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Travel and climate information right now? The ancient rose-hued city of Petra is Jordan’s most famous tourist attraction and one of the world’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites. One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, it was once inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and the Romans. Rediscovered in the 19th century by explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt, the 1.2km (0.75mi) Siq is the city’s jaw-dropping ancient main entrance which leads from the Dam to the Treasury. This captivating corridor is created by a natural rock formation 80m (262ft) tall and is decorated in part with Nabatean sculptures, mostly of gods. See additional information at Define Places.

For many visitors, Marrakesh’s labyrinthine medina (old city) district is the town’s star attraction. The narrow alleyways are a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds and are bound to be the sightseeing highlight of your trip. As well as simply wandering (and getting lost) amid the bustling maze, there are myriad shopping opportunities, where you can put your haggling hat on and barter to your heart’s content. Shoppers shouldn’t miss the Babouche (shoe) Souk, Chouari (carpenter’s) Souk, El-Attarine (perfume and spice) Souk, and the Cherratine (leather) Souk. Just west of the main souk area, at the end of Rue Bab Debbagh, you’ll find Marrakesh’s tanneries, where animal skins are still dyed the old-fashioned way.

Mall of the Emirates is one of the city’s most famous malls, with the spectacular (and surreal) Ski Dubai facility inside. The indoor ski slope is complete with chairlifts and a penguin enclosure, all at a continuous temperature of -4 degrees Celsius. There’s also a cinema complex and a family entertainment center with a whole host of rides aimed at both the big and small. The shopping opportunities are boundless, as are the eating options, offering every conceivable world cuisine. This theme park, near Global Village, is immersive entertainment at its finest and has thrills and spills for both kids and big kids. With one zone devoted entirely to Marvel’s iconic characters; another to dinosaur-themed rides; and a zone where the Cartoon Network takes the helm, with gentler rides and activities for younger children, there’s something here for every age. Whether you want to help the Avengers battle Ultron, scare yourself silly in a haunted house, or join Spider-Man as he swings through the city, this is heaven for families looking for a fun-filled day out.

Carrefour operates several supermarkets near Sitimar Marina. Find every essential from Sicilian olive oil to chilled Moretti beer. Palermo’s trio of street markets – Ballaró, Vucciria and Capo – are alive with snails, octopus, rising bread and rapidly diminishing piles of tomatoes. It’s where locals do their weekly shop, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to join them. The Palermo-Montecarlo is an 804km (500mi) sprint from Sicily to Monaco, with breathtaking views over Sardinia and Corsica en route. The 50-plus sailboats that set sail from Mondello in Sicily in late August are big and beautiful. The offshore regatta also serves as a training ground for Olympians and America’s Cup sailors.

Santorini’s best known and most popular beach lies on the southeast coast, between the villages of Perissa and Perivolos. A six-kilometer-long stretch of fine, black volcanic sand, it is backed by tamarisk trees and overlooked by a string of seafood tavernas and cafes. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, plus water sports facilities. It is approximately 12 kilometers from Fira. At the base of the cliffs rising to the town of Oia, the port of Ammoudi Bay glistens above sparkling turquoise waters. Descend the 200 or so steps down from Oia, and you are in the picture-perfect setting that is Ammoudi, known for quaint Greek tavernas serving the catch of the day just inches from the waves, and isolated coves ideal for swimming. Another popular activity is cliff diving if that’s what gets your adrenaline pumping.

Another very popular island to visit is Saboga Island. Located 35 miles from Panama City the island is easily reached by ferry with the company Ferry Las Perlas. There are only a couple of hotels on the island and the island is home to 10 beautiful beaches. Saboga Island is great to visit for a day trip but if you want to spend a few nights I’d recommend staying at the island below and visiting from there. The ferry to the island leaves from the Trump Tower and costs $98 USD return for adults. Contadora Island is located right next to Saboga Island and is home to many great hotels and restaurants (which makes it more popular for overnight trips.) From Contadora you can easily take a ferry to Saboga Island but stay in nicer hotels and enjoy the beaches on the island too. The ferry to Contadora Island leaves from the same place and costs the same for a return trip.