Barringer Crater

Known also as Meteor Crater and Canyon Diablo Crater, Barringer is a meteorite impact crater some 70 km east of beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona. Some scientists proclaim it the best on the planet in terms of preservation and overall scope (1,200 m in diameter and 170 m deep).

Bosumtwi Crater

Some impact craters no longer exist in their original form of course. Lake Bosumtwi in Ghana is a fine example. The only freshwater lake in the country sits on a meteorite impact crater, some one million years old. Within a dense rainforest region of Ghana, the lake supports some 70,000 people and is a popular resort area.

Chesapeake Bay

Though the millions who pass over the awesome Chesapeake Bay Bridge every year may not realize it, the body of water and geology below them is the result of a tremendous impact event some 35 million years ago. All in all, a wonderful region of the United States to visit, with many fine destinations to discover in both Maryland and Virginia.

Chicxulub Crater

The small town of Chicxulub in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is near the center of the big one – the 65 million-year-old impact event that many scientists believe led to the Cretaceous–Tertiary mass extinction of animals and plants species in a relatively short period of time. Is that epic or what? Sadly, millions who vacation on the Yucatan coast every year have no idea the Chicxulub Crater exists. Which is crazy, since it measures more than 180 km across.

Kaali Craters

The Baltic Sea island of Saaremaa has a ton of tourist appeal for visitors to Estonia. From castles to war memorials, cliffs and miles of idyllic coastline, the island is home to 40,000 fortunate inhabitants. The group of nine meteorite crates known as Kaali form the most popular attraction on Saaremaa however and date back to the relatively recent 7th century B.C.

Qarokul

The 25 km-wide inland Qarokul Lake in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan epitomizes the rough, rugged and beautiful landscape of the country and indeed, of Central Asia as a whole. The lake sits in a 5 million-year-old meteorite impact crater with a diameter of 45 km.

Lake Manicouagan

The massive province of Quebec dwarfs the size of most nations and offers visitors with a lot of pristine wilderness to explore beyond Montreal and Quebec City. Lake Manicouagan, also known as the Manicouagan Reservoir, is one example. Clearly visible from space, the lake is the result of a massive asteroid impact that took place some 200 million years ago. Scientists estimate the asteroid was 5 km across and left a crater with a diameter of 100 km. Overall, Manicouagan ranks fifth in crater size on Earth.

Panther Mountain

The Catskills section of the Adirondacks in New York state have been a vital vacation and recreation spot for decades. Many visitors may not realize however, that one of the most impressive mountains in the range sits on the site of a meteorite impact crater. The discovery that Panther Mountain is different from others in the range is a relatively new one, with estimates that the impact took place 375 million years ago. Speculation is that the crater is some 800 m below the surface and measures 10 km wide.

Sudbury Basin

A significant geologic structure in Ontario, Canada, the Sudbury Basin ranks second in impact crater size in the world and perhaps more impressively, dates back some 1.85 billion years. The gigantic meteorite strike that took place here left a debris pattern of 1.6 million square km and is the main reason why the city of Sudbury has the nickname “Nickel City”.

Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve

The Northern Territory of Australia is home to some of the most spectacular and rugged beauty in the country. About 145 km south west of Alice Springs is the phenomenal Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve, which protects a crater field with more than a dozen meteor impacts.

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These guys do more than simply bring you extra bath towels. In some cases, the things they’re asked are just plain out of control. Check out the following examples:

10. Access to Buckingham Palace

A concierge at the The Stafford in London had the opportunity to serve a guest who was on a quest to visit every single painting created by Vermeer still in existence. The problem? One of them, The Music Lesson, was located in Buckingham Palace as part of the queen’s private collection. The concierge, despite security problems in the days before the visit, was able to arrange for his guest to receive a short tour.

9. Red Clay Tiles

In Monasterio Cuzco in Peru a couple staying at the Chef Concierge Hotel fell in love with the red clay tiles used to roof buildings in the area. They asked to have over 2,000 tiles shipped to them in the United States. Cost of the tiles: $200. Cost of shipping: $6,000.

8. Photographs with Snakes

A Latin American guest at the Four Seasons Tented Camp in Thailand wanted to have photographs of his children taken with a snake. The concierge happened to know a nearby local who owned a giant python and arranged for the 12-foot long, 265 guest to visit the property for the shoot.

