Exploring these facts and figures lets you look down at the world with a fresh set of eyes, teaching you more about the people and places that call it home.

We're no cartographers, but that doesn't mean we don't love our maps. Beyond the dreary geography lessons of our youth, these mind-blowing maps reveal astounding facts about our world, from income to ancestry, career moves, food, beverage, and so much more. Exploring these facts and figures lets you look down at the world with a fresh set of eyes, teaching you more about the people and places that call it home... and maybe scoring you a free drink during your next trivia night.
<h2>International alcohol consumption</h2>
Many of us appreciate an adult beverage here and there, but where does the party go hardest? This map unveils alcohol consumption per capita for people aged 15+, which casts a wide net. Wine culture in France reigns supreme, as does pub culture in Ireland, beer drinking in Germany, and the devotion to vodka across Russia. It's no small surprise that these countries have the highest rates of alcohol consumption on earth. Surprisingly, however, none of them take home the crown. That goes to Belarus, where the average person consumes a whopping 17.5 liters every year!

[caption id="attachment_52812" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52812" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/5dc323b7135048e1b878ad662cff3a92-1.jpg" alt="map showing total alcohol consumption per capita (litres of pure alcohol)" width="1000" height="748" /> Photo by Our World in Data[/caption]


<h2>Drink of choice</h2>
So, what is everyone raising their glass with? Spirits are incredibly popular throughout Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, while beer is overwhelmingly regarded throughout North and South America, Australia, and Western Europe. Other Western European nations will never let up on their wine, which is also well-loved in Chile and Argentina. On the other hand, Africa remains divided between beer and "other alcohol."

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-53024" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/map_with_whitespace.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="596" />


<h2>Alcohol expenditure</h2>
We're not sure who crafted all these booze-related maps, but we're loving what we've learned. Not only have we measured where and what people are drinking, but exactly how much they're spending per year. There's truly no competition when it comes to the booze budget in Ireland, where the average household spends over 7% of its annual income on adult beverages. Next on the list? Ethiopia, where households set aside 6%. Australia's up next, followed by a three-way tie involving Canada, Central America, Eastern Europe, and beverage-producing Western European nations, such as France, Italy, and Germany.

[caption id="attachment_52814" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52814" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/alcohol-expenditure-as-share-of-total-1.jpg" alt="map showing alcohol expenditure as a share of total household expenditure" width="1000" height="705" /> Photo by Our World in Data[/caption]


<h2>U.S. ancestry</h2>
Curious where your ancestors arrived from? You might be in for a treat. Across the U.S., millions of immigrants have become ingrained into American life, and they've come from every country on earth. Viewing the map, it's incredible to see the diversity within our borders. German ancestry is prominent from sea to shining sea, with every nation in Europe also visible from coast to coast. African ancestry is seen in the South, while Mexican migrants make up much of the Southwest. In every region, however, you'll notice bits and pieces from around the world, and that's exactly what makes America the majestic melting pot that it is.

[caption id="attachment_52817" align="alignnone" width="1348"]<img class="wp-image-52817 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/Census-2000-Data-Top-US-Ancestries-by-County-2.jpg" alt="map showing U.S. ancestry" width="1348" height="1000" /> Photo by Wikipedia[/caption]


<h2>International billionaires</h2>
Once you bring home the big bucks, which destination will you decide to call home? The world's wealthiest men and women have spread out around the globe, but the majority reside in the China-Pacific region, which hosts 37.7% of the billionaire's club. China, in particular, boasts 373 of these ultra-rich tycoons. The U.S. has the most by far, however, with 585 billionaires residing within the 50 states and 29% of the world's mega-rich, making North America their home base. German, India, and Russia are up next, with 123, 119, and 101, respectively.

[caption id="attachment_52810" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52810" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/world-map-of-billionaires-2020-6727-1.jpeg" alt="world map of billionaires" width="1000" height="648" /> Photo by howmuch.net[/caption]


<h2>Making the mortgage</h2>
This map evaluates how many hours the average American household works toward monthly mortgage payments. In other words, how much work goes directly toward housing every single month. It should come as no small surprise that workers in high-cost-of-living cities, such as LA, NYC, and Miami, grind the hardest to pay their way, with averages of far over 100 hours. NYC workers clock in at 113, followed by LA at 112 and Miami at 109 — nearly three weeks of pay! By contrast, residents throughout the Midwest only work an average of 25 hours to lay down their payments. If you're considering a move, then this map's worth much more than a glance.

