World Tourism Blog

As Mexican officials investigate a bloody attack that left eight people dead in one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations, officials there say the drug wars appear to be having little effect on tourism.

Six women and two men died Tuesday in a fire at a bar frequented by locals in the resort town of Cancun. Employees at Castillo del Mar have told police that gunmen tossed gasoline bombs at the establishment, which is located in a low-income area far from the city’s main tourist zone.

Quintana Roo state Attorney General Francisco Alor told a local radio station that the cause of the blaze remains under investigation and that the bar has had problems in the past, although he did not elaborate.

Businesses throughout Mexico are often hit up for protection money by drug cartels, which sometimes set fire to those that refuse to pay, the Associated Press reports. And while Cancun has largely avoided the drug-related violence that has killed more than 28,000 people in Mexico since 2006, drug cartels and immigrant traffickers are known to operate in the area.

But the violence appears not to be deterring vacationers, who are scheduling trips to Mexico even after the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning on Aug. 27, advising American citizens to delay unnecessary travel to the central Mexican states of Michoacan and Tamaulipas, as well as Sinaloa, Durango and Coahuila.

The warning also ordered children of all U.S. government employees to leave Monterrey amid a high number of kidnappings there and following an Aug. 20 shooting near the city’s American Foundation School. An earlier warning that authorized the departure of relatives of U.S. government personnel from U.S. consulates in the northern Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros also remains in effect.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to “stay within the well-known tourist areas,” according to the warning.

“Although narcotics-related crime is a particular concern along Mexico’s northern border, violence has occurred throughout the country, including in areas frequented by American tourists,” the warning read. “U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times … In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped and most of their cases remain unsolved.”

But despite the danger, the number of international tourists visiting the country by plane increased 35 percent in June compared to the same month in 2009, according to Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) statistics.

MTB officials say nearly 820,000 people from destinations worldwide visited Mexico in June, up from 605,435 in June 2009. Of those visitors, the tourism board said, roughly 573,000 were from the United States, a 23 percent increase from the same period a year ago. Canadian visitors, meanwhile, skyrocketed more than 100 percent compared to the year before, up from 21,322 to more than 41,000.

But figures provided by the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries paint a different picture, indicating that the number of U.S. air passengers to Mexico actually declined by 2.5 percent this year and by nearly 11 percent in 2009.

MTB officials say cruise travel is also on the rise, as the number of American cruise passengers in the first four months of 2010 increased 6 percent compared to 2009 levels. Passengers from Canada also increased 9 percent from a year ago, MTB officials said. Mexican ports welcomed 5 million cruise passengers last year, and that figure is expected to reach nearly 6 million this year.

Despite the recent suspension of service on Mexicana Airlines, MTB officials are touting increased service by AeroMexico — the country’s largest transcontinental airline — from Miami to Monterrey and Houston to Monterrey. Other airlines have also begun offering additional direct flights to Mexico’s hot spots, or will begin to do so shortly. British Airways is scheduled to begin flying direct between London and Cancun in November, and China’s Hainan Airlines will begin flying direct to Mexico City. U.S. airlines, too, are offering new direct routes from San Francisco to Los Cabos and Charlotte, N.C., to Puerto Vallarta.

“We feel these numbers are evidence of the strength and quality of Mexico’s destinations,” Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara, said in a statement.

Online travel agencies agreed that Mexico remains a top tourist destination despite its deadly drug war.

Genevieve Shaw Brown, a senior editor for Travelocity, said Cancun remains the country’s most popular destination and ranks No. 13 among the travel site’s domestic and international locations.

“Two of the reasons Mexico remains popular are value and convenience,” Brown said in a statement to FoxNews.com. “There are direct flights to Mexico’s major tourist destinations from nearly every major city in the U.S. That competition among airlines helps to keep pricing down. Average international airfare from the U.S. this fall is $769 round trip as compared to airfare from the U.S. to Mexico at $443 round trip.”

