Amazing cities around the world…. Starting with C

Take an adventure with Travelling King through this series, showing you all the wonderful cities of the world from A to Z.

We have joined up with countless amazing Travel Bloggers throughout this series to come up with some great experiences about these cities.

We will tell you why we love these cities, what we love doing and suggest a few places to stay. Lets continue on with cities around the world starting with C.

See the previous Amazing cities around the world.

Canberra (Australia)

Canberra is the capital city of Australia (most people tend to think its Sydney or Melbourne), its also the heart of Australia culture and history, including Australia’s war history. I always thought Canberra would be a little boring as its all about politics, it’s not a travel destination like Sydney or Melbourne but I had so much fun in Canberra!!!!

Things you have to see and do in Canberra, The National Gallery of Australia, Glassworks Factory (aka Your Own hot glass experience – so much fun!), walk along the Anzac Parade and of course the Australian War Memorial and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a hike up Mount Ainslie or come face to face with one of the friendly Cheetahs at the Canberra Zoo. 

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Canberra
Fact
The residents of the city call themselves Canberrans

Laws
– It is illegal to wear hot pink pants after midday Sunday.
– It is illegal to roam the streets wearing black clothes, felt shoes and black shoe polish on your face as these items are the tools of a cat burglar.
– Lawmakers are proposing a new law that will not allow anyone to come closer than 100 meters from a dead whale’s carcass.

Read more on Canberra:

• All the hippest and hottest places to eat in Canberra 
• Comprehensive weekend guide to Canberra – What to see and do, Where to go and Where to stay?

Cuenca (Ecuador)

Dyanne from TravelnLass tells us about Cuenca

To be sure, it is those legendary Galapagos isles off the coast of my adopted country (Ecuador) that are on most everyone’s travel bucket list (and I can show you how to do them on the c.h.e.a.p.: “Cheap Galapagos? Yup, Youbetcha!”).  But…

I must say, your visit to Ecuador really isn’t complete until you’ve headed up to my beloved hood: the enchanting mountain-top town of Cuenca. At 8,000+ feet, Cuenca’s climate is a perfect springtime year-round.

That doesn’t even begin to address the beauty of this cobbled-street town – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Furthermore,  it’s a most walkable city with plenty of unique things to do for families, backpackers and seniors alike.

For starters, there’s the iconic blue domes of the New Cathedral – the centerpiece of this 500 year old colonial town. And just steps away you can buy a dozen fresh roses (for $6!) at Cuenca’s premier outdoor flower market (voted number ONE in the ENTIRE WORLD by National Geographic!) Indeed, just wandering amid the cobbled lanes of Cuenca is a never-ending treat, and if you’re lucky – most any week, you’ll likely bump into a festive parade or full-blown festival during your visit.

Secret Travel Tip:

If you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience in Cuenca – head to “Rotary Market” for an aromatic “shamanic cleansing ritual”. There, for just $2 the indigenous lasses will plop you down on a tiny stool, pat you with aromatic herbs from head to toe, rub a whole chicken egg along your extremities and smudge your forehead with a cross of charcoal – all the while chanting soft “shhh-shhh-shhh” sounds. While the chicken egg treatment might seem dubious, trust that the aromatherapy alone is most refreshing. And you’ll surely not soon forget this authentic local experience.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cuenca:
Facts
– Ecuador is the closest country to space.
– Ecuador has the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
– Charles Darwin developed his theory of coral atolls in the Galapagos Islands.

Laws
– Speeding in Cuenca, Ecuador, can land you up to 3 days in jail.
– There are no copyright laws in Ecuador

Chiang Mai (Thailand)

Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi tells us about Chiang Mai

I’ve loved Chiang Mai ever since hearing about it when I used to play online poker where players would go for the cheap cost of living. It sounded so great, yet it was a few years until my first trip to Chiang Mai happened. Five days in 2012. From 2012 until now I’ve found myself coming back consistently for the love of scooters, adventure, friends, food and the low cost of living.

I really like staying in the Santitham area, Northwest of the Old City. It’s close to the ‘cool’ Nimman area where all the trendy cafes and restaurants are yet there are fewer people in Santitham, for now. Santitham itself is starting to gain in popularity and has some great cafes in its own right, all with a slightly lower cost as well.