[caption id="attachment_52819" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52819" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/hours5-1-059e-1.jpg" alt="map of the US showing the hours Americans work to pay a mortgage" width="1000" height="642" /> Photo by howmuch.net[/caption]


<h2>Highest-paid jobs in the U.S.</h2>
While similar careers award high salaries throughout the states, there are marked differences between them. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and dentists always earn the big bucks, but while surgery is the highest-ranking profession in both Maryland and Maine, and those states have similar costs of living, those in Maine make about $20k more per year. Meanwhile, in Montana, gynecologists make significantly more than surgeons, and the highest salary is lower than in either of the above states. This same trend carries over to other, lower-paid professions, so you should consider carefully before deciding where to hone your career.

[caption id="attachment_52820" align="alignnone" width="2500"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52820" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/final_BEST-4a82-d8af.png" alt="map showing the highest paid job in every state in the US" width="2500" height="1504" /> Photo by howmuch.net[/caption]


<h2>Where millennials make a living</h2>
While the cost of living is skyrocketing across the country, it remains highest in major cities like LA and NYC. Unfortunately, however, salaries don't always follow suit. If you're considering relocating, look into Minnesota, Massachusetts, and North Dakota, where millennials earn the most annual income in the U.S. Massachusetts earners take home an average of $80k per year, for instance, while their New York neighbors only earn $61k. Incomes vary widely by state, so movers should look into this if they want to bring home the bacon.

[caption id="attachment_52821" align="alignnone" width="1600"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52821" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/millenias-income-in-every-state-e964.jpeg" alt="map showing how much millennials make in every state in the US" width="1600" height="1145" /> Photo by howmuch.net[/caption]


<h2>Where tourists spend their dough</h2>
You've worked hard to earn those vacation days, so where should you devote your tourism dollars? The U.S. garners over $211 billion in annual tourist revenue, while Spain and France earn $68 billion and $61 billion, respectively. Italy, Australia, and Germany come in close behind, with tourist dollars in the 40-billion-dollar range. You might be surprised to discover, however, that little-known gems like Cyprus bring in $3 billion tourist dollars without the big crowds. Even Kazakhstan scores $2 billion in traffic every year.

[caption id="attachment_52822" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52822" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/f28be001fc084d32be8b2621e40cbf92-1.jpg" alt="map showing the world's top tourism destinations ranked by money spent" width="1000" height="778" /> Photo by howmuch.net[/caption]


<h2>Most popular messaging app</h2>
Whether you're discussing your drinking budget, relocation plans, or next major career move, how will you tell all your loved ones? Across the world, What's App reigns supreme as the most popular messaging app to inform your friends. It's popular nearly everywhere except in North America and Australia, where Messenger is the top way to get the word out. Meanwhile, Viber and WeChat have risen in popularity in parts of Africa and Asia.

[caption id="attachment_52823" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52823" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/l_41890_baa9a870f4c094bd8de4ed8dbea0b3e9-1.jpg" alt="map showing the most popular messaging app in every country" width="1000" height="498" /> Photo by ChartsBin[/caption]

Experiences

Quirky

Mind-Blowing World Maps to Discover

Hidden within the world's most notorious sights, you'll discover everything from secret compartments to churches, cemeteries, passageways, and more.

There's more to iconic landmarks than meets the eye, and when you dig deeper, eye-opening surprises await. Hidden deep within the walls of the world's most notorious sights, you'll discover everything from secret compartments to churches, cemeteries, passageways, and much more. These destinations make the world's wonders even more incredible, showing that history holds surprising secrets our imagination can't quite comprehend. While some of these sites are open to the public and others remain hidden, interesting stories abound.
<h2>Gustav Eiffel's apartment, Paris</h2>
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks on earth, with millions of annual visitors. While they can travel straight to the top, glimpse the city from every angle, and experience a romantic dinner with a view, one stop remains entirely off-limits — a one-of-a-kind top-floor apartment designed exclusively for Gustav Eiffel himself. He's the only one who's ever lived there, and he refused to sell it to anyone else, regardless of the price. Using it to host close-knit gatherings during his lifetime, the apartment remains furnished with his decor.

