The Willis (formerly Sears) tower was once a leader in three of the four categories. Standing at 1,370 feet, it was originally beaten by the former World Trade Centre in ‘height to tip’, but swiftly added a nine foot mast to overtake. However, in ‘height to architectural top’ it has consistently fallen behind the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, which stand at 1,482 feet.

Head-to-Head

The original stand-off which caused the CTBUH to create the separate categories began with these two structures. The Sears Tower had held the ‘tallest building’ record for many years, until the completion of the Petronas Towers. The problem came about because the twin towers were topped with a spire. Their height to the tip of the spire meant they beat the then Sears tower, but if the spire was discounted then they would fall just short.

The CN Tower, whilst not suitable for inclusion in this particular category as far as the official channels are concerned, nonetheless reaches a height of 1,815ft, and is to this day the tallest man-made structure in the western hemisphere.

New record!

Taipei 101 opened in Taiwan in 2004, and almost swept the boards. At 1,671ft tall, this wonder of modern architecture remained the tallest inhabited building in the world until 2010, and the dawn of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

This uniquely designed building has ever since held the prestigious title of, not just tallest building, but tallest man-made structure on Earth. From floor to tip, it stands a majestic 2,723ft high. This monolithic structure has 163 habitable floors, and there are a further 46 maintenance levels in the spire. The cladding cleaning costs must be phenomenal!

A little bit of history

While the Great Pyramid at Giza is practically a midget compared to these mighty buildings, it must be mentioned, as it held the title of world’s tallest building for over four millennia. Thought to have been built around 2570BC, at 481feet tall it was unsurpassed in height until Lincoln Cathedral was built in 1311. When you factor in the lack of modern building techniques, this is still a pretty impressive height, and as the longest record holder, the Pyramid certainly deserves inclusion in this list.

This post was brought to you by www.reeda.co.uk

There are so many wonderful holiday locations around the world, and selecting a genuine favourite is almost an impossible task for many people. While one particular destination may have the finest beaches you are likely to see, it could be spoilt by poor hotel facilities in the local area or by heavy traffic on the nearby roads. We’re all different, of course, so if you asked a hundred people you could end up getting a hundred different answers.

One area which gets a regular mention among well-travelled individuals is the Caribbean, home to many of the most beautiful islands in the world. It’s a relatively long flight for visitors from Europe, but from many parts of the USA it’s just a short hop away. Jamaica is a popular destination which attracts people from all over the world, but for an equally beautiful island with perhaps a more low-key approach, why not consider Barbados?

There are many good reasons to love the island, and one of them is the climate. Throughout the summer, the temperatures are high and the skies remain blue and cloudless for long periods. However, it rarely gets oppressively hot because of the presence of a cooling breeze which stops you from over-heating. The climate is one of the principal reasons why so many tourists return to the place on a regular basis.

Small but beautiful

Barbados is a small island, and the population is less than 300,000. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and enjoy a reputation for knowing how to enjoy themselves. The pace of life, even in the larger towns, is pleasingly slow, so if you visit be sure to leave your stress and anxiety at home before you set out. Life is for living in the Caribbean, so make sure you are ready to enjoy it as much as you can.

On any holiday in Barbados, there will be times for exploring and times for relaxing. When you want nothing more than a chance to soak up the sun for an afternoon, simply head to the beach and relax. The long expanses of sand provide the perfect backdrop for a little rest and recuperation, so bring a good book and while away a slow, languid day in the most relaxed manner possible.

And when you have the energy to explore, simply hire a car and make your way around the island. If you’re visiting from the USA, be warned that they drive on the left in Barbados, so this may take some getting used to. Don’t worry about it, though, because there are few traffic problems on the island. The capital city, Bridgetown, does get busy during the traditional rush hours, but apart from that the roads are relatively quiet.

David Rice lives and works in the UK but is planning to visit the Caribbean in the coming year. He has been looking online for the cheapest car hire Barbados can offer, and has found some excellent deals.

In the UK we have some of the most diverse countryside in Western Europe and since the 1950s some of the most important areas of natural beauty have been protected for the benefit of the public. These areas, known as National Parks, have restrictions placed on development and special efforts are made to conserve the wildlife and natural beauty of the area.

Where are the National Parks?

