Seven Continents, Seven Cultural Sites

by | Jun 30, 2022 | Destinations, HelloVacay, Inspiration | 0 comments

Today let's focus on the lucky number seven (and no, I’m not talking about a Vegas trip). I’m talking about the seven continents. One of the beautiful aspects of travel is its ability to be so many different things. A camping trip can be a way to reconnect with nature, a trip to Cabo or Ibiza can show you a party like you’d never imagined, and a trip back home can lead to some nourishing family time. But for me, I have to say my favorite has always been the culture trip.

These are the trips where you get to see another part of the world, and not just see what the environment looks like but get a sense of the history, art and customs of a place and people. It requires a certain lens, you’re not just walking in the shoes of others but also learning the rhythm of their dances and the flavors of their dishes. When we travel this way, the connective power it can have is astounding—in a miraculous way it can turn strangers into family.

So, we decided to highlight one amazing cultural site from each continent. Now please don’t get me wrong, there are literally thousands of amazing cultural sites on every continent (well… maybe not Antarctica but you get the point). And by no means am I saying these seven examples are each the best cultural site on their respective continents—thinking in terms of better or worse when it comes to something this nuanced is just a matter of personal preference.

That being said, I did decide to dig up some less conventional choices here—so don’t expect to see the Pyramids or the Acropolis (though I highly recommend the classics). I hope that even one of them may inspire you to get out there and see a little more of the world.

Seven sites: Rani-ki-Vav, India

Asia

Rani-Ki-Vav, India

It was hard to choose just one destination in India (or all of Asia for that matter) to highlight, there’s an abundance of gorgeous temple sites with just as much history across the nation—but Rani-Ki-Vav’s location right on the banks of the legendary Saraswati cemented it’s spot on our list. Once buried beneath the Saraswati, the intricate carvings of the structure have only been rediscovered in the last 100 years.

Seven sites: Aksum, Ethiopia

Africa

Aksum, Ethiopia

Once upon a time—around 2000 years ago to be precise—the Kingdom of Aksum was the most powerful state between Rome and Persia. Today some of the ruins of the Kingdom’s capital still stand and are centered at Ethiopia’s northern border. You can visit the ancient cities' large obelisks, ruined castles and ancient tombs and get a glimpse at what was.

Seven sites: Mont-Saint-Michel, France

Europe

Mont-Saint-Michel, France

The castle estate of Mont-Saint-Michel was once a part of the mainland, but as the coast of Normandy has risen the site has become an island! Sometimes you can walk directly to the castle across the beach, other times you’d need a boat to cross, all depending on the tides. For this reason it served as both a strategic castle in wars with England and an ideal prison during peace times.

Oceania

Uluru, Australia

This site is a bit different from the others on this list, it’s not an old world settlement or anything that’s been built by people. Uluru is one of the most sacred sites to the aboriginal Australian peoples who lived close by. Beyond its outward beauty Uluru is filled with natural springs, hilltop pathways and indigenous cave paintings. Just don’t take any rocks from the site home with you, they say it’ll leave you cursed!

Seven sites: Old Havana, Cuba

North America

Old Havana, Cuba

In the heart of Havana is the Old district, an area that has retained the architecture of the city's storied past—with styles that range from Art Deco to Baroque and buildings that span back to literal fortresses from the city's colonial origins. If you’re looking to visit a modern city with old world flair, this is a great choice.

South America

Machu Picchu, Peru

Can you tell I’m a sucker for ancient civilizations? Like the ruins of Aksum, Machu Picchu is a landmark of a previous civilization, thought to have been built by the Incan emperor Pachacuti as an estate around 1400 AD. Its location in the mountains is full of breathtaking views, so prepare to be wowed by more than just the ruins.

Antarctica

The South Pole

Alright, I’m half joking with this one but honestly if you’re the rugged adventurer type this may be on the bucket list. This is less a cultural site than it is an integral part of the planet earth! To have ventured here and back is an accomplishment, so don’t forget to take a picture at the Ceremonial South Pole on your way out.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About The Author

Bradley Beachum

Bradley Beachum

Bradley Beachum is a content marketer, entrepreneur and artist whose interests range from blockchain technologies to filmmaking. His passion for emerging technologies and media, and the way these forces will shape our day to day lives in the near future, bleed through in all his work.

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website’s content as such. HelloVacay does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Forget Paris! 8 Spellbinding European Destinations That Rival the Popular Hot Spots

Europe is filled with dazzling destinations that top many travelers' bucket lists, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Big Ben in London....

Moving Up: Tips for Scoring Upgrades on Flights

Flying can be uncomfortable, especially on long haul flights or when you get stuck in a cramped middle seat in economy class. Upgrading to...

Exploring the World with Children: Seven Family-Friendly Destinations

Embarking on a family vacation is an opportunity to create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and witness the world through your...

Unlocking the Secrets to Longevity in the Blue Zones of the World

Have you ever wondered what allows certain communities around the world to live remarkably long and healthy lives? The answer may lie in...

Outsmart Jet Lag: A Guide to Adjusting Your Body Clock

Jet lag can really put a damper on the start of a dream vacation or important business trip. Your body's internal clock is thrown off by...

Autumn Escapes: Embrace the Magic of Fall with These Unforgettable Getaways

As the summer heat starts to fade, a new chapter of travel opportunities opens up—it's the perfect time to embark on an unforgettable...

Flight Hacks: How to Get the Best Airfare Deals

When planning your dream vacation, finding affordable flights can significantly impact your travel budget. At HelloVacay.com, we...

Escape and Rejuvenate: 11 Wellness Tourism Spots in the USA

With stress levels on the rise, it is no wonder that wellness tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years. There are plenty of...

Ticket for One: 5 Unbeatable Destinations for Solo Travelers

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey all by yourself? Solo travel is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore...

Smooth Sailing: 5 Expert Tips for Avoiding Flight Delays

Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but flight delays can quickly dampen our excitement. However, with a bit of strategic...