7. All Rugby, All the Time

An Australian traveler staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown, D.C. made a strange request. An avid rugby enthusiast, he wanted to have access to a 24-hour rugby channel from Australia. The guest planned to stay in the hotel for 6 weeks, so the concierge located a satellite dish, contracted with Dish Network, and got the guy access to a sports channel with 24/7 rugby coverage. They even left a few rugby magazines in his room for added entertainment.

6. Delicious In-Flight Food

The concierge at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City really went beyond the call of duty when he helped out a guest who had already checked out and left the hotel. Upon arrival at the airport, his guest didn’t like the looks of the food that the chefs were about to serve on his private jet. He called the concierge and received a private delivery including smoked salmon pizza and stainless-steel silverware right before takeoff.

5. London Transport Buses

There was once a Texan who spent a number of years living in London. When he moved back home he heard that London Transport, the company responsible for double-decker buses, was phasing out those particular buses. He asked his concierge friend to help him buy a bus and then had it shipped back to the United States.

4. Extravagant NYC Wedding Proposals

The concierge at the Mandarin Oriental in New York city had his work cut out for him when a guest asked for help arranging for an incredibly dramatic proposal. The bride-to-be was flown around New York City in a helicopter. Meanwhile, two camera crews followed – one on the ground at Liberty Island and one in a helicopter flanking the couple. When they got to the Statue of Liberty the hotel staff members dropped a 100-foot long banner with the words “marry me.” Everything was captured on film for the happy couple to enjoy later on.

3. Blind Dates

The concierge at the InterContinental in Hong Kong helped a shy guy meet his eventual bride. A guest saw a woman he was attracted to but was too afraid to approach her. The concierge asked the woman out on his behalf, planned a special evening in the Verandah restaurant, and even arranged for the hotel’s Rolls-Royce to pick the woman up. It worked. The couple later got married with the concierge as the groom’s best man.

2. Rickshaw Shipping

The tour guide at the Tag Mahal in New Delhi had his work cut out for him when a wealthy guest decided he wanted to purchase a rickshaw for his 12 year old son. The tour guide took over the request, paid a local owner for his rickshaw, took it apart, boxed it, and had it delivered to the airport. No, airport security did not want to ship the package but they did eventually relent.

1. Tiger Transport

A businessman visiting from London went to Miami, Florida to visit his girlfriend. He wanted her to move back to London with him and she agreed on one condition – she wanted to bring her pet tiger with her. The gentleman asked the concierge for help making arrangements for the tiger to travel and she located a tiger-friendly airport and then arranged for transport to the airport. The tiger and his owner both made it safely to London.

What can we say? Be extra nice to your hotel concierge. He’s the one that can help you get whatever you think you need. Besides, with requests like these coming through he’s probably had a rough day!

Check out Travel and Leisure’s Most Outrageous Hotel Concierge Requests for even more amazing and odd requests and resolutions.

When we appreciate the best – whether the item at hand is a Japanese high-carbon steel kitchen knife, Ducati motorcycle, soapstone Inuit sculpture or in this case, hunk of cheese – it’s always incredibly delightful to head to the source. So if you like, nay love, cheese, re-consider the itinerary on your next trip to France. Can you slot in a cheesy tour on the way to Paris or the Côte d’Azur?

France produces hundreds of types of cheese, with variations from department to department and town to town. As with wine, the country controls designation of origin fiercely. Look for the Appellation d’origine contrôlée mark, or AOC label, as a sign of quality.

Here are some of the best regions in France for pure, cheesy goodness.

Midi-Pyrénées

The Midi-Pyrénées region produces Bleu des Causses, Cabecou, Rocamadour, Roquefort and Tomme des Pyrénées. With more land than Denmark or the Netherlands, the region has a remarkable capital city in Toulouse. Small communes like Millau and Cahors and the Languedoc wine country however, make the Midi-Pyrénées special. The commune of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon in Aveyron department is one of the most famous world capitals of cheese. A tour of the Cambalou caves where the remarkable blue cheese ages to sharp perfection is a must.

Franche-Comté

Franche-Comté produces Bleu de Gex, Comté, Emmental (français of course), Morbier and Vacherin Mont d’Or. While all phenomenal, Vacherin Mont d’Or is one of the most luxurious brands in the cheese world. A cow’s milk cheese made in Franche-Comté and the Canton of Fribourg in Switzerland, it typically contains close to 50% milk fat and is best enjoyed warm, fondue-style. While in Franche-Comté, do not miss the fabulous and historic capital city of Besançon.

