Old Jails
A prison has got many a dark tales to tell, and this is precisely why prison tourism is high on the rise. Gone are the days when jails used to scare us. Tourists enjoy visiting those murky cells as much as they would love any other excursion during a vacation. Consequently, a massive number of abandoned prisons from all over the world have been turned into tourist spots and museums over the years and have had a lot of visitors till date. This blog enlists the top 10 prisons that you can visit.

Top Prisons in the World

Alcatraz, California

The United States Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island was a high-security federal prison from 1934 to 1963. The island is surrounded by high-current sea area which makes escape almost impossible. It has housed many famous convicts over the years and has been a subject of interest in movies too.

Alcatraz California

The prison tour has become so popular that it has to be booked in advance these days.

Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne, Australia

The Old Melbourne Gaol was constructed in 1839 and opened in 1845. In 1957, the National Trust of Australia converted the prison into a museum for preservation and engagement of tourists. The museum is now said to be haunted by paranormal enthusiast and also hosts personal events like parties and weddings too.

Old Melbourne Gaol Australia

Kalapani (Cellular Jail), Andaman Islands, India

This colonial prison situated in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, was used by the British to exile political prisoners back in the day. The prison was constructed between 1896 and 1906. After Indian independence, in 1969, it was made a national memorial and has ever since become a tourist interest for foreigners as well as mainland Indians.

Kalapani Andaman Islands India

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, Ireland

This prison was first built in the year 1796. It has seen in the imprisonment and execution of some of the big Irish leaders in the past. In the mid-1980s, the Irish Government turned it into a museum for preservation. Parts of famous movies like The Shawshank Redemption and The Italian Job were filmed here.

Kilmainham Gaol Dublin Ireland

Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnam

Hoa Lo meaning ‘fierce furnace’ or ‘Hell’s hole’ was built between 1886-1889 by the French. It was located in the French quarter of Hanoi, mainly to hold Vietnamese political prisoners and freedom fighters. By mid-1990s, most parts of it was demolished and the remaining was converted into a museum by the government. The demolished site, now has a 25-storey hotel apartment and many commercial complex buildings. The guillotine room still exists with original equipment used in olden days.

Hoa Lo Prison Vietnam

Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada

Originally called the Carleton County Gaol, is now a hostel operated by Hostelling International. The jail was built in 1862 and has witnessed many hangings and the staff have reported the haunting of the place by spirits of those hanged there. It remained a jail till 1972 after which it was converted into a hostel.

Ottawa Jail Hostel Canada

Karosta prison, Latvia

Constructed from 1890 to 1906, Karosta was a sea port prison which was a naval base for Russian Tsar Alexander III. It has now been converted into a gallery called K@2 Artist Center where many local and foreign artists come for inspiration. There are guided tours of the prison and gallery these days for the benefit of tourists.

Karosta prison Latvia

Port Arthur, Tasmania, Australia

It is a small town and previous convict settlement in Tasmania, Australia. Established in 1830, it started as a timber station and later became a convict settlement. In 1877, it was stopped being used as prison but it was in the 1970s, the National Park and Wildlife Service began managing the site. In 1987, it was preserved as a historic site and has had huge tourist attraction as ever since then.

Port Arthur Tasmania Australia

Seodaemun prison, Seoul, South Korea

It was opened in the year 1908, when Korea was a Japanese colony. It was used to house anti-colonial activists until 1945 when the colonial era ended. After that, until 1987, it was used as a prison by South Korean government, and later in 1992, it was converted into Seodaemun Prison History Park and henceforth, a tourist attraction.

Seodaemun Prison Seoul South Korea

Eastern State penitentiary, Philadelphia, U.S.A

Also known as ESP, it was opened in 1829 and was used till 1971. It covers an area of 11 acres, it has a dark and gloomy atmosphere which has been shot in several films and television series and was also used as inspiration for play station game interface.

Eastern State penitentiary Philadelphia

After 1965, it is currently a U.S National Historic Landmark, preserving one of the oldest modern-day prison buildings in the country.

Top 10 Prisons That You Can Visit

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Miami Florida Vacation
Summers, it is. Vacation time for all of us; Hurrah! Here is a beyond-conventional list of some of the lesser-known summer vacations destinations from around the world. Hope you enjoy the trip! Bon Voyage!

Summer Vacations

Valley of Fire State Park, Utah

Valley of Fire State Park  Utah

Utah is known for its incredible landscapes, and Valley of Fire State Park is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of that beauty. Hike, picnic and check out centuries-old Indian petro-glyphs, all while you bask in endless red and orange sandstone formations.