Marita Hudson Thomas of Orbitz.com said Mexico’s resort towns are “largely unaffected” by the ongoing travel warnings. In fact, she said, Cancun was just named the company’s top international destination for the Labor Day weekend.

Popularity of Mexico’s Gulf Coast resorts aside, the State Department travel warning makes it clear that travel South of the Border is not without risk. And recent news reports bear out the potential danger.

At least 16 people were injured last week when a grenade exploded at a bar in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta. And other tourist hot spots like Acapulco, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo and Cuernavaca aren’t immune to the drug-related violence.

“In April 2010, three innocent bystanders were killed in a shootout between Mexican police and [drug-trafficking organization] members in broad daylight in one of [Acapulco's] main tourist areas,” the warning reads. “In the same month, numerous incidents of narcotics-related violence occurred in the city of Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos, a popular destination for American language students.”

By Foxnews

Tourism Mexican

Singapore predicted it will have 11.4 million - 12.5 million foreign tourists up to the end of 2010.

Bey Soo Khiang, Senior Executive Vice President (Marketing & Corporate Services) of Singapore Airlines said at the opening of Natas Holiday Fair 2010 at Singapore Expo on Friday that the country`s tourism industry looks brighter and more prospective than last year`s.

Until July 2010, Singapore`s economic development continued increasing by 13-15 per cent of its Gross National Product (GNP), which is level than that of the United States.

“The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that the number of foreign tourists will increase 3-4 per cent in 2010, while that in in Singapore will grow to 12.5 million.”

“It is quite reasonable to have such optimism,” he said.

Moreover, Singapore`s tourism sector is also undergoing a transformation. This year saw the inauguration of Marina Bay Sands, integrated with the World Resort Sentosa.

It will also be supported with world class events like the Youth Olympic Games and Formula One. The two events may increase the number of foreign tourists to Singapore.

Changi International Airport reported that the number of passengers on transit increased by 17 per cent in the last six months.

SA is encouraging an increase in the number of foreign tourists by expanding overseas flights.

Now SA flies to 62 destinations in 34 countries.

“If we make a comparison with Indonesia`s tourism sector, the estimation has a very wide gap. Indonesia with is much larger than Singapore and has more destinations, may only have seven foreign tourists until the end of this year.”

By Eturbonews

Singapore predicted it will have 11.4 million - 12.5 million foreign tourists up to the end of 2010.

Huashan Mountain, known as one of China’s five sacred mountains, has been closed to tourists, after a rain-triggered landslide blocked the main road leading to the mountain’s cableway Tuesday afternoon, the scenic administration authority said Wednesday.

No casualties have been reported. But some unconfirmed sources said two workers with the scenic administration are feared buried.

Huo Wenjun, head of the Huashan Mountain Scenic Area Administration Committee, told Xinhua the estimated 3,000-cubic meter landslide blocked a 30-meter section of the road, stranding 200 tourists on Tuesday.

“Those stranded have been able to get down from the mountain by using a pedestrian path,” he said adding that no casualties had been confirmed.

Huo said the scenic spot would remain closed until the debris was removed. So far, 200 people are working to clear the road.

Huashan is the most precipitous of China’s five sacred mountains, which also include Mt. Tai in eastern Shandong Province, Hengshan in northern Shanxi Province, Songshan in central Henan Province and Hengshan in central Hunan Province.

It takes 3 hours to reach by car from Xi’an, capital of west China’s Shaanxi Province.

By Xinhuanet

Huashan Mountain / Image via lookinchina.com

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Costa Rica, the world’s foremost leader in sustainable tourism practices, has begun to reap the rewards for its commitment to social and environmental preservation alike. The country’s philosophy to being at peace with humanity and nature have now set the stage for a country that is recognized internationally as one of the most stable, most ethical, one of the cleanest, and consequently, one of the happiest places on Earth.

A recent Gallup Poll named Costa Rica one of the Happiest Places on Earth citing its people’s health, prosperity, and overall satisfaction with life. So, what has this small nation done right to create this type of society and, more importantly, what kind of changes can other countries make to achieve a little more happiness in everyday lives?