[reddit url="https://www.reddit.com/r/BeAmazed/comments/n0rdxt/gustave_eiffel_had_his_own_private_apartment_at/" /]


<h2>Vatican City's necropolis, Rome</h2>
The Vatican houses countless secrets, from long-lost tunnels to abandoned spaces from centuries gone by. However, the most macabre is the expansive catacomb hidden beneath St. Peter's Basilica. Essentially a second city for the dead, this massive grave houses mysterious figures at depths between 16 and 40 feet underground. Over 1,000 graves are buried there, some dating back to the Imperial Period of Ancient Rome. The first Pope, Peter, and Jesus's disciples are rumored to call the cemetery their final resting place.

[reddit url="https://www.reddit.com/r/ancientrome/comments/qfkjb0/1st_century_ad_tomb_of_the_caetennii_discovered/" /]


<h2>Khufu's hidden chamber, Giza</h2>
The Great Pyramid of Giza, built to memorialize Pharaoh Khufu between 2550 and 2490 BCE, is the largest of the ancient Egyptian pyramids, so not every space has been discovered in detail. Filled with secret rooms and hidden passages, the most mesmerizing is a recently discovered 400-foot tall secret chamber. A second, smaller passage has also been identified. While archaeologists aren't 100% sure about the purpose, many believe this is the opening to Khufu's hidden burial chamber — a site that remains unexplored after thousands of years.

[caption id="attachment_52659" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52659" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/05/GettyImages-147104333-1.jpg" alt="Great pyramid of Khufu" width="2000" height="1300" /> Taken by Archie Wong / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>One Times Square, New York City</h2>
Visit New York, and One Times Square is impossible not to notice, imposing over the avenue with its around-the-clock advertisements and eye-catching grandeur. Step inside, however, and you'll discover a surprise... nothing. That's right, absolutely nothing. While a pharmacy takes up space on the ground floor, the rest of the building is brimming with vacant offices, including supplies and equipment from decades past. After its bankruptcy in 1992, the building was sold solely for advertising purposes, with the interior left empty for the unforeseen future.

[reddit url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/8srmh6/for_the_people_interesting_in_the_inside_of/" /]


<h2>Cave of the Evil Spirit, Niagara Falls</h2>
Niagara Falls is one of North America's most popular tourist destinations, but a quaint limestone cave carved into the gorge's side is hidden away from the action. It was given its name by the Seneca people, who believed that the darkened den housed an inimitable spirit. Notable explorers, including Robert Cavalier de LaSalle, didn't heed the warnings and stepped inside, suffering the penalties when he was abandoned by his team, lost his fortune, and was murdered by his own men. According to legend, the spot is not just haunted but cursed, and visitors can explore at their own risk.

[caption id="attachment_52653" align="alignnone" width="640"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52653" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/place_image-image-82c2602e-bdc2-40bb-a427-7a8073be0dc9.jpg" alt="Cave of the Evil Spirit" width="640" height="360" /> Photo by Roadtrippers[/caption]


<h2>The Statue of Liberty's torch, New York City</h2>
Another New York City must-see, the Statue of Liberty, is an American icon that's enchanted visitors from across the globe. While you can still travel to the top, did you know that the torch was also open for adventuring? Until 1916, tourists could explore the room enclosed within Liberty's torch, capturing an entirely new view of the city. After a WWI explosion damaged the infrastructure, the room was closed. It remains off-limits to this day. A TorchCam can give curious travelers a small peek inside.

[reddit url="https://www.reddit.com/r/nyc/comments/ixmvq3/a_rare_view_of_the_statue_of_liberty_from_the/" /]


<h2>Mount Rushmore's Hall of Records, Keystone, South Dakota</h2>
There's a hidden door behind Lincoln's head, and it's home to some bold ambitions. Built between 1938 and 1939, the Hall of Records was meant to honor American history in-depth, with plans to hold vital historical documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, busts of famous Americans, and a list of U.S. contributions to the arts and sciences. When creator Gutzon Borglum died in 1941, work came to a close, and the room was sealed off to the public.

[reddit url="https://www.reddit.com/r/AlternateAngles/comments/e04flm/this_view_of_mount_rushmore_showing_the_entrance/" /]


<h2>Harvington Hall's priest holes, Harvington, UK</h2>
Hidden deep in the Worcestershire countryside, Harvington Hall holds many secrets. The site was used as a hideout for Catholic priests fleeing persecution during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and it still houses rare antiques and paintings from that era. Also held within are seven secret crawl spaces known as priest holes. Regarded as "The House of Secrets," there's plenty to discover, but these cramp, cold, dark spaces are by far the most terrifying. In the 16th century, priest hunters stripped the paneling and floors of great houses around the country, playing a petrifying game of hide-and-seek. While the terror is long gone, these spaces remain open for exploration today.

