulawesi black ape (Celebes crested macaque), maleo bird, cuscus, red-knobbed hornbill, reptiles and snakes. Additionally, the is home to the rare and endangered spectral tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. These adorable creatures with huge ogling eyes and long tails can be seen sleeping in the treetops during the daytime. In Sulawesi, the tarsier represents love, as it is monogamous and can be seen entangling its tail with its lifetime mate.

Sian Ka’an, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico, is probably best known as a stopover for cruise ships and a top tropical beach getaway (especially during the North American spring break) littered with all-inclusive resorts. Intrepid travellers in search of nature should, however, not be deterred! Not far from the exquisite sandy coastline and cheap tequila is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, an ecological sanctuary of mangroves and forests, where exotic plants and animals runneth over. As the first biosphere reserve in Mexico, Sian Ka’an (meaning ‘where the sky is born’ is Mayan) is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and populated by monkeys, jaguars, snakes, reptiles and hundreds of bird species, making it an animal and bird watcher’s paradise! As if that isn’t enough, the sanctuary contains Mayan ruins dating back 2,300 years and shares a border with the second largest coral reef in the world, one often visited by endangered sea turtles that lay eggs on the beach.

Angel Falls, located in Canaima National Park of Bolivar State, Venezuela, are the highest waterfalls in the world. Most of the water actually evaporates before it ever reaches the ground.

Canaima National Park, Venezuela

Home to Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall (16 times taller than Niagara), Canaima National Park is located in southern Venezuela and about the same size as Belgium. Canaima was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique tepui tabletop mountains and the diverse landscapes and climates it encompasses, from tropical lowland forests to high mountain peaks. This environmental medley means it plays host to approximately 9000 plant species not seen anywhere else and is sanctuary to several endangered species, including jaguars, giant armadillos, ocelots, giant anteaters and giant river otters. Canaima is also considered an ornithologist’s nirvana, with hundreds of migrating birds congregating here during the winter. Keep your binoculars handy!

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park, in the Kvarner region of northern Croatia, is widely considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. What could easily be the setting of a fairytale – 16 lakes, cascading waterfalls, pristine forests, serene meadows and unique karst formations – have earned it a spot on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It is a wonderful place to escape into for the fresh mountain air, colourful plant life and a trek through unspoiled nature on the raised walking trails. The park is also home to many woodland species, both familiar and rare, including brown bears, lynx, grey wolves, foxes, wild boars and many different types of birds.

Dalmatia, the stunning coastal region of Croatia, is home to a multitude of fascinating ports and villages, the largest of which is the harbour town of Split. An obligatory stop on any Croatian holiday, the site was even chosen as a retirement home by the Roman emperor Diocletian. It is now also a thriving transportation hub from which travellers can explore the surrounding region and Croatia’s renowned coastal islands.

Traditional wooden boats docked in front of Diocletian's Palace on a summer night in Split, Croatia

Split captures the true essence of the Adriatic while retaining a strong sense of historic intrigue, both crucial qualities that help deliver to visitors a unique and memorable sense of place. The heart of the town is built within and around the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace and is composed of a vast network of marble-paved streets along which many Split restaurants serve delicious fresh seafood meals. The crisp, salt-infused air of the flourishing harbor and the awe-inspiring Roman architecture of the city centre are a draw for many visitors, who use the town as a convenient base of operations from which to tour neighbouring areas and the rest of the country.

With the launch of the whl.travel’s www.split-hotels-croatia.com, travellers are now connected to the local expertise of Katarina and her team at Katarina Line Travel Agency. This family-owned business has been in operation for over 15 years and provided to thousands of travellers a wide variety of services, including reservations at a range of Split hotels and unforgettable cruises. On her family-business success, Katarina says “we take great pride in delivering the kind of care and personalised service that brings Split to life and provides for the atmosphere so many enjoy!”

Whether visitors are seeking a relaxing Adriatic cruise or a walk along the refreshing harbourside promenade, Split is one of the top vacation spots on the Dalmatian coast. The Split travel portal is the joins whl.travel following the Kvarner region, which covers Rijeka and Opatija.

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IN CROATIAN / NA HRVATSKOM:

Hrvatska prekrasna obalna regija Dalmacija se sastoji od mnoštva zapanjujućih luka i mjesta, od kojih je najočaravajuća sigurno morska luka grada Splita. Obavezna postaja svakog putovanja Hrvatskom, ovaj grad je jednom davno bio odmorište za rimskog cara Dioklecijana, a danas je brzorasteće prometno središte iz kojeg putnici istražuju okolicu i otoke.