When Costa Rica made the decision to eliminate its army in 1948, it seemed like an unlikely and naïve choice, at best. Then, in 1978, Costa Rica took it a step further and declared 25 percent of its territory as protected land in an effort to preserve the rich biodiversity that today has made the country one of the most sought after ecological destinations in the world.

While these decisions were highly criticized in their time, Costa Rica, today, has come full circle and proven that a life focused on the well-being of the people and the planet is the best recipe to living a long and happy life. Their zest for life shows because while many initially come here for the country’s natural beauty and an endless choice of activities, ultimately, the longest lasting impression they leave with is the kindness and joy that the Costa Rican people offer.

All of these choices have enabled Costa Rica to be a society that can count on accessible education for all and a nationwide healthcare system that even provides for tourists in the country. Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves, enjoy a literacy rate that is comparable to any other well-developed nation, equal rights for all, a political system which allows for strong participation from its citizens, and an almost complete elimination of fossil fuels for electric production.

As a destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Earth and its people, Costa Rica began to see a growth in its tourism industry. In order to mitigate the negative effects of tourism development in the country, Costa Rica quickly took action, and in 1996, it established the Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program (CST), which outlines four main pillars for developing a property or operation that would reduce the impact that it would on the environment, its population, and its culture as well.

Over the past year, Costa Rica, as a country, and its tourism sector alike, have received an unprecedented amount of recognition for its staggering achievements at the environmental and social level. Organizations like the World Economic Index Forum and the Environmental Performance Indicator developed by Yale University and Columbia University have ranked Costa Rica as the best place to do business and the cleanest destination in the Americas, respectively.

The CST program has not only been well received by the industry, with over 150 hotels and tour operators certified, but it has also been regarded by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the model for sustainable tourism in Latin America. Additionally, the CST program was recognized by the III Virtual Congress on Latin American Tourism Industry and Destination Competitiveness with the “Tourism for All” award in the category of “Innovation in Tourism and Hotels.”

All of these efforts have positioned its tourism industry as one of the most sustainable in the world and it has no shortage of awards either. In the past year alone, establishments such as Green Hotels of Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Rios Tropicales, Hotel Punta Islita, El Silencio Lodge, Nature Air, among many others, have been recipients of sustainable tourism awards and recognitions from prestigious organizations such as National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, Rainforest Alliance, and the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The key to happiness, as Costa Rica has proven, isn’t necessarily limited to the act of consuming less. Rather, it is the philosophy that when people take the time to take care of and appreciate the things around them that aren’t replaceable, such as the environment, their people, and their culture, then they begin to create a society that finds happiness in the simple things that the world has to offer.

By Visitcostarica

Costa Rica

Overview

The Lord of the Rings film trilogy brought the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand’s countryside into the international spotlight. Combine this scenery with a huge variety of recreational opportunities, and you’ve got an outdoor enthusiast’s ideal vacation destination. Even those without a desire to jump off bridges or roll down a hill in a clear plastic ball will find something to do–New Zealand’s cities offer plenty of opportunities for fine dining, shopping and museum-going. Because a trip to New Zealand can come at great expense, however, it is important to spend plenty of time planning your vacation to ensure that it is as memorable as you hope it to be.

Step 1

Decide what time of year you would like to visit New Zealand. Remember that it is located in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning the seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere–when it is summer in the United States, it is winter in New Zealand. The summer season is the busiest in New Zealand; it is also when the majority of activities are open for tourists. From May to September you will typically find smaller crowds and also are more likely to find good deals on airfare.

Step 2

Determine how much time you have to devote to a trip to New Zealand. The greater amount of time you have to spend, the more you will be able to see. Given the amount of travel time necessary to get to New Zealand, ideally, two weeks is the minimum trip length you should consider. Two weeks will provide adequate time to see a large part of both the North and South Island, although you will have to continually be on the move. For trips shorter than two weeks, plan to focus on just one part of the country rather than trying to see it all.

