Travel Packages All Inclusive from our Advisors
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The dusty old mining center of Pachuca, Mexico, has become a fast-growing urban area. It has a few remnants left over from colonial days but is otherwise quite unexciting. The Museo Nacional de la Fotografia, housed in a former convent, is the largest historical-photograph archive in Mexico. Its 1...
Extraordinary Padua, Italy, just 20 mi/30 km west of Venice, was one of the locales in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew . Its beautiful streets hold numerous attractions, including a 13th-century university, what's thought to be the oldest Italian clock (the 1344 clock tower at Palazzo del Ca...
The elegantly restored Ohio River town of Paducah, in the western part of the state, calls itself "Quilt City USA"—quite a claim in a state filled with numerous talented artisans. It is one of seven UNESCO Cities of Crafts and Folk Art. The main attraction is the Museum of the American Quilter's S...
Overview Introduction Set in the far north, at the main border crossing into Burkina Faso, the small town of Paga is renowned for its sacred crocodiles, which live freely in several pools scattered around the town center and are so tame that they can be touched by brave tourists (under the superv...
Overview Introduction The capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago is located on the main island of Tutuila. The town itself is one of many along the shore of the harbor. The village of Fagatogo contains the seat of government, while the governor's office is located in the village of Utulei. Locat...
A resort area at 6,988 ft/2,130 m, the Kashmiri town of Pahalgam, India, along the Lidder River is the starting point for several treks. One of the nicest (and easiest) is the four-day trek to and from Kolahoi Glacier. Stop the first night in Aru (about 7 mi/12 km—stay in a guesthouse or take a te...
Overview Introduction The riverside town of Pai, about 50 mi/80 km north of Chiang Mai, was once a sleepy Shan village, but it has since been transformed into a backpacker's mecca of budget hotels, bars, travel agencies and, increasingly, luxury resorts. Still, the pristine mountain setting makes...
Pa'ia, a former sugar plantation town a few miles/kilometers west of Kahului, retains the charm of its historic buildings, though it's growing rapidly. The town is actually just the intersection of two streets, where a traffic light regularly bottlenecks traffic. Pa'ia's increasing number of bouti...
No matter which direction you turn in Pakistan, there's potential for trouble. On one side is Afghanistan, a country still in upheaval following anti-Taliban military operations. On the other is India, Pakistan's bitter rival. The two countries have been engaged in an on-again, off-again battle over...
Surrounded by sunny, idyllic beaches, the town of Palamos is located in a large bay along Spain's Costa Brava. The town began as a tiny fishing village in the 13th century, and the area is still famous for its prawns and fishing fleets. The Fishing Museum is worth a visit to better understand Palamo...
Palanga, 15 mi/25 km north of Klaipeda, is Lithuania's prettiest and best-developed seaside resort. It is popular with Russian holidaymakers who love to party all night long, and it can get crowded in summer. That's when lively Basanaviciais gatve turns into a party strip with shops, bars and open-a...
Nestled in the western Pacific Ocean, the Palau archiplego stretches more than 100 mi/160 km from tip to tip. Crowned by a stunning atoll in the north and some historic islands in the south, it is one of the most diverse marine ecosystems on Earth. Surrounded by a large outer barrier reef, Palau b...
Palawan Island, Philippines, is a lush, green island with some of the best dive spots in the country. The dive sites, as well as the luxury resorts, are at El Nido, at the north end of the island. There is also an Amanpulo resort that many international celebrities have visited. Remember that Palawa...
On the outskirts of Palenque, located near the Mexico-Guatemala border approximately 300 mi/485 km southwest of Merida, lie some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the country. Climb the tall Temple of the Inscriptions and then descend to the site of the impressive, restored crypt of the Mayan ki...
With a history stretching back nearly 3,000 years, Palermo, Italy, has seen many inhabitants, from the Phoenicians to the Greeks and Romans to the Arabs to the Normans. This multitude of cultures left marks on the port city, influencing everything from architecture to food to culture. Heavy damag...
The Palestinian Territories constitute the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, two separate, unconnected areas under Palestinian control. Gaza is ruled with an iron fist by the hard-line Islamist militia Hamas. The West Bank is under the control of Fatah, a more moderate secular organization. The two orga...
Palm Beach, Florida, unlike many Florida beaches, is not a party beach; Palm Beach is a place for strolling and luxuriating. The island of Palm Beach has long been a playground for the wealthy, dominated by estates such as the Bath and Tennis Club (known locally as the B 'n' T), the Woolworth Dona...
Also known as Prune Island, Palm Island, The Grenadines, was once deserted except for the mosquitoes in its swamps. It's now invitingly landscaped and just slightly more populated. One resort lays claim to the island, and its guests soak up the scenery and explore hushed beaches and stunning coral r...
California's greater Palm Springs area, which is made up of nine desert cities, is like a giant sandbox where adults play their favorite games—the most popular being golf—while worshipping the sun. Palm Springs itself is the most well known of the adjacent communities in the Coachella Valley, thoug...
Settled by pioneer farm families from the U.S. Midwest in the mid-1930s under a New Deal relief program, Palmer is best seen as a day trip from Anchorage (it's 42 mi/68 km to the northeast). The town is set in the Matanuska Valley, famous for its huge vegetables, especially cabbages and zucchini....
The first view of Palmyra is a stunning one: As you climb a small hill and round a corner, you suddenly see a huge expanse of columns and arches. The City of Palms is one of the most important archaeological attractions in Syria and a must-see. Founded near an oasis fed by the Afqa spring and now o...
Called the Grand Canyon of Texas (it's 120 mi/193 km long and 20 mi/32 km wide), Palo Duro is a surprising change in the otherwise flat and barren landscape of the Panhandle. It lies 310 mi/500 km northwest of Dallas. Plan to drive through the canyon on the 8-mi/13-km scenic route. Once on the canyo...
A major attraction of Palo Verde National Park, located 45 mi/72 km west of San Jose, is the seasonal swampland that provides temporary habitat for thousands of migratory waterbirds (November-February). The tropical dry forest that covers most of Palo Verde National Park contains such animals as c...
Overview Introduction This small fishing town has several colonial structures, including Castillo de San Carlos Borromeo, a 17th-century fort overlooking the bay. Across from the fortress is the Iglesia del Santisimo Cristo del Buen Viaje (Church of the Most Holy Christ of the Good Voyage). Sailo...
Also known by its Basque name of Iruna, Pamplona, Spain, is a proud, prosperous, devout and usually conservative town with city walls and cobbled streets. The city, 195 mi/315 km northeast of Madrid, is the capital of the green province-region of Navarra, which borders France. The central square i...
Pamukkale has been a popular spa since before Roman times, with visitors drawn by the water streaming down walls of white stalactites into hot travertine mineral pools. In recent times, however, the growing popularity of the travertine pools 250 mi/400 km southwest of Ankara was destroying them: T...
There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in Panajachel, Guatemala, on the shores of Lake Atitlan, but this village is a tad run down, slightly overpriced and very touristy. (We think some of the pristine beauty of the lake was destroyed when the Hotel Barcelo del Lago built a wooden platform along...
Panama has good potential as a vacation spot with its mountains, protected rain forests, fascinating wildlife, indigenous peoples, beaches and coral reefs, and opportunities for deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and surfing. Visitors can see historic sites and admire Panama's Spanish-colonial structur...
The Panama Canal, completed in 1914, stretches 50 mi/80 km across the narrowest point of the isthmus between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean (because Panama is oriented east-west, the canal runs north-south). Everyone who visits Panama should see the canal. It's an incredible marvel of engi...
Panama City is the country's capital and largest city. Whether arriving by air, land or sea, the first sight is of a sea of skyscrapers almost on the scale of Manhattan, and certainly the largest anywhere between Mexico City and Sao Paolo. But Panama City is highly varied, with settings that incl...
Panama City, Florida, is one of the larger resort towns along the Panhandle coast. If beaches and watersports are what you're looking for, this is the place to go. A number of artificial reefs offshore make for good scuba diving. There are lots of resort hotels in Panama City, ranging from the ...
Overview Introduction Off the western Malaysian coast 80 mi/130 km south of Penang, the Pangkor Islands have beautiful scenery, fine resorts and ample opportunity for relaxation. The more expensive of the two, Pangkor Laut, is favored by opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, a frequent visitor. Spend t...
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the most heavily armed area in the world, separates North Korea from South Korea and can be visited at Panmunjeom on a full-day organized sightseeing tour from Seoul. Be choosy in selecting a tour. If space is available, sign up for one that lets you walk into the Third...
The northern Drakensberg in South Africa extends into the province of Mpumalanga, becoming rugged escarpments and plateaus that plunge more than 3,280 ft/1,000 m down into the Lowveld plains below. The spectacular Panorama Route meanders through this landscape and is well-worth exploring as part of ...
The Pantanal (Pantanal means "swampland") is one of the world's great wildlife reserves. A trip there should be booked through an adventure-tour operator—only a very small part of the area 1,000 mi/1,600 km west of Rio de Janeiro has any tourism infrastructure (or towns, for that matter), although y...
Overview Introduction Paola, Malta, is the site of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and is about 3 mi/5 km south of Valletta. Also nearby and within walking distance, at Tarxien, are impressive megalithic monuments and temples (3600-2500 BC). Allow at least a half-day to visit both Paola and Tarxien.
The capital of French Polynesia, Papeete, is located on the island of Tahiti. As the only real city in French Polynesia, Papeete can teach you a lot about life in the South Pacific. Traffic can be bad because of the small roads, and it is not a major tourism center, though it is relatively clean, sa...
Once a relaxed, pleasant spot on a rocky and dramatic coastline, this town in western Greek Cyprus has been transformed into a thriving monument to package tourism. Paphos consists of two areas: the coastal resort area (Kato Paphos) and the town itself (Ktima Paphos), which is slightly inland and ha...
Papua New Guinea (PNG) was one of the last inhabited places on Earth to be explored by other nations—and it's still the land of the unexpected. Travelers to this wild and beautiful island nation are in store for plenty of surprises—both good and bad. On the positive side, there is the unspoiled nat...
Famous throughout Mexico for its handcrafted classical guitars, this tiny village in the State of Michoacan makes the majority of all handmade guitars (and violins) sold in the country. The quality of its instruments draws musicians from around the globe. Fathers pass on their instrument-building ...