[tweet id="582183745635135488" /]


<h2>The Doge's Palace prison, Venice</h2>
While many visitors are aware of this not-so-secret destination, few have actually seen it. Nestled directly under the palace's roof, this notorious prison was harsh on its inhabitants, covered with sturdy lead slabs that conducted heat in summer and passed cold through in winter. During its 400-year history, only one person escaped to this difficult destination — renowned lothario Giacomo Casanova in 1765. Top-secret tours are available for a limited number of guests to make their way through.

[caption id="attachment_52651" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52651" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/GettyImages-1180624211.jpg" alt="Doge's Palace Prison" width="2121" height="1414" /> alla_iatsun / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Our Lord in the Attic, Amsterdam</h2>
Sunday service was conducted in secret in this hidden church with a marble altar and pews for a 150-person congregation. Attended by locals in the 17th century, this attic church was hidden away to avoid Catholic persecution. On the outside, it's a traditional home that blends in effortlessly with its surroundings. Once you head up the stairs, however, the attic church comes into view, and tourists are free to explore it in full, including remaining artifacts from the period.

[caption id="attachment_52652" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52652" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/shutterstock_1642082143.jpg" alt="AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, - MARCH, 19, 2018: Ons Lieve Heer op Solder, Our Lord in the Attic, a secret house Church spanning three townhouses in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Holland." width="1000" height="667" /> Robert Mullan / Shutterstock[/caption]

Hidden Spots in the World's Most Famous Buildings

Whether you're on the ground exploring or on the couch daydreaming, discover the incredible stories of islands that exist solely as abandoned remains.

We're so used to seeing hundreds of people in our day-to-day lives that the thought of an abandoned society is unspeakable. The thing is the people who inhabited these infamous oases once had that same thought. Around the world, communities that were brimming with luxurious homes, schools, and restaurants suddenly ceased to exist, drawing the curtain on once-flourishing societies. Where were they? And what happened to them? Whether you're on the ground exploring or on the couch daydreaming, discover the incredible stories of islands that exist solely as abandoned remains.
<h2>Gunkanjima Island, Japan</h2>
A company town in the truest sense of the word, Gunkanjima, or "Battleship" Island, was settled by over 5,000 inhabitants in its heyday. Filled with sought-after coal deposits, the Mitsubishi Corporation bought the island in 1890, then filled it to the brim with apartment complexes, shops, restaurants, and schools to accommodate the rapidly-growing mining population. However, those coal deposits didn't last forever, and once they ran out, the entire city — once the most densely populated place on earth — transformed from a bustling metropolis to an abandoned ghost town.

[caption id="attachment_52627" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52627" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/GettyImages-1165878337.jpg" alt="Gunkanjima Island (Battleship Island) near Nagasaki" width="2121" height="1414" /> Ruben Earth / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Deception Island, Antarctica</h2>
Nations were up in arms over Deception Island for years, seeking the rich resources it supplied fur trappers, hunters, whalers, research scientists, and explorers. At one point, Argentina, Chile, and the UK all had research bases located there. Little did these adventurers know, but something was brimming under the surface — an active volcano that erupted not once but twice! In 1967 and 1969, the volcano destroyed everything in their vicinity, including all existing bases, equipment, and supplies. It remains uninhabitable to this day.

[caption id="attachment_52629" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52629" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/GettyImages-641492694.jpg" alt="Deception Island" width="2000" height="1500" /> ValerieVS / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Suakin Island, Sudan</h2>
It might just be crumbling remains now, but Suakin Island was once the Sudanese center of wealth and prosperity, leading empires to success for over 3,000 years. Developed by Ramses III in the 10th century BCE, this vital trading port was filled with luxurious buildings, homes, trading posts, and temples constructed with coral. Many contained mesmerizing carvings and fine art, and the entire community was gated. The height of medieval luxury, Suakin Island started slowing down drastically as the slave trade diminished. By the 1920s, it was falling into disrepair, with the beautiful coral buildings disintegrating bit by bit. Only ruins remain today, but visitors can explore what was once the trading capital of a flourishing empire.