Step 3

Decide on a rough budget for your trip. Your largest expense is likely to be airfare, followed by lodging, transportation and food. Check the websites of Air New Zealand and Qantas for specials when researching airfares. You may even be able to add an extra stop in Hawaii or Fiji on the front or back end of your trip without paying an additional fee. Remember to also take into account the cost of tours and recreational activities, such as bungee jumping, jet boating, zorbing, skydiving and glacier hiking.

Step 4

Put together an itinerary. The majority of international flights land in Auckland on the North Island. You can opt to start your travels here, or take an immediate flight to Christchurch in the South Island. Highlights of the North Island include Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Taupo and Wellington. Highlights of the South Island include Kaikora, Christchurch, Queenstown, Te Anau, Fjordland National Park, Milford Sound, Mount Cook National Park, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the wineries of Marlborough and Hawkes Bay. Adrenaline junkies should plan to spend the majority of their time in the South Island; Queenstown is the epicenter of outdoor recreation.

Step 5

Choose a method of transportation during your travels in New Zealand. Although New Zealand has an efficient bus system, a rental car or camper van will provide you with the greatest amount of independence. For quick travel between locations, flying may be an option, although doing so will cut deeply into your travel budget. Traveling by rail (TranzRail) is also a good option–the TranzScenic rail line cuts through the mountains and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

By Susan Berg

Glacier hiking is just one of the many possible activities in New Zealand.

As Greece recovers from the damage caused by street violence, strikes and a massive blow to its reputation on the international stage, surrounding nations are set to steal its tourists, particularly Croatia.
 
It is said that every cloud has a silver lining and the crisis in Greece is proving that this saying is at least half true. The cloud over Greece looks more violent than ever and is stopping Brits, Germans and Italians from visiting the traditional destination. The silver lining has a Croatian flag on it as the Greek unrests pushes tourists in a northerly direction.

This is not to say that Croatia has nothing to offer without being a substitute for a nearby EU country in crisis. The country boasts a general mixture of green and blue as the Adriatic combines with stunning islands such as Hvar and medieval walled cities like Dubrovnik to create breathtaking landscape.

 If it were not for the “Balkan” reputation, there is no reason to believe why the former Yugoslav country should not be more popular. The government relies on at least 10 million visitors per annum. Then the figures of Croatian tourism are very favourable and account for one sixth of the country’s economy.

With the help of Greek crisis, Croatia has experienced a 7% growth in overnight stays this July. Whether these stays are in expensive hotels or tents, it still shows an element of progress. This means every 50th tourist in Europe visited Croatia in July. In Greece, the number of tourists remains almost the same yet spending is significantly down compared to last year. Indeed, tourists in Greece have been spending at least 7% less than in 2009.

By Tourism-Review

CROATIA TO EARN OUT OF GREEK CRISIS

Last year I actually won a sweepstakes (one of those that no one ever wins) for a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Beyond Darwin, I knew nothing of the archipelago and went only because it was free. However, my week touring this eco-wonder changed my life and perception of ecotourism forever.

The staff and crew of the Lindblad/National Geographic ship Endeavour quickly stepped in to fill the massive knowledge deficiencies I had regarding the Galapagos. Before arriving the only thing I knew was to expect very large turtles and to never, ever touch anything lest it become extinct and bring about the end of the world. Almost immediately though, the biologists onboard began an immersion course into all things Galapagian and we even took a nature hike that first afternoon.

Over the course of several days, my ability to be completely overwhelmed by nature was surpassed by every new experience. Everyone knows that the wildlife on the islands have no fear of humans, but to experience this unique phenomenon in person is quite another thing. To be able to stand inches away from blue-footed booby hatchlings and listen to them cry for their parents etched a sensory memory that can never be erased. This endemic trait does have its drawbacks, more than once an angry pelican tried to take a nip and seeing spitting iguanas crossing the path ahead is certainly an eye opening experience.

