아래에이 메시지를 참조하십시오 한국어 / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN KOREAN

Seoul, meaning ‘the centre of everything’, burst onto the radar of people who knew little about the East when it hosted the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. This major metropolis, capital of South Korea and the 10th largest city in the world, offers a diversity of experiences in keeping with its size and passion for what’s modern. However, in addition to a strong and lucrative contemporary business appeal, Seoul also offers travellers its delicate cuisine and a culture steeped in ancient traditions.

The Banpo Fountain Bridge is the world's longest such fountain (1140 meters), opened on the Banpo crossing of the Han River in central Seoul

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Posted under South Korea, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

By Christina Heyniger

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This article was first published by our friends at Off the Radar, who have agreed to its republication here. View the original article on their blog.

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The tourism scene in Montenegro is still mainly focused on the country’s gorgeous coastline, where boats and beachgoers flock to the sparkling Adriatic Sea. But the government is now trying to find ways to bring responsible, sustainable tourism and nature-travelers into the country’s northern areas, hoping to extend the economic benefits of tourism to more remote areas, without trashing the place in the process.

Hiking in the Prokletije Mountains of eastern Montenegro. Photo courtesy of Montenegro Adventures

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Posted under General, Montenegro, countries, local tips, responsible organisations, responsible travel

By Shams Uddin

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This article was first published by our friends at The International Ecotourism Society, who have agreed to its republication here.
View the original article on their Your Travel Choice blog.

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Chitral, in the extreme north of Pakistan, is home to 40,000 people settled in more than 300 small villages boasting great cultural and natural diversity. These villages offer unique opportunities by highlighting indigenous arts, crafts and music, traditional sports, cuisine and the fascinating local way of life.

A mountain view in the Chitral valley of northern Pakistan

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Posted under General, Pakistan, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel

By Ethan Gelber

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About 190 kilometres south of Tirana, Albania, between Dhërmi and Himara (Himarë) in the hills above the coast, the small town of Vuno isn’t really on most people’s tourist radar. Not, that is, unless they’re headed two kilometres away to two of the Albanian Riviera’s most beautiful waterside retreats: the Jal and Gjipe beaches. Although not entirely devoid of tourist services – there are a few family-run restaurants and guesthouses at Jal – they are still blissfully unspoiled by mass tourism. However, with a new main road to the southern Albanian coast nearing completion, some people are concerned that these local gems won’t be spared for much longer.

The southern Albanian Jal beaches: still a gem but for how much longer?

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Posted under Albania, General, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel

By Natasha Robinson

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Classical music is as integral to the Prague experience as beer, goulash or a stroll across Charles Bridge, and just as big a draw for visitors. As Mozart famously once said when explaining his symbiotic love affair with his adopted home: ‘My Praguers understand me’ (’Meine Prager verstehen mich’). In fact, his Symphony no 38 is dedicated to the city where he first wowed audiences and where his star skyrocketed into ascendance.

A stunning sunset view of Prague and the Vltava River

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Posted under Czech Republic, General, countries

* LEIA LOGO ABAIXO ESTA NOTICIA EM PORTUGUÊS / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN PORTUGUESE
* LEGGI DI SEGUITO QUESTA NOTIZIA IN ITALIANO / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN ITALIAN

Canoa Quebrada is a timeless, seductive place – a tropical Eden of sun, sea and sand located on Brazil’s Ceará coast (north of Recife and Natal), where the famous Falésias, the Colored Cliffs, sculpted by winds, rain and tides, stretch for miles as a red, gold and white backdrop to pristine beaches.

The Estevão community is part of a protected area, inhabited by native fishermen who preserve a traditional culture that is passed from father to son

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Posted under Brazil, General, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

VIDI DOLE ZA OVU PORUKU NA SRPSKOM / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN SERBIAN (read about why the translation uses Latin script, not Cyrillic)

Known as Beograd (’White Castle’) in Serbian, Belgrade is an ancient city with a tumultuous, layered past that reaches far back to the fourth century BC, a historical mosaic of invaders and inhabitants that makes for the city’s colourful and curious Balkan quality. From Celts and Romans to Ottomans, Hapsburgs and Slavs, Belgrade and its surrounding northern province of Vojvodina have been a home and battleground for many.

The Tisa River Blossom is a unique natural phenomenon that occurs in Vojvodina every year in mid-June: for several days, just before sunset, insects known as the Tisa Flower rise to the surface of the Tisa River and perform their unusual wedding dance. It can look as if the whole river is in bloom.

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Posted under Serbia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

* MIRAR DEBAJO POR ESTE MENSAJE EN ESPAÑOL / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN SPANISH
* LEIA LOGO ABAIXO ESTA NOTICIA EM PORTUGUÊS / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN PORTUGUESE

Considered the most cosmopolitan capital city in Central America, Panama City is a sophisticated and stylish centre, with an abundance of attractions and very solid business facilities. Unbeknownst to many, there really is plenty to do in and around the city in addition to appreciating the famous Panama Canal, including historical urban attractions, an exciting nightlife buzzing with hip bars and international restaurants, and, less than an hour away, lots of nature, pristine beaches and incredible rainforests for adventure seekers.

A view of the bay and modern city is a reminder that even fishing boats must await passage through the Panama Canal

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Posted under General, Panama, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

by Christopher Lewis

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The crystal clear waters of the Garanjau Nature Reserve make marine observations easy during monitored dives

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Posted under General, Portugal, countries, local tips, responsible organisations, responsible travel

By Jessica Reilly

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This article was first published by our friends at Xola Consulting, who have agreed to its republication here. View the original article on their blog.

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Katja Wichland leads a climb on limestone cliffs only a few meters from the oceanside near Cala Gonone, Sardinia

Sardinia, the Italian island south of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea, is an adventure traveler’s paradise: rock climbing over turquoise waters, the ancient granite mountain top of Gennargentu covered in snow and mist, well-defined treks across the island and a mysterious prehistoric past defined by 6000-year-old stone temples.

I recently returned from a rock climbing trip to the Golfo di Orosei on Sardinia’s eastern coast. I was based out of the small town of Cala Gonone and either walked or drove to world-class limestone sport climbing.

What I saw was both inspiring and perplexing: yet another example of the tension tourism, even in our favorite form – adventure tourism – can introduce in a destination.
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Posted under General, Italy, countries, opinion