11 Insanely Beautiful Small Towns From Around the World!

Sure, we love big, bustling cities. But there's something to be said for small towns where life moves slower, traditions are everywhere and the people stop to say hello. From North Africa to New Zealand, these are some of the most charming little places in the whole entire world.

Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

This bohemian North African village is a popular vacation spot for wealthy Tunisians. The landscape resembles the Greek Islands with its whitewashed buildings and bright blue trims.


Bled, Slovenia.

No, that's not Cinderella's castle... it's a real place situated in the Slovenian Alps near Austria. The iconic Bled Castle, which dates from the year 1011, now functions as a museum, restaurant and wine cellar, and looks out onto a glacial lake.

Cua Van, Vietnam. 

Located six hours from Hanoi, this 700-person floating fishing village in Ha Long Bay is stunning, thanks to teal water, colorful raft houses, limestone hills and winding streets.

Franschhoek, South Africa.

The Napa Valley of South Africa, Franschoek lies 75 kilometers from Cape Town. The Dutch-influenced vineyard town is a booming producer of Syrahs and Pinotages.

Anneccy, France. 

Whatever, Paris. This town in southeastern France is way more romantic than getting jostled by tourists at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Guilin, China.

Best known for its dramatic setting on the Li River, the town of Guilin dates back to the Qin dynasty (that dates back to 221 BC, in case you didn't know). In addition to just looking beautiful, Guilin hosts a handful of annual traditions, like the March Song, a reed-pipe and bull fighting festival.

Reine, Norway.

You may want to move to Scandinavia after seeing this adorable Norwegian town. Stay in a quaint cottage and spend the days fishing, kayaking and hiking; at night, you may even catch a Northern Lights show.

Vernazza, Italy.

With Crayola-colored houses and jutting cliffs, this Northern Italian coastal gem is just begging for the Instagram treatment.

Paros, Greece. 

This lesser-known Greek island is situated between Mykonos and Santorini. You'll find white marble and crystal clear water as far as the eye can see.

Queenstown, New Zealand.

This resort town on New Zealand's South Island is slow-paced, scenic and cosmopolitan all at once. During the winter it becomes a popular ski destination.

Salvador, Brazil.

Located on Brazil's northern coast, Salvador is a center of Afro-Brazilian culture. Vibrant buildings, winding cobblestone streets and large, open squares meet crystal-blue coastlines.

To see exciting destinations like this around the world visit our website at LJ.travel! 

This article was originally posted on the Huffington Post. 

6 Small-But-Perfect Caribbean Islands You Need to See

Want to find an island somewhere between ruggedly undiscovered and overrun by tourists? Not into roughing it in a tent but still want to be far, far away from the maddening crowds?

We rounded up six perfectly sized Caribbean islands, where tourists are relatively few but there's still plenty to do, from UNESCO sites to luxury resorts to sugar-soft beaches.

Curacao

Reasons we love Curacao:

1. Willemstad: The UNESCO-recognized town center of Willemstad is filled with fascinating colonial sights, excellent museums and good dining options

2. The reefs: Although nearby Bonaire is famous for its diving, Curacao's undersea opportunities are just as good, with plenty of reefs ringing the island

3. The resorts: From top chain resorts like Marriott and Hilton to independent, funky boutiques, Curacao has a surprising number of accommodations at almost every budget

Guadeloupe

Reasons we love Guadeloupe:

1. Guadeloupe National Park: Capped by the gorgeous Le Soufriere volcano, this national park is known for its hiking, backpacking and birdwatching

2. The food: With undeniably French influences mixing with Caribbean flavors and spices, capital Pointe-a-Pitre's dining scene is a highlight

3. The diving: Head underwater around Pigeon Island and Reserve Cousteau (named for the explorer who deemed Guadeloupe one of the best dive sites in the world)

Martinique

Reasons we love Martinique:

1. The beaches: Martinique's many picturesque plages, especially those around the island's southern coast, offer clear blue water for miles

