Visit Three Asian Markets

Photos by Jann Segal

Visiting markets in foreign countries can be a real awakening as to how the locals live. Many open air and floating markets are fascinating and exist around the world. Some of the most fascinating can be found in developing countries, but there are certainly no limits. Here are three you might went to check out in your travels to Asia.

Visit Pier 39 in San Francisco and See the Sea Lions

Photo by Jann Segal

San Francisco is a delight to visit any time of year. It is especially nice however, when the weather is bright and sunny, and the many sights are available to enjoy. One such sight is Pier 39  on Fisherman’s’ Wharf, where the seals can be found all day long.

Visit Kuala Lampur and see the Petronas Towers

Photos by Jann Segal

One of the most interesting things to observe and explore on any trip are the landmarks. Some are unmistakable, some are magical, and some make it in movies and become the hallmark of the film. Kuala Lampur's Petronas Towers are all three in one. They are one of the first things you see when you enter the city, and one of the last sights you behold as you leave.

Visit Liverpool and See the Original Beatles Drum Kit

Photo by Jann Segal

Planning a trip to Liverpool can be fun, especially if you are a Beatles  fan, where Liverpool now brings in over two billion a year as the capital of Beatles tourism. Most people make the trip as part of a longer trip to Europe in general or the United Kingdom in particular. The Liverpool portion of this trip may be just a one or two day stay, so you want to make the most of it.

Book your Beatles tours on the Internet. There are many, and you want to find the right one that fits your time frame and interest. Some, like the Magical Mystery Tour, is two hours long, and runs four times daily from the Albert Dock. This “ticket to ride” costs approximately $30 US. The tour concludes at the famed Cavern Club on Mathews Street. These tours sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.

There are also half day and full day tours, which are much more expensive, and include more in a single day if it’s more convenient to tour that way. Black taxi drivers are also an option for a four hour tour, as well as expert Blue Badge Beatles guides like Jackie Spencer, who is top ranking in Trip Advisor.

Book the tours of Paul McCartney and John Lennon‘s childhood homes yourself online if you want to save money. Tours depart from Liverpool City Center or Albert Dock several times a day, depending on the times of year. Standard admission is about $28 US for adults and $10 US for children. The childhood homes are now the property of the National Trust, and are quite popular, so it’s best to book in advance.

Buy tickets to the Beatles Story Museum once you are there. The museum is open seven days a week except for December 25 and 26, and it’s open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last admission for the day at 5:00 PM. The cost is approximately $25 US for adults and $15 for children, with different family saver prices. They now have two different locations. The original location is at Albert Dock, and once you have finished there a shuttle bus takes you to the second location, Beatles Story Pier Head at the Mersey Ferry Terminal.