What Are Your Favorite Things To Do In Amsterdam And Barcelona?

On Wishful Wednesdays, we like to ask our audience "If you could be anywhere in the world today, where would it be?" For me, this beautiful picture of the Duomo in Florence, framed by a distinctive carved window, always makes me feel as if I'm standing there looking at the real thing! For some literary travel inspiration set in Florence, I highly recommend E.M. Forster's quirky, romantic novel A Room With a View.

This article was written by Sia Ling Xin, who travels and writes about it for Asiarooms.com, a blog and online community focused on travelling in Asia. You can also find her on Twitter. The Land of the Rising Sun is known for crazy manga, super-punctual trains and a penchant for raw fish. Many a time, I've heard friends grouse about not going to Japan because they do not enjoy sushi. Even if you're not a fan of sliced fish on rice and seaweed, Japan has whole host of delicious offerings. Here are some of my favorites. RamenThe ramen in Japan tastes nothing like its air-dried and pre-packed cousin college students are known to consume excessively. Instead, imagine chewy noodles and a thick, rich broth that fills your tummy like no other on a cold night. There are many different soup bases—miso, shio, shoya being the most popular—and purveyors of a certain type may vehemently decry the others. If the first bowl you tried was not to your liking, simply note down the type of soup base it is, and try another kind out when you stumble upon another ramen restaurant. A bowl of ramen typically comes with chicken or pork chasu (a type of marinated and sliced meat), an egg (a well-executed ramen egg should always have a gooey yolk and savoury white) and all sorts of garnishing such as spring onions, leek and sesame seeds. TonkatsuThis is the Japanese version of the fried pork chop, cut into thin strips and served alongside rice, a salad of shredded lettuce, and miso soup. If you're into guilty pleasures, this crispy, tasty piece of goodness will be your go-to meal when it comes to Japanese cuisine. Many people fear that the cutlet may be tough and greasy, but the Japanese have perfected the art of deep-frying, so put aside that worry and tuck in. TempuraSpeaking of Japanese deep-frying techniques, tempura is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Prawns, sliced pumpkin or eggplant, and or even whole soft-shell crabs, are dipped in a starchy batter and deep fried. Instead of tasting heavy and filling, though, a well-executed tempura is always light, grease-free, and a delicious snack or finger food. Tempuras go great with Japanese cold noodles, or soba, as the hot and cold contrast nicely. Tempuras are often dipped in a savoury broth not unlike a thin, watery version of soya sauce, and topped with grated daikon and ginger. OkonomiyakiThe name of this pancake-like dish translates to 'grill-as-you-like'—and that is exactly how the dish works. Anything from cabbage to sliced octopus, or bacon and shrimp, may be wrapped inside a floury batter and grilled until it becomes a thick, fluffy pancake. It is then topped with a variety of sauces, such as Japanese mayonnaise and ketchup. Dried bonito flakes (parmesan thin slices of dried, fermented tuna) and seaweed may also be added into the mix. The result is a wholesome, sure-fire crowd pleaser that even fussy kids will love—even the most squeamish person will not notice the octopus in there. Some okonomiyaki restaurants have tabled with hotplates installed, which allow diners to grill their own pancakes. After feeling the heat of grilling your own pancake, down a couple of cold Japanese beers to round off your perfect dinner.  Gyu-donIf you're a fan of beef, you have to try Japan's gyu-don, or beef bowl, at least once. A bowl of fluffy rice would be topped with thinly sliced beef and onion simmered in a flavourful broth. The beef and onion may taste mildly sweet, almost as though caramelised, and chili flakes may sometimes be added to give this dish a spicy kick. Some also like to crack a raw egg atop the rice bowl, which makes the rice rich and slick, giving the dish another dimension. Those who are sick of rice or prefer something soupy may want to try out the beef udon—just as warming and delicious as the beef bowl, you can enjoy your egg half-cooked in this steaming hot dish.