In Chiang Mai there’s nothing better to me than getting a few friends together and heading off on a mission. Getting to the top of Doi Suthep, Pha Chor and Chiang Dao are vivid memories. But there is just so many things to do in Chiang Mai itself (beyond food) I could never be bored here. Don’t forget to check out the best bar, Bus Bar!

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Chiang Mai:
Facts
– Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, after Bangkok
– Chiang Mai means ‘New City’
– Chiang Mai city area has over 300 Buddhist temples
– Chiang Mai is the main base from which to do a Hill-Tribe trek with over 800,000 people living in the surrounding hills

Laws
– It’s against the law to throw used chewing gum onto the sidewalk in Thailand, and you’ll be fined $600 if you’re caught. If you don’t pay, you’ll be thrown in jail.
– It’s illegal to drive a car in Thailand if you’re not wearing a shirt

Where to stay in Chiang Mai
Baan Klang Wiang
BED Phrasingh Hotel
‪Akyra Manor Chiang Mai

Read more on Chiang Mai:

• Places to stay in Chiang Mai 
• Budget Guide to Chiang Mai– What To See and Do!
• 6 Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Cairns (Australia)

Cairns is located in tropical North Queensland and is considered the gateway to the famous Australian Great Barrier Reef. We recently spent a weekend in Cairns, touring the Great Barrier Reef, the Sky rail forest or headed out of cairns a few hours to check out the world famous Daintree forest.

Cairns is ideal for foodies, the Esplanade is lined in bars and restaurants for all budgets and tastes plus you get a beautiful view of the bay and busy green mountains.

Cairns is such a laid back city, everyone you meet is supper happy and super friendly and why wouldn’t you be when its nice and warm all year round and have the best views of the mountains and the reef!

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about
Facts
– The town of Cairns was created over the site of a sea-slug fishing camp when gold was found to the north in 1876.
– Today, Cairns is most popular as a base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands.

Read more on Queensland Aust:

• 9 Things to do at Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast
• 2 day itinerary to Magnetic Island Queensland
• Get to Magnetic Island before the crowds discover this Tropical Paradise
• Where to stay in the Gold Coast
• Rumba Beach Resort Caloundra – Hotel review
• Where to stay in Caloundra

Cagliari (Sardinia – Italy)

Claudia from My Adventures Across the World tells us about Cagliari

For as much as I love traveling, I came to the conclusion that there is no place on earth that I love as much as Cagliari – my birthplace, my home and the city I love returning to. The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari enjoys a privileged position. It is right by the sea and at a stone’s throw from the most amazing beaches one could wish, and at the same time it is close to the mountains and some incredible hiking trails.

Cagliari is packed with museums; incredible archeological sites sit right in the city centre; there’s a bunch of lovely parks – including Molentargius, a nesting place for pink flamingoes and perfect for a bike ride; and the tiny alleys of La Marina, Villanova, Stampace and Castello quarters are perfect for an afternoon stroll. There are some incredible restaurants (fish and seafood here are to die for) and lots of places to hang out at night.

One of the things I enjoy the most in Cagliari is having a sunset drink at one of the terrace bars of Castello, enjoying a spectacular view of the city and the bay.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cagliari:

Facts
– Could Sardinia be the Lost City of Atlantis? Some scholars seem to think so. Italian journalist Sergio Frau floated the theory in a book and scholars recently met in Rome to discuss the theory.
– Asinara National Park, a 20 square mile island off the coast of Sardinia, is home to a colony of 250+ albino miniature donkeys.

Read more on Cagliari:

• Places to Stay in Cagliari

Cartagena (Colombia)

Ken from Dodgy Knees tell us about Cartagena 

Colombia is quickly emerging from decades of conflict and isolation as a must visit destination in South America. And Cartagena is the star of the Colombian tourist industry. It sits on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Spanish founding of the city was in 1533. You can easily spend a couple of days exploring the Centro Historico.

An extensive set of walls was built around the city along with, what became, the largest and most impregnable fort in Latin America the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. You can walk the walls for free and a visit the Castillo is essential.