[caption id="attachment_52630" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52630" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/GettyImages-1161970927-1.jpg" alt="Fishing boats in Suakin, an ancient abandoned port city made of coral on a Red Sea island in northeastern Sudan." width="2000" height="1415" /> JordiStock / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Poveglia Island, Italy</h2>
The macabre backstory is enough to keep us away, but Poveglia Island is completely off-limits either way. Located between Venice and Lido, the island has been used as a dumping ground for the unwanted and the diseased for hundreds of years. Originally settled in 421, it became a quarantine colony in 1348, with tens of thousands of symptom-bearing citizens exiled there to die. In the late 1800s, a mental asylum was installed on the island, with doctors performing strange, torturous, and deadly experiments on patients. The island was officially closed in 1975, with the remaining facilities entirely abandoned. Today, it's recognized as one of the most haunted places on the planet, with 50% of the soil containing human ash.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52631" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/shutterstock_2036338592.jpg" alt="Aerial view of the plagued ghost island of Poveglia in the Venetian lagoon, opposite Malamocco along the Canal Orfano near Venice, Italy." width="1000" height="666" />


<h2>Ross Island, India</h2>
Regarded as the "Paris of the East," Ross Island was used by British officers as a penal colony and jail. Brimming with elegant properties, restaurants, pools, clubs, and gardens, the island became an extravagant, over-the-top home, with British residents sparing no expense in its design. In 1941, however, luxury living came to an end when an earthquake devastated the island and destroyed many of these structures. That same year, the Japanese invaded and claimed the land. Ross Island was abandoned in 1979, with only the ruined remains in place for visitors to explore.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52632" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/shutterstock_744697231.jpg" alt="Abandoned colonial architecture covered with big tree roots at Ross island" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>St. Kilda, Scotland</h2>
This isolated archipelago was once home to a tiny yet flourishing community of locals. While humans have called the three islands of St. Kilda home for thousands of years, its population peaked at 112 in 1851 and began to wane through the decades. In 1930, it was just 26 people, all of whom were evacuated that same year due to crop failure, malnutrition, disease, and the impact of World War I. These inhabitants never looked back, and these islands remain abandoned except for restored homes, huts, and a bar welcoming visitors.

[caption id="attachment_52633" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52633" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/GettyImages-176082823-1.jpg" alt="The main street of ruined cottages on Hirta, the main island of the St Kilda archipelago." width="2000" height="1267" /> RollingEarth / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>McNab's Island, Nova Scotia</h2>
Originally settled by British explorers in the 1750s and resettled by merchant Peter McNab in the 1780s, McNab's Island remained the namesake home of his descendants until 1934. Since there were no other inhabitants to keep daily life moving, existing structures fell into disrepair and destruction, despite the spot's vital role in protecting Halifax Harbor through the centuries. Once home to a top-secret Prohibition-era distillery that serviced thirsty travelers and military men, mighty forts, gardens, and a lighthouse, everything remains abandoned and open for adventuring.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52634" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/shutterstock_1028646553.jpg" alt="Old defense fortifications on McNab's Island in Halifax Harbour Nova Scotia Canada" width="1000" height="662" />


<h2>Spinalonga, Greece</h2>
The island may be deserted, but dark history is alive and well on Spinalonga, near Crete. While the island was settled and ruled by Venetians from the 16th century onward, it became best known as a 20th-century leper colony that lasted from 1903 to 1957. Under-staffed and under cared for, the island did anything but thrive, and it was shut down entirely in 1957 — one of the last remaining leper colonies on earth with a population of up to 400 inhabitants.

[caption id="attachment_52635" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52635" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/04/GettyImages-1303043538.jpg" alt="View of the island of Spinalonga" width="2121" height="1413" /> Gatsi / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Brentford Ait, England</h2>
Once a paradise for rowdy travelers, Brentford Ait was home to the infamous Three Swans Pub in its heyday, drawing crowds of questionable customers who couldn't wait to experience the most indecent behavior in public. Notorious for its wild gatherings and dusk-till-dawn parties, the rowdy institution was finally bought by an annoyed neighbor and closed down in 1812, leaving it uninhabited with zero remaining buildings. Now that's a level of pettiness we can only dream of.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQlhUZejcwu/" alt="Brentford Ait" caption="fat.les" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/fat.les/" /]


