The Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski- Sultan’s Suite ($7,500 per night)

Ciragan Palace Hotel

Located in Istanbul on the Bosporus, this hotel was originally the home of the Ottoman sultans and has been around since the 16th century. It was turned into a hotel in 1991. The hotel has two buildings- the original palace and the new hotel. If you ever dreamed of living like a king, this would be a place to go. It only costs 7,500 per night.

The Fairmont Hotel- Penthouse Suite ($10,000 per night)

Fairmont Hotel

Located at the Fairmont Hotel on San Francisco’s Nob Hill, this 6,000 square foot suite takes up the entire eighth floor. It has three bedrooms, a dining room and room for 50 people- enough for you and your celebrity entourage. There’s a pool table, fireplace, and a bathroom made of 24 karat gold. Coolest feature- a secret passageway is concealed behind the bookshelves on the library’s second floor.

Hotel Cala di Volpe- Presidential Suite ($13,879 per night)

Hotel Cala di Volpe

The eastern coast of Sardinia became famous during the 1960s when a very rich man bought it and convinced his other rich friends to builds villas and yacht clubs. The area even served as the backdrop to the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.” This suite has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and two sitting rooms. The highlight is the private, outdoor saltwater pool on the second floor. Because for the price you are paying, you deserve a little privacy.

Westin Excelsior- Villa La Cupola ($14,950 per night)

Westin Excelsior

Located within the Westin Excelsior on the fifth and sixth floor, the suite covers 6,099 square feet and has an additional 1,808 square feet of balconies and terraces. There is a private kitchen, a dining room with an antique Murano glass chandelier, a private wine cabinet. If that wasn’t enough, you get a private cinema with Dolby surround sound and a private elevator to the fitness area and Jacuzzi. This suite is true opulence and is a great way to impress your first date.

The Martinez Hotel- Presidential Suite ($18,500 per night)

Hotel Martinez

The Martinez Hotel in Cannes bills itself as having the biggest, most expensive and only terraced penthouse suite on the Cote d’Azur. It has two bedrooms, a Turkish bath, a kitchen, a personal sauna, as well as a wraparound terrace that can hold 100 people. A private butler is available 24 hours a day. Pure luxury in one of the most expensive regions in the world.

President Wilson Hotel – The Imperial Suite ($23,300 per night)

The Imperial Suite is reached by a private elevator, has four bedrooms, and overlooks Lake Geneva. The suite has a study, 5 bathrooms with marble floor, a billiards table, a library and a cocktail lounge, perfect for entertaining the 40 guests this suite can hold. For those who need extra security or are simply paranoid, don’t worry- the suite is equipped with bulletproof windows and doors.

The Atlantis- The Bridge Suite ($25,000)

Atlantis Hotel

The Bridge Suite is located on top of a bridge that connects the two Atlantis Royal Towers giving you an excellent view of the hotel, marina, and islands. The ten-room suite is decorated in red, black and gold…lots of gold! For the price you are paying it should make you feel like a king! The room has its own butler and cook, who come in via their own entrance so they never bothers you. This place is the ultimate tropical island suite. In fact, it’s so luxurious you may never venture out of it.

Palms Casino Resort- Hugh Hefner Sky Villa ($40,000 a night)

Palms Hotel

Located on the 34th floor in the Fantasy tower, the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa has everything you need to feel like the ultimate playboy. There is an an outdoor Jacuzzi, living room, media room, dining room and bar, and, of course, an eight foot rotating bed for when you entertain all your playboy bunnies. This suite is the most expensive room in the world right now but, to live like “Hef” for the day, it might be worth it. Note: Playboy bunnies not included.

Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Kokopelli’s Cave Bed and Breakfast
Farmington, New Mexico, U.S.A.

This cave dwelling was blasted out of a mountain. This 1,650 square foot, one-bedroom cave home was made from a 65-million year old sandstone formation high above the La Plata River. It is furnished with plush carpeting, Southwestern style furniture, hot and cold running water, a kitchen, washer/dryer, cascading waterfall-style shower, and a hot tub. Being underground has never been more luxurious. Not only are you underground but your high above it too. How often does that happen?

Source: Ratestogo

Woodlyn Park

Otorohanga, New Zealand
Woodlyn Park has a variety of unusual hotels. Their underground rooms are modeled after the Hobbit homes from Lord of the Rings, allowing you to live like Frodo would. These are all self-contained with kitchens and can accommodate between 2-10 people. Having been built using polystyrene blocks, they are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Since New Zealand is still seeing a boom from the movies, these places are popular- advance booking is essential.