This article was written by Zoe Smith on behalf of Viator.com. Few bucket lists are complete without a trip to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites and Peru’s number one tourist attraction. Built in the 15th century, the site is not only world-renowned as an architectural masterpiece but also known for its dramatic location, perched on a 2,430-meter high mountaintop high above the city of Cusco. Few travelers pass through Cusco without visiting the magnificent Lost City of the Incas, but for adventurous travelers, the ultimate challenge is hiking the legendary Inca trail, a high-altitude, multi-day hike through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. With Machu Picchu’s popularity soaring, dozens of tour operators and guides now offer tours to the Inca city, and with numerous trekking routes to choose from, plus government restrictions to contend with, it can be hard to know where to start planning your trip. To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of the different options to help you pick your perfect Machu Picchu trek. Getting to Machu PicchuMachu Picchu is located 112 km northeast of Cusco in southeastern Peru and the archaeological site is open all year-round, typically from around 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The easiest way to visit Machu Picchu is to take the bus or train from Cusco, a scenic two-hour journey, stopping in the mountain resort town of Aguas Calientes, from where it’s a 20-minute bus ride up the mountain to the Inca city. For hikers there are also a number of options, the most popular of which is the classic 4-day Inca Trail, renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular hikes, showing off numerous sights and ruins of the Sacred Valley of the Incas en-route to the final destination. When to GoIf you’ve decided to hike to Machu Picchu, the next thing to consider is when to go. The classic Inca Trail is closed for maintenance during the whole month of February, but if you must visit at this time, you’ll still be able to get to the site by train or via an alternative trekking route. The most popular time for trekking is between May and September, the driest months of the year, but it’s still possible to trek throughout the rest of the year. The shoulder seasons of March-April and October-November have the benefit of warm weather and fewer crowds, but there’s also a good chance of rain. Due to government regulations, visitors on the classic Inca Trail are restricted to 500 hikers per day (typically around 200 tourists and 300 guides and porters) and the trail must be booked in advance with a registered tour company. You’ll need to book at least two months in advance, but as permits are given on a first-come first-served basis, you might need to book up to six months in advance for the most popular time slots like June-August. You’ll also need to provide correct passport information upon booking, so that you can be allotted a space. Choosing a tourThe next thing you need to think about is what kind of trek you want to do, starting with which route to take. The classic Inca Trail takes four days and is unquestionably the most popular, but there are a number of other options that offer the chance to explore more off-the-beaten-track places, challenge yourself with a longer or tougher trek, or combine your trek with a multi-day tour of Cusco or Peru. Less-experienced hikers could even opt for a one- or two-day ‘mini-Inca-trail’ hike instead [Editor's Note: the Machu Picchu Adventure tour by G Adventures offers this one-day trek option]. When choosing a tour, there are also other things to consider, like accommodation options, cost, and the availability of porters. While many travelers will be looking to save money, the cheapest treks are not always the best choices, and you should think carefully about the camping facilities, porters (to carry your luggage) and food provided before selecting a cheaper tour. Choosing a trekking routeThere are now a number of increasingly popular treks to Machu Picchu, only one of which is the classic Inca Trail and if you have the time and money to hire a private guide, you will find a whole network of alternate trails and possible routes waiting to be discovered. To help you choose, here’s a rundown of the five most common trails. The Classic Inca TrailWhen you hear ‘Inca Trail’ this is the route that they’re talking about: the official 4–day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. A tough but manageable 43-kilometer (26-mile) trail, starting out at Qorihuayrachina near Ollantaytambo and climbing through the Sacred Valley (Urubamba Valley) to Aguas Calientes, you’ll hike steep mountain passes, rock-hewn stairs and cloud forest trails, taking in Inca sites like Q’entimarka, Sayaqmarka, Phuyupatamarca and Winaywayna along the way. You’ll spend three nights camping out in the mountains on the route before