Near Scottsdale, the ritzy residential area of Paradise Valley, Arizona, rests at the foothills of Camelback Mountain and offers visitors proximity to top-notch dining, nightlife and high-end shopping. Paradise Valley also is considered a top spot for a spa vacation. Among the leading spas in the ...
Paraguay was once so isolated it was called an island surrounded by land. But in recent years, this small, landlocked country has opened up to the outside world, albeit slowly. It has adopted democracy and free trade. It's friendly, safer than many of its neighbors and far less commercialized. Still...
Overview Introduction This city, the largest in the north, is the region's principal commercial center, the focus of the road network and the railhead. Because of that, it's a good base from which to visit some Somba villages. The town itself, however, has little to offer to visitors in terms of ...
Paramaribo, Suriname's capital, is fascinating, with its parks, colorful buildings, gardens, houses built on stilts and friendly people. Stay there for at least two nights (three, if you're taking any day trips), even if it's just to sample the city's terrific restaurants, architecture and nightlife...
Overview Introduction Burkina's game reserves are undeveloped by comparison with those in Kenya or Zimbabwe, but Parc National d'Arli (Arli Game Reserve) is the best—it's a continuation of the Pendjari Reserve in Benin. Lions, elephants, water buffalo, hyenas and a variety of lesser-known animals...
Overview Introduction If time doesn't permit a trip to one of the two eastern parks, see Parc National de Kabore Tembi, home to antelope, monkeys and crocodiles. Much of the wildlife seems to have migrated, however, so many visitors prefer the Nazinga Reserve nearby, a small game ranch, where you...
Overview Introduction Parc National du W, shared with Benin and Niger, is adjacent to Arli to the northeast. It has lions, buffalo, elephants, hippos, monkeys, warthogs, birds and a variety of antelope, although sightings of these animals are rather rare, particularly during the rainy season. Nov...
Parga, Greece, is a popular holiday town located 180 mi/290 km northwest of Athens. It has fine beaches, seafood restaurants, a lively atmosphere in summer and a 13th-century Venetian castle that now houses a modern-day cafe. There are other interesting coastal towns near Parga, such as Preveza (...
The main town of the Turku Archipelago, Pargas (called Parainen by Finns; 90 mi/145 km west of Helsinki) is surrounded by limestone quarries, although these are sufficiently contained not to spoil the general landscape. The islands boast beautiful sea vistas and long bridges. Other attractions inclu...
Paris, "The City of Light," has been written about, filmed and photographed countless times. Although it seems as if we all know Paris even before we see it, nothing compares to actually being there. Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, walking along the Seine at dusk or sipping coffee at an elega...
A quiet respite 56 mi/90 km northwest of Portland, Paris, Maine, is home to one of the largest lilac collections in New England. The breathtaking flowers grow in McLaughlin Gardens (http://www.mclaughlingarden.org). Just down Highway 26 is West Paris, where you will find Perham's, a mineral and gem ...
Located 27 mi/43 km east of Salt Lake City, Park City, Utah, was originally an old mining town, and the area still maintains a frontier feel. Shops, restaurants, lodges, art galleries and lively nightspots are housed in Victorian-style buildings. But the area, with three resorts, is best-known for ...
Overview Introduction This game reserve, which lies just two hours south of Niamey (near the town of Dosso ), is home to elephants, gazelles, lions, baboons and waterbucks. Niger shares the reserve with its neighbors, Benin, Togo and Burkina Faso. Though it's only a short drive from the capital...
Set along the flowing waters of the Ohio River, Parkersburg, West Virginia, has proudly held its place in both Civil War and oil and gas history. Blennerhasset Island Historical State Park includes a museum that tells the story of Harman Blennerhasset who, in 1806, became entangled in a mysterious...
Parma is a wealthy, classy city located in northern Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region, halfway between Bologna and Milan. The historical center can be easily toured on foot. The town is known for its gastronomy, particularly prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) cheese.
Founded in 1251, Parnu was practically unknown until 1838, when a spa and mud-bath facility opened. Today, this small city only 70 mi/115 km south of Tallinn is Estonia's official summer (and party) capital and renowned for its warm weather. Try to visit in late August when it throws a big farewell ...
The scenic, terraced town of Paro sits in the shadow of 24,000-ft/7,320-m Mount Chomolhari (divine mountain). Paro has Bhutan's only airport, so most travelers arrive there. Though it's really only a large village, three nights are recommended to get used to the altitude, as well as to see the many ...
The island of Paros has several nice beaches and a lively nightlife. Most visitors, however, will seek out the island's main town of the same name because it's the departure point of ferry boat service for the Cyclades and islands beyond. (Luggage depositories are available for travelers who might w...
The 144,062-acre/58,300-hectare national park Parque de los Nevados, Colombia, is centered on three snow-capped volcanoes, most notably El Nevado del Ruiz, a 17,750-ft-/5,325-m-tall volcano that exploded in 1985, devastating everything and everyone in its path (the death toll was 23,000). The best...
Located on the Caribbean coast of Falcon state, 100 mi/160 km northwest of Caracas, this park has both land and marine sections. Its dozen or so picture-postcard cays have white sand, palm trees and clear, warm water surrounding them. We like to spend time there relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, di...
Overview Introduction Uruguay's Santa Teresa national park on the Atlantic Coast near the border with Brazil, 160 mi/255 km northeast of Montevideo, is popular for camping and walking. It has an intriguing old Portuguese fort, lovely beaches, more than 2,540 acres/1,050 hectares of land and a ren...
According to legend, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos, was originally named Pirate Cay, as it was the hideaway for the female pirate Anne Bonny during the 1720s. Now, Parrot Cay is a privately owned, 1,000-acre/405-hectare island and home to the exclusive COMO Parrot Cay resort. https://www.comohotels...
Passau, Germany, is located 119 mi/191 km east-northeast of Munich at the convergence of three rivers: the Danube, Ilz and Inn. From high up the hill overlooking the city, you can actually see the different colors of the rivers coming together. A number of long-distance bike routes converge in Pa...
Pasto, Colombia, 310 mi/500 km southwest of Bogota, is home to the Colombian National Volcano Observatory, on Volcan Galeras. This volcano remains in a volatile state, and the wildlife sanctuary that surrounds it is currently closed to visitors. The city is an excellent base for exploring the surrou...
Patagonia begins in central Argentina, about 450 mi/725 km southwest of Buenos Aires, and stretches from the Rio Colorado to the Strait of Magellan. This vast, beautiful region is a haven for naturalists and adventurers. It comprises almost 30% of Argentine territory and is filled with a rich divers...
The southern Chilean portion of Patagonia, South America's southernmost region (it spans both Chile and Argentina), is normally reached by air through the city of Punta Arenas or, alternatively, overland through Argentina. Patagonia's rugged and varied scenery, including fjords, vast pampas, lakes a...
Allegedly founded by Patarus, a son of Apollo, Patara, Turkey, has an exquisite 12-mi/20-km beach. (Like Dalyan, the area is under environmental protection and cannot be entered at night to safeguard the sea turtles that nest there.) There are no buildings anywhere near the beach—the cluster of ho...
The striking Dodecanese island of Patmos, Greece, has whitewashed houses and fairly secluded beaches. Its tavernas serve superb fresh fish. Relatively unpopulated (it's mostly home to shepherds and fishermen), Patmos' primary attractions are its Grotto of the Apocalypse (where St. John wrote the B...
Patna, India, set along the banks of the holy Ganges River 530 mi/850 km southeast of Delhi, was once an ancient Buddhist capital. But times have changed, and today the metropolis is a rather crowded and traffic-riddled city that merits a visit only if you are already in the area. Many Buddhist mo...
Located 130 mi/210 km west of Athens, the port of Patras, Greece's third-largest city, is a major terminal for ferries traveling to Italy and the Ionian Islands. Don't go out of your way to see Patras: It's not very interesting, especially when compared with the rest of Greece. There are a few sig...
On the Gulf of Thailand 100 mi/160 km south of Bangkok, the resort of Pattaya was developed in 1968 and has evolved into a major tourist destination. Pattaya attracts more visitors than anywhere else in Thailand, save Bangkok. Those who haven't been there in the past 20 years will hardly recognize t...
The town of Patzcuaro, in the Mexican state of Michoacan, is famous for a nearby lake, its fishermen and their butterfly-shaped nets, though this tradition is disappearing. It is also known for its colorful Day of the Dead celebrations on 1 November. The townspeople spend the night in candlelit, d...
Located 25 mi/40 km south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, South Carolina, is one of the oldest resorts on the Atlantic coast—colonial rice planters escaped to this island during malaria outbreaks. No high-rises are allowed on Pawleys Island, but you will see plenty of unique, weather-beaten beac...
Located just to the northeast of Providence, Pawtucket is considered the birthplace of U.S. industry: It was there that the first machines for spinning cotton began operation in 1793. The Slater Mill Historic Site, the first water-powered textile mill in the nation (and the first mill in the countr...
Paxi, Greece, is a small Ionian island just south of Corfu. Paxi is a place for quiet walks, especially in one of the many olive groves, as the throngs of tourists in the area generally stick to Corfu. It's popular with the yachting crowd, who put down anchor in the island's sheltered bays. There ...
The Peak District National Park's wild, rolling hills (despite the name, there are no mountain peaks) attract many walkers and hikers. Located 20 mi/30 km southeast of Manchester, the park stretches across the southern part of the Pennines and beautiful sheltered valleys, among which Dovedale is out...
If you're able to visit only one city outside Budapest, Pecs is the one you'll want to see. A Turkish atmosphere permeates much of this delightful city—among the reminders of the 1543-1686 Turkish occupation are two former mosques and lots of Ottoman architecture. Pecs also has an engaging 11th-cent...
Overview Introduction A suburb of Taipei, Peitou (also spelled Beitou ) is located 45 minutes by pleasant car ride from the international airport. Landscape worthy of a Chinese scroll painting unfurls on the approach up Yangming Mountain, a dormant volcano known for its sulfur fissures and natur...
Peleliu (pronounced beh-LEE-lio ), the scene of one of the fiercest battles of World War II, is now a peaceful island. On 15 September 1944, 45,000 U.S. troops invaded and began a two-and-a-half-month-long struggle that wiped out more than 11,000 Japanese defenders (U.S. casualties were 1,800 kille...