Source: Stephen

Beckham Creek Cave Haven
Eureka Springa, Arkansas, U.S.A.
This secluded cave dwelling is a truly unique experience. Luxurious and totally secluded, it makes for a comfortable and relaxing vacation. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the surrounding areas or you sit in the underground Jacuzzi all day. No matter what you do, staying here is a unique experience.

Elkep Evi

Urgup, Turkey
This hotel is located in the town of Urgup in Turkey. The hotel provides a complex of three 7-room bed and breakfast pensions and a 2-bedroom suite clustered together. The hotel offers cave rooms with modern facilities ideally located near the top of Esbelli, the hill above the town. All rooms are en suite and include daily Turkish breakfast at Hilltop, in the garden or salon. Rooms also have a terrace providing for excellent views of the surrounding area.

Source: Dorogoy

Le Prince Noir

les Baux de Provence, France
A unique Bed and Breakfast experience to sleep at the top of an old Roman-area fortress in a home carved out of rock! Today we repeat this invitation to travel. We have made the Prince Noir into a halt which will help you to discover or rediscover a Provence rich in culture and tradition. Nestled in the heart of Les Baux in Provence is this delightful tiny inn with just three rooms…” Rooms come with a patio and private bathroom.

Source: Eric

Here are some tips for following in Darwin’s footsteps:

Pack Light!! No more than 20 kgs. of luggage may be checked on flights to or from the Galapagos Islands. Must haves are proper footwear, shorts, long- and short-sleeve shirts, a bathing suit (bathers), a wide-brimmed hat, long pants, sunglasses, all the essential toiletries, and a light jacket.

Bring Good Shoes!! If you head to the islands, you’ll be walking over rocky terrain. Most of the area is old lava so bringing sturdy walking shoes is a must. Sandals won’t cut it.

Know the Weather!! The hot season runs from December to May when humidity is high and average temperatures are between 26-30 C. Most days are hot and sunny. From June to November, you can expect cool winds, and some occasional rain.

Fly Smart! There are no international airlines that fly directly to the islands. You must fly to then take a national flight to the islands. These flights typically cost $US 400.

Know the rules! Guests must travel with their passports and numbers must be given to your tour operator before arrival. You’ll need to show your passport there so don’t consider leaving it at the hotel. You will also need to pay US$100 park fee upon arrival at the airport in Galapagos in order to enter to this national park.

Do Your Research!! Get the name of ship and do a bit of an internet search. Find out its history. The tourism board can help. A decent ship has 2 skiffs so that they can ferry passengers to the islands more quickly. They also have free kayaks on board, a decent outside deck to sit and relax comfortably on, good food, and a crew that won’t chase the women passengers around. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on every ship cruising the Galapagos but you may want to find out beforehand what the meal is.

Check out the staff! Ask for the guide’s name and credentials. If you can’t get that info, go elsewhere. A good guide should have a degree, speak fluent Spanish and English, and a couple of years experience. This is the person who will be explaining the islands to you, you don’t want a bad guide to ruin your expensive vacation!

Check your route! Avoid ships that combine 8 day cruises with the 4 day cruise option. It means you’ll be sitting on the dock as they pick up a new set of passengers. There are numerous islands and you should try to see them all. However, if that’s not possible you should try to see at least 2 of the following: Genovesa, Punta Espinosa, and Punta Suarez. (These are the most impressive!)

Size Matters! The bigger the ship, the less intimate the experience. Large ships herd people like cattle. They are more comfortable but less intimate. Moreover, they can’t change their itinerary as easily to take advantage of things that might happen (stopping to watch whales, spending longer on one island, etc etc.)

No matter when and with who you go to the Galapagos with, research is very important. There are many, many tour operators, and though strict rules help keep the bad ones out, many still offer substandard tours. You get what you pay for so pay for something nice when you go to the Galapagos.

Source: 1, 2, 3

Kenya
Kenya is one of the top safari destinations in Africa, second only to Tanzania. It is often done as part of a tour with Tanzania but with so much to offer, Kenya deserves its own tour. Visit the famed Mt. Kenya and reserves such as Masai Mara. Between August and November, wildebeest migrations take place across the Mara and is one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Be sure to rent a balloon for a bird’s eye view of the action.

Tanzania
The biggest safari destination in Africa, Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro crater, and the big 5 animals. Safaris usually fall into two categories: the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire) and the Southern Circuit (Selous, Mikumi and Ruaha). If hiking is more your style, be sure to check out Mt. Kilimanjaro and reminisce about the snow that once stood there. After all that hiking and safariing, finish your holiday with a few relaxing days in Zanzibar.