Normandy

From Camembert to Livarot, Neufchâtel to Pont-l’Évêque, Normandy produces first-rate cheese. The English Channel coast and Calvados department feature tidy communes like Pont-l’Évêque, where you can enjoy the local creamy and aromatic claim to fame. Camembert of course, is perhaps the most famous cheese to ever come out of France and a gorgeous little town of less than 200 people in the Orne department of Normandy.

Savoie

Abondance, Chevrotin, Emmental de Savoie, Reblochon and Tomme de Savoie put the Rhône-Alpes department of Savoie on the cheese map. From Chambéry to Albertville, Savoie has many fine towns to tour and explore. Make a special trip to the pristine valley towns of Thônes and Arly however, to sample reams of delicious Reblochon.

Auvergne

The region of Auvergne has a famous and scenic capital in Clermont-Ferrand, home of Michelin and the Puy-de-Dôme lava mountain. Cheese however, is a staple. Bleu d’Auvergne, Cantal, Fourme d’Ambert, Fourme de Montbrison, Laguiole, Saint-Nectaire and Salers are the big names in the region. We love the tiny commune of Laguiole, not only for cheese, but as the birthplace of the gorgeous, eponymous knives. Fourme d’Ambert, made in beautiful Ambert and Puy-de-Dôme, is a spectacular cheese.

Île-de-France

Île-de-France is the regional home of Paris and Brie cheese, in the form of Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun. The soft, cow’s milk cheese is a household name but poor imitations flood the market and water down the beauty of the original. So head to marvelous Meaux, a superb commune of 50,000 people, and remind yourself what real Brie tastes like. They make a darn good mustard here as well.

Discover great hotel rates in cheesy destinations all over France.

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Tyneham, Dorset, England

The ghost village of Tyneham is a popular stop on the UNESCO World Heritage Dorset and East Devon Coast. Known as the Jurassic Coast, the English Channel shoreline is home to 180 million years of geological history and remarkable limestone scenery. While not quite as old as some of the fossils scientists have unearthed up and down the coast over the years, Tyneham is a wonderful gem nonetheless.

Craco, Italy

Craco is one of the most memorable ghost towns on record, with medieval hillside architecture that is absolutely frozen stiff in time. Earthquakes and adverse agricultural conditions doomed residents to relocation in the early 20th century. For visitors to the Basilicata region of Italy and in particular, the province and UNESCO World Heritage city of Matera, a visit to Craco is a must.

Calico, California

The end of the gold rush and silver mine era in California left many small towns without any discernible populace by the end of the 19th century. Fated to become dust-strewn relics of the past, they now draw a fair share of interest from tourists who yearn to take a venerable peek into the state’s heavily-romanticized past. Calico, in California’s Mojave Desert, was once the focal point for over 500 silver mines.

Quneitra, Syria

One of the most unusual ghost towns on record is in Syria. The former capital of the Quneitra Governate sits near the borders of Lebanon, Jordan and Israel but fell to the latter in the wake of the Six-Day War in 1967 and Yom Kippur War in 1973. As such, Quneitra is now part of the highly controversial and heavily disputed Golan Heights region. Virtually flattened by war, the city is now a pilgrimage site of sorts.

Eureka, Colorado

A once vibrant mine and mill town, Eureka’s demise is a bit of a mystery. Whatever the events were that led to the final abandonment, the ruins of the Colorado town draw scores of visitors every year.

Chernobyl, Ukraine

It seems odd to cite Chernobyl as a “great ghost town”. With the city’s tragic legacy still fresh in the shadow of history, great is certainly the wrong word. However, it may surprise many to learn that the Kiev Oblast city in Ukraine, together with the former nuclear power plant city of Prypiat, has become a popular, if not grim, tourist attraction in the country.

Rhyolite, Nevada

The Bullfrog Hills, some 200 km north of the neon glare of Las Vegas, is not the destination of choice for most visitors to Sin City. The ghost town of Rhyolite however, is a great reason to get out of the casinos and explore other parts of Nevada. Check out the Goldwell Open Air Museum just outside of town.

Sandon, British Columbia

The Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia contain some of the most beautiful wilderness in the pristine province. The town of Sandon was once a hotbed of activity in the Selkirks, as vast deposits of galena ore drew prospectors from all over North America in the late 19th century. Alas, a flood and steep decline in the price of silver some fifty years later left the town empty.