<h2>Discovery Island, Florida</h2>
Disney opened Discovery Island in 1974 as a bird sanctuary, adding a selection of exotic animals for its take on the traditional menagerie. Guests could explore the flamingo pool or relax at the beach, and they had to take a resort boat or cruise just to access it. A flourishing tourist attraction for over two decades, the island safely relocated the animals before closing in 1999 due to deadly bacteria and free-roaming 'gators. Today, it remains abandoned, with tourists forbidden all access.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDUoQVBjCoE/" alt="Discovery Island, Florida" caption="exploringthedisneyworld" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/exploringthedisneyworld/" /]

Discover These Otherworldly Abandoned Islands

Gold panning is alive and well in the 21st century throughout the US, and nothing beats the thrill of sifting through sand and finding pure gold.

Looking for that tingle of excitement you get when you've discovered something valuable? That feeling is waiting for you when you pan for gold.

Gold panning is alive and well in the 21st century throughout the US, and nothing beats the thrill of sifting through sand and finding pure gold. The best part? It's easy to do. All you need is a shovel, a pan, and a sense of adventure.

You've got many areas to choose from for your golden trip. Get started on your own gold rush!
<h2>The gold rush started and is still going right here.</h2>
You can start your own personal gold rush at the place where it all began in 1848. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is named for James Marshall, the prospector who discovered gold in the American River.

You'll see the monument to Marshall, erected on the exact spot where he first struck it rich. Then, you can head to the Mt. Murphy bridge and pan for your treasure. There's a shop nearby with everything you need for panning.

You'll find plenty of other places to pan in California's Gold Country in the town of Coloma and the American River.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3LvsvTjpho/" alt="Monument of James Marshall" caption="jessie_jess_martinez" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/jessie_jess_martinez/" /]


<h2>Deadwood is ground zero for the Black Hills Gold Rush</h2>
Make Deadwood your base in the Black Hills. General George Armstrong Custer discovered gold here in 1874 on French Creek, setting off the gold rush which created Deadwood.

Today you can find gold throughout the Black Hills. Most of the land there is government-owned and open to panning. But be sure to get a map at the Black Hills National Forest visitor's center because there's privately-owned land adjacent to the National Forest that's off-limits.

You'll be searching for gold where a lot of Old West history happened, and you'll be able to see Mt. Rushmore, too!

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUWbJ8bAhou/" alt="Black Hills National Forest" caption="sarah.haugen" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/sarah.haugen/" /]


<h2>This Nevada town offers a different type of prospecting</h2>
Rye Patch, Nevada is the place to go if you want to prospect for gold but not get wet. Rye Patch State Recreation Area is where you can strike it rich using a metal detector less than two hours northeast of Reno.

There's not much water near Rye Patch, which is why prospectors use metal detectors. The gold here is close to the surface and is easily found.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COIYYgQAaGZ/" alt="Rye Patch State Recreation Area" caption="westernbeard" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/westernbeard/" /]


<h2>Pan in the "richest square mile on earth"</h2>
Clear Creek Canyon Park in Colorado has a rich gold history. Colorado's gold rush of 1859 began when nuggets were found at the confluence of Clear Creek and Chicago Creek. The rich ores discovered here led to the area's nickname.

Today, you can still find gold in Clear Creek, even though it has been mined for the past 150 years.

Clear Creek Canyon Park is a short drive west of Denver, minutes from the metro area.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRcIvjZh-U0/" alt="Clear Creek Canyon Park" caption="joshstendahl" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/joshstendahl/" /]


<h2>Head north to experience the Klondike gold rush</h2>
Alaska's gold rush of 1897-98 led thousands of prospectors to Crow Creek, which would become the largest gold mine in the state. Here you'll be able to pan in the midst of rich Alaskan history.

Crow Creek Gold Mine is still active and you'll be panning alongside experienced prospectors. Don't be afraid to watch them work to learn a few techniques.

Crow Creek is in Anchorage. It offers tours of the original Mining Camp, the oldest buildings in Anchorage, and gold panning lessons if you don't feel like chatting it up with strangers.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRK92GYFC0f/" alt="man gold panning at the Crow Creek Mine" caption="rickyhodge" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/rickyhodge/" /]


<h2>There's gold in Central California, too</h2>
The American River is known to have more gold than any river in the US. The south fork of the American River flows through Jamestown, California, 60 miles east of Stockton.