Botswana
Botswana is home to the blue waters of the Okavango Delta and is one of the least visited countries in Africa. Here you can see areas like the Chobe National Park, Moremi National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Since so few people visit here (think Tanzania without the crowds), it’s one of the best kept secrets in Africa. Well, maybe not anymore. Safaris here are less expensive than in neighboring countries.

South Africa
South Africa is fast becoming a major safari destination and its growth is outpacing areas like Tanzania and Kenya. With fewer tourists and more rugged land, South Africa offers a more rustic safari. However, the secret is out, and soon it will be as popular as East African countries. Kruger National Park is world famous for viewing the “big five” but South Africa has other utopias like Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve. No matter where you go, you’re bound to come across all the big game.

Namibia
Like Botswana, Namibia offers stunning views and wildlife reserves but without the crowds. Check out Etosha National Park or the South Luangwa National Park. In the Kunene region, check out the rare desert elephants. Way off the beaten track, Namibia is still a great destination for those looking to experience an African safari and feel like you’re exploring something – not just part of the camera clicking horde.

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Paris, France
The French are renowned for their fashions, with designs that have been the rage since the decadent court of the Sun King. Paris is paramount in the fashion world, attracting the very best designers, models and celebrities. Explore the fashion world in the City of Lights, from Dior and Hermès, to Chanel and Gaultier, and upgrade your wardrobe as you downsize your wallet. After a spree in Paris, your wardrobe will definitely turn heads.

Vietnam
Vietnam is an excellent place to shop for bargains. Most major international labels manufacture in the country – just check the shirt tags – so you may be able to eliminate the middle man and buy direct. Cities like Hoi An specialize in clothing manufacturing. The Vietnamese Post Office even has a special section just for shipping clothes. As a result, you can often get quality “designer” goods at a fraction of the price.

New York City
New York City is the fashion capital of America. A city so dense with people, culture, and celebrities is bound to be on the forefront of anything. Those with deep pockets can get the best of the best on Fifth Avenue. Bohemian and thrift lovers should head to Soho, Greenwich or the Lower East Side. The borough of Brooklyn is the up and coming trend setter in this city. Whatever your tastes are, a section of New York has it.

Moscow
Since the fall of communism, Russians have thrown out the drab clothes of the past in favor of the world’s high fashion. Flush with oil money, they are demanding the very best the world has to offer. Ferraris now line the streets of the capital city with caviar and Champagne as menu items of choice. No surprise then that the best designers have set up stores in the city. Moscow residents now demand the very best from London, Paris, New York City and Milan because fashionable Russians would not be caught in anything less than th best. The city is a must for the serious shopper.

China
As factory to the world, China is ground zero for clothes production. From legit labels to knockoffs, you can find it all. For those who have the budget for high-end brands, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong are now on par with the most fashionable capitals of the world. Whether in a night market or Western-style mall, good deals on clothes are readily available in China.

Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok has a mall on almost every corner and there is nothing made in the world that you can’t buy here, which makes Bangkok one of the best places to shop. You can splurge on Louis Vuitton and Armani or head to the streets to buy knockoffs for a fraction of the price. No matter what your taste, Bangkok has it. For those visting Thailand, pack light – you’ll be carrying extra on the way back.

Milan
Notable leaders in design, Italians have enviable reputations for their seamless sense of style. You’ll seldom find one poorly dressed, no matter what city or time of day. A “Made in Italy” tag is a surefire mark of quality and superior design. Milan is the center of the Italian fashion world and an absolute must on any shopaholic’s itinerary.

Beverly Hills
The rich and famous demand the best, so no wonder that Beverly Hills has it all. Every major brand in the world is here and Rodeo Drive is the retail heart of the iconic 90210 zip code. While not cheap, those looking to dress like a celebrity should head down to Rodeo Drive for the latest fashions.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Haggis
Haggis is the traditional dish of Scotland. There are many recipes but most contain sheep’s ‘pluck’ (heart, liver and lungs), onion, oatmeal, spices, and salt. After this is all mixed together, the dish is stuffed inside the sheep’s stomach and cooked for three hours. Delicious!


Maggot Cheese
This cheese from Sardinia, Italy is known locally as “casu marzu.” It’s is famous for the cheese fly larvae found inside. The cheese goes beyond the normal fermentation process to near decomposition, a result of the digestive action of the larvae. The insects are introduced into the cheese in order to get it to this stage. Some people clear the larvae before eating but some enjoy this cheese with a side of larvae. Seconds anyone?