making the final climb to Machu Picchu in time for the sunrise. While the distance might not sound long, the altitude and steep climbs mean you’ll need to be fit and used to hiking to complete the trek—you should also give yourself at least a couple of days in Cusco to acclimatize to the higher altitude before setting off. Salkantay TrekAn increasingly popular alternative to the Inca Trail is the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, known for its more challenging route and higher altitude. Climbing to heights of 4,600 meters and offering jaw-dropping views of the imposing Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range (include the 6,271-meter tall Mt. Salkantay) this is not a trek for the faint-hearted, but those up for a challenge can’t help but be impressed by the natural sights on-route—waterfalls, glacial lakes, looming mountain peaks, and lush valleys filled with wildflowers. Inca Quarry TrailThose looking to take the road less traveled should opt for the Viator Exclusive 6-Night Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu, a unique route that climbs the 4,400 meter Chancachuco mountain pass and the Inca quarry of Kachiqta, taking in smaller archaeological sites like the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) along the way. A good option for adventurous types that still like to travel in style, there’s less camping and hiking on this trek than the others, but still plenty of stunning views. Lares TrekA shorter and less busy alternative to the classic Inca Trail, the Lares Trail to Machu Picchu is a 33 kilometer, 2- or 3-day trek running through the Lares Valley and taking in many of the highlights of the Sacred Valley. Passing beneath the Vilcanota mountain range, trekkers get the chance to follow ancient Inca Trails through traditional Andean villages, take a dip in the Lares hot springs and visit the Inca ruins of Pumamarca. Ancascocha TrekFollowing a similar path to the main Inca Trail, the Ancascocha Trail is often nicknamed the “hidden Inca Trail” and the rewarding route remains largely free from tourists. Taking four or five days to reach Machu Picchu, this is a challenging route with undulating terrain, passing through traditional villages like Usutapampa, past the Ancascocha lagoon and over the 4,876 meter Inca Chiriaska.

This article was written by Katie Hammel on behalf of Viator.com. The average person probably knows one of three things about Iceland: it’s the home of Bjork, the country went bankrupt in 2008, and in 2010 its unpronounceable volcano disrupted air travel in Europe and North America for several days. For decades, Iceland remained off the radar of most travelers, but in recent years the country has amped up its tourism campaign, showcasing its beauty and culture to prospective visitors who are discovering that this seemingly-remote speck of land in the North Atlantic Ocean is much closer—and much more exciting—than they might have guessed. Iceland is one of the most diverse countries on Earth, with a small land area that contrasts with just how “big” that diversity makes it feel. An hour’s drive can take you across glaciers, over lava fields and black sand beaches, up mountains and over rivers, through prairies and rolling meadows, over volcanoes and in caves, or even in between two tectonic plates. Located in between Europe and North America, Iceland straddles two worlds, both literally and figuratively. It sits on a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates—plates that are slowly moving apart, widening Iceland by a few centimeters per year. It’s their movement that makes geysers shoot water 120 feet in the air, hot springs bubble up and create steam that provides electricity for the whole country, volcanoes explode, and islands rise from the sea. It’s their movement that shakes the ground in dozens of small (usually unnoticeable) daily earthquakes and gives Iceland its striking, at times other-worldly, appearance. Iceland has a foot in two worlds in less tangible ways as well. It’s at once provincial and modern, traditional and progressive. It’s one of the most technologically connected countries in the world yet the phone book is still organized by first name. It was one of the first countries to legalize gay marriage but families still have to choose baby names from a list of “approved” Icelandic names. The “land of fire and ice” is a land of contrasts—both physical and cultural—that make it a delightful, quirky, enchanting surprise just waiting to be discovered. How to discover it? Here are a few ideas for incredible things to do in Iceland: Stop by the airport Duty FreeOkay, this first one may not be an incredible thing to do, but it is necessary if you plan to drink in Iceland. Once you deplane, make a beeline for the airport Duty Free shop to pick up provisions. Drinks in Icelandic bars and restaurants are on the expensive side at around $8 