There are currently 13 National Parks in England and Wales and 2 in Scotland. There are no National Parks in Northern Ireland. On the mainland, National Parks stretch from the Cairngorms in the Highlands of Scotland to Dartmoor in Devon. Some of the most famous areas of scenic beauty in the UK such as Loch Lomond, the Lake District and Snowdonia have National Park status.

Development in National Parks

There are extremely strict planning rules surrounding development in National Parks in the UK, and these rules are designed to protect the natural beauty of the area. One criticism of National Parks is that the restriction on new development has driven up prices of houses and businesses, meaning that local residents are being priced out of the area.

Tourism

National Parks are by definition in areas of outstanding natural beauty and draw tourists from all over the world to experience what they have to offer. Within the parks, there are many walking routes and trails, enabling the public to get away from the crowds and experience the countryside. Many of the routes are gentle strolls, requiring no special equipment such as climbing shoes. For those who do want to dust off their climbing shoes, areas like the Lakes and the Cairngorms offer some of the best climbing and mountaineering in the UK. Novices to the climbing and outdoor scene can join one of the many mountaineering clubs around the country, which run organised trips to the parks, provide coaching and instruction on techniques and will give advice about the best place to buy your crampons, waterproofs and climbing shoes.

Taking it Easy

For those of a less adventurous nature, the National Parks are full of pretty little villages with interesting shops, museums and tearooms. There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a day browsing the antiques shops in the New Forest, followed by a full cream tea at a pretty, traditional tea shop. The National Parks attract thousands of visitors each year to experience typical village life, and during the peak season and bank holidays the roads can get very crowded.

Events and Days Out

The National Parks are working hard to cater to all markets, and regular events run throughout the year to attract people who may not be interested in hiking or tearooms. Visitors have the chance to spend time with one of the park rangers, learning about the wildlife or how to read a map, learn about the history of the park area, or spend their money at a Farmers’ Market, which offers a great chance to pick up quality local produce such as meats, cheeses, cakes and honey.

Trekitt offer a wealth of clothing, footwear and accessories for extreme sports enthusiasts including a large range of climbing shoes for mountaineers and free climbers

Yeppoon’s population of sixteen thousand won’t appeal to you if you are looking for a Gold Coast style tropical vacation. If you are looking for a laid back tropical vacation in a place that has just enough restaurants, bars and cafes to satisfy your appetite but an absence of all the annoying hype and hustle, then you will love Yeppoon and its community.

That’s not to say that the lucky locals in Yeppoon aren’t there to help make your stay enjoyable. On the contrary, they welcome visitors and will go out of their way to make sure your holiday is a memorable one. If you are the type of person who welcomes a pretentious atmosphere and overpriced meals and attractions, then Yeppoon is not the place for you. In Yeppoon, you can enjoy a great meal at a delightful alfresco sidewalk café just a short stroll away from a tranquil beach and the turquoise sea, but your day won’t be spoiled when your friendly local waitress delivers your bill.

If even Yeppoon is too big and busy for you, there are many other smaller Capricorn Coast communities to choose from. Those who come to the Capricorn Coast to explore Great Keppel Island often choose to stay in the Rosslyn area, because its harbor is where the ferry lands. All the action in Rosslyn is centered around the harbor. Step away from the harbor and you can have the long, pristine Kemp Beach almost all to yourself or you can go a little further south and explore Bluff Point National Park on its well maintained walking track.

Great Keppel Island is better known than any other place on the Capricorn Coast. There’s a reason for this. It is simply beautiful. Great Keppel Island has everything you want in a tropical resort except for the price tag and the pretension. You can take your pick of 14 pure white sandy beaches, explore easily accessible coral reefs with just a mask and snorkel, enjoy a leisurely or challenging walk through stunning tropical forests or just relax in the sun. The ferry ride from Rosslyn Bay takes only half an hour, so you can spend the day on Great Keppel Island or stay a week if you like – the choice is yours.

Between the various communities on the Capricorn Coast mainland and Great Keppel Island, you will find a Queensland accommodation in this area that suits you to a tee. If you’re looking for a real tropical vacation in a perfect setting, with perfect atmosphere, then the Capricorn Coast is what you’re looking for.