Bird’s Nest Soup
This soup is a considered a delicacy in China. Built using the nests of cave swifts, this soup uses the bird’s saliva to give it its texture. The nests are rich in nutrients and believed to help digestion, sexual prowess, alleviating asthma, increasing concentration, and boosting the immune system. Bird’s nest soup is a real health panacea. Who knew bird saliva could be so healthy? Forget Chicken Noodle Soup, Bird’s Nest Soup is the new “it” dish for what ails you.

Thousand Year Eggs
Thousand-year eggs are another Chinese dish made by preserving duck or chicken eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, lime, and rice straw for several weeks to several months. After this is completed, the yolk becomes a dark green substance with a strong sulfur and ammonia smell while the egg white becomes dark brown and jelly-like. This dish is considered a delicacy and is usually found at special events, such as weddings.

Muktuk
Muktuk is a traditional Eskimo dish of frozen whale skin and fat. Usually made from the skin and blubber of the Bowhead Whale, this dish is eaten raw. However, it is occasionally diced, breaded, deep fried or sometimes pickled. Conservation laws limit the number of whales that can be caught each year, but that doesn’t mean this dish is expensive. It can be found all over Alaska and is a food for the true adventurer.

So next time you are looking for something different on your plate, try one of these bizarre foods.

Photo Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

A Fugu apprentice trains for three years before the ultimate test, which consists of three components: fish-identification, theoretical and practical. The latter is vital and involves the careful preparation and subsequent consumption of Fugu by the student. About 70% of applicants fail the severe examination, which ensures a certain level of skill in kitchens across Japan.

A dish of Fugu can cost easily $50 dollars but it can be found for as little as $20 but a full course Fugu dinner can cost over $200.

There are several preparation methods but Fugu sashimi, in which raw, translucent slices cover the plate, is the most popular and a beautiful way to showcase the intricate skill of the chef. Masters use a special knife specifically for the deadly delicacy. Known as the hiki, the precise tool is kept in quarantine, away from other kitchen implements.

All in all, Fugu is a potentially lethal dish for those in search of a little adventure and a great story to take back home.

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Nobu got his start in Peru and Argentina, before moving to Alaska. On his first day off in three months, his restaurant burned down. Unemployed, he moved to Los Angeles and started from scratch once again. He pioneered the use of soft shell crab and shrimp tempura rolls, both attempts to please the western palate. There, he found a fan in Robert De Niro, who after many repeat visits, kept encouraging him to open a restaurant in New York City. Eventually, he accepted De Niro’s offer - the rest is culinary history.

Now Nobu has become synonymous with high quality sushi and Japanese cuisine. The place became an overnight sensation when it opened, with reservations necessary over six months in advance. However, with the advent of Nobu Next Door and other locations around the world, a customer in New York can be seated right away for lunch. Weekend reservations should still be made well in advance.

A typical meal at Nobu can cost $300 dollars for two people. In cities like London and Tokyo, expect to pay even more. However, the ambiance is second to none, the sushi melts in your mouth, and the cuisine is expertly prepared with attention to every detail. Who knows, you might even sit next to a celebrity. Whatever the case, if you’re a sushi lover, dinner at Nobu is a must. 

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

New York City, New York

Originally settled by the Dutch in 1625, New York was conquered by the British in 1664. New York has since played an important role in American history. An important strategic point for the early colonists, the city was the gateway to upper New York and the Hudson Valley. Since the American Revolution, New York has become the financial capital of the world and a major center of academia, fashion and culture. The Big Apple was also the traditional arrival point for millions of immigrants. You can now visit Ellis Island and learn about the waves of immigration that made the United States the superpower it remains to the present day.

Boston, Massachusetts

Founded in 1631 by British Puritans, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. It has played a vital role in many facets of American history - as the birthplace of Harvard, the American Revolution, aspects of the modern pubic school system and the burial site for many Founding Fathers. Of note as well, Boston is the birthplace to artists such as The Cars, Aerosmith and shockingly, Boston. When in the city, walk the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail for superb historic sites.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As the first capital of the United States, the City of Brotherly Love has a lot of history on tap. Philadelphia is the home of Benjamin Franklin, the Continental Congress (all of them), the signing of the Declaration of Independence and of course, the drafting of the American Constitution. Throughout Philadelphia, you can learn about the founding of America, the history of the original Quaker colony, see homes dating back to the 17th century and get a tour by “Benjamin Franklin” himself. It’s a window into 18th century and revolutionary America that is only rivaled by Boston.