Overview Introduction This town's Dutch heritage is evident in its windmills, tulip gardens and pastry shops. The Pella Historical Village is made up of more than 20 buildings, including a gristmill, a bakery and a church. Inside the buildings are collections of Delft pottery, Dutch folk art and ...
Overview Introduction Located in the far north of the country, 1,020 mi/1,650 km northeast of Maputo, this pretty town is situated at the tip of a peninsula enclosing an enormous natural harbor. Pemba was mostly untouched by the civil war and is well worth a visit for its faded Old Town, craft ma...
The second-largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago can be reached by air or ferry. Pemba lies approximately 50 mi/80 km off the Tanzanian mainland directly east of Tanga. Compared to its neighbor Zanzibar Island, which is heavily developed for tourism, Pemba by contrast seems utterly remote—there...
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is an area of cliffs, lighthouses, sandy beaches, wildflowers and small resort towns. The park skirts the coast of Pembrokeshire, beginning to the west of Cardigan and continuing almost to Pendine. It includes St. David's and the picturesque town of Tenby, with it...
Overview Introduction Benin's two national parks, Pendjari National Park (Parc National de la Pendjari) and W Park (Parc National du W), are near each other in the far northern section of the country. Although W Park is larger, it's harder to get to. Pendjari (open December-May) is easier to visi...
September brings the well-known Pendleton Round-Up to this community 210 mi/340 km east of Portland, which once was a stop on the Oregon Trail. Even if you don't make it to the rodeo itself, you can learn about its biggest stars at the Round-Up Hall of Fame. Other sights in town include the Pendle...
Pendleton and a portion of surrounding Pickens County, located 135 mi/215 km northwest of Columbia, make up one of the largest national historic districts in the U.S. It features a restored town square, many beautiful old homes and the Agricultural Museum of South Carolina. You can walk or drive to ...
Located 50 mi/80 km northeast of Porto and abutting the border with Spain on either side of the Lima River, Portugal's Peneda-Geres National Park is rich in mountain scenery and wildlife. Hike or drive through the park to enjoy panoramic views, waterfalls, wildlife and longhorn cattle. https://natur...
This archipelago of more than 60 islands lies off Taiwan's southwestern coast: Of those, only a few are regularly visited, and only 20 are inhabited. Clear seas, white-sand beaches and dramatic skies make Penghu a favorite resort destination for Taiwanese. During the migration season, many species o...
Overview Introduction Closer and more accessible to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, than to Dushanbe, Penjikent is the old center of the Sogdian empire (1000-135 BC). Tour the remains of the ancient castle or trek in the surrounding Fan Mountains (with many peaks over 15,000 ft/4,572 m), which are popular...
Pennsylvania was dubbed the Keystone State because of geography: It lay between five other former colonies when the U.S. was newly formed and seemed to physically lock the country together. But its nickname could equally apply to Pennsylvania's key role in the history and development of the U.S. fro...
In the southeastern part of Pennsylvania 65 mi/105 km west of Philadelphia (centered on the city of Lancaster), this pretty, rural area of rolling hills is home to members of three religious communities: the Amish, the Moravians and the Mennonites, all of whom practice a lifestyle of prayerful devot...
Overview Introduction This atoll around a beautiful lagoon is noted for mother-of-pearl and black pearls. Oyster farming is a booming industry on Penrhyn. Weekly flights connect the atoll to Rarotonga, but visits are not recommended. 845 mi/1,360 km north of Rarotonga.
Located 340 mi/550 km northwest of Tampa, Pensacola is the largest city in Florida's Panhandle, and it also was Florida's original capital. Pensacola is known as the City of Five Flags because it has been ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the U.S. Pensacola is home to a U.S. Na...
Overview Introduction The world's original bungee jumpers, the residents of this island north of Efate are renowned for their displays of land diving, a sacred tradition now done mostly for the tourist trade (there is a charge for spectators). The divers climb to platforms at various levels on a ...
Penzance, England, located 65 mi/105 km southwest of Plymouth, is a fairly small town whose granite houses sit perched on a hill above a busy fishing harbor. It was the setting for Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta Pirates of Penzance . Visit the Chysauster Ancient Village (a collection of houses a...
One of the oldest European settlements in the state, Peoria occupies a pretty location on the Illinois River 170 mi/275 km southwest of Chicago. Begin your visit Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau downtown. Formerly housed in the Powell Press Building, a pre-Civil War structure that was relo...
Overview Introduction Located on the shores of Lake Pepin on Wisconsin State Highway 35, the tiny town of Pepin, with fewer than 1,000 residents, bears the distinction of being the birthplace of author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Laura’s days in Pepin are detailed in her first book, Little House in th...
Formerly known as Perinet, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, 90 mi/140 km southeast of Antananarivo, Madgascar, is home to more than 10 species of lemur. A prominent resident in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is the Indris lemur (the largest member of the family), which has pandalike markings and ...
Overview Introduction This ancient capital city is one of the premier sites of Iran. Founded by Darius the Great in the sixth century BC, Persepolis has palaces, detailed stone reliefs, ruined monuments of winged bulls with human heads (some covered with graffiti that is hundreds of years old), s...
The city of Perth makes an excellent base for exploring beautiful countryside that was once hugely important and influential in Scotland. It is set on the banks of the Tay River 45 mi/70 km north of Edinburgh, in a hilly wooded area near Scone (pronounced skoon ) Palace, a beautiful structure cover...
Located 1,700 mi/2,735 km from any other large city, Perth is the clean, progressive capital of the vast state of Western Australia. Location All visiting cruise ships berth at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal on Victoria Quay. Within Victoria Quay, the E Shed Markets offer eclectic shopping. The...
Lake Titicaca, which straddles Peru's border with Bolivia, is the highest navigable lake in the world—and one of the most beautiful. The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, which would be stunning anywhere, are truly spectacular in their Andean setting, high above the Urubamba River. And Cusco, once the cen...
Perugia, Italy, the capital of Umbria, is a beautiful hill town 109 mi/176 km north of Rome. It is an important center for Umbrian and Tuscan art. Two universities in town fuel a vibrant arts scene and buzzing nightlife. Around the town's main square, the Piazza Novembre IV, visit the National Gal...
Peshawar is the closest major city (pop. 567,000) to the Khyber Pass, an important gateway between East and West. Since the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the city has been transformed into an Afghan ministate. Three million refugees have gone to the city to escape the fighting across the bord...
Overview Introduction Although Peshkopi is an engaging little town just 45 mi/70 km northeast of Tirana, the main reason for visiting is to see the surrounding mountain scenery. Nearby Mount Korab, at 9,068 ft/2,765 m, is Albania's highest point. You'll also see glacier-fed lakes, fruit trees (es...
Private Peter Island, British Virgin Islands, is quite hilly, and it has several secluded beaches that are worth seeking out—Deadman's Bay is the most famous. It's the home of the Peter Island Resort and Yacht Harbour, one of the Caribbean's most luxurious and exclusive resorts. The facilities are n...
Situated 85 mi/110 km northeast of Toronto in the heart of the Kawaratha Lake Region, Peterborough is the gateway to Ontario's cottage country. The Trent Severn Waterway passes through the city and houses the Peterborough Lift Lock, the world's largest hydraulic lock. Visitors can tour the locks b...
A fishing village founded more than a century ago by Norwegian fishermen, Petersburg is about halfway between Ketchikan and Juneau at the northern tip of Mitkof Island, and is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest. It's more of a working town than a tourist mecca, and Petersburg's work is fishi...
Petit St. Vincent, The Grenadines, is a private, informal island and a place for self-indulgent whims. But if you start feeling a little uneasy when you're away from a phone, television or Wi-Fi, then Petit St. Vincent is not the place for your St. Vincent and Grenadines vacation. Most public inform...
The Grenadine island of Petite Martinique, 2.5 mi/4 km northeast of Carriacou, is tiny but spectacularly beautiful: It's dominated by a 750-ft-/230-m-high mountain at its center. Its 600 inhabitants are mostly boatbuilders. You won't find a lot to do on Petite Martinique. There's a beach on the nort...
Perched on a bluff above Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, 240 mi/385 km northwest of Detroit, Petoskey has long been a resort town: Many affluent Chicagoans passed their summers in the area at the turn of the century, among them the young Ernest Hemingway, who set several of his early short stor...
This ancient rose-colored city, located 150 mi/240 km south of Amman, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the Middle East's greatest historical and architectural treasures and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Carved from solid ruddy-red sandstone by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years...
Just off Interstate 40 in eastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park, which encompasses part of the Painted Desert, merits a visit. The 218,500-acre/88,400-hectare park is filled with colorful rocks and petrified (fossilized) prehistoric trees of varying sizes. Dinosaur remains have also been u...
Founded in 1843 as a summer refuge from Rio's incredible heat, Petropolis (40 mi/65 km northeast of Rio), Petropolis provides a nice vacation from your vacation. Set in the cool hills north of Rio, this Swiss-style town was the seasonal residence for the last emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro II. Today...
A large, crescent-shaped bay surrounds Petrovac, Montenegro, a pretty and stylish resort 5 mi/8 km south of Sveti Stefan. Its long beach of reddish gravelly sand and seaside promenade lined with restaurants and shops make it popular with families. A tiny picturesque harbor is at the north end of the...
Beautiful limestone cliffs and huge rock outcroppings rise out of the water at Phang Nga Bay (pronounced PANG-nah ). This scenic part of the Isthmus of Kra, 25 mi/40 km north of Phuket, is reached by either boat or bus. Also in the area are Koh Panyi (a Muslim fishing village on stilts), caves (R...
The neoclassical King Mongkut Palace is the main draw of Phetchaburi, Thailand, and now inhabited by gangs of well-fed monkeys. You can buy bananas to feed to them, but they'll help themselves to any food items on your person. Other times, monkeys find cameras and sunglasses interesting; a walking s...
Located in the Andaman Sea halfway between Phuket and Krabi, the Phi Phi islands are incredibly beautiful. They are popular for the scenery, as well as snorkeling amid coral and colorful tropical fish. White-sand beaches ring the islands, and green cliffs rise from the clear green water. There are n...
Old City, a hip neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is today much as it was when Benjamin Franklin walked its streets. One of the most progressive citizens of his time, city-father Franklin would surely approve of the many art galleries, trendy shops and vibrant restaurants that dot the dow...
