Arc de Triomphe Paris
Photograph ©2008 by Brian Cohen.

14 Famous Destinations in Minimalist Travel Posters

Planning a trip to a destination at which you have never been can be exciting, fulfilling and rewarding; but it can also be exasperating — especially when attempting to ensure that the schedule works for you as best as possible while simultaneously the most value for your money…

14 Famous Destinations in Minimalist Travel Posters

…but sometimes, the first problem of planning a trip is actually deciding where to go, of which many factors should be considered — including but not limited to cuisine, attractions, accommodations and cost.

This article from Expedia.ca can germinate some ideas and ultimately inspire you, as it presents 14 famous destinations around the world in the form of minimalist travel posters from which you can gather initial insights and launch more detailed research pertaining to the destinations which interest you.

Let us start on what is called a “whistlestop tour” of 14 of the most iconic destinations in the world in alphabetical order, with which I have been given express written permission to use in this article. Verbatim text from the aforementioned article is in quotes above each “poster”, with brief notes added by me for some of the destinations below each “poster.”

1. Berlin in Germany

“Berlin has reinvented itself over the years, transitioning from a gritty and divided city to an artsy capital. It’s fitting, then, that its best view is emblematic of this forward-looking spirit. Head to the Panoramapunkt to see the futuristic TV Tower, built to symbolize East Germany’s march to modernity, before making your way to the stately Brandenburg Gate, whose central arch was once reserved for the Kaiser’s use. Of course, no visit to Berlin would be complete with currywurst – a pork sausage covered with curry powder and spicy ketchup. It’s the perfect fuel for cycling on the Mauerweg, following the lines of the old Berlin Wall.”

Berlin
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

I have been to Germany multiple times; but I have never been to Berlin. Perhaps one day I will visit — but I could do without the currywurst…

2. Buenos Aires in Argentina

“With its name meaning ‘fair winds,’ Buenos Aires’ position on the Rio de la Plata is just one of many draws. The view over Floralis Genérica in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas is constantly changing as the petals close in the evening and ‘blossom’ again each morning. Exuberance rules in the La Boca district, with rows of houses painted in joyous primary colors. After a day spent exploring, be sure to make time for asado – charcoal-BBQ’d beef and cured sausages. A milonga is a truly local way to end the trip, with the chance to join in a tango.”

Buenos Aires
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

Personally, I preferred the bife de lomo when I was in Buenos Aires — and do not forget to cross avenue 9 de Julio. As many as a total of 19 lanes wide, it is considered to be the widest street in the world. If you need a break while crossing that street — which cannot be done through one cycle of traffic lights unless you are really fast — be sure to sit on a bench at the famous Obelisco de Buenos Aires, which is located at the intersection of avenue Corrientes and avenue 9 de Julio. Some photographs which I took while I was in Buenos Aires can be found in this article.

Hint: the ice cream is excellent as well for those hot summer days.

3. Cape Town in South Africa

“Cape Town boasts one of the world’s most spectacular urban settings, overlooked by the famous Table Mountain. Head to Bloubergstrand to get a shot of the mountain on the horizon across the water. To experience the bustle of everyday life, try bargaining for souvenirs at the Neighbourgoods Market in Woodstock before enjoying potjiekos, a meat stew cooked in an iron pot over an open flame. And don’t forget the Boulders Beach penguins. They’re a must-see — but be warned that they’re known for their loud braying.”

Cape Town
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

Be advised that the city is experiencing a water crisis at the moment. Please refer to this article which I wrote for additional information.

4. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates

“The sail-like form of the Burj Al Arab marks the skyline of Dubai, one of the most recognizable cityscapes in the world. Pop over to Palm Jumeirah for the best public photo spot. For a quick refresher, sit in the shade and try qahwa, a strong Emirati coffee served in distinctive silver pots. This is a city of superlatives, so it naturally has the world’s tallest building: the Burj Khalifa. Its observation decks are open to tourists, so you can embrace the modernity before experiencing the city’s traditional side with matchbous, or spicy lamb and rice, and a desert safari on camelback.”

Dubai
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

Be forewarned to not splurge on the premium experience of At The Top, Burj Khalifa, as the reasons why are detailed in this article pertaining to my disappointing experience.

