For many travelers the allure of an unspoiled and little-explored country is irresistible. Designated the 'Lost City,' Cambodia fits the bill.  Of all of the attractions that Cambodia rightfully boasts, the ruined temples from former Cambodian dynasties reign supreme. Primarily in the city Siem Reap in the Angkor region, these ruins become the top things to do in Cambodia. While Cambodia offers a multitude of interests, these ruins are the primary source of fun for the young and old alike.

Angkor Wat

One of the most famous ruined temple complexes in Angkor, Angkor Wat boasts the title of the largest religious building in the world at 1,950,000 square meters. Despite being aged not only by time but also by the treading of tourists and several closings and openings, Angkor Wat has remained sturdy and resilient in its isolation.

Angkor Wat, at face value, is magnificent and beautiful. However, in order to really experience the complex, take your family or friends early in the morning to experience the sunrise over the beautiful peaks of the temple. It's a quietly popular thing to do at Angkor Wat, and vendors are willing and ready to keep you up in these early hours of the morning. You can't miss Angkor Wat if you're traveling in and looking for the best things to do in Cambodia.

Angkor Thom

Only about 15 miles away from Angkor Wat is Angkor Thom, historically translated to "the great city". This is a temple complex like Angkor Wat, but is larger in size. There are five different gates to the temple complex, upon which lie the four faces of Avalokiteshvara, a Buddhist god, that are so iconic of the complex. The complex has much to offer, including the Terrace of the Leper King and the Terrace of the Elephants. The Phimeanakas Temple, located on the site of a now-perished royal palace, can be climbed to see the Baphuon Temple, now being restored.

Stone Heads of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Bayon temple)

The Bayon temple is a notable part of Angkor Tom, with hundreds of the faces of the previously mentioned god Avalokiteshvara donning the surfaces--this is iconic of classic Khmer architecture found in this region. These smiling faces were initially constructed because of King Suryavarman's fondness of the god, but now, their decrepit state instills a sense of intrigue and mystery into any tourist.

Temple of Ta Prohm

The Temple of Ta Prohm is different from the others in that it portrays the taking over by nature of the temple. While the other temples have been restored and maintained in their original state, this temple almost becomes homage to the beauty and power of nature. While this temple is in no state to be recovered, it is this state of disrepair that is so beautiful.

Banteay Sray

Banteay Sray, along with Banteay Samre, is another temple that differs from the others, but not in its ability to stand. Its walls are made of sandstone, like other temples, but this temple is made of a type of red sandstone that can be carved like wood. The burnt sienna, reddish stone of this temple makes it a great place to visit, along with the intricate decorations all throughout the structure. There are many empty, intact doorways that scatter the premises, and you may even be able to peek a Cambodian taking a rare moment in the shade away from the volatile sun.

Before you go, grab a "krama" scarf. Residents use this classic Cambodian staple for a variety of things--cradling babies, protection from sun--and you keep it as a souvenir from this interesting country.

by Abigail Geiger, Contributing Author

Sustainable tourism is the act of limiting travel's harmful impacts on the environment and encouraging positive benefits to the community through job creation or service projects. With eco-consciousness being more of a buzz word than ever, creating a positive impact on the land encourages locals to want more and more visitors to explore their culture. By default, the travel industry is hard on the environment in terms of energy efficiency, recycling and water usage required for airlines and tours to operate.  Both industry businesses and individual travelers can do their part to help protect our world so everyone can appreciate it.

What is sustainable travel?

Sustainable travel means taking responsibility for your actions to any place you visit. Treating the land like it's your own backyard. This is a little different than ecotourism which is the travel to fragile and protected areas so as not to destroy a natural world wonder. The Galapagos is a prime example, as they only allow a small number of people on the island at a time to preserve unique and endangered species of flora and fauna once made famous by Darwin. Voluntoursim is another subset of this (also called volunteer travel or vacanteerism) which is a trip that involves some type of volunteer or charity work. Popular ones include language tutoring, area cleanups, wildlife conservation and foreign medical assistance.

There are numerous non-profit organizations dedicated to responsible travel. One, the Center for Responsible Travel uses policy-oriented research to improve the social and environmental impacts of travel and to brainstorm ways to alleviate poverty and biodiversity conservation.

How do I lessen my impact?

Be conscientious. Recycle whenever possible. Only work with tour operators who care about their environmental footprint and commit to sustainable development. Appreciate cultures and respect other customs. Basically do your part to be a global citizen, pay it forward.

Sustainable Destinations

China- Play with children and pandas in the historical city of Beijing. After the earthquake, 63 captive pandas in Wolong Nature Reserve have been cared for at the Ya'an Panda Breeding Center. You'll help feed and clean them and participate in behavioral research.

Costa Rica- Participate in a variety of service projects. Take part in a tree-planting project to offset CO2 emissions, work in the greenhouse or work with local families in the town on their farms.

Thailand- Some of the many exciting opportunities include mangrove restoration, teaching English or share your skills or hobbies with villagers.