The Cartagena hop on hop off bus is very worthwhile. The circuit takes around 1.5 hours and cruises through both the old and newer, upmarket parts of the city. You can get on and off as often as you like over a 24 hour period, So, if you start at 3.00pm one afternoon you have until 3.00pm the next day

One of the other major attractions is a trip to the nearby archipelago of islands known as Islas Rosarios. Various companies run day tours from Cartagena.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cartagena:
Facts
– Colombian’s have a custom of putting pieces of cheese in one’s hot chocolate..
– Donkey porn sold on the street (right….)
– Store mannequins have huge boobs
– You can pay a guy to electrocute you

Laws
– It is illegal to wash your car in the street.
– One day of the year, no personal cars are allowed, people can only use public transportation.
– It is illegal to cross in front of a car with its engine running.

Read more on Cartagena:

• The Ultimate Guide to Colombia
• 10 Places to Visit in Colombia
• Top 10 Beaches in Colombia
• Areas to stay in Cartagena
• The Ultimate Guide to Cartagena

Cinque Terre (Italy)

Gabriela from Travco tells us about Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is an awesome collection of beach towns along the coast of Italy that is only a couple hour train ride away from Florence. Cinque Terre is the perfect getaway for everyone featuring attractions for culture lovers, food lovers, beach lovers, and hike lovers.

Each town features brightly colored coastal homes that are built right into the cliffs and you quickly go from bustling street markets to quiet streets that seem to climb at a straight 90 degree angle.

Then, when you’re ready for a change of pace you can hop on a bus, or better yet, a hiking trail, and visit the next town. When I visited, it was the dead of summer so the hike between cities was exhausting and sweltering.

But the views of the coast were well worth it, and it made the eventual dive into the ocean that much better. If you visit, make sure you are prepared with plenty of water and comfortable walking shoes.

Don’t let the talk of excessive crowds dissuade you, the coast is plenty big for all visitors and the hiking trails are pretty empty so you won’t have to feel pressured to maintain anyone else’s pace..

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cinque Terre:
Fact:
– Cinque Terre is a plural phrase & means “five lands.”
– You should avoid driving in the Cinque Terre (due to the windy roads)
– Anchovies are a common menu item in the Cinque Terre.

Law:
– No cars are allowed in the town centre.
– In Italy, a court recently declared that men are not allowed to touch their own genitals in public, however the pinching of a woman’s behind is not illegal.

Read more on Cinque Terre:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Cinque Terre
• 48 Hours in Cinque Terre – 2 Day Itinerary
• 17 Things to do in Cinque Terre
• Best Places To Stay in Cinque Terre

Cusco (Peru)

Dan from Real World Holidays tells us about Cusco

It’s hard to think of a more unusual city than Cusco. For starters, it’s way up in the Andes at over 10,000ft (3,000m) above sea level. Then, you’ve got the fact that Cusco was the capital of the ancient Inca Empire and they – naturally – laid the city out in the shape of a jaguar. As you do. Then, of course, it’s chock full of both original Inca buildings and the Spanish colonial mansions and churches which were built next to or even on top of the Inca walls. There really is nowhere like it on earth, and if you’re a history fan like me you can spend hours wandering and soaking it all up.

The streets around the main Plaza de Armas can get very busy (Cusco is the jumping-off point for Machu Picchu) but you can find areas like the arty San Blas quarter where you can get some peace and quiet and enjoy spectacular views over the city. I also love visiting the huge market where you can get great food for $1, buy everything from alpaca hats to coca leaves. Having bought both I can tell you that I’d rather eat an alpaca hat than chew any more coca leaves….

Many people don’t hang around in Cusco in their hurry to get to Machu Picchu, but they’re missing out on one of the world’s most interesting cities. The food is great, the nightlife is as legendary as you’d expect from one of the major stops on South America’s backpacking circuit, and if you find the right place to stay, you might end up here for rather longer than you anticipated!

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cusco
Facts
– Cuy or Guinea Pig is a traditional dish eaten in Peru during important festivals, and is served crispy complete with head, legs and eyes.
– Peru is home to the highest sand dune in the world. Cerro Blanco located in the Sechura Desert near the Nazca Lines measures 3,860 feet (1,176 meters) from the base to the summit.

Read more on Peru:

• Pretty Peru: Make Your Trip To South America Unforgettable!
• 2 days in Cusco Peru
• The Ultimate Guide to Peru
• Places to Stay in Lima
• Areas to Stay in Cusco

Cloverdale in Sonoma County, CA

Elia tells us about Cloverdale in Sonoma County, CA

Recently named one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns,” Cloverdale is located approximately 30 miles north of San Francisco and has something instore for everyone.

