When planning a safari in Africa, your chosen destination will be influenced by which region you are likely to encounter the widest variety of wildlife. There are a number of reserves where you stand a greater chance of sighting the Big 5, or, the leopards, lions, buffalo, elephants, and rhinoceroses native to the continent. Here are the best African regions to see the Big 5. 
 
South Africa
 
Africa’s southernmost country is synonymous with safaris and the Kruger National Park is one of the leading locations for wildlife watching. Situated in the northeastern point, this ginormous space covers 7,576 square miles (19,623 km2). Besides the iconic Big 5, the park is the habitat of a grand total of 507 species of birds, 336 types of trees, 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 49 fish, and 34 amphibians. The premises comprise lodges and game viewing safaris that cater to families, couples, and luxury seekers. 
 
Significantly smaller at 250 square miles (650 km2), the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is located south of Kruger and shares a border with the park. Despite its humble size, the park features the highest density of Big 5 in South Africa and is one of the most luxurious African safari destinations. Furthermore, you can look out for cheetahs, giraffes, hippopotamuses, and Cape wild dogs.

In honor of the Summer Olympics 2021/2020, here are some top attractions to choose from while visiting Tokyo, Japan. Even though this year is still a very different experience than we are used to, it is great to highlight the many things to see and do in Tokyo, also known as "Electric Town." 

Tokyo is one of the most alluring places on this planet. The high energy of the city and its attractions are enough to add Tokyo to your bucket list. So, when you finally take action to visit the capital of Japan, make sure you have an itinerary so you can see as many of the city's most significant locations and landmarks as possible. To make planning your trip simpler, below, you will find 15 of Tokyo's top attractions. 

1. Check Out Themed Cafes - Japan is known for its exciting niche cafes. Dine with monkeys or get served by your favorite cartoon characters. If you can fathom it, there's likely a cafe for it. 

2. Relax in a Shrine - Not only can you relax in a shrine, but you can spend the night in one too. 

3. Attend a Sumo Match - Sumo is an admired sport in Japan. If you can, make a match or watch the Sumo wrestlers practice in the mornings. 

4. Partake in a Tea Ceremony - Tea ceremonies, especially Matcha tea ceremonies, are insanely popular. 

5. Go to an Anime Convention - Manga and anime are huge in Japan. On the island of Odaiba, you can attend the largest convention in the country, Comiket, from August to December. 

When you think of Paris, the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Sacre-Coeur will always rush to mind. These iconic landmarks are worthy of a visit, especially if it’s your first time visiting the French capital. However, if you prefer to get off the beaten track, then you should also add some of the following sights and experiences in Paris to your travel itinerary. 

Offbeat and Peculiar Museums

Skip the long lines at the typical museums and head to one of the lesser known gems in Paris. Not far from the Pantheon, the Musée Curie is located in the former laboratory of the physicist Marie Curie at the Radium Institute. The museum showcases original scientific instruments and documents in both the former office and decontaminated lab of Curie. 

The Musée Édith Piaf is another quirky alternative. As one of the most successful French singers and cabaret performers, Édith Piaf is known internationally for La Vie en Rose. This museum is situated in her former residence in the Ménilmontant district and showcases her clothing, records, sheet music, and other possessions. You need to book in advance to tour the collection. 

One final place for curious minds is the Museum of Counterfeiting. Most of the items exhibited were sourced from French customs officials and police and they range from counterfeit art and luxury goods to knock off perfume. The quality of the bogus goods varies with some objects being extremely convincing. 

Lapland Finland, a Scandinavian retreat located above the Arctic Circle, is a place that lends itself to cliches. Nevertheless, it's almost impossible to resist describing the destination as a "winter wonderland" or, quite simply, "breathtaking." 

Yes, we know you've heard similar descriptors when describing a beautiful area of the world, but Lapland, Finland is the real deal. The snowy scenery indeed seems to be taken from a painting or movie set. And that's without even mentioning the gorgeous Northern Lights.

Lapland is a place worth visiting. This article will provide an overview of everything you need to know to get the most out of your trip.
 
Lapland Destinations

Lapland, Finland, is comprised of innumerable small towns. The native Sami has a rich and distinct culture. They have an iconic native style dress and are known for domesticating reindeer. 

Exploring the Sami way of life and gallivanting through each village would take a lifetime. Therefore, we've selected some destinations that contain some of the best of what Lapland has to offer:

Saariselka

​We'd be remiss if you missed out on the classic winter activities available in Lapland. Saariselka is the perfect place to visit if you want to have a great view of the Nothern Lights, hit the ski slopes, or hike through an idyllic mountain forest. Want to be less active? Not a problem. Saariselka is also known for providing peaceful activities such as spas and massage parlors.

​Kiruna

Kiruna is home to some of the most iconic attractions in Lapland. The Icehotel is an art exhibit made entirely of ice and snow that you can live in. Yes, the attraction seems gleaned from a children's book, but we assure you it truly exists! Other incredible places to see in Kiruna include Abisko National Park and Aurora Sky Station.

Portugal is a country that offers an irresistible blend of exquisite nature, sun-kissed beaches, vibrant cities, charming architecture, and delectable food. Through all of these pursuits, you can experience traditional and contemporary Portuguese culture yourself. Let me share some pointers to help you get the most out of your travels in Portugal.  

Portuguese cuisine 

Culture and gastronomy always go hand in hand and Portuguese food is rich in flavor. In a country that boasts 1,115 miles (1,794 km) of coastline, it’s no wonder that seafood features prominently on menus in Portugal. If you are a seafood fan, look for bacalhau (cod) which may be served grilled, baked, fried, or in a stew. During sardine season which runs between June and August, sardinhas asadas are served in abundance.

Besides fish, you can look forward to trying bifanas (pork sandwiches drizzled with tangy olive oil) and the African-inspired piri-piri chicken available at local churrascarias. Portugal produces velvety port wine as well as crisp vinho branco (white wine) and full-bodied vinho tinto (red wine) to accompany your chosen dish. And for dessert? You can indulge in a pastel de nata (custard tart).

When you select which cities will feature on your Portugal itinerary, seek recommendations for family-run and independent restaurants for the most authentic experience.