The Philippines is full of natural beauty, including gorgeous beaches, hills that look like candy drops, amazing waterfalls, old rice terraces and reefs full of marine life. But visitors aren't likely to see such wonders unaccompanied, as the locals are very outgoing. They consider solitude seek...
Phimai, Thailand (pronounced PEE-my ), 195 mi/310 km northeast of Bangkok, is the location of a large and stunning 12th-century Khmer shrine complex. The shrine is an architectural cousin of Cambodia's Angkor Wat (in fact, a road once connected the two). Phimai is very small and can be easily explo...
Thousands of people go each year to the ancient capital of Phitsanulok, Thailand, 215 mi/345 km north of Bangkok, to see the 14th-century bronze Phra Buddha Shinnarat, one of the most important Buddha images in the country. The Nan River, one of the Chao Phraya River's most important tributaries, ru...
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a fascinating, bustling capital city on the banks of three rivers (the Mekong, the Tonle Sap and the Tonle Bassac), requires at least two full days to see. Begin with an overview of the city from atop Wat Phnom, and then head to the incredible Silver Pagoda in the Royal Palace...
Phoenix, Arizona, is a truly modern city—it didn't really boom until after World War II. Nonetheless, mixed among Phoenix's office towers and the abundance of resorts, spas and restaurants are museums dedicated to pre-Columbian, Native American and pioneer history. Though Phoenix proper is just o...
A visit to La Parguera Phosphorescent Bay, Puerto Rico, on the southwestern part of the island (30 mi/48 km west of Ponce and southeast of Mayaguez), one of the country's three rare bio bays, is best planned for a moonless night. Be prepared for an eerie experience: The marine plankton in the water ...
Phuket, Thailand's largest island (360 sq mi/930 sq km—about the size of Singapore), is known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea. The island of Phuket (pronounced poo-KET ) is linked to the mainland by Sarasin Bridge and is home to the capital, Phuket Town, and several beach resorts, the most famous ...
Overview Introduction Visitors often see the small village of Phuntsholing, on the Indian border in the southwest corner of Bhutan (along the Torsa River), while traveling the hairpin road north to Paro or Thimphu (it's often the overnight stopping point). A short way outside the town is Kharband...
Overview Introduction Piatra Neamt is an attractive city in Moldavia. There's not a lot to do, but it affords gorgeous scenery—it's in the shadow of three mountains, near pine forests and lakes. The Neamt Monastery nearby should not be missed (fantastic religious art). Other nearby monasteries in...
Nestled in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound about 215 mi/350 km north of Christchurch, Picton, New Zealand, is a quiet town that serves as the South Island's port for ferries from Wellington on the North Island. (The ferry ride takes three hours.) Once a dead-end transit village, Picton is now ...
Located near Munising in the Upper Peninsula, 330 mi/530 km northwest of Detroit, the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore is a remarkable landscape of high cliffs along Lake Superior that is unlike anything else in Michigan. The name comes from the rich colors of the rocks. Sand Point Beach is considered one ...
If you're driving on Interstate 90 from Rapid City to Sioux Falls, you might want to take a short side trip to Pierre, the state capital, mainly to see the Capitol itself. Restored to their original luster are marble staircases, Victorian leaded glass and scagliola columns. Look for the flaming foun...
Surge et Ambula (rise and walk) is the motto inscribed on the town emblem, which depicts a figure of a man breaking his crutches. Although the local mineral waters and mud baths may not affect you in the same way, Piestany is still one of Slovakia's best-known spa resorts, and it's convenient to Br...
Overview Introduction Pietarsaari, 240 mi/835 km northwest of Helsinki, is on the so-called Seven Bridges route, an idyllic cycling or motoring excursion on Finland's northwest coast. Spend a day there on the Gulf of Bothnia to see the Strengberg Tobacco Museum, the Motorcycle Salon (a museum of ...
Just north of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is one big strip of motels, fast-food and family-style restaurants, outlet malls and theaters. The most popular draw in the area is Dollywood, the theme park owned by entertainer Dolly Parton, who hails from Sevierville. Pigeon Forge is home to se...
Just north of Gros Islet is Pigeon Island National Park. A strategic observation point with views of neighboring Martinique, the spot was used by the British to keep an eye on the French. They constructed Fort Rodney there in the late 1700s. Its ruins, set amid lush vegetation, can be seen on a se...
This province in western Cuba is one of the most beautiful in the country: Stunning mogotes (limestone mountains) tower over the Vinales valley, where lush fields of tobacco are grown to make the legendary Cuban cigars. The city of Pinar del Rio, which is 100 mi/160 km southwest of Havana, is a sl...
One of New Jersey's most interesting natural areas is the Pine Barrens, the largest tract of preserved open space between Washington, D.C., and Boston, covering some 1.1 million acres, or 22% of the state's land area, with an enormous underground aquifer that could easily serve all the water needs o...
Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos, is a privately owned island of 800 acres/324 hectares that can be visited only by prior arrangement. Although the island is flat and extremely dry, there are two freshwater lakes and 2.5 mi/4 km of beachfront, which is one of the best beaches in the country. The peace ...
Pine Knoll Shores on North Carolina's Crystal Coast features one of the three facilities of the North Carolina Aquariums (http://www.ncaquariums.com). It has exhibits and animals from across the state and includes mountain waterfalls, Piedmont rivers, coastal swamps and offshore shipwrecks. There yo...
Homeland of the Oglala Lakota Sioux, Pine Ridge lies in the southwestern part of South Dakota 66 mi/106 km southeast of Rapid City. It borders the Buffalo Gap National Grassland and surrounds part of Badlands National Park. You can visit the place where the Wounded Knee massacre of 1890 took place: ...
A golfer's mecca, Pinehurst is a historic village more than 100 years old, located 55 mi/90 km southwest of Raleigh. The area has nearly 50 courses, including those at the legendary Carolina Hotel and Pinehurst Country Club, which contains eight 18-hole courses and a top-ranked golf school. Allow ...
When most people think of Texas, they probably envision broad expanses of plains. East Texas, however, is almost as heavily forested as New England, and these piney woods are the backbone of the east Texas economy. The reason: timber. Extensive logging takes place there, but forests of towering pine...
An old Chinese city surrounded by a huge wall and moat, Pingyao, China, was an 18th-century banking center. Today, it has some of the best-preserved buildings of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the old bank buildings in Pingyao have been kept as museums, and the architecture reflects a ...
The other-worldly landscape of Pinnacles National Park, located east of Highway 101 near Soledad, about 40 mi/64 km inland of Monterey, is the vestige of an ancient volcanic eruption that occurred in Southern California along the San Andreas Fault. The extinct volcano was later split in two by the m...
Overview Introduction Pinsk (pop. 138,300) has some of the nicest remaining Belarusian architecture—visit to see what many cities looked like before the war. Walking through the town, visitors can stop to tour Butrimovich Palace, the Jesuit College and any of the churches, which date from the 17t...
Overview Introduction The quarries at Pipestone National Monument, just north of the city of Pipestone , attracted Native Americans from all over northern North America for thousands of years. They went to Pipestone to mine the deep-red rock that artisans fashioned into peace pipes and other cer...
Most people simply pass through Piraeus, Greece's largest port city, to board cruise ships or hydrofoils to the islands. Piraeus can seem congested and industrial along the waterfront, but there is another side to this fascinating place. It has its fair share of charming eateries and often overlook...
Located on Uruguay's coast, about 62 mi/100 km east of Montevideo, Piriapolis is a perfect place to pause before continuing to Punta del Este, which lies another 25 mi/41 km to the east. Developed before Punta became the coast's prime vacation spot, it centers on the weathered old Gran Hotel Argenti...
Pisa is a lively medieval university town in the Tuscan region of Italy. Although the Leaning Tower (known as the Torre Pendente by locals) is one of the main attractions and the symbol of the city, it is only one of the many beautiful treasures of Pisa. The tower is one of the monuments on the C...
Overview Introduction Spectacular views are the main attraction of this old Greek Cyprus village, set high on a cliff. The nearby Ayios Elias Chapel with its wall frescoes is notable because it's not made of bricks, timber or stone and mortar—the church was carved out of solid rock. Pissouri is w...
Pitcairn Island is one of four islands in the Pitcairn group: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno. Although not part of French Polynesia, Pitcairn, 1,300 mi/2,100 km southeast of Papeete, Tahiti, is nearer that territory than anywhere else. And the island's history is directly linked to Tahiti. Po...
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, retains its Steel City reputation, so some visitors expect a city with grime-covered buildings and a smoky atmosphere. But the steel mills are long gone, and Pittsburgh is rapidly becoming known for its three major industries: health care, education and technology. Finance...
The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, has first-rate exhibits of regional history and a collection of 19th-century American portraits and landscapes. Genealogists will find a sizable collection of regional information at the museum and, just a few miles/kilometers from downtown Pittsfie...
The oldest colonial town in Peru, Piura was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1532. Originally on a site north of the Chira River, it was moved to its present location in 1588, 120 mi/195 km northwest of Chiclayo. We particularly enjoyed Jiron Lima, the best-preserved colonial street in town. The cath...
Belize's Placencia Peninsula, like Hopkins, appeals to those who want to combine a mainland vacation with seaside activities. Lying 114 mi/180 km by road south of Belize City, it offers a sleepy, almost South Pacific atmosphere, though a number of housing and condo developments are changing the peni...
A vast green plateau 270 mi/435 km northeast of Vientiane, the Plain of Jars is named after the hundreds of huge, ancient carved stone vessels that are scattered among the plateau's rolling hills and rice paddies. The largest jar is 10 ft/3 m tall and weighs more than a ton. Little is known of the o...
Overview Introduction The little village of Planken hangs on a mountainside, a few miles/kilometers up a steep, twisting road from Schaan. Have a meal at the Hotel Saroja and enjoy the view of four countries from the terrace. 3 mi/5 km northeast of Vaduz.
The small city of Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan coast is the geographic and cultural center of the Riviera Maya, one of Mexico's fastest-growing destinations. It is enjoyable for what it is, but perhaps more for what it's not. It's not Cancun, the major resort area that's about an hour's d...
Located 46 mi/75 km inland of Varna, Pliska was one of the capitals of the first Bulgarian kingdom (AD 681-1018). If you're traveling between Sofia and Varna, or spending an extended amount of time in Varna, plan to spend a few hours looking at Pliska's forts, statues of famous Bulgarian historic fi...