Visitors can catch a musical at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center or kayak and canoe in Cloverdale River Park. My favorite part of Cloverdale has to be Main Street where you can find amazing stores, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and, most importantly, tasting rooms.

With some of the best wineries and vineyards right next door, it would be wrong for a traveler not to grab a glass. I especially love Cloverdale for the breath-taking views and scenery.

The beautiful view below was taken from Sky Pine Vineyard. I would recommend Cloverdale for a relaxing family trip or even a girlfriend getaway!

Cozumel (Mexico)

John D from Red Hot Cruise & Travel tells us about Cozumel, Mexico.

Located 60 kilometers south of Cancun, the island of Cozumel has become a spectacular travel destination filled with ancient history, underwater ecosystems, beaches and resorts. As the largest Mexican Atlantic island, Cozumel has flourished in tourism since building a large airport in 1970. To account for the rise in tourism, the people of Cozumel have made great efforts to learn English.

The island’s main tourist attraction has been its coral reef, which is popular for scuba diving. Back in 1959, the famous marine biologist Jacques Cousteau called The Palancar coral reefs (located on the southern side of the island) “one of the most special places to scuba dive in the world.” In 1990, a deep water pier was developed to allow cruise ships to dock. As a result, major cruise lines like Norwegian, Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean and MSC have been cruising to Cozumel on a regular basis.

Most of the island’s residents live on the western side of the island in the town of San Miguel where the population is about 72,000. Outside of the town, ancient ruins which were built in the Post-Classic period (100-1500 A.D.) are scattered throughout the island. These include the San Gervasio ruins, several ancient Mayan temples, and a variety of Olmec-style artifacts. The eastern side of the island is where most resorts and beaches are found including Playa de San Martin, Playa Bonita and Playa El Mirador.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cozumel:
Fact
– Despite having its own water purification plant, the island’s water is not safe to drink.. Bottled water is commonly used for food preparation, drinking and ice making.
– In Mayan it is known as the Island of the Swallows

Law
– Boneshakers, safety bicycles, and any other similar machines are banned from the center of town.
– Bicycle riders may not lift either foot from the peddles, as it might result in a loss of control.
– No fireworks may be thrown by hand during Holy Week.

Chicago (Illinois)

Anna from Weekend Jetsetter tells us about Chicago

Chicago is known for its amazing architecture, and one of the best ways to see the city is via an architecture boat tour of the Chicago River, which can be done by kayak (for the more adventurous) or barge.

The city’s river walk is also almost complete, and it’s perfect for an afternoon stroll, dinner and drinks with a number of restaurants and bars serving up live music and great people-watching.

In addition to the downtown area, Chicago has a number of really cool neighbourhoods to explore, from the up-and-coming West Loop, which has tons of cool bars and restaurants, to Wicker Park, Chicago’s hipster haven, and Lakeview, one of the prettiest neighbourhoods bordered by Lake Michigan shoreline to the east.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Chicago
Fact
– The name Chicago comes from the Algonquin word “Chicagou” or “Shikaakwa,” which translates to “onion field” or “wild garlic.”
– The Chicago River flows backwards.
– Chicagoans can’t resist messing around with their river. On St. Patrick’s Day, the Plumbers Union dyes it a bright shade of Irish green and every summer the Special Olympics holds a fundraiser where tens of thousands of rubber ducks race down the waterway.

Law (some crazy ones!)
– It is against the law to have sex with a corpse in Illinois
– Those under 21 can drink legally, but they must be enrolled in a culinary program to do so
– Law forbids eating in a place that is on fire.
– It is forbidden to fish while sitting on a giraffe’s neck.
– It is illegal to give a dog whiskey.
– Kites may not be flown within the city limits.
– In the Pullman area, it is illegal to drink beer out of a bucket while sitting on the curb.

Read more on Chicago:

• 15 Exciting Things to Do in Chicago
• 11 of the Best Boat Tours in Chicago

Cancun (Mexico)

Randy from Travel Yucatan tells us about Cancun.

Cancun is Mexico’s most visited destination for a good reason. It fulfills nearly all prerequisites for most travelers around the world. Visitors find outstanding beaches with lots of sunshine throughout the year and adventure to boot.