Gold panners have been finding treasure in Jamestown since 1849, using nothing more than a shovel and pan. That's all you'll need to become one of the thousands who've tried to strike it rich in California.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52262" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/03/shutterstock_738542998.jpg" alt="American river at fall at South Fork near Lotus, CA" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>Perfect if you want to camp where you pan</h2>
The Cosumnes River in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California offers great camping as well as gold panning. The river runs through the Eldorado National Forest.

One of the best locations on the Cosumnes is the Pi-Pi (pie-pie) Campground in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Because it's a campground, there's a lot of panning going on in a concentrated area.

The key is to head upstream away from crowds. You'll have a great hike and might even come back wealthy!

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXbq1BxBBVB/" alt="Pi-Pi Campgrround" caption="emilyrbryson" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/emilyrbryson/" /]


<h2>Panning in Gold City and North Georgia</h2>
Gold City is the nickname for Dahlonega, Georgia, and the Crisson gold mine is the place to go for instruction about how to find gold in North Georgia's rivers.

Most rivers in the area have gold, including the Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Etowah, and Nachoochee Rivers. You'll need to make sure you're on public land when you head out on your own.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ZN_nMBshn/" alt="Crisson Gold Mine" caption="karenmhall" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/karenmhall/" /]


<h2>America's first gold rush kicked off here</h2>
When John Reed found some big yellow rocks on his Midland, North Carolina, farm, he didn't know they were gold. He figured it out in a hurry and began mining operations in 1803 at the Reed Gold Mine.

Here you can pan for gold at the Reed mine under the watchful eyes of experienced panners.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPtE9MuMlds/" alt="children gold panning with adults" caption="ilonabanta" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/ilonabanta/" /]


<h2>Hellgate Recreational Area in Southern Oregon</h2>
Hellgate is located along the Rogue River and offers wide-open gold panning opportunities in a beautiful area. There's excellent camping here, as well.

Gold production in Southern Oregon is abundant, so you've got a good chance of finding gold nuggets along with gold flakes.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca2n956v1Cw/" alt="Rogue River" caption="meagan_nickel" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/meagan_nickel/" /]

Get a Taste of the 1849 Gold Rush and Get Rich!

The best wildlife encounters follow ethical care practices for the animals and provide a safe, educational, and fun experience for visitors.

If you’ve ever dreamed of close encounters of the wild animal kind, you’re in luck. With dozens of sanctuaries, zoos, parks, and specialized wildlife care centers around the U.S., you can spend some quality time with your favorite critters, face to face, or from an up-close but safe distance. The best wildlife encounters follow ethical and respectful care practices for the animals and provide a safe, educational, and fun experience for visitors.
<h2>1. Wild Animal Sanctuary, Keenesburg, Colorado</h2>
More than 450 rescued animals, including lions, bears, wolves, tigers, and other carnivores, call this 720-acre, open-habitat, serene sanctuary home. A 1.5-mile elevated walkway allows visitors to stroll through the sanctuary while the animals roam freely below. This highly respected and accredited facility has been in operation for more than 20 years. Be prepared for a lot of walking. It takes between three and five hours to complete the tour, but it will top the list of your best animal encounter experiences.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJSJ6h0BJQH/" alt="Woman looking at wild animal at The Wild Animal Sanctuary" caption="tyrerangwala" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/tyrerangwala/" /]


<h2>2. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, Texas</h2>
If you love wildlife, you’ll be in heaven at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, one of the world’s leading conservation facilities. Located in Glen Rose, the dinosaur capital of Texas, it sits about four hours north of San Antonio. More than 1100 animals from four dozen species — including endangered ones like the American red wolf, the Addax antelope, the Grevy’s zebra, and the Southern black rhino — roam its 1800 acres. Drive your car on a seven-mile tour through the park or hop aboard a guided tour vehicle and help feed the wildlife.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZR5huop_WS/" alt="girl feeding rhino at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center" caption="fossilrim" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/fossilrim/" /]


<h2>3. Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary, St. Genevieve, Missouri</h2>
The Netflix program, <em>Tiger King</em>, opened our eyes to the massive exploitation of big cats around the globe. But the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a nonprofit, accredited rescue and educational facility. It provides a permanent, caring home for abused and neglected big cats. Choose from a variety of tours, learn about the care and background of the resident cats from the expert staff, and stay overnight at one of its on-site lodging options.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ReEs5Hzd0/" alt="boy posing alongside tiger at Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary" caption="timberplayz" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/timberplayz/" /]