Fiji

The name Fiji has become synonymous with honeymoons for over twenty years and for good reason. Feel the sand between your toes in miles upon miles of pristine white beaches and warm sea breezes that catch the sweet aroma of tropical flowers. Located in the heart of the Pacific, some 2,000km northeast from New Zealand, Fiji is the epitome of seclusion and is the ideal getaway for newly-weds.

Santorini, Greece.

Considered the most romantic of the Greek islands, Santorini continues to seduce thousands of honeymooners every year who are drawn to its unparalleled beauty, unforgettable sunsets, charming history and views to die for. Part of the Greek islands known as the Cyclades, Santorini is the archetypal picture-postcard destination. And, with an exceptionally diverse history, from its nearby volcanoes to its connection with the lost city of Atlantis, Santorini boasts more than just beautiful beaches and picturesque blue domed churches.

Hawaii

A honeymoon in Hawaii includes everything on a honeymooner’s tick-list; white sandy beaches, dramatic views, fantastic weather all year round, verdant forest, volcanoes, culture, and excellent seafood. Hawaii has an exceptional range of accommodation, from luxury to budget honeymooners, and has activities to cater for most type of newly-weds. Despite being 3,200km southwest of mainland America, Hawaii is one of the easiest tropical islands to visit and requires no passport.

Tobacco Caye, Belize

If your idea of the perfect honeymoon is absolute isolation then head to Tobacco Caye in Belize, Central America. At only 400m long, Tobacco Caye is the ideal spot to unwind, stretch out on a hammock and read one of the many surplus wedding gifts. Don’t forget to pack your snorkelling gear as Tobacco Caye’s real highlight is below the shimmering surface of the Caribbean Sea as the island is located in the centre of the second longest barrier reef in the world.

Koh Tarutao, Thailand

No island list would be complete without including Thailand and honeymooners can enjoy ultimate solitude at Koh Tarutao. Situated in the Andaman Sea, Koh Tarutao is a well-protected national park and is far removed from the brazen backpacker orientated scene so honeymooners here can enjoy pristine beaches, lush rainforest interior and clear sunny skies.

Image by ZoeShuttleworth

Start you honeymoon with a cruise before reaching your romantic holiday island with a cruise and stay deal.

Transportation. Of course, many people opt to don a backpack and do most of their sightseeing by foot. However, Paris is large and crowded, and there will be times when only an engine will do. Paris’ public transportation is called the Metro; purchase tickets per ride or buy a pass to save some cash, and use the Metro to get from any one point A to any other point B in a short amount of time. There are also hop-on/hop-off buses that travel all around the city, and which are super easy to use; simply jump on one when you see it and jump off it when you see a place you’d like to stop. If you prefer something a little more old-fashioned, you may take a train (which is also a great way to travel to other parts of Europe from Paris). Of course, as in any big city, taxis are abundant. If you want the stereotypical Paris experience, you may rent a moped to scoot around in style.

Using your money in Paris. France is on the Euro system, and you will need to convert your US dollars to Euros. You can exchange your currency at your hotel front desk, or at any currency exchange office. However, it is actually generally cheapest to do your exchanges at an ATM. Just tell your US bank that you will be making foreign transactions before you leave home. Exchange money as you go, rather than get one huge lump sum, because it will cost you money to exchange your excess Euros back to US dollars when your vacation is over. Or, you may opt to use your credit cards.

What to see. There is a lot to see in Paris, but here are the musts: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs D’Elysees, Sacre Coeur, the Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, Latin Quarter, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee d’Orsay, Hotel des Invalides, the Catacombs, Pantheon, and Place de la Bastille.

When to visit. Any lover of Paris will tell you that the city of lights is charming throughout the entire year. The season you choose to travel is more a matter of personal preference. Just keep in mind that Paris’ high season (summer) is June through October, and its low season (winter) is January to March.

There you have it: the things you need to know when planning your Paris trip. Bon Voyage!

About the Author: Willis Carranco loves traveling the world and will be spending a month in Paris this summer. He and his wife are currently looking for Paris vacation rentals and plan on living the life!

Nepal is home to several of the earth’s highest mountain peaks and has some of the best trekking in the world. Many people come to Nepal simply to hike the country’s many challenging trails and the tourism industry is well prepared to facilitate your hiking adventure.
You don’t have to be the most experienced hiker to be able to take a trekking holiday in Nepal, as there are many different trails to suit all abilities. Take your time and hike only four or five hours per day, as your body will require some time to acclimatize to the altitude.