At the end of the week, we said our teary eyed goodbyes and took with us memories and experiences to last a lifetime. As I watched the group of islands disappear from the airplane window, I began to think about our responsibility to preserve such natural wonders.

The ability to keep areas such as the Galapagos pristine is a delicate balance between much-needed tourist dollars and limited access. I began to wonder if our presence there is really a benefit or not. Fifty years ago, the Galapagos was an all but forgotten island chain with just a handful of inhabitants. Today more than 20,000 people call this tiny place home and many more visit each year. Following in the wake is the expected pollution and general ecological maelstrom in one of the last untouched biospheres on the planet.

However the presence of these scientists and visitors has also accomplished the impossible. The Charles Darwin Foundation and other notable organizations have brought back several species from the brink of extinction, including the giant tortoise, ensuring their presence for centuries to come. Their research has also allowed biologists to better understand these endemic creatures, which in turn adds to our collective scientific knowledge and abilities.

Ecotourism and sustainable travel are oft used and very trendy travel buzz words, but most of the experiences do little to protect the designated areas. As with all things, there are both good and bad actors. I have encountered organizations, companies and properties that truly “get it” and do offer a sustainable experience. However, I fear that there are many more bad actors who are ruining the utility of the terms for everyone else. These terms are being used everywhere as a way to describe travel to important and delicate natural areas. Unfortunately though these are areas which, because of that very tourism, may very well cease to exist past another generation or two.

By Matt Long

Giant tortoises Galapagos Islands

Take a ferry to a remote island or see Sweden’s answer to Nantucket

For years I’ve flown over Stockholm’s famed archipelago, or glided by it on a big cruise ship heading for Helsinki. Finally, I filmed one of my TV shows here, diving into the 80 miles of scenic islands that stretch out from downtown Stockholm. Locals love to brag that there are 34,000 islands — but they must be counting mossy little rocks, so I don’t use that figure. Ferries serve a hundred of them, providing Stockholmers with the ideal island escape.

The local name for this area is “Skargarden” — literally “garden of skerries,” unforested rocks sticking up from the sea. That stone is granite, carved out and deposited by glaciers. The archipelago closer to Stockholm is rockier, with bigger islands and more trees. Farther out (such as on Sandhamn), the glaciers lingered longer, slowly grinding the granite into sand and creating smaller islands.

One of the joys of an archipelago trip is to grab a perch on the breezy sundeck with the Swedes as they enjoy their island wonderland. Even if your island isn’t an official stop, ferries will dock on request … or to plop down the day’s mail.

Two major companies run public ferries from downtown Stockholm to the archipelago. Waxholmsbolaget’s big ships depart across from Stockholm’s Grand Hotel, at the stop called Stromkajen. The smaller Cinderella Batarna ships — generally faster, more comfortable, and a little pricier than their rival’s — leave from near Stockholm’s Nybroplan. Because the routes and schedules can be confusing, it’s smart to review and confirm your plans in advance, ideally at a tourist information office.

Your archipelago options are endless in this idyllic land-and-seascape. For a quick look, consider one of the many half- or full-day package boat trips from downtown Stockholm. For more flexibility, freedom, and a better dose of the local vacation scene, do it on your own. Overnighting on an island really lets you get away from it all and enjoy the island ambience. Don’t struggle too hard with the “which island?” decision, although nature-lovers might want to travel well beyond the island of Vaxholm, where the scenery gets more striking.

With thousands of islands to choose from, every Swede seems to have his or her favorite. Here are four possible island destinations, listed in order starting from Stockholm and sailing toward Finland:
The self-proclaimed “gateway to the archipelago,” Vaxholm is more developed and less charming than the other islands. Connected by bridge to Stockholm, it’s practically a suburb. But it also has an illustrious history as the anchor of Stockholm’s naval defense network. Its main attraction is its “new” fortress, dating from the mid-19th century, when an older castle was torn down and replaced with this imposing granite behemoth.