2. The rum: A number of tourist-friendly distilleries with tours and tasting rooms showcase Martinique's signature rum (made directly from cane, not molasses)

3. The shopping: From French boutiques to covered markets brimming with local produce and spices, Martinique's shopping opportunities are endless

Tobago

Reasons we love Tobago:

1. Scarborough: Tobago's only city (if you can call it that) is a crowded little port town with shopping, dining and a cool public market

2. The water: Tobago's untouched nature makes it a haven for divers and snorkelers, especially around Pirate's Bay

3. The villas: With few major resorts, renting a villa is a top option on Tobago and many housing options are high-end, with glistening infinity pools and plenty of amenities

Grenada

Reasons we love Grenada:

1. St. George's: This postcard-perfect town on Grenada is walkable and tourist-friendly, filled with handsome old buildings and fun cafes

2. Grand Anse: These two miles of powder-soft white sand are consistently rated among the world's best for beachy fun

3. The natural sights: Acres of rainforest, a crater lake, sheer cliffs and even hot springs all add to the unique topography on this adventurous island

Vieques

1. The resorts: Home to a top-notch W Retreat & Spa, Vieques' accommodations are surprisingly upscale for its discrete location

2. The sea life: Snorkel around Vieques and you'll see tons of sea turtles, manatees, rays, nurse sharks and even dolphins, while at night, the bioluminescent bay glows

3. The cuisine: Puerto Rican favorites marry well with the freshest local seafood (think Baja-style fish tacos) at a number of casual beachside bars

Excited about the Caribbean after reading up on some of the exotic islands it holds? You can book a trip with us today! Don't waste another moment before taking a trip of a lifetime! For the details, go here. 

This article originally appeared on Hopper. 

6 Reasons Why Montreal is the Perfect Summer Destination!

Ask anyone who has ever visited Montreal during the summer, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who does not love this city. I would go as far as to say it's the perfect summer destination for everyone. Yes, everyone.

Montreal's unique blend of North American and European cultures is integrated throughout the city in a way that's charming, trendy and welcoming to all. It also offers an astounding number of events, activities and celebrations throughout the months of June, July, August and September, making it the perfect place to go by yourself or with family and friends. There's a reason it's one of my favorite cities in the world.

As for why it's perfect, here's more information on why Montreal is the place to see:

Festivals, Festivals, Festivals
This city loves its festivals. And you know what? They do festivals extremely well. From the world-renowned International Jazz Festival to the Circus Festival, which welcomes circus artists from all over the world, to the hilarious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival -- whatever you're into, there's likely a festival for it. A really, really good festival for it.

Vibrant but Not Overwhelming City Life
What's so great about Montreal is that there is so much going on during the summer but it never feels like it's too much. It's a choose-your-own-adventure city. During my most recent visit, I visited one of the city's terraces for pre-dinner drinks and a gorgeous view of Old Montreal but located not too far away at the city's convention center was Comic-Con. There is much this city has to offer that makes it great to visit for a weekend or a longer period of time.

All the Poutine (and Other Amazing Food)
What is poutine, you may be wondering? It's Canada's popular fast food dish that originated in Quebec -- fries covered in gravy and topped with cheese curds. Many places in Montreal put their own twist on it, such as the poutine I had with fois gras made by the talented folks at Au Pied de Cochon. If poutine isn't your thing, the city also has a huge number of French restaurants as well as pretty much any other cuisine you're looking to try.

So Much Nature in One City
I am a city girl at heart, but I always need a little bit of nature nearby. Montreal offers some beautiful options, including Parc Lafontaine, Parc Jean-Drapeau and my personal favorite, Parc du Mont-Royal. There's also great hiking, kayaking and horseback riding in the Laurentides, located not too far from the city.