This attractive park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, is situated between Zagreb and Zadar. Considered a national treasure, the park boasts lush, forested mountain scenery and 12 upper and four lower aquamarine and sapphire-hued lakes connected by waterfalls. It's one of the most beautiful nat...
Plovdiv, about 95 mi/155 km southeast of Sofia, is magnificent. It is Bulgaria's second-largest city and one of Bulgaria's most famous and visited destinations. It is also one of the few cities that still contains its original medieval town center. Called Trimontium, or "Three Hills," by the Romans...
Overview Introduction The town of Plymouth, 10 mi/16 km southwest of Woodstock, was the hometown of Calvin Coolidge, the taciturn 30th president of the U.S. Coolidge's boyhood home and grave have been carefully preserved in a complex that contains other restored buildings.
Just 35 mi/55 km southeast of Boston, Plymouth, Massachusetts, is where the Pilgrims made their final landing in 1620—supposedly on Plymouth Rock, one of the town's most famous sites. The rock can still be viewed, but be prepared—the legend is larger than what's left of the white-painted stone. ...
Located 8 mi/13 km northwest of Scarborough, Plymouth is famous for the Mystery Tombstone of Betty Stiven. She died, probably during childbirth, in 1783. The headstone's enigmatic inscription has puzzled passers-by ever since: "She was a mother without knowing it, and a wife, without letting her hus...
Located 100 mi/160 km southwest of Bath, Plymouth, England, is where famed explorers Cook, Raleigh and Drake began their expeditions. The Mayflower passenger, known in U.S. history as Pilgrims, began their trans-Atlantic crossing from Plymouth after an abortive start from Southampton. The port c...
Located 50 mi/85 km southwest of Prague, the smoky industrial town of Plzen is the famed birthplace of pilsner beer. Among the sites are Pilsner Urquell Brewery and—as you might expect—the Brewery Museum. One fun activity is to roam the tunnel system built under Plzen in the Middle Ages. Other plac...
An easy trip 35 mi/55 km northwest of San Jose, Poas Volcano (8,800 ft/2,700 m high) has what is said to be the world's largest active crater. A short hike from the car park at the summit leads to the rim, where you can see the colorful lake that often emits a puff of sulfuric smoke. The park clos...
Although most of Pocatello, Idaho's, attractions are just outside of town, there are also some things to see inside the city limits of the state's second-largest city. It is located 200 mi/320 km southeast of Boise. Pocatello was an important rail junction in the 1880s and has some nice homes fro...
Overview Introduction Located just south of Montelimar, 30 mi/50 km southwest of Managua, Pochomil is a decent beach. It can also be enjoyable to watch the fisherfolk unload their hauls at the end of the day: The whole town, it seems, goes out to help them pull their boats in. There are several d...
The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania's great year-round vacationland, offer every outdoor activity imaginable. Accommodations range from luxury resorts to motels, cottages, bed-and-breakfasts and campgrounds. Even though the area has a reputation as a honeymoon retreat (some hotels still offer heart...
Podgorica, Montenegro, is the capital city as well as a modern metropolis and business center. It is also known for its imports; shopping for Italian goods is a common activity. Interesting sites in Podgorica include the 16th-century Church of St. George, the 18th-century clock tower, two Roman-er...
Overview Introduction This ancient town is definitely worth a visit. The city is close to beautiful Lake Ohrid and only 55 mi/90 km southeast of Tirana. It is a popular holiday resort for Albanians, and it holds a number of folk festivals throughout the year. At 2,300 ft/700 m, the surrounding re...
You probably won't want to go to Pohnpei, the site of the nation's capital, if you just want to lie around on the beach—there are better beaches elsewhere in Micronesia. But if you're looking for magnificent Pacific island scenery, you will certainly find it on this island. (And, if you are lucky, i...
Overview Introduction The administrative hub of the northeast coast, this village of 3,900 also serves as a jumping-off point for scuba diving and exploring the rocky, atmospheric coastline. Formerly a stronghold of the Caldoches but now primarily Kanak, Poindimie spans the Poindimie River, whi...
Martinique's Pointe Du Bout resort center lies across the bay from Fort de France and is easily reached by one of the hourly ferries that run from the capital, as well as by car. Some of the island's best beaches can be found there, as well as facilities for boating and places to go snorkeling. The ...
A major Atlantic seaport, Pointe Noire (pop. 638,000) can be reached from Brazzaville by rail or air. There is a road from Loubomo to Pointe Noire, but it is almost impassable. We suggest that you take the train in and fly out. When the country settles down, the city will be a nice place to spend a ...
Located on Grande-Terre, Pointe-a-Pitre is the center of Guadeloupe's largest metropolitan area. (The population is just 16,000 in the city proper, but it blends into Les Abymes, which has 58,000 residents, and Baie-Mahault with its 30,000 residents.) Expect to be immediately immersed in the Frenc...
Poipet is the main entry point for many overland travelers going to Cambodia from Aranya Prathet, Thailand. The nondescript town, located 253 mi/408 km west of Phnom Penh, has a Wild West feel and a well-deserved reputation for scams. Because gambling is illegal in neighboring Thailand, several casi...
Poipu is a burgeoning visitor getaway on Kauai's South Shore. The area has much to offer visitors. Poipu is sunny much of the time, earning it the nickname of Sunny Poipu. Beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing and sunning. Snorkelers are attracted to Poipu because of its variety of fish, includ...
The largest town of Poitou-Charente, Poitiers has several monuments worth visiting: the fourth-century Baptistry of St. John, the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande (whose somewhat exaggerated sculptural style is typical of the region) and the monumental square, the Place du Marechal-Leclerc....
Most tourists stay in Pokhara or environs for a day or two to relax along the lake, but the main reason to go there is that, at 90 mi/145 km northwest of Kathmandu, it's the starting point for treks into the Himalaya—you can see the Annapurna range from town on a clear day. There's not much in Pok...
Poland inspires. Although more than 17% of its total population was killed in World War II (including millions of civilian men, women and children, in addition to more than half a million soldiers), Poland is now some 38 million strong. Led by a stable government that's becoming a player on the worl...
Poland Spring, Maine, 25 mi/40 km north of Portland, was once the home of the famous Poland Spring Resort and is one of the oldest vacation destinations in the Northeast. It's also known for its fabled mineral water that is sold as Poland Spring bottled water. The Maine State Building is a Victori...
Polihale State Park is a 140-acre/57-hectare, 7-mi-/11-km-long beach at the end of Highway 50. The beautiful gold sand beach offers incredible views of the terminus of the Na Pali sea cliffs. Getting to the remote beach can be a challenge; a four-wheel drive vehicle is needed to navigate the extrem...
An ancient and compact city, the second capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura, 110 mi/175 km northeast of Colombo, Polonnaruwa features 12th-century stone sculptures, an old irrigation system with huge tanks, and the Gal Vihara: three enormous Buddha figures—one reclining (it's 44 ft/13 m long), o...
Poltava, Ukraine, is probably best known as the site of a 1709 battle between the Russians, led by Peter the Great, and the Swedes and Cossacks, which established Russia's position in Europe (and Ukraine's decline). The city is worth a stopover of a few hours if you're driving between Kharkiv and Ky...
Overview Introduction On the fringes of the Melanesian Solomons are several small islands known as the Polynesian Outliers— Sikaiana , Rennell , Tikopia , Bellona and Ontong-Java . No one quite knows how these Polynesian enclaves came to exist on the fringes of Melanesia. Rennell (called "Th...
Some 40 mi/65 km southwest of Santiago, in the rolling hills of the coastal range, is the one-horse town of Pomaire. Now covered by a four-lane freeway, the short drive is a good way to get a glimpse of the Chilean countryside. But the real reason to go to Pomaire is for its clay pottery. Anyone who...
The ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, 20 mi/30 km southeast of Naples, was quite prosperous in Roman times. But the city, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed in AD 79 following the infamous volcanic eruption that covered it with 13-20 ft/4-6 m of pumice and ash. Pompeii and Herculaneum (Erc...
Ponce, Puerto Rico's fourth-largest city, is the birthplace of a long roster of Puerto Rican writers, statesmen, singers and poets. Known as the Ciudad Senorial (the Noble City) or La Perla del Sur (the Pearl of the South), Ponce has taken equal pride in its architecture. In the mid-1800s, Poncen...
Overview Introduction Set close to the border with the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, approximately 143 mi/ 230 km south of Maputo, this attractive beachside village is at the heart of the most developed resort area and is popular with South African vacationers, divers and snorkelers wh...
The lovely colonial town of Popayan, Colombia, is set at a comfortable altitude of 5,700 ft/1,760 m in the Andes, 230 mi/370 km southwest of Bogota. It is a great place to escape the heat and steep in the atmosphere of a colonial center pickled in aspic. Popayan has been carefully restored since a...
In northern Guatemala's Peten region, southeast of Tikal, Poptun (240 mi/387 km northeast of Guatemala City) is a small town known for its proximity to the Naj Tunich cave and Finca Ixobel. The cave, which has erotic Maya paintings and an underground hot-springs pool, is closed to anyone without a s...
At 60,000 acres/24,281 hectares, this park is one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. The state's Department of Natural Resources maintains more than 90 mi/145 km of foot trails, 16 rustic trailside cabins and many campsites in the park, which is located along the northwest c...
Though it is the largest resort on the Istria Peninsula, Porec is best known for its Roman and early Christian ruins. The well-preserved Euphrasian Basilica (sixth century) in the center of the old town contains some of Europe's finest Byzantine mosaics, sculpture and architecture. The Porec Museu...
This Saronic island, located 35 mi/55 km southwest of Athens, is known for its wine and unique architecture. As most cruise tours give visitors about 90 minutes to see it, you'll have to choose from among the following: the Panagia Monastery; the ruins of Poseidon's Temple (the climb up takes an hou...
Once a banana port, Port Antonio, Jamaica, became a tourist destination in the 1940s after actor Errol Flynn chose it as a vacation spot and began hosting parties that were attended by Hollywood celebrities. The easternmost of the north coast resort areas, the small town of Port Antonio has a sleep...