The rustic, traffic-free isle of Grinda — half retreat, half resort — combines back-to-nature archipelago remoteness with easy proximity to Stockholm. The island is a tasteful gaggle of hotel buildings idyllically situated amid rustic charm — walking paths, beaches, trees, and slabs of glacier-carved granite sloping into the sea.

The remote and lesser-known isle of Svartso (”Black Island”), a short hop beyond Grinda, is the “Back Door” option of the bunch. Unlike Grinda, Svartso is home to a real community; islanders have their own school and library — but only 80 year-round residents. While the island is less trampled than others (just one B&B and a great restaurant), it is reasonably well-served by ferries. It’s perfect for those who want to slow down and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Out on the distant fringe of the archipelago — the last stop before Finland — sits the proud village of Sandhamn on the island of Sandon. Literally “Sand Harbor,” the town has a long history as an important and posh place — Sweden’s answer to Nantucket. It is an extremely popular stop for boaters — from wealthy yachties to sailboat racers — as well as visitors simply seeking a break from the big city. You’ll find two halves to Sandhamn: In the shadow of the iconic yacht clubhouse is a ritzy resort/party zone throbbing with big-money nautical types. But just a few steps away, around the harbor, is an idyllic old town of colorfully painted, shiplap cottages tucked between tranquil pine groves. While most tourists come here for the resort, the quieter part of Sandhamn holds the real appeal.

No matter which island you plan to explore, the best way to experience the magic of the archipelago is simply stretching out comfortably on the rooftop deck of your ferry. Enjoy the charm of the lovingly painted cabins as you glide by, your lounge chair positioned to catch just the right view and sun, the steady rhythm of the ferries lacing this world together, and people savoring quality time with each other and nature. The journey truly is the destination.

By Rick Steves

With its swanky yacht club, Sandhamn is often regarded as Sweden's answer to Nantucket.

With over 5 million annual visitors on average, Benidorm is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The Costa Blanca, Alicante province beach paradise is a boon for package-holiday tourists who want to spend some time on the Mediterranean.

The beaches of Benidorm

Once a sleepy, traditional village, Benidorm’s long, wide coastline drew the attention of major international investors in the mid-1960s. No longer a hidden gem of the Costa Blanca, Benidorm’s fortunes altered irrevocably when plans for a world-class coastal resort came to fruition.

Modern buildings soon appeared on the narrow, winding streets of Benidorm and initial waves of foreign tourists made it clear the old fishing village was quickly becoming a desirable destination. In a few short years, Benidorm was invaded.

To accommodate the town’s surge in popularity, a necklace of high-rises was built around the coast. These towering, gleaming apartment complexes and hotels in Benidorm earned the resort town a new nickname: the “Manhattan of Spain”.

Benidorm’s remarkable skyline transformation had an undeniable pull on millions of new tourists. The additional lure of Blue Flag-designated beaches helped the area’s popularity skyrocket even further. In no time, domestic tourism to the coast had been overtaken by visitors from abroad.

Apart from the three main beaches of Levante, Poniente and La Almadraba, Benidorm has a large number of leisure and entertainment attractions. One should however, make time for the heritage quarter of old Benidorm, a rare relic from the town’s pre-mass tourism and package-holiday era. The contrast between the old quarter’s landmarks, such as Iglesia de San Jaime, and the modern high-rise skyline is stark.

Other worthwhile, non-tourist-trap attractions include Benidorm (Peacock) Island, various underwater caves (ideal for avid divers) and the distant mountains that provide such a brilliant, indelible backdrop.

Benidorm’s somewhat infamous reputation as the most popular beach and package-holiday destination on the continent aside, the Costa Blanca resort is a gem. Visitors can indulge in a plethora of “touristy” attractions of course, from amusement parks to pubs, theme restaurants to souvenir shops, but those who want genuine charm and even relative peace and quiet can find it in Benidorm as well.

By Florin Nedelcu

Benidorm - View from the west side Mount

Storied buildings let travelers’ imaginations run wild.