Metéora, Greece

Metéora Greece

Metéora, Greece offers tourists a unique marriage of religion, history and natural beauty. Perched atop enormous sandstone pillars are ancient monasteries that have withstood the test of time. Whether you love history or hiking, you’ll have a blast in the Greek region.



Makepeace, Australia

Makepeace Island Australia

This heart-shaped island is called Makepeace, and it’s actually owned by Sir Robert Branson and Brett Godfrey. Located off Australia’s Sunshine Coast, the private island has offered luxury lodging packages for less than five years. Spanning just 25 acres, it’s said to be one of the world’s most romantic destinations.

Huacachina, Peru

Huacachina Peru

Talk about a desert oasis! Nestled in the deserts of southern Peru, Huacachina is the perfect destination for adventurous souls. While sand-boarding and dune buggy tours are the norm, visitors can also head to the nearby village of Paracas to see Humbolt penguins, seals, and other wildlife.

Mont Saint Michel, France

Mont Saint Michel France

Mont Saint Michel is an island commune off the northwestern coast of France in Normandy. Full of restaurants, shops, a museum and a centuries-old abbey, the island contains everything you need for a great visit.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Whitsunday Islands  Australia

Australia’s Whitsunday Islands offer the perfect escape for sailors and beach bums alike. In this tropical yet offbeat group of islands, tourists can snorkel and experience a variety of wildlife. Of the 74 separate islands, a number are still largely undeveloped, so you’ll be in for a quiet and relaxing trip.

Mount Lingyun, China

Mount Lingyun China

The world’s largest Buddha can be found on Mount Lingyun’s Xiluo Peak in China. Standing about 230 feet tall, the statue is one of many religious artifacts in the area.

Skellig Michael, Ireland

Skellig Michael Ireland

Even when it comes to surprising vacation destinations, Skellig Michael, an island off the coast of Ireland, is pretty unknown. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is home to a well-preserved monastic outpost from the Early Christian period. While lodging isn’t available on the island itself, nearby accommodations offer more views of Ireland’s gorgeous coastline.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salt Flats Reflection Bolivia

Despite being one of the coolest places on Earth, Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia) hasn’t become overcrowded by jostling tourists. The expanse of salt flats is the result of a prehistoric lake drying up, leaving behind mineral lakes and more salt than you can imagine. For the best experience, we recommend you stay at the Palacio de Sal Hotel, a luxury resort where everything---walls, ceilings, sculptures---is made of salt.

Flowerpot Island, Ontario

Flowerpot Island Ontario

Situated just four miles off the coast of Tobermory, Ontario, Flowerpot Island is known for its caves and natural sea-stacks, which are called “flowerpots.” Whether you take a cruise, stay in a motel or commute from further inland, natives recommend bringing a bag lunch, as Flowerpot Island’s clear waters and beautiful landscape provide the ideal location for a picnic.


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Risky Road Trips
Nothing feels as good as a road trip; beautiful views, restful days, discovering new places, all of these combine in a harmonious unison to lift your spirits. But maybe you’re the sort of strange cookie who finds that a tad boring. You prefer your panoramic views with a few spoons of hair-raising adrenalin.

Dangerous Road in the world

What makes a road an adventure? Narrow gravel tracks perched precipitously on mountainsides certainly up the ante. As do roads so far away from civilization that taking survival supplies is mandatory. Then there are routes that you must time right, or you’ll wish you’d taken a boat instead.

Rohtang Pass, India
Risk: landslides

Rohtang Pass, India

The Rohtang sits at about 4,000m over India. It’s only open from May to November and is so dangerous the Government of India is building an 8.8km tunnel as an alternative.

Zojila Pass, India 
Risk: altitude, livestock

Zojila Pass, India

Dodge livestock in India. This strisp of rock is not the place for a Sunday drive. It’s better suited to a Mars Rover than any manned vehicle. It is 9km long, about 3,500m above sea level and provides an important link between Ladakh and Kashmir.

Yungas Road, Bolivia
Risk: going off the edge

Yungas Road, Bolivia

The very good news about this dirt road is that you don’t have to take it. Back in the ’90s before an alternative and safer road was built, it was identified as the most extremely dangerous road in the world. Only thrill-seeking adventurers use it now. The thin road climbs jungle-clad mountains to a height of 4,650m, winding and turning all the while with nauseatingly deep canyons below.

Dalton Highway, Alaska
Risk: Get food and survival supplies (compulsory)

Dalton Highway, Alaska

Feel like getting away from civilization? Then this is the highway for you. Few roads in the world offer the degree of isolation as The James W. Dalton Highway. Make sure you pack plenty of supplies because there are only three villages along this 666km road through the wilderness. Linking Fairbanks and oil fields to the north, huge trucks are its main traffic. Giving them right of way is one of road rules; the other is taking survival supplies and knowing how to use them.

Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Risk: tight driving

Guoliang Tunnel Road, China

Probably one the most famous tunnels in the world, the 1.2km long, 4m wide Guoliang Tunnel Road requires monk-like focus to drive. Even one mistake, locals say, means big trouble in little China.

Tianmen Mountain Road, China
Risk: The Picture says it all!

Tianmen Mountain Road, China

Located in China’s fantasy world-like Tianmen Mountain National Park, this road has 99 bends as it winds 11km up to an elevation of 1,300m.

Passage de Gois, France
Risk: does your car have a snorkel?

Passage de Gois, France

Take your truck for a swim in France. Pack an inflatable boat for driving this 4.3km road because just say for some crazy reason you mix up the tide times, then – like vehicles in the past – you might disappear beneath the salty brine. Located on France’s Atlantic coast, the road floods twice daily with incoming tides and as the tides go out slippery seaweed is left all over it.

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan
Fun fact: Highest paved road in the world

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

It's the road to paradise – if you like exploring the mountains, that is. It's also the road David Lama took on his way to climb Masherbrum, regarded as one of the world's hardest alpine climbs.

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Couple Enjoying the Sunset
No two sunsets are ever the same, they say. Whether it’s the colors, the clouds, or the scenery each one has something unique about it and you will know how and why. We have assorted some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world; every single one of these stands out in their own ways. There is nothing more romantic than a walk with your girl, hand in hand, in a lovely backdrop of the setting sun.


Scroll down to find out what propels us to make such claims.

The Serengeti, Tanzania

Serengeti Tanzania

Loved watching the Lion King? Well, watch is here for real! This picturesque location provides the perfect setting that will appear almost like you are in person in the Lion King show from your childhood days. And in case you are lucky enough, you might even get to see some gigantic elephants and the famous African rhinos silhouetted against the sunset? Can afford to miss? We bet, not!

Canals of Amsterdam

Canals of Amsterdam

What could be more romantic than watching the sun doing down over some intricately laid bridges arching over those dreamy canals? Amsterdam has over 400 of them. There is no way you would miss out on the beautiful European sunset while in Amsterdam.

Mount Haleakala, Hawaii

Mount Haleakala Hawaii

This dormant Hawaiian volcanic mountain that goes by the name of Haleakala shines brilliantly like a gemstone on a blackened landscape when the setting sun’s rays rush across its steep slopes. Can anything be more ethereal?

Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Grundarfjordur  Iceland

This small Icelandic town, situated between a mountain range and a lava field, makes for some intense background scenery where you can watch the sun fall below the horizon in the most dramatic way possible.

Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles

Santa Monica Pier Los Angeles

Well, this one is my personal favorite. There is nothing more pleasant than to sit on the beach watching people with the lights of a Ferris wheel reflecting off of the breaking waves under the sunset. What’s more? You can even play some miniature golf as well! There is more to this California sunset. Visit and find out!

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal India

There is more to this Indian architectural marvel than a clear blue sky with lots of tourists. This beautiful marble monument has been an eye-candy for millions of tourists who have been streaming in just to have a sight of this marvelous world wonder. Taj Mahal is as beautiful in the night as it is in the day, but what you shouldn’t miss is the sun setting in the backdrop of this amazing monument; just make sure you have the camera handy!

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Spain

Spain isn’t just about bullfights and guitars. Looking out from El Carmel Hill across all of the colorful rooftops towards the ocean makes for one of the most colorful and unique sunsets in this European city. There is a lot to relinquish yourself to here, but what you should make a point never to miss is this exquisitely beautiful sunset that will take your breath away, nonetheless!

Lake Annecy, French Alps

Lake Annecy French Alps

One of the most popular European tourist destination, the Lake Annecy high up in the French Alps has been voted Europe’s cleanest lake, which isn’t too hard to believe when you see the setting sun’s rays reflecting off the water. The clear blue waters get well along with the setting sun to create an aura that you take you to dreamland, we bet!

Ayers Rock, Australian Outback

Ayers Rock Australia

Also known as Uluru, Ayers Rock enjoys the reputation of being the largest monolith in the world. It’s so big that as the clouds move across the sky at sunset they reflect its orange and red colors. Wonder why we so love the sunset here? The orange is something you seldom get to see elsewhere. Give it a try; you will be glad you did!

The Florida Keys

Florida Keys

Tired of downloading wallpapers? The Florida Keys gives you the perfect shot of some of the most exquisite landscape pictures you will ever click. You can have your own personal wallpapers now. Every night on Key West there is a sunset festival where visitors and locals alike gather to watch fire breathers, acrobats, and artists perform as the sun goes down over the water. There is nothing more your girl will love than a romantic walk in a heavenly backdrop as this one.