Gold Point, Nevada

Once a lively silver and gold mine settlement, Gold Point, Nevada soon became obsolete after a mine shaft dynamite explosion in the 1960s. In a post-World War II economy and world, the mine operation was left to wilt but today, Gold Point thrives as a major tourist attraction in the state.

Ballarat, California

Once home to more than 500 people, several saloons and brothels, a post office and school, today Ballarat, California is a classic ghost town near Death Valley and Yosemite National Park. Fans of the film Easy Rider will recognize Ballarat as the place where Peter Fonda’s character sheds his Rolex watch.

Discover great rates on hotels all over America.

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You also feel that familiar time warp shiver in ghost towns. Far from mere myth, they exist all over the globe, from former gold and silver mine settlements to abandoned mill towns. While many are strictly off-limits to tourists or near impossible to get to, others form the backbone of state parks, nature reserves and even UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

With that in mind, here are ten ghost towns that consistently fascinate, educate and wow visitors all over the world.

Granite, Montana

Like so many ghost towns, Granite fell into a deep funk after the decline of a once-prolific silver mine. The Montana town once had as many as 3,000 residents, with a hospital, library, schools and brothels.

Oatman, Arizona

Gold was Oatman’s former claim to fame. What began as a modest tent camp at the turn of the last century evolved into a thriving little town of 3,500 people, all hellbent on the prospect of prospecting riches. The Route 66 ghost town is now little more than a road trip curiosity and grazing area for wild burros.

Kolmanskop, Namibia

Second-last in world population density behind Mongolia, the former nation of South West Africa is a marvelous destination for those with a sense of adventure. Namibia also has notable deposits of diamonds and other minerals, which is how Kolmanskop once came to be. The ghost town is now a tourist attraction run by the local authority and De Beers.

Val-Jalbert, Quebec

The vast province of Quebec contains beautiful scenery galore and requires many trips to fully digest. Val-Jalbert Historic Village is a must-see for visitors to the fine Saguenay/Lac Saint-Jean region however. The former pulp and paper mill town features 35 and 72-meter-high waterfalls.

Discover superb hotel deals in destinations all over Canada.

Grafton, Utah

The backdrop for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is one of the most popular ghost towns in America. In 1859, Mormon leader Brigham Young’s naive and misguided efforts to form a cotton plantation in the area now south of Zion National Park, Utah led to the formation of Grafton. Decades later, the town was virtually empty.

Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, Chile

Some may wonder how former saltpeter works in South America become UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works had a transformative cultural and agricultural impact on Chile throughout the late 19th and early 20th century and though in ruins today, serve as reminders of a bygone era of industrial, technical and creative innovation.

Real de Catorce, Mexico

Real de Catorce is a popular ghost town destination with scores of tourists from Texas. Some come for the (illegal) peyote, some for high desert and mountain recreation, or both. Whatever the case, the former silver mine town, a backdrop for films like The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The Mexican, is spectacular.

Bodie, California

A National Historic Landmark, Bodie, California was once a prominent gold rush boomtown. Now deserted, the ghost town is the focal point of a state park just east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the border with Nevada.

Grytviken, South Georgia Island

The grave of famous explorer Ernest Shackleford is the pre-eminent landmark in the unique village of Grytviken, South Georgia Island. A Bristish overseas territory in the extreme south Atlantic Ocean, the veritable ghost town is difficult to access but well worth the effort. Cruise ships bound for Antarctica often use South Georgia as a port of call.

Vijayanagara, India

The historic state of Mysore, now Karnataka, contains the fabulous remains of the former capital of the Vijayanagara empire. As such, the ghost town of Vijayanagara, India is one of the most provocative in the world, with the ruins of 14th century temples and palaces to explore. All in all, a superlative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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There are several famous hotel rooms throughout the world. Places in which wild and exciting occurrences have taken place. We’re going to bring some of them to light today and maybe if you’re lucky you’ll get assigned to one of these famous rooms during one of your next stays!

7. Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables, Florida

The historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida is today a luxury resort with a renowned spa and golf course. The entire estate oozes with elegance and style and each of its 275 guest rooms is packed with modern amenities to ensure you a comfortable stay in between trips to the spa, fitness center, or greens.

It’s hard to imagine today’s Biltmore Hotel as the same place in which Al Capone ran his speakeasy during the 1920’s prohibition-era. His favorite suite was on the 13^th floor in what was then known as the “Everglades Suite.” Murder is no stranger to the Biltmore Hotel, either. During the latter half of the 20’s Thomas “Fats” Walsh was shot to death in the hotel.