Styles of Trekking

There are two main styles of trekkers who make their way through Nepal. The first is the Tea House Trekker, who walks from one local Tea House to the next where they will find their meals and accommodation provided. These houses can be found all throughout the hills and mountains and although some are very basic and rustic they are reasonably comfortable. This is a great way to trek if you don’t want to carry a huge backpack with your supplies on it.

The other style of trekker is the Camping Trekker who takes all of their gear along with them on their back. They usually travel with a team of sherpas and guides and they will set up their tents along the mountainside when they need to stop and rest. This type of trekking requires plenty of planning ahead to organize local camping permits, entrance fees to National park and other details.

Recommended Trails

When you are choosing a trekking tour in Nepal there is a wide variety available, depending on your experience and how much of a challenge you desire.

Everest Base Camp Trek

This is probably the most famous trek in Nepal, and it will take you through the truly amazing mountain peaks of the Himalayas. There are many places to stop and rest along the route and there is no worry about getting lost since any local will be able to point you along the way.

The Annapurna Circuit

This is considered one of the best treks in the world, and it will take approximately 17 to 21 days to complete. It begins in lush green subtropical valleys and climbs all the way up to dizzying mountain peaks.

Island Peak Trek

This is a very challenging trek and it requires a qualified climbing guide, but it will offer you some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas. It starts along the main Everest Base Camp Trek route and then separates at Dingboche.

When to Go

The best season to undertake a trek in Nepal is in the spring or the autumn. Winter is too cold and the temperature will plunge below freezing on most nights, which is not enjoyable when you are sleeping in a tent! Summer is monsoon season and the country is flooded with huge rainfalls. In spring the temperatures are mild and the flowers are in full bloom and in autumn the skies and clear and the weather is pleasant.

Enjoy your trekking adventure in beautiful Nepal!

This article was written by Elena Price on behalf of Etihad Airways, for more details on routes or flight to Nepal see the Etihad Airways information pages.

The ski season officially begins on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in early June and ends whenever the snow melts, usually in late September. Those who are lucky enough to live in Melbourne can reach Mt. Buller in as little as three hours and many of them take advantage of every opportunity to hit the slopes of Mt. Buller. Sydneysiders aren’t so lucky. It takes 9 hours to traverse the 478 miles (770km) trip on the Hume Highway (the fastest route) to Mt. Buller, but that doesn’t stop thousands of them from making the trip.

Why is it worth going out of your way to drive to Mt. Buller when you have closer snowfields you can go to in New South Wales? One of the reasons is the size of the skiable terrain. There are over 740 acres (300 hectares) of slopes to choose from on Mt. Buller. These range from beginner’s slopes like Burnt Hunt Spur and Bourke Street to black runs for experts only like the back of Summit and Chamois. There’s a half pipe for snowboarders and a challenging ultra cross course and all the slopes are constantly being groomed to ensure they are in good condition.

For the children, Mt. Buller has two toboggan parks. One of them is located right in the village and has its own snow making machine. The other is conveniently located at Horse Hill Chairlift. Take the lift to the top and there is more family fun awaiting at the snowtubing park. For a fun and safe thrill, the kids can race down the slopes in an inner tube.

All the activity is going to make you hungry, tired and sore and once in awhile you’re going to have to take a break. You can do it in style at Mt. Buller. There are over 30 restaurants and bars in the resort and for a complete restoration package, you can indulge yourself at Breathtaker on High Spa, the only complete alpine spa in Australia. With steam rooms, a sauna, a lap pool and a number of therapeutic treatments available, Breathtaker’s luxurious ambience will take your breath away.

In the summer months, too, Mt. Buller is a great place to visit and enjoy outdoor sports. Mountain biking is especially popular during the summer season. Ride cross country wherever you like or, for a special thrill, take the chair lift up to the top and then make your way back down. You can choose your route: either straight down a ski run or criss cross the mountain and explore the terrain.

With many family and package deals available, you can afford to stay at a Mt. Buller accommodation and ski to your heart’s content. Further discounts apply in the off season and in some cases, you can even get a "Snow Guarantee" package. Winter or summer, you’ll love the Mt. Buller and the Victorian high country, so put it on your list of places to see in Australia.