This very popular fishing community 130 mi/210 km southeast of San Antonio attracts anglers who want to try their luck off public piers or on a charter boat in the Gulf (the crabbing's good, too). The annual Deep Sea Round-Up, the oldest fishing tourney on the Gulf Coast, takes place on the weekend ...
Overview Introduction The Port au Choix National Historic Site became a protected area of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1967 after a Native American burial ground was unearthed there, 290 mi/465 km northwest of St. John's. A visitors center interprets the lives of the Maritime Archaic people who l...
Port Blair, which is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a remote harbor located on the east coast of South Andaman. The city is the arrival point for visitors to the island, and it is also the only place with a bank and hotels. Getting around the city is easy by foot or auto-rickshaw, th...
At the eastern end of the Garden Route in South Africa and 400 mi/650 km east of Cape Town, is P.E. (as it's commonly called) or Port Elizabeth, an industrial city fringed with excellent beaches. Allow a couple of hours to walk the 3-mi-/5 km-long Donkin Heritage Trail that links the most interest...
This industrial and economic hub (pop. 165,000) of Gabon sits on Mandji Island in the Ogooue River. Although the city doesn't have much in the way of attractions, Port Gentil does have a number of shops, restaurants, stores and hotels, a casino and excellent beaches. (Dahu and Cap Lopez are our favo...
Located about halfway between Natchez and Vicksburg (just off the Natchez Trace), Port Gibson was called "too beautiful to burn" by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Today, it's still beautiful, with many historic homes (it has its own pilgrimage tour). You can take self-guided tours of the Civil War battlefie...
Port Harcourt, Nigeria, is a large, industrial port city that offers little for tourists. Port Harcourt is the center for Nigeria's black gold—oil—which is pumped from the ground at the numerous oil instillations in the Niger Delta around Port Harcourt. Violent protests against foreign oil companies...
When making the circuit of Prince Edward Island, take time to stop at Port Hill (56 mi/90 km west of Charlottetown) to see the Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and the historic Yeo House. Built on the site of an old shipyard, this park will take you back to the days of the great oceangoing wooden vess...
Overview Introduction The largest port in Malaysia, Port Kelang is the gateway to the country for the very few visitors arriving from the sea. Port Kelang is a major cargo port and there is not much for visitors to do—most immediately depart for the capital city. Port Kelang is 24 mi/38 km from K...
Located on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula, this former British research station (Station A) was established during World War II and had a continuous presence through 1962. During the early years before the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, it was more important for nations with territorial interes...
The capital and largest city of Mauritius, Port Louis consists of charming and threadbare Victorian buildings. Plan a day of touring to see the bazaars, spice and vegetable market, and the Place d'Armes, a square surrounded by colonial French architecture. Other attractions include the rather chaot...
A small town on Jamaica's north coast and 45 mi/70 km north of Kingston, Port Maria is best known as the site of Firefly, the estate where actor and playwright Noel Coward lived prior to his death in 1973. At 1,000 ft/300 m above the coastline, Firefly offers a stunning view of Port Maria Bay and ...
The capital of Papua New Guinea and largest city, Port Moresby sits on a bay on the southern Papuan coast. First impressions of the city are usually dismal: It's hot, humid and falling apart. The surrounding hills, brown and barren, are a stark contrast to the lush green rain forests found in nea...
The highlight of Trinidad is Port of Spain, the capital. It's a bustling city on the water's edge, offering ample opportunities to visit bazaars, markets, parks, heritage homes and various shrines, mosques and temples. Many cultures are represented, each with attractions relating to its heritage. ...
Located just across the harbor from Kingston, Port Royal was once Jamaica's richest city. The wealth came from renegades and pirates who, after the English took control of Jamaica, were allowed to use the town as a base for their raids on foreign ships. The buccaneers' wild ways earned Port Royal th...
Although tourists often overlook Port Said, Egypt, where the Suez Canal meets the Mediterranean 135 mi/215 km northeast of Cairo, there are several reasons to visit, including museums, beaches, shopping, history and daily excursions. Port Said was founded in 1859, shortly after a decision was made...
The two-hour trip north from Sydney to Port Stephens travels through a national park, across the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, through Australian bushland and farming land between Hexham and Port Stephens. Several beautiful bays along the way are safe for swimming. A highlight at Nelson Bay is a tr...
Overview Introduction The nation's principal port (pop. 499,000) on the Red Sea, Port Sudan doesn't have many attractions, though there are some good beaches. The ancient port of Suakin lies 35 mi/58 km south, and the nearby resort of Arusa is a good place to snorkel. 410 mi/660 km northeast o...
Port Townsend, which sits on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula 45 mi/70 km northwest of Seattle, has a long seafaring history—it was one of the region's most important ports in the late 1800s. Its success gave it the finest collection of Victorian architecture north of San Francisco. ...
Overview Introduction Port Vendres is a small town in the south of France, located about 20 minutes from the border of Spain. Make time to eat at one of Port Vendres' renowned seafood restaurants or hop on the Yellow Train to visit neighboring Collioure and the hilltop vineyards. Location The...
Port Vila is the economic and commercial capital of Vanuatu, a volcanic island archipelago located in the southern Pacific Ocean. Agriculture and fishing are the island's most important industries, though tourism is growing as Air Vanuatu offers service from Australia and other neighboring nations t...
The capital and largest city in Haiti (pop. 1,144,000), Port-au-Prince feels very much like an overgrown small town (it has mostly two-story buildings and only two "skyscrapers"—both less than 20 stories). It's a bit like stepping back in time, as the city offers lively markets and merchants trading...
A seldom-visited area in the northwest about 100 mi/160 km northwest of Port au Prince, Port de Paix was called Valparaiso (Valley of Delights) by Columbus. Today, it still has delightful beaches and scenery. (The town is also a big marketplace for untaxed goods smuggled in from Miami.) Off the co...
The world-famous winter resort of Portillo, Chile, offers excellent skiing (both downhill and cross-country), skating on Laguna del Inca and splendid mountain views. Many European, Canadian and U.S. ski teams train on Portillo's slopes during the Northern Hemisphere's summer. The ski season runs Jun...
A small, colorful town on the southern coast of Portugal, Portimao offers visitors access to sunny beaches and wonderful, fresh seafood. The town center is a contemporary mixture of centuries old, low-slung buildings intermixed with high rises adorned in pastel colors. Shops and bars are crowded ar...
Portland, Oregon, lies on the northern border of the state at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Despite explosive growth in recent years, this area of the northwest has not wavered in its support of environmentalism. Portland is referred to, justifiably, as one of the greenest...
Overview Introduction The Isle of Portland is actually a peninsula that is connected to the Dorset mainland by a strip of beach. Portland is famous for its "Portland stone," which is limestone from local quarries that has been mined for centuries. If you're in the area, check out Portland Bill, a...
Portland is Maine's largest city: Almost one-quarter of the state population lives within the greater metro area. Set on a peninsula that stretches into Casco Bay, Portland is a sophisticated coastal city with a working waterfront, but it also has its share of nearby beaches and lighthouses. Fitti...
Portmeirion, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, is a popular stopover in northern Wales, 173 mi/277 km northwest of Cardiff. A fantasy creation of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the private, gated village is a bizarre mix of architectural styles: The influence is primarily Italian, but buildings ...
Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, sits on the steep north bank of the Douro River, 195 mi/310 km north of Lisbon. It has an interesting port area and a charming, old-world feel to it, especially among the ocher and brown tenements stacked high on the slopes above the river. Porto's history pred...
Porto Alegre is a modern city 700 mi/1,125 km southwest of Rio de Janeiro that first became notable around the turn of the 20th century when large groups of European immigrants (primarily Germans and Italians) arrived. Plan two nights in Porto Alegre to see its baroque Italian cathedral, several pa...
Once the capital of the Fon Kingdom, Porto-Novo can be seen on a short day trip from Cotonou. Benin's official capital has a fascinating old quarter, a couple of excellent museums and a strong vodou culture. Those interested in West African culture will find the Ethnographic Museum of Porto-Novo v...
This small island 30 mi/45 km northeast of Madeira has what Madeira does not—a fine-sand beach. The island, which is quite dry, looks like the coast of Morocco. Christopher Columbus lived in Porto Santo, and tourists can visit his house. Porto Santo may be seen as a day trip from Madeira by either...
The colonial-era ruins in Portobelo, Panama, are the primary reason to visit this small Caribbean town at the head of a scenic bay, 55 mi/90 km north of Panama City. For more than a century, the colonial settlement served as the main departure point for Spanish treasure fleets, and the heavily-forti...
Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from Elba Island after eight months of exile, though we imagine he was somewhat remorseful to leave behind such a beautiful place. Elba, located in the Tuscan Archipelago 6 mi/10 km off the Italian mainland, is known for its sandy beaches and shimmering, jewel-toned water....
The resort town of Portofino, Italy, is known for its yacht-filled port, beautiful hiking trails and pastel houses that line the harbor and scatter up into the hills. A favorite of Hollywood stars and European royalty since the 1950s, Portofino combines village charm with upscale shopping, sightsee...
Colorful little Portsmouth, 20 mi/32 km north of Roseau, on the banks of beautiful Prince Rupert Bay, is Dominica's second-largest settlement and the most popular location for private yachts to set their anchors. To say it's loaded with places to see and things to do would be misleading, but it does...
New Hampshire's one-time capital and only major seaport is a pleasantly small, low-key city. Start your visit with a stroll through Strawbery Banke, a 10-acre/4-hectare open-air museum. Wander around the collection of more than 40 structures, some of them dating back to 1695. Many of them have resid...
An interesting and historic port town 65 mi/105 km southwest of London, Portsmouth, England, is home base for the Royal Navy. Charles Dickens was born there, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Rudyard Kipling and H.G. Wells put in some time at Portsmouth as well. Be sure to visit HMS Warrior (the first ...
Sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve, exclusive golf resorts, medieval hilltop towns, colorful fishing villages, a cosmopolitan capital, the vine-filled valley of the Douro, wild remote mountains—Portugal has it all. But Europe's oldest country, which has had its eyes melancholically set on the sea ...
Overview Introduction An easy day trip 30 mi/50 km northeast from Helsinki, Porvoo is one of Finland's most picturesque towns whose old section, Old Porvoo, has 16th-century wooden houses and a row of distinctive red boathouses lining the riverfront. A particularly nice way to get to Porvoo is by...