Whether you're looking to splash around in the warm blue ocean waters or are simply looking to relax in the sand, going to the beach is a summer staple for many. With so many beaches, there is also a lot to consider when choosing which one is right for you. Do you want to go somewhere that's near shops and restaurants or do you want a more secluded, private experience? Do you want a beach with a lot of sand for you to stroll down or is a smaller, more intimate setting your thing?. Grab your towel and SPF and take a look at some of the best beaches in the world.

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If you're looking for the best beach to see and be seen at, there is no better place than Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The beach has long been known for its chic patrons and trendsetting beachwear where the rule seems to be less is more. Majestic granite peaks jut from a jungle-covered range to create a spectacular backdrop for the mile-long, 300-foot-deep white-sand beach and the boardwalk lined with palm trees is made for strolling. The rocky Cagarras Islands off in the distance make for gorgeous views as well and you can stop at any of the cabanas along the beach for a fresh coconut drink. If you want to hang out with celebrities and Rio's in-crowd, settle down near Posto 10 in the middle of the beach at the "Coqueirao," a big palm tree, and take in the sights. First-time visitors will want to stroll down Rua Vinicius de Morais, a strip lined with bars, shops and restaurants, including the famous Garota de Ipanema Bar where Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Morais penned the lyrics to "The Girl from Ipanema."

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii

When one thinks of the picture perfect Hawaii, it is impossible not to have Waikiki Beach in your mind. Framed by Diamond Head, one of the world's most climbed extinct volcanoes, and with nearly two miles of continuous white sand and palm trees, the beach is almost always full of tourists and surfers. It is usually crowded, so it's not the place to go if you are looking for a calm, quiet atmosphere, but it is still a very nice area where one can swim, canoe, surf and snorkel. The areas towards Diamond Head are near the expansive picnic and recreational facilities, including those of Kapiolani Park, and if you're looking for deep waters to swim in, the water is deepest at 100 feet, right in front to the bright pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel. For non-swimmers, one of the safest spots on the beach is near the shallow section in front of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, where everyone can feel comfortable venturing out a bit for a view of the beach.

Kitsilano Beach (Kits Beach), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The best beach for entertainment, Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver and is home to the salt-water outdoor Kitsliano pool. It is the largest outdoor swimming pool in Canada and is operated by the Vancouver Park Board during the summer months. It's backed by the snow-capped North Shore Mountains and is a haven for active types looking to do more than just lie on a towel and soak up the sun. It boasts 10 tennis courts, two basketball courts, and two city parks, which are all free to use and perfect for some summer fun when you get done with your share of sand time. A trail to the east leads to Vanier Park, which features the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre, home to a great observatory and planetarium. The park is also home to the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, which offers summer-long performances of Shakespeare's greatest works like The Tempest and Twelfth Night. Head to the park in late July for the annual Celebration of Light, which features an astounding international fireworks competition with displays over English Bay.

Clifton Beaches, Cape Town, South Africa

No best beaches list would be complete without the Clifton Beaches, four small white sand beaches known as the "South Beach of South Africa." The beaches are only separated by boulders the size of small cars and total half a mile in length altogether, so they are perfect if you are looking for a calming, intimate setting. Each of the four beaches has their own features and personality. Locals from nearby luxury apartments mostly visit the first beach, while the smaller second beach attracts people from all walks of life. A trendy young set makes the 100-yard-long third Beach the most lively and at nearly 300 yards long, the fourth Beach is the biggest and most family oriented. All of the beaches tend to be crowded during the summer months, but none tend to get too loud and rowdy. However, if you're looking for a warm dip in the ocean, Clifton Beaches are not the place to go, as the water is always icy. Despite their temperature, the beaches and water are clean and have been awarded the Blue Flag for excellent environmental standards by the international Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

Repulse Bay Beach, Hong Kong, China

Repulse Bay Beach couldn't be more different than the frantic intensity of Hong Kong's downtown business area. The beach is a nice retreat from the big city bustle and features a peaceful stretch of pale golden sand on the south side of Hong Kong Island. It is sheltered by a cove and surrounded by upscale apartments with imaginative architecture, perfect for those looking to take in the local scenery. On the weekends the soft-sand can get crowded with young professionals as well as families who come to enjoy the calming waters and "protection" from  the 1,300-foot-tall mountains in the background. Head to the east to see the brightly colored Tin Hau Temple, with its red Bridge of Longevity and 15-foot-tall statues of Tin Hau, the Queen of Heaven and Protectress of Seafarers, and Kwun Yum, Goddess of Mercy. If you're looking to be active, join joggers and dog walkers on a beautiful stroll along the paved Seaview Promenade, which follows the coastline nearly a mile to a narrower beach at Deep Water Bay.

As the capital of the island nation of Taiwan, Taipei is home to countless museums and memorial halls and is at the cutting edge of architecture, the pinnacle of which is Taipei 101. Taipei 101 is an astounding 101-floor skyscraper that claimed the title of world's tallest building when it opened in 2004 and is now the world's second tallest building after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Home to over 2.6 million people, Taipei is crowded, chaotic and cosmopolitan and has one of the fastest growing restaurant and nightlife scenes in Asia. It serves as the cultural, governmental and financial epicenter of the country and is located in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains. The city of Taipei was founded in the early 18th century and became an important center for overseas trade in the 19th century. The Qing Dynasty in China made Taipei the provincial capital of Taiwan in 1886 and it was retained as the capital of the island after the Japanese acquired Taiwan in 1895 after the First Sino-Japanese War. The Republic of China took over the island in 1945 following Japanese surrender and after losing Mainland China to the Chinese Communist Party in the Chinese Civil War, the ruling Kuomintang resettled the ROC government to Taiwan and declared Taipei the provisional capital of the Republic of China in December 1949.