6. The Beverly Hills Hotel – Beverly Hills, California

Image Credit:Alan Light

The Beverly Hills Hotel is today a five-star destination well-loved by many of today’s most famous stars. The hotel is set on 12 acres of property, giving those who can afford the luxury a sense of privacy they won’t necessarily find in the center of the city. Quiet star-gazers love lounging by the pool while waiting to see what famous faces pass by.

Image Credit:T Hoffarth

The “Pink Palace” was a favorite destination for Howard Hughes back in the early 1940’s. He spend more than a decade occupying four separate bungalows and reportedly used to sit naked in his room watching movies with nothing more than a pink hotel napkin to cover his privates. He spent millions of dollars during his stay. We’re sure the hotel misses him.

5. Continental Hyatt House – West Hollywood, California

Still part of the Hyatt hotel chain, the Continental Hyatt House is now known as the Andaz West Hollywood. The Andaz, which stands for “personal style” in the Hindi language, aims to ensure everyone who visits has a personalized experience while staying on Hollywood’s main “strip.”

Image Credit: Laughing Squid

We’re pretty sure they can’t top Axl Rose’s 1986 visit to the hotel, though. He thought it would be alright to host a barbecue on his balcony and when the LAFD came to break up the party he threw cooked stakes to the crowd of fans who had gathered in the parking lot below his room.

Image Credit: Laughing Squid

If the rates here are a bit too rich for your blood you may want to check out some of the cheap hotels in Los Angeles or some of California’s other hot spots.

4. Sheraton Sand Key Resort – Clearwater Beach, Florida

The Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach Florida is a beautiful destination for anyone looking to enjoy some time near the gulf. The rooms are beautifully outfitted, the grounds are well-kept, and you’ll feel right at home from the moment you walk through the doors.

Jim Baker certainly felt a home here during the 1980’s. The hotel is the sight of the televangelist’s affair with Jessica Hahn. Hahn was a Playboy model and later accused Baker of raping her after she had accepted more than $250k in bribes. Oops!

3. Hotel Chelsea – New York City, New York

Image Credit: Happy Dave

The Hotel Chelsea, located on New York City’s 23^rd Street, is a beautiful and majestic hotel sitting in stark contrast to the concrete giants that have sprung up around her over the years. When the hotel opened in 1884 it was an apartment building and wasn’t converted into a hotel until 1905.

Image Credit:Bill on Capitol Hill

Sadly, the Hotel Chelsea is the location where Sid Vicious, ex-member of the Sex Pistols, allegedly stabbed his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, to death. All the facts pointed to Sid but he overdosed (or killed himself) before he could go to trial. If the idea of staying in a hotel where a murder so vicious took place is too much for you than you might want to choose one of the dozens of other New York City hotels available.

2. Holiday Inn – Flint, Michigan

The Holiday Inn in Flint is a standard hotel. They offer services for business travelers and are conveniently located near several local attractions and business districts. The hotel features around 170 rooms, a fitness center, and a wonderful indoor pool.

Oh – about the pool. We’re pretty sure it’s not the same one that Keith Moon (the drummer for the Who) drove a car into back in the late 1960’s. He did so after getting a little too wasted at his own 21^st birthday party, during which he also shattered a tooth and streaked across the hotel grounds.

1. Hotel Aldon Kempinski – Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s 5-star Hotel Aldon Kempinski is a beautiful, modern hotel that screams elegance. Never will you stay in a more hospitable environment. The hotel is located near some of Berlin’s most recognized tourist attractions and you’ll enjoy the convenience.

What you may not enjoy, however, is the realization that this hotel is where, from his third-floor suite, the famed Michael Jackson held his son out of the window over the street. We’re not sure what was going through his head at the time – nor do we want to know- but he certainly attracted quite a bit of attention.

If the idea of staying where Michael Jackson once tread gets under your skin you may want to check out some other Berlin hotels instead.

Astounded? We were. Some events we remember and some we don’t but what we do know is that these hotels will forever be marred by some of their most historic events. It’s up to you to decide if you want to face those ghosts!

Most places in the world are relatively easy to get along in. Some strange laws are nothing more than folklore. Every once in a while, though, you’re going to run into something a bit off the wall and it’s important for you to be prepared in advance.