A week visiting Cancun will change a perspective on how people think of Mexico. It is safe, friendly, affordable, and offers so many fun things to do that a week will just get the feet wet enough to want more.

Start a visit with squashing soft white-sand through your toes while enjoying the mesmerizing blue Caribbean waters steps from nearly all hotels. Take a dip into the calm ocean waters and relax on a lounge chair while being served your favorite beverage.

For something unique, visit the underwater museum of art close to the island of Isla Mujeres known as MUSA . Viewing can be done by glass-bottom boat, scuba diving, or snorkeling.

For adventure, visit the underworld experience of Xplor. Underground caves, ziplines, amphibious vehicles and stalactite rivers make up some of the days experience here.

If these don’t fulfill your fancy consider world-class golfing, famous Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza, swimming in fresh water cenotes, world-class scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, swimming with whale sharks (seasonal), and the list goes on..

For visitors that enjoy dancing the night away, Cancun has many of the most exciting nightclubs in the world. Nightclubs not your thing, but nightlife is, check out a Joya, an energetic Circue du Soleil show. Visiting with a family, try one of the nighttime pirate shows guaranteed to entertain the young ones.

It wouldn’t be right to not mention the culinary options in Cancun. Visitors will not be disappointed with the options and quality of restaurants throughout. From local to luxury visitors have a plethora of dining choices.

Cancun not only starts with a “C”, making for a good reason to be included on this list, but should be on the list of “wonderful cities around the world”!

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cancun
Fact
– Before the city acquired its current name, Cancún was called Ekab, meaning “Black Earth”. Cancún is the Mayan word for “nest of serpents” or “snake pit.
– Mayan ruins can be found in Cancun’s hotel zone. The archaeological site of El Rey is the largest site in the hotel zone, and it is located near Hilton Cancun Beach & Golf Resort
– Cancun’s beaches have white sand, which is made from crushed coral
– Scuba divers flock to Cancun, and the surrounding area, for the opportunity to dive the Great Maya Barrier Reef, which is the second largest coral reef in the world. Only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is larger.

Read more on Cancun:

• Places to stay in Cancun
• 3 Day Itinerary for Cancun
• 9 of the Best Beaches in Cancún
• Tipping guide for Cancun
• 9 of the Best Cenote Tours from Cancun

Cadiz (Spain)

Nicola from Spain Holidays tells us about Cadiz

The city of Cadiz is one of the most beautiful places to see in Spain with its impressive Cathedral and historical monuments. It was from here that Columbus originally set sail for America and it is said to be the oldest city in Europe.

Cadiz is located in southwestern Spain. Built on a narrow spit of land, Cadiz is accessed by a single road over the sea, which gives a sense of drama to visitors.

The city is surrounded by sea and has always been one of Spain’s main ports and strategic military points.

Cadiz’ long history is clearly visible in its very streets.  Their narrow cobbled streets open onto fabulous squares and plazas, monuments, and cafes where locals and tourists alike wander in and out of. Although the sun is pretty much always shining here, a refreshing Atlantic breeze makes exploring the city a bit easier, particularly in the height of the summer.

This Andalusian gem is one of Western Europe’s oldest cities dating back more than 3,000 years, with a rich and colourful history. The city’s luminous attractions include the magnificent baroque Cathedral “Santa Cruz sobre las Aguas”.

You should also reserve time to visit the castle “Castillo de Santa Catalina”, which offers a brilliant view of the city. This 17^th century fortress was built in an Italian-style star shape on a rocky outcrop and is now used for concerts and cultural events.

Other nice moments can be found in small, quaint churches, squares and streets, all of which you may want to set aside time to explore as well.

There are very few human settlements on earth with this kind of historical pedigree; spilling over with monuments and historical remains, Cadiz should be added to your bucket list if it isn’t already on it, but if you need more reasons to visit, try Carnival in the spring, second only in scale to Rio’s, or the “Ruta del Tapeo” in summer when the city’s tapas bars – well-known for seafood – battle it out for your custom.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about
Facts
Cádiz’s Carnival Is Second To Rio’s In Fame
Cádiz is a city with a rich history. The Phoenicians called it ‘Gadir‘, which means ‘walled stronghold’
Cádiz Was Regularly Attacked By English Pirates For 200 Years

Laws
In 2007, the city of Cadiz in southern Spain banned the throwing of rice at weddings, partly to stop guests getting injured after slipping on stray grains, but also to stop local pigeons and sparrows from copping a free feed.

