Places

South Carolina, the first state to declare independence from British rule and the first to secede from the Union, stretches from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Lowcountry, the mythic coastal region that includes Rhett Butler’s hometown. Four million people call South Carolina their home, and nearly one third of them are African American. The southern state hosts the third presidential primary—after New Hampshire, and Michigan—and in the past, has been instrumental in cementing candidates for both parties.

Native American stronghold, French fur-trapping territory, and birthplace of the automotive assembly line: the twin peninsulas of Michigan are now tourist magnets and high-tech hub, with a population divided along economic and political lines. But change—and divisiveness—is nothing new to the U.S.’s fourth most populous state.

New Hampshire’s state motto is famous: “Live free or die.” Residents of America’s 44th most populous state (and host to the nation’s first statewide primary elections) are proponents of living free, unfettered (with no sales or state income tax), and self-sufficient in their New England state full of rivers, mountains, small towns and colonial cities.

Australia has been and continues to be one of the most exotic destinations in the world. The “U.S. of the East,” the country boasts some of the most unique flora and fauna, more beaches than most countries can claim, an ancient aboriginal culture that still thrives and snowy mountains to boot. In this edition of Places we’ll explore Australia’s visually stimulating features and exciting culture, and along the way get the perspectives of travelers and natives.

Britain’s gateway to the Atlantic, Liverpool is home to a rich maritime and mercantile history, the winningest soccer club in England, and the most popular band in history. In 2008, it has the honor of being a European Capital of Culture, and it will use the year to show off its art, music, theater, literature, and architecture to the world.

After a string of occupations and shared power, Singapore declared its independence from Malaysia in 1965. The modern history of this small country, only 255 square miles, is about as busy as Singapore's major shopping attraction—Orchard Road on a Saturday; that is, very busy. 

Lao People’s Democratic Republic, more commonly known to Americans as Laos, is a Southeast Asian country roughly the size of Utah. With several close neighbors—it borders Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Burma and China to the north—and 50 years of French colonization, Lao culture has many influences and attracts visitors from around the world. It’s also full of young people: the country's median age is 19 years.

It is no surprise that Bali is the leading tourist destination in Indonesia: with white and volcanic beaches, rolling mountains, unparalleled weather, remarkable Hindu temples, and a vibrant culture, Bali is often mistaken for paradise.

A tiny, South Pacific island. Giant, mysterious stone statues. Civil war, famine, cannibalism, and cults. The collapse of a civilization. Is it any wonder that Easter Island, named by the first European to set foot on the island on Easter Sunday, 1722, continues to be a center of interest, conjecture, and tourism?

Brazil is the largest country in South America, fifth largest in the world, and the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas. It's home to famous natural wonders like the Amazon Rainforest in the north, a long coastline of beaches, and a mountainous region in the south. It's an ethnically diverse country of immigrants from several European countries, who have arrived intermittently since the Portuguese colonization in the 16th century, making Brazil one of the most vibrant tourist destinations. This week we're virtually touring the disparate climates and cultures of this enormous country, focusing on a uniquely Brazilian hotspot every day.

Amsterdam is a historic port city located near the River Amstel. It is best accessed by foot bridges due to its many canals. Beyond its natural beauty, Amsterdam has become a haven for art buffs and those who want to explore the city’s famous vices.

Budapest has become a bustling Central European city, especially since the 1989 downfall of the Communist government in Hungary. The Buda Castle Hill, Andrássy Avenue, and the hot mineral baths are some of its "gotta see" sites. Read on to discover the historic, intellectual, and recreational secrets of this European gem.

Palermo was founded on Sicily’s northwestern coast by Phoenician tradesmen in the 8th century bce. Later, the island came to be ruled by Romans, Normans, Arabs, and the Bourbon kingdom of Naples. Palermo's power and influence increased when the region of  Sicily became an autonomous region of Italy in 1947. However, this autonomy has been affected by organized crime, the Mafia, who remain a force to be reckoned with in the city.

The Orient Express route has changed numerous times, but it is best known for its run between Istanbul and Paris. Throughout the years, this luxurious railroad route has served as an important connector between Europe's major cities. It has also served as the backdrop for many films and novels, most notably Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.

U.S. territories are often ruled by their own civilian governments, yet they must adhere to applicable sections of the United States constitution. In the case of Puerto Rico, some residents enjoy their semi-sovereign status, while others would prefer a move towards statehood.