10. Don’t Feed the Pigeons (Italy)

Image Credit:gwenael.piaser

In Italy it is illegal to feed the pigeons. Ok, that’s a bit of a blanket statement. The rule actually has the potential to change from city to city. Make sure you leave the pigeons alone while you’re in Venice, though – the locals are tired of cleaning up pigeon poop. You’ll also want to avoid jumping into fountains, walking around without your shirt on (would you DO that as a tourist), and sitting on the sidewalk to eat your lunch. Fines range from a warning to monetary infractions anywhere from $50 to $600.

9. Eating in Public (United Arab Emirates)

Before you leave for the United Arab Emirates you’ll want to make sure you aren’t visiting during Ramadan. During that time you are not allowed to eat or drink in public during fasting hours (ie. daylight hours) at all. Think we’re kidding? Tourists have been fined up to $275 for drinking juice in public. Avoid public displays of affection as well unless you want to spend a few months in jail.

8. Don’t Pay in Change (Canada)

Ever have the urge to empty your piggy bank of quarters and run down to the corner store? Don’t do it in Canada. The Currency Act of 1985 prohibits consumers from using unreasonable amounts of coins to pay for purchases. This means you can’t pay for an item in all coins (especially if it’s over $10). Even the use of dollar-coins is limited. The shop owner has the right to choose whether or not he wants to take your coins but doesn’t have to.

7. Wash Your Car (Moscow)

Image Credit: lejgo_inc

In the beautiful city of Moscow it is illegal to drive a dirty car. The definition of dirty, however, is up in the air. Is a dirty car one on which you can draw pictures in the dust? Does it hide the license plate? Does it make the driver invisible? We suppose you’ll find out if the police poll you over but the fines tend to be whatever the police decide to charge you – unless, of course, you offer him a bit of cash.

6. Leave Your Headlights On (Denmark)

Image Credit:Sushanta Meh

Studies in Denmark have shown that vehicles with their headlights on are more noticeable by other drivers than those who have their headlights off. You’d think this law would apply to night driving but it doesn’t. Drivers here are required to leave their headlights on during the day as well or may face a fine of up to $100.

5. Don’t Stop on the Autobahn (Germany)

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You’ve heard of the Autobahn, right? The notorious German road where there are no speed limits? Make sure you fill your gas tank BEFORE you get on this daunting road. It’s illegal to pull over on the side of this road for any reason and, if you do, it’s illegal to get out and walk. You are, after all, endangering the lives of the people who are still driving at warp speeds.

4. Put Your Shirt On (Thailand)

Image Credit:travlinman43

In Thailand it is illegal to drive a car or motorcycle without a shirt on – regardless of how hot it is that day. Punishments range from verbal warnings to tickets costing about $10. This is no joke – the local police will pull you over.

3. Don’t Kiss Your Lover Goodbye (France and England)

Image credit:dannyman

Love died a little bit on April 5^th of 1910. Lovers spend so much time kissing each other goodbye at train stations that trains were actually running late. The law is relatively old, though, and really isn’t enforced today – in France, that is. In Warrington Bank Quay in England, however, you’ll be asked to move your goodbyes to the “kissing zone.”

2. Wear a Cover Up  (Grenada)

Image Credit: irina slutsky

The folks at Grenada really do have a point. Cruisers visiting the beaches for day excursions have taken to strolling city streets in nothing but their bathing suits. In order to reign in a sense of decency, the city has instituted a fine for those who aren’t wearing decent clothing off of the beaches. Fines can reach up to $270 but the local tourist boards would like you to believe that the law is not enforced. Perhaps its best to simply cover up rather than trying to find out for yourself.

1. No Gum Chewing (Singapore)

Those with gum chewing habits may want to call it quits before heading to Singapore. The government really wants to keep the city clean and will fine you for chewing gum, feeding the birds (it causes poop) and forgetting to flush a public toilet. The only legal gum you can chew is Nicorette but you have to get it from a doctor and they will give your name to government officials to confirm you’re allowed to have a wad in your mouth.

Image Credit:The Rocketeer

These aren’t the only strange laws around the world but they’re certainly worth noting. Make sure you do your research before leaving on your next trip. Better safe than sorry!

The Construction of El Camino del Rey

El Camino del Rey found itself under construction after local construction workers at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls realized they needed a way to cross from one waterfall to the other. Without a connecting walkway, workers would have to continue climbing down the side of one mountain and up the side of the other mountain. This was, obviously, a time consuming, tedious, and dangerous task.