Read more on Cadiz:

• 48 Hours in Cádiz: A 2 Day Itinerary
• Where to stay in Cadiz

Chisinau (Moldova)

Sam from King of Romania tells us about Chisinau.

Originally a small village of just 4,000 souls, Chisinau became the capital of Moldova following a division of territory in World War 2 that left most of the original kingdom in what is now in modern Romania. Almost completely destroyed in World War 2, Chisinau was rebuilt by the Soviet Union, and many of those grand state buildings still continue to grace the city.

Sometimes spelled Kishinev in concordance with Russian phonetics, Chisinau today is a thriving city of 750,000 people and capital of the Republic of Moldova which gained its independence in 1992 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

An important way-station for travelers heading between Odessa, Ukraine, and Bucharest, Romania, Chisinau more than makes up for its lack of standard tourist attractions with tens of thousands of trees, beautifully landscaped parks, flower gardens, and gorgeous green spaces. Most residents will eagerly inform you that Chisinau has more trees than any other city in Europe.

One of the best lesser-known benefits of visiting Chisinau is its abundance of restaurants. Up and down the main street in town, foodies can enjoy sampling Mexican, Chinese, Georgian, Russian, Romanian, Japanese, Korean, Gaugauzian and American dishes at upscale restaurants. For budget-conscious travelers, small “cantinas” offer hearty traditional Moldovan fare for as little as 1 or 2 euros per person.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Chisinau:
Fact
– Moldova is overwhelmingly agricultural but 80% of all urban dwellers live in Chisinau, making it not just the financial and governmental capital but also the only large metropolis in the country.
– Although Romanian is the only official language, Russian is widely spoken and used.

Law
– A new law in place bans smoking not just in bars, restaurants and government buildings but also at bus stops, playgrounds and public parks and squares.

Cape Town (South Africa)

Nicole from Crack the Case tells us about Cape Town.

Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa and the second largest after Johannesburg, is like no other place on earth. The flat-topped sandstone bulk of Table Mountain keeps watch over this growing city and is a useful navigational beacon.

Cape Town offers some superb scenery, from world-class beaches to its unique fynbos floral kingdom. There are no wild animals roaming the streets as some people might think, but there are penguins, baboons and a variety of other fauna that can be seen in and around the greater Cape Peninsula area.

Cape Town is a modern metropolis and has been my home for my entire adult life. It has fantastic weather (except for the notorious Cape Doctor wind!), a good infrastructure, all the mod-cons of any big first-world city, and some damn fine wines too!

Yes, the city has its share of problems, but Capetonians are a friendly bunch who embrace tourism and do their best to promote their city as one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations. Visitors can sample haute cuisine, see whales frolicking in the ocean and marvel at old colonial buildings, all in one day! Tours run regularly through the city centre and to the rest of the peninsula, and excursions to the winelands and surrounding quaint towns are easily managed in a day trip.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cape Town
Facts
– Couples can and do get married on top of Table Mountain, approximately 2 every month!
– The Mother City is host to the mother of all queer parties
– The Cape Floral Kingdom claims nearly 7000 plants found nowhere else in the world
– The Cape Peninsula was originally known as the Cape of Storms

Laws
– It is illegal to wrestle a bear.
– A herder that signals he needs to cross the road with his goats, sheep, cattle etc has right of way over any other traffic.
– A license is required to purchase a television set.
– Young people wearing bathing suits are prohibited from sitting less than 12 inches apart.

Cheltenham (England)

Lucy tells us about Cheltenham

Cheltenham, located amongst the rolling hills and sandstone villages of the Cotswolds is as picturesque as a storybook.

A quintessential example of the English countryside, complete with antiques, wildlife and of course castles. The distinct luxury of Ellenborough Park, a sumptuous Cotswold manor house hotel in The Cotswolds, is situated on over 90 acres of private land on the outskirts of Cheltenham Spa. The main house of the estate dates back to the 15th century, when it was erected from iconic Cotswold stone, steeping the manor in layers of history and intriguing tales.

Boasting a gourmet restaurant headed by Chef Kelman, who has cooked for the royal family in the past, and an award-winning Indian inspired spa thanks to former resident Lord Ellenborough, Governor General of India, amongst other former residents such as King George III.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Cheltenham: 
Facts
Cheltenham owed its existence as a spa town to pigeons.