The small seaside city of Positano on the Amalfi Coast is centrally located for day trips to Capri Island, Sorrento, Naples or Ravello, but it is intriguing enough to be a standalone destination on anyone's Italy itinerary. Positano's striking scenery is its greatest asset. Pastel-colored shops, r...
The Postojna Caves, Slovenia, are located in the Karst region, 30 mi/50 km south of Ljubljana. These impressive grottoes make up one of the largest cave systems in the world. The 15-mi-/20-km-long caves are filled with impressive rock formations, halls, stalagmites and stalactites. The tour, which l...
The Potomac Highlands area, about 150 mi/240 km northeast of Charleston, is one of West Virginia's most popular destinations—and with good reason. It has a lovely mountain setting that allows year-round recreation (skiing in the winter; golf, hiking, biking, rock climbing and white-water rafting in ...
The 16th-century silver-mining town of Potosi claims to be the world's highest city (15,380 ft/4,690 m). It merits at least a 24-hour stay. Visit the Casa Nacional de Moneda, or mint. Take a look at the jarring entryway carving of a grinning Bacchus—which must be seen to be believed. Take note of t...
The city of Potsdam, Germany, is most often seen as a day trip from Berlin. Located an hour's drive south of Berlin, Potsdam was the scene of one of the most important events at the end of World War II. It was there that the Big Three—the U.S., Great Britain and the Soviet Union—met, carved up a d...
Set on the banks of the Warta River 165 mi/270 km west of Warsaw, 1,000-year-old Poznan, Poland, blends Gothic and baroque in much of its architecture. Highlights of this industrialized city include the 10th-century Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, Gorka's Palace (that houses the Archaeologica...
Pozzuoli is the Phlegraean Peninsula's main city and is located in the center of the Campi Flegrei, also called the Phlegraean Fields. This volcanic area is so magnificent that it was once thought to be the entrance to hell. The fields cover a large geographical area that stretches from the western ...
Prague, Czech Republic, is a city of stunning physical beauty. The capitals of many other European nations were flattened or heavily damaged during World War II, but Prague survived intact. Thanks to Prague's role as a focal point of culture and commerce for nearly a millennium, it retains eviden...
Overview
The main attraction on Praslin (prounounced, Pra-lin) is the Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's home to the endemic coco-de-mer palms that produce the world's largest nuts—they can weigh as much as 40 lb/18 kg. The nuts got their name—sea coconut—hundreds of years ago when they w...
Overview Introduction This ski resort is beautifully situated in the Carpathian Mountains south of Brasov. The popularity of the place can be confirmed by the fact that the slopes reopened for business just a few days after the revolution. Breathtaking mountain scenery, quality hotels and skiing ...
Prescott is a popular weekend destination for Phoenix residents who seek the relatively cool climate of its higher altitude (5,300 ft/1,615 m). This charming old mining town located Prescott is 100 mi/160 km northwest of Phoenix has twice served as the capital of Arizona and is now home to a communi...
If you're driving to or from Varna, plan to stop about 2 mi/3 km south of the city of Preslav to see ruins from the first Bulgarian kingdom (sculptures, columns and friezes), which are now a National Archaeological Reserve. Preslav is about 65 mi/110 km west of Varna. Nearby to Preslav is a superb ...
Overview Introduction Founded in the 12th century, Presov, Slovakia, is a center for the Ruthenian minority, an ethnic group that speaks a dialect of Ukrainian and worships in the Uniate Church (a hybrid of Catholicism and Orthodoxy). The town is also home to a university, the Wine Museum and the...
For those who venture 240 mi/385 km northeast of Portland to far northern Maine, Presque Isle, located just west of the Maine-New Brunswick border, is an ideal base from which to tour Aroostook County, a major potato-growing region. Driving through the countryside is a good way to spend time, but be...
South Africa's administrative and executive capital, Pretoria is 30 mi/45 km northeast of Johannesburg, less than an hour's drive. It is part of Tshwane Municipality.
Alaska's treeless, cliff-rimmed Pribilof Islands area consists of two small volcanic islands in the Bering Sea north of the Aleutians, in the extreme southwestern part of the state 800 mi/1,288 km southwest of Anchorage. St. George and St. Paul islands are famous for birds, wildflowers and North Ame...
Located in the North Sound, off Virgin Gorda, Prickly Pear, British Virgin Islands, is a 243-acre/98-hectare uninhabited island and a British Virgin Islands National Park site featuring a nature preserve. The other main attraction on the island is Vixen Point, a long stretch of white sand with a b...
The city of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, 80 mi/130 km northeast of Saskatoon, is a gateway to the recreation opportunities in the far northern part of the province. But you should stay in town long enough to see some of its attractions. Among them are the Diefenbaker House, the home of John G. Diefe...
When Jacques Cartier first saw the area we now know as Prince Edward Island, he described it as the "fairest land 'tis possible to see." Almost five centuries later, the sentiment still rings true. Prince Edward Island is a symphony of jewel tones—garnet soil, emerald fields and sapphire seas. In s...
The coastal Prince Edward Island National Park is small (10 sq mi/26 sq km), but it has soaring mounds of sand held together by fragile marram grass, which form a very special ecosystem. There is ample opportunity to learn about it while visiting. The park also contains beautiful fields, long sandy ...
The main attraction of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, is the sea. Located 480 mi/790 km northwest of Vancouver, you can charter a boat to go deep-sea fishing or visit the Museum of Northern British Columbia (coastal history). Try to catch a performance at the Lester Centre of the Arts and see some...
Princeton, located 40 mi/65 km southwest of Newark, is best known for the ivy-draped university of the same name, originally established as the College of New Jersey at Nassau Hall in 1756 and renamed Princeton University in 1896. Walks (guided or otherwise) through the leafy university campus will ...
Principe is for people who really want to get away from it all. This island doesn't have much in the way of sights or activities to draw the conventional tourist. Its charm lies in its beauty and its remoteness. Unlike Sao Tome—which is basically a one-volcano island—Principe is a bubbly mishmash of...
Once known as the "City of Silver and Gold" because of an ancient mint, Pristina is central to Serbian history: It was just outside the city that the Battle of Kosovo was fought in 1389. If you go, plan two nights in the city and make it a base for exploring the surrounding territory. Pristina's sig...
Overview Introduction The least visited of a trio of islands in the Bay of Naples, Procida is quiet and pristine. It is ideal for those in search of stunning scenery away from the crowds. The city of Terra Murata has remained nearly unchanged for 300 years. The movie Il Postino was filmed there...
Stop in Proctor, just 50 mi/80 km south of Burlington, to see the Vermont Marble Museum, which contains tons of marble statuary, including the impressive Hall of Presidents. There are interactive displays and, occasionally, sculptors at work. https://vermontmarblemuseum.org. While you're in the are...
Located 20 mi/32 km north of Merida, Progreso has been the Yucatan Peninsula's main port of entry since the 1870s, when its sisal crops were its major economic force. That industry since has died down, and Progreso is now a major stop for cruise ships. It might seem disappointing to some because ...
The popular and scenic region of Provence in the southeast corner of France has come to worldwide attention thanks in part to the books of—among many others—Peter Mayle, a British expatriate who chronicled its charms and curiosities. Mayle writes about a relatively small section of Provence, called ...
Providence, Rhode Island, New England's second-largest city, is an old city, established in 1636 by Roger Williams; but Providence is also young in spirit, with a youthfulness replenished by a steady flow of immigrants. The hub of culture, governance and commerce in Rhode Island, Providence is als...
The island of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, also known as Provo, is more developed, commercialized and populated (primarily by visitors from the U.S., the U.K. and Canada) than any of the other islands in the chain. Located 75 mi/120 km northwest of Grand Turk, Provo offers excellent diving, b...
Provincetown (or P-town as it's known locally), Massachusetts, exudes an artists-colony atmosphere. It's also known for its large LGBTQ community, which began growing there in the 1920s. In summer, the town is jammed with people sunning, partying and shopping (a lot of it trendy and pricey). The ...
On Utah Lake (the state's largest body of fresh water) and just 40 mi/65 km south of Salt Lake City, Provo is a good base from which to explore a number of scenic attractions and recreation areas, though not necessarily your best choice if a wild time on the town is what you're seeking. History and ...
On the Arctic Ocean at the northeastern edge of the state, 700 mi/1,127 km north of Anchorage, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, is a good place to see tundra, wildflowers, permafrost, caribou, bears and thousands of ducks, geese and other birds. The area also has enormously rich oil reserves that supply the Tra...
A well-preserved historical town, Ptuj, Slovenia, has also received numerous awards for being the neatest town in Slovenia. Ptuj is located 86 mi/137 km northeast of Ljubljana. A visit is worth your time, especially to see the impressive Ptuj Regional Museum, which houses Roman artifacts, medieval ...
Pucallpa is an inland town on the banks of the Ucayali River, 310 mi/500 km northeast of Lima. The Ucayali and Maranon rivers together form the headwaters of the Amazon River. In some ways, Pucallpa may remind you of a county seat in the U.S. Midwest—a place where people go to shop. But around this ...
At the foot of Chile's most active volcano, 490 mi/789 km southeast of Santiago, Pucon is the lakes district's main adventure travel destination. You can go hiking at Huerquehue National Park, raft and kayak on the Trancura River, and climb the snowy slopes of Villarrica Volcano for a view of its sm...
A hint of the Riviera in the subcontinent, Puducherry, India, a former French colonial city along the Bay of Bengal that was formerly known as Pondicherry, didn't come under Indian rule until 1954. You can still hear a fair bit of French being spoken as you stroll along its remaining seaside villas ...
Puebla, Mexico, located 80 mi/130 km east of Mexico City, has played an important role in the nation's history: The only Mexican victory over foreign invaders took place there when Maximilian's French Foreign Legion was defeated on 5 May 1862 (now celebrated as Cinco de Mayo). Puebla has more than ...
Its combination of elaborate Victorian homes, Spanish adobes, Irish bars and Slavic neighborhoods gives Pueblo, Colorado a true melting-pot atmosphere. Visitors could spend most of the day there, including stops at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center to see temporary art exhibits, El Pueblo History Mus...
No trip to New Mexico is complete without a visit to at least one of the state's 19 Native American pueblos. Although they are centuries-old dwelling sites, they are also modern communities whose residents deal with modern issues. One of those issues is gambling: In addition to the attractions that ...