Image Credit: goesberlin

The construction of the walkway officially began in 1901 and was not completed until four years later in 1905. The walkway itself is 3 feet 3 inches wide and stands approximately 985 feet above the river in the gorge below. Metal beams and wires pinned into the mountainside formed a base on which the concrete path was formed.

The majority of the walkway was built without any type of handle or guardrail on the outside edges, though some were added later. While El Camino del Rey was an improvement over previous mountain climbing escapades, its existence was not necessarily safe for all travelers.

Danger on El Camino del Rey

The pathway known as El Camino del Ray, or “the king’s little path,” was very popular for years after it opened. Over time, however, it fell into a state of disrepair and disarray as the concrete pathway began to disintegrate and crumble. Today there are large sections of walkway in which travelers must balance themselves on metal beams and wire in order to cross to the next “safe” section of the path.

Image Credit: Chris Juden

These climbers, of course, should not really be on El Camino del Rey. Local government officials permanently closed the entrances to El Camino del Rey after two accidents in 1999 and 2000 resulted in the loss of four lives. Determined tourists don’t seem to be deterred by the closed entrances, though. Climbers from all over the world continue to flock to the area for a glimpse of, or an experience on, the walkway.

Rediscovering El Camino del Rey

Image Credit: goesberlin

Curiosity aside, the walkway at El Camino del Rey is still the only shortcut between the two waterfalls and this is one of the main reasons that people continuously attempt to cross the path. In 2006 the local government decided to section off part of the budget so that the walkway could be repaired but as of today the walkway is still in disarray.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. If that’s true, a video must be worth 1,000,000. Several travelers have videoed themselves crossing El Camino del Rey and the resulting documentaries are as nauseating as they are astounding.

Why anyone would want to risk falling 980 feet to his death is beyond us but at the same time the up close views of both the walkway and the gorge are beyond breathtaking. Check it out for yourself (on video, we mean) and prepare to be amazed.

One phenomena that seldom makes the front page is the cumulative harmful effects of non-native and invasive animals under pressure from urban and suburban expansion. A threat to biodiversity, endemic fauna and flora and the relative peace and safety of the local populace, these insects, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles also throw a dent in tourism. So the next time you travel, be aware of your environs and for the love of God, do not feed the baboons.

Coqui frogs in Hawaii

Though small, the nocturnal call of the male coqui frog can hit 100 dB. Native to Puerto Rico, these unruly amphibian pests now run wanton in Hawaii.

Africanized honey bees in North America

Crossbred half a century ago in Brazil to increase honey yields but let out into the wild by a negligent keeper, the Africanized bee is now a persistent threat in North America. Known as the “killer bee”, the hybrid model is way more ruthless and hostile in the face of human encroachment than your average honey bee.

Baboons in South Africa

The Cape Peninsula of Cape Town, South Africa was a baboon habitat long before the presence of humans. Now however, co-existence has proven to be a difficult marriage. Crafty, aggressive and wired to display overt signs of dominance, the baboons of Cape Town roam parts of the city and peninsula like hungry packs of unruly hooligans.

Black bears in California and the Pacific Northwest

Though the symbol of California is the bear, admiration is best from afar. Far from cuddly, black bears in particular have been a major problem in the beautiful Lake Tahoe area and across the Pacific Northwest.

Red Imported Fire Ants

Pound for pound the most powerful and destructive lifeform in the world, ants rule the planet. The Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) has become a notorious and invasive pest in North America, Australia and Asia and by far the most unpopular export from South America. With a painful, indefatigable sting, no effective control agent has been found to combat the red devils.

Carp in the Mississippi River basin

A nuisance not only in the Mississippi River basin but soon perhaps, in the Great Lakes as well, grass, black, silver, and bighead carps have decimated water systems across the United States. Viral videos of their vertical leaps abound but the real problem with the carp is that other fish cannot compete with them for space and food.

Red fox in Australia

The portrayal of the red fox as underdog is a common theme but people in Australia curse the introduction of the animal in 1855. The feral fox is a major headache.

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Common brushtail possum in New Zealand

Common in Australia but not New Zealand, the brushtail possum drives Kiwis crazy with home and garden invasions and is a notorious conservation terror in the country.

Feral pigs in the United States

When domestic hogs escape, they go wild fast. Millions of feral pigs cause havoc and billions of dollars of property damage from North and South America, to Europe and Oceania.