Calgary (Canada) 

Alouise from Take Me to the World tells us about Calgary

Calgary is the biggest city in Alberta, Canada and while it’s my home town’s (Edmonton) rival city I always enjoy visiting Calgary. The city hosts a variety of awesome festivals throughout the year like The Calgary Fringe Festival, and the world famous Calgary Stampede. The food scene in Calgary has really amped up over the last year, I always love eating at restaurants like Boogie’s Burgers and Dairy Lane Cafe, and there are a lot more I want to try like Model Milk and Charcut.

While in Calgary I love walking around neighbourhoods like Inglewood and Kensington, or wandering by the Bow River in Prince’s Island Park. On a clear day you can see the Rocky Mountains in the distance, and if you want to visit places in the Rocky’s like Canmore and Banff it’s only a 90 minute drive from the city.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Calgary
Facts
– Due to its vast grassland, the city is still referred to as Cow Town
– Calgary receives an average of 2600 hours of sun per year. This makes it the sunniest city in Canada.
– More than 120 languages are spoken in the city.

Laws
– Comic books which depict any illegal acts are banned.
– Residents are not allowed to have an Internet connection faster than 56k.
– Citizens may not relieve themselves or spit on the street.
– Citizens may not publicly remove bandages.

Copenhagen (Denmark)

Cory  from You could Travel tells us about Copenhagen

Copenhagen: One of the coolest Scandinavian tourist destinations, Copenhagen has been repeatedly voted the happiest city on Earth. With a minimalist design scene, industrially decorated restaurants and award winning cuisine, it’s easy to understand why Copenhagen continues to be one of the most visited places in Europe.

The Danish capital features one of the most well defined cycling infrastructures, which in essence it translate to Copenhagen being home to more bikes than people. Due to its exquisite culinary scene, Copenhagen lures in thousands of gourmand lovers every year.

Yet the Royal Capital is more than just a friendly place with fantastic seasonal cocktails and dishes, it’s a place with almost 10 centuries of history, and home to countless museums, palaces and galleries. To experience the Danish capital like a local, one must try a craft beer in Nyhavn, a colorful neighbourhood dotted with vibrant hued houses and plenty of modern bars.

Weird fact and outlandish Laws about Copenhagen 
Facts
– The World Happiness Report 2013 shows that, Copenhagen is the happiest city and the best place to live in the world.
– Copenhagen’s habour is clean enough for swimming.
– The birth of famous fairy tales – The Little Mermaid.
– Seeing the Danish queen or the royal family is very common in Copenhagen.

Laws
– Before starting your car you are required to check lights, brakes, steering and honk your horn. (honk honk!)
– One may not be charged for food at an inn unless that person, by his or her own opinion, is “full”.

Read more on Copenhagen:

• 15 things to do in Copenhagen 
• Areas to Stay in Copenhagen
• The Ultimate Guide to Copenhagen
• 48 hours in Copenhagen – 2 Day Itinerary
• Day trips from Copenhagen

Cali (Colombia)

Dan from Real World Holidays tells us about Cali

You do actually see tourists in Colombia these days (unlike when I first visited 10 years ago), but it seems that the country’s third largest city, Cali, remains off-the-beaten path for many visitors. It’s a real shame, because if you do venture this far south, you’re basically guaranteed to end up falling in love with this buzzing city’s tropical vibe and fun-loving attitude.

Cali is world-famous for its salsa, and the locals have created their own dance style, Salsa Caleña, which is much faster with more complex footwork than the traditional Cuban version, but don’t worry: Caleños are very forgiving of novices.

The city’s nightclubs are the place to go to experience Cali’s incredible atmosphere and get a real feel for the city and the people. I’m very far from being a good salsa dancer but this is still hands-down my favourite thing to do in Cali.

Colombia as a whole is a really young, fun country but Cali has to be one of the most fun cities in the whole of South America. Nightlife aside, the historical centre is lovely and packed with bars and cafes, but one of my favourite things to do is to take one of the wooden carts along the railway to San Cipriano (they’re attached to a motorbike for propulsion but it’s all pretty hair-raising…) where you can go tubing and rafting in the jungle.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this article 🙂

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