The downtown area of Taipei is culturally divided into East and West. The West side, with its narrow streets and road side vendors, is considered the center of old Taipei life, whereas East Taipei, with its classy malls, chic boutiques, and stylish restaurants and cafes, reminiscent of those found in Hong Kong, Paris or New York represents the city's transformation into a modern and international city. While Taipei may not be high on everyone's list of tourist destinations, it is a fascinating place to visit and despite its size, it does not have any rough areas that are considered unsafe, even at night, which make it appealing in itself. Whether you're looking for a great cultural experience or simply want to take in a day of shopping and sightseeing, Taipei is sure to offer something for everyone. Here we take a look at some of the city's top attractions.

Taipei 101

No trip to Taipei would be complete without viewing the city's most prized piece of architecture. Officially known as the Taipei International Financial Center, this 101-floor, 1,667-foot high skyscraper is in the Xinyi District of Taipei and is the second tallest skyscraper in the world. Not only is the sheer height of the structure an impressive feat, it is also rich in symbolism and was built to resemble bamboo rising from the earth. Bamboo is a plant recognized in Asian cultures for its fast growth and flexibility, both of which are ideal characteristics for a financial building. The building is also divided into eight distinct sections, with eight being a number associated with prosperity in Chinese culture. Don't miss out on looking at the ornate details on structural beams, columns, and other elements. The building also boasts the world's fastest elevators, which will zip visitors up to the 89th-floor observation deck in a mere 37 seconds. There is also an outdoor observatory on the 91^st floor that offers breathtaking views of the city that aren't to be missed.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is the symbol of both Taipei and the Republic of China and its famed courtyard is the place for both national celebrations and as a platform to voice one's disapproval of the government. The memorial consists of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, who was a famed political leader of 20^th century China, and is watched over by two motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour in a rifle twirling ceremony. For those interested in Kai-shek's historical significance, there is a museum downstairs of his life, including his sedans and uniforms. Even if you are not into memorials or history, the gardens, with their Chinese style ponds, are definitely worth a visit. If you get there early enough in the morning, you can also sometimes catch locals gathering to practice martial arts, as it is a favorite spot to hang out and enjoy Taipei's semi-tropical climate.

National Palace Museum

Taipei's National Palace Museum is a must-see for any lover of Chinese history. It is home to one of the largest collections of Chinese artifacts and artworks in the world. Famous pieces from its collections include the jade cabbage, pork belly jade, and passenger boat carved from an olive pit. The museum always has a rotating number of exhibits, including The Ancient Art of Writing: Selections from the History of Chinese Calligraphy, Harmony and Innocence: Su Hanchen's Pair of Paintings on Children Playing, and Art in Quest of Heaven and Truth: Chinese Jades through the Ages. Visitors can take the sights in on their own schedule or take part in an audio tour or free guided tour in Chinese or English. Families will love their renowned Children's Gallery, which is around 4,200 square feet and includes an orientation theater, four interactive exhibition areas, and a special exhibition area. It uses the ideas of the artifacts from the Museum collection as a foundation, and designs short animations and interactive activities to help children learn more effectively.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum

The Taipei Fine Arts Museum was not only the first museum in Taiwan to feature modern art; it is also home to more than 3,000 artworks, mostly done by local Taiwanese artists. Most of the works are done after 1940 and are separated into 13 different categories. Like most other Taiwan museums, the Fine Arts Museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits, which currently include the headlining "Eye of the Times--Centennial Images of Taiwan" exhibit. 2011 is the centenary of the founding of the Republic of China and as part of a series of events planned by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government, the museum has invited photographer Chuang Ling and Chang Tsang-sang to co-curate the show and select the works. It features works ranging from precious documentary images taken by Scottish photographer John Thomson who came to Taiwan in April 1871, to contemporary digital works from 2010. 117 photographers and 271 images of Taiwan will be shown.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Taipei is home to many memorials and one of the most famous is the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, constructed in the memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen who is the founding father of the Republic of China. It was opened in May 1972 and features majestic landscaping covering an area of some 115,500 square meters, with a park leading up to the memorial known as Zhongshan Park. On the inside, there is a 19-foot bronze statue of Dr. Yat-sen, watched over during the day by motionless military honor guards, along with a 400-seat library that stores over 1.4 millions books. The 100-meter-long Zhongshan corridor links the main hall to the four large exhibition buildings where contemporary arts and historical articles are frequently on display. The Memorial Hall has grown into a large community center and is much less touristy than the newer and larger Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, for those who want a true Taipei cultural experience. The hall also houses an auditorium that has weekly lectures and seminars on aspects of art and life and is also a popular place for public concerts.