Jamestown, Virginia

Founded in 1607, Jamestown was the first English colony in the New World. The Virginia outpost almost folded due to conflict among early settlers before the discipline of John Smith and the cultivation of tobacco got the colony back in order. Jamestown subsequently became the major center of trade in Virginia. Today, historic Jamestown provides a window into 17th century America.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a major port city in the American South. It played a key role in the Civil War (the first shots were fired here at Fort Sumter) and is a time capsule of the “Old South.” The juxtaposition of white aristocratic wealth and excess against the haunting backdrop of slavery makes Charleston a fascinating place to visit. Much of the old plantation architecture has been wonderfully preserved and a visit to the city is a great way to further understanding of pre-Civil War America.

Savannah, Georgia

One of few to be spared from the ravages of the Civil War, legend has it that General Sherman declared the city of Savannah too beautiful to be destroyed. Tree-lined streets front iconic southern architecture. Iron gates shield plantation-style homes once owned by the upper crust of southern aristocracy. From mere observation one can still imagine conversations in the parlour about the future of the Union. All in all, Savannah is a wonderful step back in time and notably, a great place to sample honest-to-goodness soul food.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is the oldest settled city in the United States. Founded in 1565 by the Spanish, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles named this site after discovering it on August 28th, the feast day of Augustine of Hippo. The city confines contain numerous reminders of Spanish rule, the most notable of which is a classic fortification. The main base of defense in Florida for the Kingdom of Spain at the time, Fort Matanzas National Monument is now under the domain of the National Park Service.

Washington, D.C.

Though not the first capital of America, this city has a wealth of history as the political powerbase of the country. The result of negotiations between the first colonists (each state wanted it somewhere else), the city was sacked and burned during the War of 1812. Rebuilt to completion, today the capital draws millions of tourists every year to iconic monuments, memorials and the Smithsonian Museum complex. As the home of Congress and the White House, no other city can provide as much insight into the United States as Washington D.C.

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Paris
Known for high fashion, trendy boutiques, gourmet cuisine and cute cafés, Paris is consistently one of the most expensive cities in the world. A basic lunch will cost around 10 euros and apartments can run on average 700 euros a month. A night at a hotel starts at around 80 euros. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to splurge. Hermès scarf here, Louis Vuitton bag there, dinner at Alain Ducasse, drinks at Buddha Bar and before you know it, your trip to the City of Lights will send you to the poorhouse.

London
With the pound one of the strongest currencies in the world, it’s no wonder that London makes our list. London is constantly in the top three most expensive cities in the world. Meals, historical sites and hotels- everything in this city is expensive. An average flat can cost over 300,000 pounds and can rent for over 4,000 a month. A pint at a good English pub can be over 5 pounds and dining out will set you back 20 a head, minimum. Throw in some theater tickets, the price of a taxi, gifts, and you’ll spend money faster than the ATM can give it to you. London is not cheap and residents here frequently complain of its high cost of living.

Moscow
Just a decade ago, no one would have thought that Moscow would be one of the most expensive cities in the world. Last year, it was rated the priciest. However, rising oil wealth has flooded Russia with new money. A flock of petrol billionaires have transformed Russia’s capital from a grim, dark city into a decadent metropolis. Ferraris have replaced Ladas on Tverskaya Street. Real estate prices have skyrocketed, along with hotel rooms and luxury goods. Bottom line, the days of bargain travel in Moscow are long over.

New York City
The City that Never Sleeps is also the city that steals your paycheck. The most expensive city in America, a weekend in New York for two can cost well over a thousand dollars. A “cheap” hotel room is in the three hundred dollar range. Fifty dollar lunches and twelve dollars martinis seem to be par for the course. With Broadway, posh restaurants and clubs and the swanky Fifth Avenue commercial district, New York will surely blow your budget. The depreciation of the American dollar has made this city much more affordable but when compared to other places in America, Manhattan takes the cake.

Tokyo
With 12.7 million people and a population density of 5,796 people per square km, everything in Tokyo, especially space, is at a premium. Japan is naturally expensive because so much is imported – it thus makes sense that the premier city would be even pricier. Looking for property? Some places are worth so much that they are considered “priceless.” With a rising yen, Tokyo has only become more expensive. Meals, hotels, and everyday items are lofty no matter what currency compare them to.

Stockholm
Scandinavia is notorious the world over for being expensive, with Stockholm the most glaring culprit. A hostel costs at least 40 dollars a night and hotels are usually 100 dollars or more. Meals, even modest ones, cost at least 10 dollars. With high taxes on alcohol, drinks are also very expensive. A trip to Stockholm will cost at least 100 dollars a day on a budget and 200 a day for someone without a backpack strapped on. It’s a beautiful city and the Swedes are some of the friendliest and most fun loving people in the world but a trip here requires extra deep pockets!

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6