A team dinner of Katerina Line, the whl.travel local connection for Split, Croatia

U samom srcu grada nalazi se Dioklecijanova Palača okružena golemom mrežom mramornih ulica i mnogim splitskim restoranima koji poslužuju ukusnu morsku hranu. Svježi morski zrak i rimska arhitektura koja izaziva strahopoštovanje su samo neki od razloga za posjetiti Split. Ovo je uistinu intrigirajuća destinacija koja zahvaća pravu bit Jadrana i nudi svakom posjetitelju jedinstveno iskustvo koje će se sigurno pamtiti.

S postavljanjem najnovijeg whl.travel portala, www.split-hotels-croatia.com putnici su sada povezani sa lokalnim stručnjacima Katarinom i njenom ekipom u Katarini Line Travel Agency. Ova obiteljska firma radi već više od 15 godina i pruža održive usluge tisućama putnika svake godine, uključujući i niz splitskih hotela i nezaboravna krstarenja Jadranom. O svom uspješnom obiteljskom poslu Katarina kaže da ‘sa velikim ponosom i brigom pružamo personaliziranu uslugu kojom gostima oživljavamo Split i nudimo atmosferu u kojoj mnogi uživaju’.

Bez obzira traže li posjetitelji opuštajuće krstarenje Jadranom ili šetnju splitskom Rivom, Split drži mjesto jednog od najatraktivnijih odredišta na jadranskoj obali.

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Situated in the southeastern Europe, the Balkans is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for intrepid travellers. It’s a region of incredible untouched nature, delectable cuisines, rich historical lands begging for exploration and understanding, cool ocean breezes across golden sandy beaches, awe-inspiring mountain peaks dotted with centuries-old villages and genuinely friendly and smiling locals. The Balkans is also now quite a safe place to travel, so there’s no excuse not to visit this wonderful part of the world.

The Stari Most (Old Bridge) of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, spans the Neretva River. Originally built during the Ottoman era, it was destroyed during the Bosnian-Herzegovian War and then rebuilt according to the old design and using as much of the recovered original stone as possible. The bridge and surrounding historic neighbourhoods are now a World Heritage Site.

Bringing new Balkan travel experiences to visitors in the region has been one driving mission of the International Finance Corporation Advisory Services in Europe and Central Asia (IFC is a member of the World Bank Group), along with the WHL Group and local stakeholders. Working together since 2008 to develop tourism market readiness and infrastructure, these partners have, through a Balkan Hotel Market Access Program, succeeded in improving access to the region for independent travellers who prefer to book and pay for services online.

The project targeted eight destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania for which Web-based travel portals were developed. In each destination, a local operator was carefully selected to own and operate the website, with follow-up support in technical development and web marketing provided by whl.travel (part of the WHL Group). It was not all about building websites though; the hard work fell to the local stakeholders, who worked directly with small accommodation owners unfamiliar with new technologies and therefore more reliant on traditional marketing. Despite the obstacles, Sarajevo and Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina; the Bay of Kotor, Budva and Podgorica in Montenegro; and Tirana and Shkoder and the Albanian Alps in Albania are now directly connected to the global e-marketplace.

A screen shot of the Tirana, Albania, website

After just one year of operation, the Web portals made possible by the Balkan Hotel Market Access Program had already generated over €105,000 for small accommodation and tour operators in the region. With over 150,000 unique visitors and some 620,000 page visits, the project had far exceeded expectations. The ongoing impact of the project is now also expected to be significant, having spurred commercial development in new destinations across Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia and further destinations in Albania.

“We managed to achieve all program objectives and the project has been recognized by the IFC management as successful and efficient with significant impact on regional tourism development,” praised Denis Mesihovic, IFC Program Coordinator. “The fact that the program revenue for the first year of the operations was three times higher that the program budget and expenses speaks for itself.”

This is no time to rest on one’s laurels though. “While giant strides have been made with the development of the region’s first online e-commerce enabled booking portals, there is still quite a bit of work that can be done at the product level,” said Zachary Rozga, CEO of WHL Consulting (once a WHL Group company), the entity that managed the project for IFC. “As with many new and emerging tourism destinations, targeted assistance needs to be delivered to the individual hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses on issues like pricing and commissions, digital content development and e-commerce distribution.”