For Sydney siders looking of something a little closer to home check the Snowy Mountains accommodation options as an alternative to Mt. Buller

The Oceanarium

100 different species of ocean life inhabit one large tank at this impressive aquarium.  Located riverside, the building actually projects into the water.  What could be a more perfect way to learn about fish?  This site is definitely one of the most popular in the city of Lisbon.  It entrances kids by giving them an up close look at the fish that are abundant in the water right outside; even though they can’t see them.  This is great for families of all ages, and even mom and dad will enjoy watching the incredible creatures and learning along with the children.

Saint George’s Castle

For the most part touring castles means repeatedly telling your kids to “look with their eyes, not with their hands.” Your child’s curiosity gets the best of him and you end up angry and end up leaving.  At Saint George’s Castle, there are no limits, and your child can look, touch, and climb to his heart’s content.  There are winding staircases, huge courtyards, and turrets that will keep your child busy for hours.  Even the trip to and from the castle is an adventure.  You can take the old railway up the hill and then travel the winding streets of Alfama to come back down.

The Children’s Museum

This is a museum filled with rooms; each with a different child-centered activity taking place.  Your child can choose a few favorite activities or make a day of it and move from room to room.  What’s even better is that the museum is located inside of a zoo.  You can plan an entire day of animal watching and then hands-on fun.  There are gallery assistants throughout the museum that can assist you and even help translate from Portuguese to make your visit even more fun.

The Marionette Museum

An incredible collection of marionettes all housed in what used to be an 18th century convent; does it get any cooler than that?  The museum houses over 1000 knight, princess, devil, prince, and other puppets; many of which are from as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries.  While the majority of the puppets are of course from Portugal, you can also expect to see puppets from China, India, and a few other locations as well.  If you’ve got a child who loves puppet shows, the Marionette Museum allows them to experience a true original while getting a history lesson as well.

The Knowledge Pavilion

After your trip to the Oceanarium, you can jaunt over to next door where the Knowledge Pavilion; an incredible science museum, is awaiting eager minds.  The museum includes a wide array of exhibits, many of which are permanent, but many others that are constantly being changed.  If you frequently visit Portugal, this is one stop that you can make each time and find something different.  Both English and Portuguese is offered in speech and writing throughout the museum and there are many hands-on activities to keep your child’s hands and mind busy and learning.

Photo courtesy of Filipe Varela

If you are planning on visiting the Silver Coast Portugal why not stay in one of the many child friendly rural retreats?  There are lots to choose from and there is no better way to spend a family holiday.

The Abu Simbel Temples

Built by Ramesses II, this historic site contains the magnificent Great Temple alongside a tiny village. What makes this site even more remarkable is that it was moved in the 1960s from its original site to avoid being lost to the flooding of Lake Nasser by the Aswan Dam.

The Temples of Luxor

Divided by the Nile, here you can visit the ancient capital of both the middle and the new pharaohs. The East Bank side contains the Luxor Temple and the Temple of Karnac, while on the West bank the incredible Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens reveal to you their ancient splendour and magnificence.

Pyramids of Giza

Outside the city of Cairo are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx which must surely top most people’s "to do" list for a holiday in Egypt. This is where Egyptian royalty constructed their imperious burial shrines with hundreds of "mastaba" alongside as the final resting place for relatives and favoured servants.

Cairo

As well as being the obvious place to experience all the flavours of the Egyptian culture, the capital is also the home of the world famous Cairo Museum. Here you can view some of the most famous artefacts ever discovered from the ancient world. These include the contents from the tomb of Tutankhamun and the "cache" of mummies that were first discovered in the 1870s.

The Red Sea

The Red Sea can be as relaxing or as energetic as you want to make it. Whether you choose the ancient town of Hurghada or the purpose built tourist destination of Sharm el Sheikh, water sports, especially scuba diving and snorkelling, are the order of the day. Without doubt, the Red Sea offers some of the best scuba diving in the world due to the crystal clear waters that abound with coral reefs and all the marine life that they attract.

Egypt is a remarkable place with something to offer for everyone. From culture, architecture and history, to beaches, cruises and water sports, Egypt really is somewhere not to be missed.

Photo © archer10 (Dennis) SLOW

Guest post provided by Sunshine easily search and find hotels and holidays in Sharm el Sheikh as well as other great holiday destinations.