Located in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, a host of islands provide the perfect escape. Gibraltar, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba officially belong to the Western European nations of Great Britain, France, and Italy, but as you’ll see, these islands have a character and culture all of their own.

Located along the French Riviera, bounded by France on the north and Mediterranean Sea on the south, the Principality of Monaco has a reputation based on wealth—making money, spending it, and living the high life. Some of the world's most expensive and most luxurious yachts are moored in Monaco’s sparkling harbor. The world’s most densely populated country has a rich history; learn all about it here.

In its mid-century heyday, the luxe amenities and gorgeous views of the Empire Builder made it the gem of the now-defunct Great Northern Railroad Company. The current railroad route runs from Chicago, Illinois to either Spokane, Washington or Portland, Oregon. The entire trip takes about two days; with one train passing in each direction every day.

Along with European history and a rich cultural tradition, Montenegro boasts miles of Adriatic coastline. On May 21, 2006, the people of Montenegro voted for independence from Serbia. It is now a sovereign state and a recognized United Nations member.

Castelmezzano is located in the southernmost region of Italy, an area far less traveled than the northern cities of Milan, Florence, and Rome. Although it has remained under the tourism radar, this picturesque hamlet offers plenty to do, see, and eat.

Thailand is Southeast Asia's most popular tourist destination. Experience the ancient ruins, natural beauty, and exotic cuisine of this lively locale, without ever leaving your seat, via the Internet.

The peace and tranquility of the Welsh landscape belies a turbulent history of struggle against invaders. The evidence of this ongoing conflict can be seen in the multitude of fortifications and castles throughout the land. Today, these great structures add a touch of ancient mystery to modern Wales.

Ethiopia is Africa's oldest independent nation. Legend suggests that the powerful and beautiful Queen Cleopatra was Ethiopian. Apart from a five-year occupation by Italy during Mussolini’s time, it has never been colonized. Although more recently it has suffered civil strife, famine, and drought, Ethiopia clings to its cultural traditions and rich history.

All but the extreme South-Western area of Siberia lies in Russia. Almost all of the population lives in the South, near the famous Trans-Siberian Railway route. For those of us unwilling or unable to endure the Siberian climate, the Internet provides a multitude of images, videos, and informative articles. Read on the experience this desolate region from the comfort of your own home.

Tierra del Fuego means “Land of Fire” in Spanish. This archipelago is separated from mainland South America by the Strait of Magellan. The western half of the island is part of Chile, while the eastern half of the territory belongs to Argentina. The Strait is named for Ferdinand Magellan who in 1520 was the first European to pass by Tierra del Fuego. From his ship, Magellan saw the campfires (fuegos, in Spanish) of the natives, and believed that the "Indians" were waiting in the forests to ambush his armada. In fact, the people of the Yamana tribe lit the fires in order to ward off the chilly weather.

This Arctic archipelago, belonging to Norway, is an increasingly popular tourist destination; particularly for Europeans. The region, which lies north of mainland Europe, boasts more flora than you might think—though the recent increase in plant life might be the work of global warming. To learn more about this northern region’s climate and culture, read on.

Lapland, a region in northern Europe that belongs to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, is so far north that it lies within the Arctic Circle. The amount of sunlight per day varies greatly throughout the year. The sun doesn’t rise at all during the last two weeks of December; June is known as the time of the “midnight sun,” when daylight is continual. Although the area can get pretty chilly (-30 degrees centigrade in the wintertime), a rich cultural tradition and lots of outdoor sports make the area a popular tourist destination.

This coldest continent was also known as “Terra Australis Incognita” in the 17th century: the unknown southern land. Antarctica is still largely unexplored, but its delicate ecosystem is in danger. Read on to learn more about this region’s past, present, and future.

The Turks and Caicos (or TCI) comprise some 40 islands and cays, although only eight of them are inhabited. Officially a colony under the British Crown, the Turks and Caicos Islands are veritable ethnic melting pot.

Known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” Patmos is the location where Saint John the Apostle (also known as Saint John the Divine) was exiled and received a vision from God. This vision led to the book of Revelations in the New Testament. Today, the location of the prophecy, the Cave of Revelation/Apocalypse, is a sacred destination for many religious pilgrims. In addition to its biblical history, this Greek island boasts beautiful beaches, succulent seafood, and the whitewashed houses that are form the characteristic Aegean architecture.