The small fishing village of Puerto Angel, west of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca state, has managed to remain an oasis of tranquility and understatement because of its isolation from mainstream tourism development. The hippies who frequented this "underground" destination in the 1960s and ...
There is nothing particularly Mexican about Puerto Aventuras. During the 1990s, as more tourists were identifying the Riviera Maya as an excellent vacation spot, a marina was built 10 mi/16 km south of Playa del Carmen with berths for up to 250 boats, and facilities for sportfishing and watersports....
Overview Introduction Most visitors reach Puerto Ayacucho by air and use it as a jumping-off point for exploring the Amazon. However, the 10- to 12-hour drive from Caracas takes you along either of two scenic routes: through the heart of the plains of Apure state or across northwestern Bolivar st...
Overview Introduction The seedy Caribbean port of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, 183 mi/295 km northeast of Guatemala City and primarily an industrial center, is where you catch the ferry or a launch to Livingston, but it has no beach and little of interest for most visitors. Puerto Barrios is also t...
Overview Introduction Puerto Caldera is a commercial port with a cruise ship terminal that serves as a disembarking location for nearby Puntarenas, which is 20-minutes away by taxi. If your ship stops at Puerto Caldera, you won't find much to see or do. There's no town—Puerto Caldera is merely a ...
Overview Introduction Located at the head of Aisen Fjord, Puerto Chacabuco is a very small town that is the main port for the region. Puerto Aisen was the principal port until the eruption of Mount Hudson volcano and the burning of the Patagonia forests, which necessitated the port be moved close...
Located 8 mi/13 km northwest of the Guatemalan border, this small, hot and sultry port welcomes occasional cruise ships. Facilities are limited to a few small restaurants and a handicrafts market. Nearby excursions available to passengers include the Izapa Archaeological Zone, Tapachula city, a la...
The largest, most modern Honduran port city on the Caribbean, Puerto Cortes handles more than half of the country's export shipping trade. (Most of the country's bananas and other crops are shipped from this port.) For some cruise ships, the port is the jumping-off point for shore excursions to the ...
In many ways, Puerto Escondidio, Mexico, lives up to its name, which means "hidden port." Located 90 mi/145 km south of Oaxaca, it retains the feel of a sleepy coastal village, with fishermen repairing colorful nets and locals riding burros along sandy side streets. When adventurous surfers from a...
Puerto la Cruz (called simply "the port" by locals) and Barcelona (the capital of Sucre state) form one metropolitan area joined by several main avenues and highways. Barcelona has a small historical zone and the enormous El Morro Tourism Complex, where there are hotels and artificial canals providi...
Puerto Madryn is a quickly growing tourist destination that serves as the gateway to Valdes Peninsula, a nearby wildlife sanctuary. The city maintains beautiful beaches, but the real delight is June-November, when whales migrate, often coming close enough to be seen from the shore. It is a good base...
Most tourists pass through Puerto Maldonado briefly on their way to national reserves and jungle lodges in the surrounding region. The heat, the incessant mototaxis, and the rough-around-the-edges nature of Puerto Maldonado certainly won't appeal to everyone, but the city is brimming with jungle-set...
With a beautiful setting on the Gulf of Reloncavi, 630 mi/1,015 km south of Santiago, Puerto Montt, Chile's fastest-growing city, is the gateway for the "Inside Passage" ferry to Puerto Natales and cruises to the western Patagonian fjords, and the starting point for the Southern Highway. Initially ...
Unlike Playa del Carmen, 22 mi/35 km to the south, Puerto Morelos, Mexico, has retained much of its charm and tranquil village atmosphere. It's the starting point of the Riviera Maya, which runs 125 mi/200 km south along the coast. A playground dominates the main square, and fishing launches still l...
Mount Isabel de Torres forms the dramatic backdrop for the town of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, where it is the most important north-coast city and resort. A large statue of Christ stands on the mountain with arms stretched out into the clouds, resembling the statue that overlooks Rio de...
Puerto Quetzal serves as a gateway port for nearby Central American attractions. The small port offers little entertainment or excitement. San Jose is the closest town and is 1 mi/1.6 km away. Antigua is 90-minutes away by bus. Location There are private cars for hire at the port entrance but ...
Puerto Rico is one of the biggest islands in the Caribbean, and it has much more to offer than rain forests. It also has caves, mountains, coral reefs, white-sand beaches, championship golf courses, fantastic cuisine, world-class shopping and a vibrant culture. The sounds of Puerto Rico's El Yunqu...
Puerto San Jose is a Pacific coast town 55 mi/90 km south of Guatemala City, and it was Guatemala's principal seaport before Puerto Quetzal was built just down the coast. It's now a rather run-down place, but the beach fills up with Guatemalans on weekends and holidays. There are better, more easily...
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, masterfully plays the part of a remote tropical getaway, even as it grows into a larger city that's connected to the outside world by multinational chain stores and a steady stream of jets and cruise ships. Puerto Vallarta's success has a lot to do with looks. However, in...
Puerto Montt has the airport, but nearby Puerto Varas, Chile, has the charm of its German colonial-style houses and better access to Andean national parks and the classic bus-boat-bus shuttle to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. It's best December to mid-March, when the weather is warmer and rain ...
Pula, Croatia, an Adriatic port near the southern tip of the Istria Peninsula, has decent beaches, a magnificent first-century Roman amphitheater, a number of other Roman ruins (temple, city gate and triumphal arch), a Byzantine cathedral and a 17th-century Venetian fort that houses the Historical ...
This is the easternmost point of the Big Island. You can get there by driving south out of Hilo, but first make a stop at Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens (off Highway 11—look for the signs). There, you can take a short drive into the rain forest, where you'll find a variety of tropical animals...
Bhutan's former capital, Punakha is often seen on a long day trip from Thimphu. It offers superlative views of the Himalayas and can be used as a base to visit the nearby Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is the winter home of the largest group of monks in the country (some 500) ...
A regional administrative center during the British Raj, Pune, India, is known largely as the former home of Bhagwan Sri Rajneesh, the charismatic guru whose controversial spiritual ranch in the northwestern U.S. eventually folded when Rajneesh was deported from the U.S. for tax evasion. Rajneesh di...
Chilean Patagonia's most important city, Punta Arenas (often pronounced as if a single word) was an important supply station for ships prior to the completion of the Panama Canal and the home to mansions of the wool barons who transformed the economy of southernmost Chile and Argentina. The main si...
Located about 100 mi/160 km east of Santo Domingo, Punta Cana and its neighbor, Bavaro, are ground zero in the ongoing all-inclusive resort explosion under way in the Dominican Republic (affectionately known as just "DR"). They're located along a beautiful 30-mi/48-km stretch of white-sand beach lin...
Located in the rapidly growing resort region of Riviera Nayarit, Punta de Mita was once a small fishing village, but it now teems with palapa -roofed, beachfront seafood restaurants. Punta de Mita still has authenticity: Fishermen head out to sea in their brightly colored pangas every morning fro...
During high season, glamorous Punta del Este, Uruguay (or Punta, as most call it after a couple of days), is filled with wealthy South Americans, mainly Argentines, looking for sun and fun. Located 70 mi/110 km east of Montevideo, Punta del Este proper is a narrow spit of land jutting into the Atl...
Set against a verdant backdrop, Punta Gorda, Belize's southernmost town, is a place to enjoy sooner rather than later. With multiple daily flights and buses, and with the completion of paving of the Southern Highway—which is now the best highway in Belize—tourism has slowly increased, and the town ...
Puntarenas, Costa Rica, a small Pacific-coast city about 50 mi/80 km west of San Jose, is making a comeback as a port and resort town. The toll highway between San Jose and Puntarenas cuts the journey to less than one hour, but for foreign tourists it remains mainly a place to pass through en route...
Located 79 mi/128 km northeast of Pittsburgh, the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is the home of Punxsutawney Phil, the nation's revered groundhog. Each year on Groundhog Day (2 February), weather-watchers flock to Gobbler's Knob in Sportsman's Park. At dawn, they try to coax Phil out of...
Mountainous Purace National Park, south of Cali, encompasses an impressive collection of volcanoes, thermal springs, rivers and waterfalls accessible by hiking trails. It's a large park, covering some 320 sq mi/830 sq km. Along the way you may encounter some of the rarest animals on the continent: ...
Overview Introduction About 15 mi/25 km south of Kuala Lumpur lies Putrajaya, the administrative center of the federal government of Malaysia. A remarkable accomplishment reflecting a Malaysian aesthetic and brilliance in architectural design, Putrajaya consists of incredibly beautiful buildings ...
The 12th-century Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park is also known as the "Place of Refuge." This was once a sanctuary where those who broke Polynesian taboos could receive ritual purification. This was critical, because if their misdeeds were discovered before they were purified, they were e...
Built by Kamehameha I in 1791, this temple on the northwest Kohala coast is still a sacred shrine for many Hawaiians. A prophet advised Kamehameha the Great that if he were to construct the temple, the warrior-king's conquest of all the Hawaiian Islands would be ensured. (The king helped matters alo...
Just east of Tacoma, Washington, is Puyallup, home of the 17-day Washington State Fair every September. Puyallup also boasts many Victorian homes and the Ezra Meeker Mansion, built by one of the pioneer settlers of the area. Fields of flowers surround the town, which celebrates an annual Daffodi...
Set on a plateau on the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains and 330 mi/530 km southeast of Volgograd, Pyatigorsk is the center of the best-known spa area in Russia. It has some of the nation's finest and most spectacular scenery, which you can see best by taking the cable car to the top of nea...
Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar, is probably best known as the starting place for the famous Burma Road, a 500-mi-/800-km-long road running northeast that was built during the 1930s to supply Chinese resistance forces in their fight against the Japanese invaders of China. Less touristy than nearby Mandalay,...
Overview Introduction Pylos, Greece, has played an important role throughout both ancient and recent history as a key site for battles and the gateway to Olympia. The architecture shows both Ottoman and Venetian influence, especially the restored Turkish Fortress of Neokastro. Also famous is Thre...
This capital city on the Daedong River was almost leveled during the Korean War (it's claimed that 420,000 bombs were dropped), and when it was rebuilt, it was planned down to the last detail—in fact, from atop a tall building or monument, you feel as if you're looking down on a large-scale architec...
A list of travel tips and tricks for p.
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