for a beer and $12 to $20 for a mixed drink, so when planning a night out, most people have a few at home to start. Aside from the Duty Free, alcohol is only available at licensed Vínbúðin stores (which in small towns might have extremely limited hours, such as Thursdays only from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) and it’s taxed based on alcohol content. A bottle of Icelandic Reyka vodka, for example, bought at the airport Duty Free will cost about 1/3 of the price at the Vínbúðin. Beer and wine prices are about equal, but if you’re heading to a smaller town it still pays to stock up. Get wet, and then get wet againYes, it’s touristy, and from May to September it will be packed, but the strange, milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon truly are curative after a few hours cramped in coach. Located closer to the airport than to Reykjavik, it’s a great stop either on your way from (my vote) or back to the airport. In the north of the country, the Myvatn Nature Baths provide a similar, though much less crowded, experience. Once you’ve experienced the touristy hot springs, you’re not done getting wet in Iceland. Icelanders love to soak and swim, and do so at public pools in every city as well as secluded natural hot springs that dot the countryside. No matter where you are in Iceland you’ll have the chance to do the same. Just. Drive. On and off the Ring Road.No really, just get a rental car and leave the city. I love the tiny metropolis of Reykjavik but no visit to Iceland would be complete without some time spent out exploring what really makes Iceland unique: the rugged land that has shaped its people, its history, its food, and its culture. Even if you’re visiting in winter and plan to base yourself in Reykjavik, there are several easy day tours you can do without the need for four-wheel drive. If plan to drive a bit farther to other regions of Iceland, you’ll be driving on the Ring Road, the 832-mile road that encircles the island. In many places, it’s the only road, but when the road does diverge into smaller branches, be sure to diverge with it. It’s down some of these smaller roads that you’ll find some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders. Explore the Golden CircleThe country’s most famous drive is The Golden Circle, which loops approximately 150 miles from Reykjavik to three of Iceland’s top natural attractions. The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, site of Iceland’s (and the world’s) first Parliament and the place where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. The rift is clearly visible and you can even walk (and snorkel and dive) in between the plates. Yes, you can snorkel in Iceland, even in the winter. You’ll be outfitted in a dry suit to keep you warm and dry in the cold water which comes from nearby glaciers and is some of the clearest on earth thanks to years of filtering through lava rocks. Its clarity has been known to give snorkelers vertigo as they float above the rift, peering hundreds of feet down into the center of the earth. The next stop on the Golden Circle is Geysir, the site of the geyser for which all are named. Geysir no longer erupts but nearby Strokkur does, shooting water in the air at regular intervals. The last stop is the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Take a turn on the Reykjavik runtourIn town, there’s no better way to get to know the citizens of Reykjavik than on the runtour, the weekend pub crawl. Runtour means “round tour,” a throwback to the days when bored kids would spend their evenings driving around town in circles. Now they make those circles on foot, bouncing from bar to bar in the compact downtown. To join them, start late (around 10pm) with some pre-drinking at home, hit the clubs around midnight and stay out until the bars close at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. For a tamer intro to drinking in Iceland, the Olgerdin Brewery tour is a great option. The tour takes you behind the scenes of the brewery and of course includes several samples. Eat some Icelandic hot dogs—and other delicaciesWhich brings me to my next must-do: eating an Icelandic hot dog. Come 5 a.m. on Saturday, the most popular spot for the post-bar crowd is Bæjarins beztu pylsur, a hot dog stand down near the harbor. Hot dogs may well be the official national food of Iceland, available in every city (and at every gas station) around the island. And these are no ordinary hot dogs. Topped with raw and fried onions, a brown mustard and some remoulade, they’re made of lamb and pork and incredibly addictive—whether you’re sober or not. Other, slightly more traditional, Icelandic fare includes local delicacies like puffin (often served smoked with a berry sauce), skyr (a very low fat, high protein yogurt eaten alone or often used in dips and desserts), whale (controversial, but actually pretty tasty, with a