5. Havana in Cuba

“With winding streets and vibrant buildings, Havana is almost made for photo ops. Take some shots on your way to the Museum of the Revolution, home to Fidel Castro’s tank and yacht. A world away from politics, discover the more rustic side of Havana with its staple rice and beans dish, moros y cristianos. In this film-set-like city, a taxi ride is an attraction in itself. Many are classic cars straight out of the fifties — the result of a trade embargo that lasted 55 years.”

Havana
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

Be aware that you cannot just travel to Cuba on a whim if you are a citizen of the United States, as travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute — according to this official information from the United States Embassy in Cuba — as you need to meet the eligibility requirements of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba.

6. London in England

“Boasting almost 2000 years of history, London is one of the world’s most-visited cities. Combine its mixture of old and new in one photograph by looking across the modern Millennium Bridge to Wren’s St Paul’s Cathedral, itself a 17th-century rebuilding of a Norman church. In Westminster you’ll find Buckingham Palace, a working residence for the Royal Family and home to opulent belle-époque state rooms. Refuel with a traditional fish and chips before heading to an even older palace, the medieval Tower of London, where traditional wardens known as ‘Beefeaters’ provide expert tours.”

London
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

One activity which I regret not doing when I was in London is riding on a double-decker bus. Interestingly, the first time I was a passenger on a double-decker bus was at Iguaçu Falls in Brazil.

7. Los Angeles in the United States

“‘The City of Angels’, ‘Tinseltown’ or just ‘LA’; whatever you call Los Angeles, there’s no denying its global reach. Head to Griffith Observatory for a spectacular view of the Hollywood sign before strolling the Walk of Fame to see handprints of some of the biggest stars. For lunch try tuna tartare, a fusion of French and Japanese influences that captures LA’s melting-pot culture. Less of a newcomer on the scene is Warner Bros. Studio, whose tours offer insight into the workings of a major film company.”

Los Angeles
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

I have been to Los Angeles too many times to count; but I thought that visiting the Hollywood Bowl while it was empty and being on stage was cool. A drive through Beverly Hills can be interesting. However, Los Angeles was never one of my favorite destinations for a number of reasons…

8. Paris in France

“Paris is one of Europe’s most elegant cities, with sweeping Haussmannian boulevards and monumental public structures. The most famous is the Eiffel Tower, best viewed from Place du Trocadéro. If museums are your thing, you won’t want to miss the Musée du Louvre’s extensive collection, including the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave. Take a short break to enjoy a macaron, a patisserie favorite, before heading to the Catacombs, which hold over 7 million bodies reinterred from cemeteries in the 1780s.”

Paris
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

Visiting the Catacombs is the only suggested activity which I have not yet done during any of my multiple visits to Paris. One of the simple things which I enjoyed while in Paris is dining on a salade niçoise while seated at a table outside and watching the world go by.

This article includes photographs of the Eiffel Tower taken by me when I visited Paris almost ten years ago…

9. Serengeti in Tanzania

“The Serengeti is a nature lover’s paradise. This Tanzanian national park harbours some of Africa’s most famous game species. Looking to photograph big cats? Head to the moru kopjes, whose shade and height attract lions, cheetahs and leopards. Serengeti’s most famous event is the wildebeest migration; catch sight of 1.7 million of them crossing the Mara River in Seronera. Sample nyama choma, or grilled meats, then head out for a nighttime safari to see animals that prefer the nighttime cool, including hippos and lions.”

Serengeti
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

When I went on safari in Kenya three years ago, I was close enough to Tanzania that I probably at one point saw it from Maasai Mara – but I never did step foot in Tanzania. Perhaps I hopefully will one day visit Tanzania.

In the meantime, here is an incomplete list of articles and photographic essays from that incredible trip, as I still have more trip reports with photographs to write…

10. Siem Reap in Cambodia

“Siem Reap is synonymous with ancient ruins and traditional culture — and it’s no wonder, given its proximity to Angkor Wat. This grand temple complex, over 800 years old, is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Experience the old way of life by taking a boat to the floating village of Kompong Khleang, with stilted buildings offering the perfect setting for a bowl of kuy teav, Siem Reap’s typical noodle soup. Finish your trip by climbing up Phnom Bakheng to watch the sunset between the towers of Angkor Wat.”

