Foundations of Travel

Crossing the Mostar Bridge

Thanks to reading recommendations here on Afar.com, I picked up a copy of Sarajevo Marlboro at a bookstore, just as we crossed the famous, historic bridge in Mostar, Bosnia.

At the bookstore, a short film played over and over, documenting the...

Quinity

Carvings of Buddhist deities on the ceiling of the Sanctuary of Truth (Wang Boran/Prasat Mai) in Pattaya, Thailand.

Visit Antwerp's Beautiful Train Station

Traveling by train can be a wonderful way to explore Belgium. A few of the country's train stations are destinations in and of themselves. Antwerp's Centraal (or Central) Station is one of the prettiest.

Renovations and expansion have restored the...

A visit to Fushimi Inari shrine

My first glimpse of Fushimi Inari was from the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. Yes, I admit it. I was smitten by the scene of Chiyo running along the Shinto shrine's paths surrounded by vermilion torii, or gates.

I had a chance to visit on a brisk,...

Temple Of The Risen Sun

A shot from the second-floor balcony of Chuzenji Temple in Oku-nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

The temple itself was originally founded in 784 by a Buddhist monk known as Shodo-shonin and is located on the shore of Lake Chuzenji, which is...

Amazing Ongoing Art Project. . .

Yes, it is a Catholic Church with tons of Religious artifacts all over. But, please visit you will be amazed by it all. I was with a Cruise Ship Group, so my visit was brief, so I recommend you visit this amazing place by yourself.

The 'Pavilion of Far-reaching Fragrance'

This hexagonal pavilion on an island surrounded by lotus is one of the loveliest spots in Seoul. But the site's poetic name--"Hyang-won-jeon," meaning 'pavilion of far-reaching fragrance'--belies some turbulent and sad history that took place...

Palace Hotels: Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland

Dromoland, with its towers, turrets, and suits of armor, dates back to 1014. Your room is appointed with ornate furniture, vibrant fabrics, and fairy-tale garden views. While you’re there, try your hand at the regal art of falconry.

Dromoland...

Stay for the Spice Gardens

On the windy way up to the mountainous landscapes of Cardamom Hills, a stopover at Serenity at Kanam Estate is a must. This glorious redesigned 1920s bungalow is nestled deep in a belt of rubber plantations and fragrant spice gardens. Each of the...