A Great Appreciation for Art
One of the things that makes Montreal so unique is the vast amount of beautiful and interesting murals and street art that can be found throughout the city. During the annual Mural Festival (I told you there's a festival for everything), artists from different countries gather in Montreal to create murals right in front of the audience's eyes. There are also a number of great exhibitions at many of the city's museums, including a Rodin exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts.

It's Affordable!
In case you haven't heard the news, the dollar is doing extremely well in Canada right now. During past visits to Canada, the exchange rate was always roughly $1 USD to $1 CAD. These days the rate is closer to $1 USD to $1.30 CAD, meaning now is the time to head to Canada! Beyond the exchange rate, Montreal offers many free and cheap activities, making it a great place for the budget-conscious traveler.

So, there you have it -- six reasons why Montreal is not only an amazing city in itself but also why you should head there on your next summer vacation. You'll have a great time and want to go back again. And again. And again.

Montreal is a great city, but it is just one of the amazing places to visit in Canada! To check out some amazing trips, or to let us help you make your own adventure, go here. 

This article was originally posted on The Globe Getter. 

9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Cuba this Winter

As travel doors open wider to Americans, the country is changing quickly and now is the time to see the Glory of Cuba. Cuba is unlike any place you've ever been before. The intermingling of European and African peoples and cultures has made Cuba innovative, be it in music, art, politics, or religion.

Visiting Cuba is like stepping back in time, from the moment of arrival in a scene of old classic cars, cobbled streets, and colonial architecture, giving you the unique chance to relive 20th century history. Walk along any Cuban street and you'll feel you're back in the 1950s as long-tailed Chevys and Buicks glide past. Glance at the billboards extolling the revolution.

Here are 9 reasons to Visit Cuba This Winter:

1. For the Cubans

The heart of Cuba is in its people. Cuban culture is best experienced through the locals. Meet historians, artists, teachers, farmers, and musicians, to see Cuba though their eyes.

2. Oh, Those Cars

Cuba is famous for its vintage classic cars. A 50-year embargo on car imports led to one-of-a-kind roadways and parking lots that are full of splendid 1950’s cars. These brightly colored cars are more than a tourist attraction, but rolling relics that tell a story of Cuba’s past and its people.

5. The Soundtrack

 Music is everywhere in Cuba. The sounds of African and European influences are like a soundtrack throughout travels and visits to live music shows with Cuban dance, and at music venues such as La Casa De La Musica de Trinidad, La Cancháchara, and Palenque de los Congos Reales.


6. Cuisine, Cocktails, Cigars

From the birthplace of the Daiquiri cocktail at the famous El Floridita bar, and a Cuban Cigar experience at Conde Villanueva Cigar lounge, to the origins of Cuba’s most famous beverage at the Havana Club Museum of Rum, and dinner at Café Laurent Paladar – Cuba is a delight for the senses.


7. For 'Havana Good Time'

Havana is both charming and exciting.  It’s a visual city with a vibe that is nothing but catchy, and the tunes and talented people behind them are infectious.  Check out the paladares to start - they're private restaurants often set in old mansions. La Guarida was one of the best meals I’ve tasted, and in the quaintest of settings. For rooftop ambience, the affordable lobster at Atelier is a winner, and to see the new wave of Cuban entrepreneurship firsthand, swing by La Pachanga for a decent burger and beer at an unbeatable price.


8. Photography

The above 7 reasons, and more, make Cuba a photographer’s destination. There’s a great shot around every corner, as you experience the music, food, culture and local life.


9. Because Now You Can!

















For the first time in History Americans can now Cruise to Cuba this winter! Making this is a very exiting cruise, but most importantly a very limited opportunity to Experience Cuba before it changes.

Legendary Journeys has partner up with Celestyal Cruise Lines and the Cuban People to People Program to bring you the First Ever Cruise to Cuba available to U.S Citizens. This Cruise will feature many Educational Shore Excursion, Overnight Night stay in Havana and so much more. 
For additional information regarding this Cruise please click here