Red-vented bulbul in the South Pacific

Few consider a bird to be a nuisance or invasive pest in the realm of a baboon or bear but the red-vented bulbul is public enemy number one in the South Pacific. From Fiji to Hawaii, the alien bird from India and Sri Lanka has done irreparable harm to the ecological balance. Again, a regrettable foreign introduction.

Brown tree snake in Guam

A clever and fierce predator, the brown tree snake came to Guam by mistake and with no discernible competition to thwart it, has single-handedly devoured the native bird population.

Zebra mussels in North America

One of the most destructive alien species on the planet, the zebra mussel should have never left the confines of the Black and Caspian Sea. Today the bivalve mollusk clogs the waterways of North America and parts of Europe, with economic damage in the range of $5 billion every year in the United States alone.

Tilapia

Ever popular as food, tilapia farms now run rampant. Smart and considerate consumers with some intel on sustainable seafood stay away from the fish but for all the good intentions in the world, tilapia has become omnipresent. Whether by accident or intentional, the once niche fish is a vile pest.

Asian tiger mosquito

Mosquitos suck no matter where they are or how they got there but one particular variety is infamous. Native to Southeast Asia, international travel over the past several decades has made many unfortunate souls around the world familiar with the Asian tiger mosquito. West Nile virus and Dengue fever are just two of the gifts the pest leaves behind.

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Discovering Lena Highway

Lena Highway, which runs along the Lena River, is a Russian Federation Highway responsible for guiding traffic from Moscow to Yakutsk. The highway itself is not your average highway. As a matter of fact, there’s no asphalt or concrete involved. It’s a simple dirt road that stretches over 600 miles.

A heavily traveled dirt road can, obviously, make life interesting. The safest time to travel on Lena Highway is during the winter months when the ground is frozen. The dirt highway is at its safest and motorists are allowed to travel up to 70kph (or 43mph).

During the summer months the road thaws and at least 1 meter of dirt on the surface melts down. The fact that the surface soil melts to mud so quickly makes it nearly impossible to cover the road with concrete or asphalt. When the summer rains arrive, however, the already unstable roads turn into one of the most disgusting muddy nightmares you’ll ever encounter.

Yakutsk – The Inaccessible City

Winter temperatures in Yakutsk are reported to be as low as -45 degrees Fahrenheit (-42 Celsius). The bitter cold hardens the road so that it is passable, but access to Yakutsk doesn’t last very long. Once the spring thaw arrives the roads change from a solid block of ice to a virtually impassible mud puddle.

Image Credit: ntx

Sadly, the only access to Yakutsk is by the Lena Highway. This means that during times of rain and flood, when the highway becomes impassable, the people of Yakutsk are virtually cut off from the rest of the outside world. There are no railroads passing through the city, so the only way to visit is by plane or boat – if you can afford to do so.

Image Credit: ntx

Even boat access is difficult. The Lena River can not be used by boats during the spring thaw because the loose chunks of ice pose a threat to passing boats. Winter melt-off causes the river to become turbulent, causing additional danger.

Danger on Lena Highway

It’s safe to say that visitors who wish to see Yakutsk are better off making the trip during the winter months. The summer temperatures in the Yakutia region can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), making it even easier for the rain to melt the dirt into a muddy mess.

We mentioned that it is impossible to put a standard concrete or asphalt covering on the Lena Highway but it’s only fair to mention that the government has tried to do so in the past. The melting causes significant damage to the road and repairs become virtually impossible. You can’t pour concrete during the winter because it will crack and during the summer months you can’t pour concrete over top of mud. It’s a lose-lose situation.

Those who do travel the Lena Highway during the summer months often find themselves stuck in major traffic jams caused by vehicles that have gotten stuck in the mud. Those who do get stuck are usually trapped for days as the traffic jam is unraveled one vehicle at a time. While reports currently confirm that no one has died because of the Lena Highway, fights and illness have been caused by individuals forced to sit in their cars for days without food and water. One woman, stuck on a tour bus, was even forced to give birth as she waited.

During the summer months the ferry runs along the Lena River with no concerns regarding ice and flooding. Those who live in Yakutsk, however, are relatively poor and don’t have the money to travel by boat. This means they’re forced to attempt a drive along the muddiest highway on earth – even though they know the dangers they face.

If you should be unlucky enough to find yourself traveling the Lena Highway during the summer months make sure you are prepared. A properly stocked car or truck includes food, extra fuel, steel tow-line cables, warm clothing and blankets, and sometimes even a firearm or two. Perhaps this is one site best viewed from afar instead of in person!