Siem Reap
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

I have never been to Cambodia; but I intend to do so someday…

11. Sydney in Australia

“Australia’s most well-known city, Sydney makes for the perfect combination of keeping active and relaxing in the sun. First, though, you’ll want to head to Mrs Macquarie’s Point for your own photo of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Hit the waves at Bondi beach in the eponymous suburb, then take a break to enjoy a lamington, Australia’s famous coconut and chocolate dessert. For a bit more adrenaline, turn back to Central Sydney to climb the Harbour Bridge; scaling the upper truss offers an unbeatable panorama.”

Sydney
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

Be sure to dine on some Balmain Bugs while viewing the Harbour Bridge at night. That was one of many incredible experiences which I enjoyed while I was in Australia. If you do not get to climb the Harbour Bridge, simply walk across it at your leisure at no cost. Be sure to go inside the Sydney Opera House as well as view it from the outside. Take a boat tour of Sydney Harbour for additional views of Sydney from the water. One bit of personal trivia is that Sydney was the first place where I drove on the left side of the road — legally, anyway…

12. Toronto in Canada

“Toronto is one of Canada’s most vibrant metropolises, but the best place to get your first glimpse of the city is from the quiet of Humber Bay Park. Look across the water to the famous skyline, including the CN Tower, and take photos in front of the ‘Toronto’ sign. Then dive into city life at the eclectic Kensington Market, with its jumble of vintage stores and cafés. Stop for a hearty peameal bacon sandwich before experiencing the national winter sport of ice hockey at a Maple Leaf’s game.”

Toronto
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

I have been to Pearson International Airport multiple times — including last year, when I flew as a passenger for the first time on an airplane operated by WestJet. I have stayed overnight at an old Sheraton hotel property in Markham. I have even been to Toronto City Airport…

…and yet, I have only passed through Toronto and never actually been to it. Considering all of the places to which I have been around the world, that is indeed surprising — and one day, I hope to rectify that…

13. Varanasi in India

“Varanasi is one of India’s greatest spiritual centers. Nab a photo of its traditional architecture at Ramnagar Fort’s gate, a Mughal construction with a typical arched entryway and domed towers. Further upriver find Dashashwamedh Ghat, used by pilgrims bathing in the sacred River Ganges, and visit one of the numerous city vendors selling kachori – traditional fried dough balls stuffed with dhal or peas. As night falls, watch Ganga Aarti, a dramatic ceremony where pilgrims and priests offer fire to Shiva and the Ganges.”

Varanasi
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

I have never been to India; so I cannot comment on this destination at this time.

14. Venice in Italy

“With renaissance architecture lining its many canals, Venice is like a living museum. Start off at the Rialto, a symbol of the city with its arched span crossing the Grand Canal. For a bird’s-eye view, head to the Campanile tower and look out over the church of Santa Maria della Salute to the lagoon. Visit Doge’s Palace to recall Venice’s storied past and see masterpieces by Titian and Carpaccio, then feast on sarde in saor, or marinated sardines, which recalls Venice’s more humble origins. Take a final gondola ride to see the city at its best – from the famous canals.”

Venice
Click on the “poster” for an enlarged view. Source: Expedia.ca.

First, Venice suffers from too much tourism in recent years; and the beleaguered city has been desperate to find a solution to this growing problem.

Second, I wrote in this article pertaining to the most disappointing destinations in the world back on Sunday, December 7, 2014: “While the stench of the canals resembled that of a sewer at times, there is affordable cuisine and affordable lodging — if you know where to find it — and I would certainly recommend visiting Venice if you have not yet been there.”

Finally, I dined on the best seafood risotto I have ever had in my entire life in Venice. If I remember the name of the restaurant — if it still exists — I will edit this article accordingly to include it.

Summary

Obviously, which are the top destinations in the world is subjective at best; and that depends on your preferences…

…but if this list does not inspire you to travel to any of the aforementioned 14 destinations, then hopefully it will inspire you to visit a different destination. For example, you may want to visit San Diego or San Francisco instead of Los Angeles — or perhaps visit Death Valley National Park or Joshua Tree National Park.

Please feel free to list destinations you would recommend and why — as well as destinations you would suggest avoiding and why…

Photograph ©2008 by Brian Cohen.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!