Travelers have long ago discovered most of Europe’s castles. These fortresses can be fun, offering battle re-enactments, sound-and-light shows, catapult demos, dress-up costumes, fake garden parties, wagon rides, tourist accommodations, and medieval banquets.

But beyond the touristy castles are the ones I prefer — the forgotten ones. These are evocative, stony husks without plaster or furnishings — where you’ll see broken stairways and open skies rather than rooftops. Massive chunks of stone no longer guard anything from anyone and lichen grows on walls seemingly to cushion stones for a fall they’ve been expecting for centuries.

Castle ruins invite you to ramble the ramparts and let your imagination roam. Climbing through waist-high weeds on rubble corralled by surviving walls, you can break off a spiky frond and live a sword-fern fantasy.

In France’s Dordogne region, I like to hike to Chateau de Commarque near Sarlat. The Chateau is a 20-minute walk through a forest of chestnut trees to a clearing, where the mostly ruined castle appears like a mirage. The owner, Hubert de Commarque, bought the castle in 1968 and has been digging it out of the forest ever since.

Along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in Ravello, the ruins of the 13th-century Villa Rufolo impressed Richard Wagner enough to place the second act of his opera “Parsifal” in a setting inspired by the villa’s magical gardens. With its commanding coastline view, the ruins create an operatic experience that doesn’t even need music.

In the scenic foothills of the French Pyrenees lies a series of surreal, mountain-capping castle ruins. Like a Maginot Line of the 13th century, these sky-high castles were strategically located between France and the Spanish kingdom of Roussillon. The most spectacular is the Chateau of Peyrepertuse, where the ruins seem to grow right out from the narrow splinter of cliff. The views are sensational — you can almost reach out and touch Spain.

Along the coast of Northern Ireland, the romantic remnants of Dunluce Castle perch dramatically on the edge of a rocky headland. On a stormy night in 1639, dinner was interrupted as half of the kitchen fell into the sea — taking the servants with it. That was the last straw for the lady of the castle, who packed up and moved inland. Ever since, the forces of nature have had their way.

Thanks to invading French armies, there are lots of ruined castles in Germany’s Rhineland. One massive edifice, Rheinfels Castle, sits like a dead pit bull above the village of St. Goar. It withstood a siege of 28,000 French troops in 1692. But in 1797, the French Revolutionary army destroyed it. Once the mightiest of Rhine castles, it offers the best ruined-castle experience on the famous river.

I’ve clambered through Rheinfels, climbing a dark spiral staircase, as bat dung drifted softly down around me. Standing gingerly at the top of the stairs, I looked out at empty space instead of a floor. Across the expanse was the most finished element of the castle: the still-tidy square holes into which hand-hewn floor beams had been stuck. What became of the beams and all they supported?

Light filtered from slits in the wall. Archers used these narrow breaks to shoot at invaders. Peering out, I surveyed the overgrown terrain beyond the castle; green and brushy today, but once shaved clean to create a no-man’s land, where no enemy could find cover as he approached.

At Rheinfels and some other castles, you can crawl through (claustrophobic) underground tunnels leading away from the shell of the castle. This is where explosives would be packed, ready to surprise invading forces and blow them to smithereens if they dared approach the walls.

Ruined castle appreciation isn’t for everyone. Some might say it’s a guy thing … to peer, wonderstruck, over the shoulder of a guide who lowers a lamp on a rope into a dungeon that has only one way in or out — a mean-spirited hole in the ceiling. Stories of knights sleeping in wooden boxes filled with hay in dank, ground-floor rooms evoke an era when life was nasty, brutish, and short (like the people).

The advent of powerful cannons — near the end of the Middle Ages — changed the very architecture of castles. Cannon balls were great levelers. Instead of soaring tall (and vulnerable), castles had to be built squat and stocky. But whether you like your castles short or tall, intact or in rubble, what’s always free to soar is your imagination. And when that kicks in, then humble and forgotten ruins can rival Europe’s great and famous castles.

By Rick Steves

Castle ruins can offer jaw-dropping views, like this one at Chateau of Peyrepertuse in the French Pyrenees.