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. 

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



9 Striking Photos Of Borders Around The World

This article was originally published on The Huffington Post

Any experienced traveler knows that it's possible to be in two places at once... and sometimes, even three. Some borders are simply metaphorical lines on a map. But other borders provide stark, physical contrasts between one country or region and another.
There are borders that blaze through trees, float on water and even cause roadway mix-ups in their effort to mark the spot where one place ends and another begins. See how it's done around the world.
1. The Netherlands and Belgium

Here, the Belgian village of Baarle-Hertog and the Dutch village of Baarle-Nassau are patch-worked together in little pieces. Travelers cross the international border all the time, and white marks on the ground tell them which country they're in.
2. United States and Canada E
very few years, workers re-cut the forested border between the U.S. and Canada, affectionately referred to as the Slash.

3. Poland and Ukraine
This crop design was part of a 2012 art exhibition on the border between Poland and Ukraine.

4. Haiti and the Dominican Republic Deforestation issues are obvious at the border between Haiti (left) and the Dominican Republic (right).

5. China and Macau Macau is a special administrative region of China, where locals drive on the left side of the road. The rest of China drives on the right, hence the highway changeup at the border.

6. United States and Mexico
At Border Field State Park, a fence separates San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico.

7. Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil Interesting landmarks abound at the Triple Frontier, where the Paraná River and the Iguazu River meet.

8. Germany and the Czech Republic
These countries clearly have different ways of dealing with their pesky bark beetle infestation.

9. Former East and West Germany
Near the town of Ifta, you'll find one of many sites where the former East Germany meets the former West Germany. Museums, exhibits and memorials abound, too.

Want to visit any of these locations around the world. Let our Travel Experts help you plan you next dream vacation!  Legendary Journeys "America's #1 Travel Expert"