texture like beef), hákarl (fermented shark), and—my favorite—plokkfiskur, a dish made from boiled and mashed cod and potatoes. To sample a variety of foods in smaller portions, head to Tapas Barrinn. For a quick and casual meal, try Icelandic Fish and Chips, which serves a variety of baked fish with an assortment of flavored skyr dips. Go riding on the cutest horses in the worldYou may have seen photos of the Icelandic horse and assumed it was actually a pony. It’s not. Though they are short, squat, and impossibly adorable, these horses are super strong and very smart. They develop long shaggy fur during the cold winters and are known for being very curious and docile. They also have a unique fifth gait called the tolt that is superfast and smooth, like riding in an easy chair. Even if you don’t book a horseback riding excursion (there are farms just a minutes outside the city), be sure to pull over when you see a few grazing in a nearby field. Chances are they’ll wander over in search of new friends. Learn about early Icelanders at the Settlement MuseumOne of the best museums in Reykjavik, the Settlement Museum, is built around an old (circa 871) Viking long house that was uncovered in 2001. Inside the museum you’ll find interactive exhibits that detail the settlement and early years of life of Iceland. Wander the Reykjavik HarborFor a study in juxtaposition, head to the Reykjavik harbor where you’ll see whaling ships (with their big red H’s painted on top) side-by-side with tourist whale watching ships. If you’re looking to take a whale watching trip out of the city, this is where you’ll meet the boat. The harbor also has some top notch seafood restaurants nearby, like Seabaron, where you choose a kabob (lobster, fish, whale) that’s cooked to order and can be served alongside a hearty bread-bowl full of lobster soup. See the view from HallgrímskirkjaBuilt in 1938, the “big white church” is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Iceland (find your hotel relative to it and you’ll never be lost). Most tourists visit for the view from the top, which is takes in the brightly colored houses of Reykjavik, the grey bay, and snowcapped Mount Esja in the distance. The viewing platform is accessed via an elevator for a small fee (about $6). Shop for a lopapeysa at the KolaportiðReykjavik’s weekend Kolaportið flea market is like any other—amidst a lot of trash, you’ll find some true treasures. Among them are the lopapeysas, traditional hand knit sweaters sold here for a fraction of the cost as those in the souvenir shops. See the Northern Lights or the Midnight SunIceland’s skies fascinate year round, as the midnight sun dominates the horizon well past 12 a.m. in June and July and the Northern Lights twinkle overhead from September to March. The latter is less predictable; I’ve visited during March and left without a sighting and have visited during the first week of September and been treated to an unusually bright and spectacular display. If you’re hoping to catch the show, pay attention to the Aurora forecast and be ready to head to a rural area if conditions are right. Go whale watching—and then stay a while—in HusavikYou can go whale watching from the harbor in Reykjavik, but in summer the best place to spot whales is farther north, in Husavik. Once a whaling town, it’s now considered the whale watching capital of the world thanks to the thousands of whales that visit each summer. Most visitors blow through Husavik—they come for the whales and then continue on their way—but the town makes a great base for more exploration in the north. Kaldbaks-kot offers small, no-frills cottages with gorgeous views of the fjord, within easy driving distance of several of the north’s best attractions, including Lake Myvatn, the Myvatn Nature Baths, and Godafoss waterfall. Pick a region and goMany of the visitors who venture out of Reykjavik choose to drive the whole Ring Road. With minimal stops, you could it in 24 hours. But trust me, you’re going to want to stop. A lot. If circling the island seems too ambitious, just focus on one or two regions. The Snaefellsness Peninsula is easily covered in a day or two and provides a great intro to the diversity of Iceland’s landscapes; it’s often called “Iceland in miniature” for this reason. To really get off the beaten path, head to the Westfjords. The region is one of the least densely populated in Iceland but is known for its beautiful mountains and fjords. Another lesser-visited spot, the East Fjords offer a look at the early Norwegian settlements of Iceland. Iceland is closer—and warmer—than you think. On average, its winters are warmer than New York, and the flight from NYC is just about five hours. Flights from Seattle and Denver, the other U.S. gateways, aren’t much longer and if you go in the off-season, you can often score flights for less than $600 round-trip. Click here for more things to do in Iceland.