Best Places to Watch the Sunset around the World- I

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Tropical Paradise
Now, who on earth doesn’t love the tropical sands? I am sure not many hands would be raised. A tropical getaway is something we all look forward to, and there is no way as to why anyone would give it a pass given the chance to relinquish on these tropical heavens. For a beach lover, the sun and the sand go hand in hand, and there’s nothing that would stop him from returning to these paradises over and over again. The main purpose of a beach getaway, besides pure vacationing, is to elude the winters and the warm sandy beaches and balmy ocean waters serve the purpose just right.

Beach Sunset

Below is a list of the top five islands and beaches in the world where people can sit back, relax, enjoy the sun, and wonder if they really should board that flight home. Here we go.

Bali

Bali, by far, is a beach lover’s “Mecca”. Voted consecutively as one of the best islands in the world;

Bali Beach

Bali boasts of ample space for any volumes of tourists, and abundant array of activities, dirt-cheap accommodation, and of course, the grandest of beach parties. There also is a volcano you can climb, in addition to the countless temples that you should visit. So as to say, Bali has it all! You would certainly love the weather there which remains pretty constant throughout the year (though the BEST time to visit is November through March).

Bali Sunset

And as you keep moving north, away from the tourist centers, the island gradually transpires to be the most peaceful abodes you will ever dwell in!

Seychelles

Conquering the second place on the list will be none other than the Seychelles. Located off the east coast of Africa, these islands are what you will call pure paradise.

Seychelles Beaches

Perfect white sandy beaches, serene clear blue water, and an archipelago of islands to choose from with all the quiet times you want; Seychelles make your dream vacation come true sans the slightest bit of compromise. Though these islands are likely to break your bank, but that’s the price you would willingly pay for a bite of paradise.

Seychelles Beaches -1024x640

We would recommend visiting Seychelles from May through September which is considered the coolest season in these islands, and when it pours less.

Maldives

Game for some amazing snorkeling or do you wish to simply soak up the sun? Diving seems a fun idea, as well?

Maldives Beach

Well then, there is no better place to be than the Maldives; these mind-boggling coral islands will leave you smitten with all the fun-filled activities coupled with some of the most exquisite landscapes (or waterscapes, we would rather call it) you will ever come to terms with. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, as many as 1000 islands combine to cluster up the Maldives, of which only 5 sees substantial population.

Maldives Sunset

The friendly locals and the pleasant weather being the best things about these islands, we would recommend travelling during November through May for the best Maldives holiday venture, when the weather is cool and dry. Spoil yourself in the luxury of any of the private resorts that litter across these islands; Bangkok Airways provide cheap flights to and from Thailand.

Ko Lipe

Tired of living the same humdrum everyday life? Well then, time it is for you to pack your bags, throw your cell phone away and fly to this exquisite Thai island of Ko Lipe where life oozes from every nook and corner of this heaven on earth.

Ko-Lipe

Super-friendly locals and some finger-licking good seafood recipes make this island the vacationer’s paradise. But it doesn’t just end here. Even though the accommodation here is pretty basic meanwhile, you will live it off sans the complaint with some amazing snorkeling opportunities, when you might even be able to spot a few reef sharks! Clear, warm water and white sandy beaches will never make you willing to board the flight back home.

Ko-Lipe Beach

All you need to do is to take a boat from Pak Bara and resign yourself to a vacation you will never forget for a lifetime. Best time to visit this island is October through March when the monsoons had passed.

Fiji

Yet another cluster of some of world’s most beautiful islands is the Fijian Islands (Fiji) located some 1100 nautical miles northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. This island country brings together as many as 322 islands of which only a third are inhabited. While most of the action can be witnessed in western islands, but regardless of where you go, Fiji is sheer heaven.

Fiji

As it is, just the name is enough to give you a glimpse of beaches and the tropically warm waters of this cerulean paradise- and this comes with a reason, too. Fiji is one of the best beaches you will go to, and with so many islands around, you are bound to find one you will like. Fiji has been the idea destination among young people, honeymooners, and lovebirds since time immemorial, and there is always something for everyone- young or old, alike.

Fiji Beach

The temperature here remains constant throughout the year, making it the perfect island getaway all round the year.

So. We have, in this article, put forth some of the best tropical islands in the world with a view to helping you out in choosing the ideal island getaway. But the list doesn’t end here. Make sure to check the sequel article as we bring in more tropical island holiday ideas for you to savor.

Tropical Paradises That Will Take Your Breath Away- I

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