<h2>4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado</h2>
While zoos provide opportunities to see exotic wildlife from around the world, they’re also places to learn more about behaviors, their natural environments, and their conservation. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to ongoing wildlife conservation efforts. Here you’ll find 146 acres of hippos, elephants, monkeys, lions, and wild hogs living their best lives in natural habitats. You can join in on a long list of exciting encounters, including a giraffe feeding experience, a behind-the-scenes look at a super-rare Amur leopard, or an Australian walkabout amid free-roaming wallabies.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52053" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/shutterstock_348253661.jpg" alt="Father and son visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs and feed the giraffe lettuce" width="1000" height="668" />


<h2>5. Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Hot Springs, South Dakota</h2>
While some may consider horses more of a domesticated farm animal, the mustang is a holdout, one of the enduring symbols of the American West. The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary provides a home for American mustangs, a place where the unadopted and unwanted equines can run free across 11,000 acres of protected, private, undeveloped land. Schedule one of the two-hour cross-country or photo tours to witness the beauty of wild horses galloping at full speed across the open prairies.

[caption id="attachment_52054" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52054" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-96169099-1.jpg" alt=" Wild Horses from the Black Hills Sanctuary" width="2000" height="1329" /> karenparker2000 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole, Wyoming</h2>
Thousands of elk migrate to the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole each winter. Dress warmly, grab your camera, and hop aboard a horse-drawn sleigh to get an up-close view of these magnificent animals. You may also see other wildlife along the way, including wolves, deer, badgers, bison, coyotes, eagles, and more. Just head to the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson Hole to book your hour-long sleigh ride.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52055" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/shutterstock_1618386376.jpg" alt=" A horse drawn sleigh crosses the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Wyoming" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>7. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, Springfield, Missouri</h2>
For those who love the creatures that live in the world’s oceans, rivers, lakes, and swamps, the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium may be the perfect destination. Visit the aquarium’s Sea Turtle Center, a treatment facility that rescues, rehabilitates, then releases them back into their natural habitats. You can also enjoy an up-close experience at the Penguin Encounter, dive beneath the surface to feed sharks and groupers at the Sea Feeding Frenzy or explore the array of wildlife exhibits.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-uBQRl5_h/" alt="Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium" caption="wheremytravelingsoul" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/wheremytravelingsoul/" /]


<h2>8. Sandhill Migration, Kearney, Nebraska</h2>
Each year, between mid-February to mid-April, 600,000 sandhill cranes make a stop along a stretch of the Platte River to congregate and rest up before continuing their arduous journey northward. Take a guided two-hour tour or watch this phenomenon from one of the viewing platforms near Kearney. Visit the Rowe Sanctuary to learn more about the local ecosystems and other wildlife living in the area. Plan a sunrise or sunset viewing at the Plautz Platform or Fort Kearney Bridge for the most spectacular views.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZpt4Ubv9VB/" alt="Sandhill Migration" caption="oliveraadrian" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/oliveraadrian/" /]

&nbsp;


<h2>9. Katmai National Park &amp; Preserve, King Salmon, Alaska</h2>
Africa may have incredible safari experiences, but the USA has Alaska, a land of endless, breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. Brooks Falls is the premier choice for up-close views of the park’s brown bear population. Catch the awe-inspiring scene of these fascinating carnivores, frolicking and fishing for salmon in the falls. Getting to the locale is part of the fun and includes a flight from Anchorage to King Salmon, then a 20-minute seaplane flight to Brooks Camp. Enjoy four to six hours of taking in nature at its best, exploring the vast preserve, and bear-watching from platforms around the camp.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXotctFv7eo/" alt="brown bear at Katmai National Park &amp; Preserve" caption="atdarwinmay" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/atdarwinmay/" /]


<h2>10. Chimp Haven, Keithville, Louisiana</h2>
This chimp sanctuary is the largest in the world. It’s also the official retirement home for research chimps owned or supported by the federal government. This 200-acre, forested, nonprofit sanctuary, located just outside of Shreveport, provides long-term chimpanzee care for more than 300 chimps ranging in age from four to 61 years old. The sanctuary allows visitors a few times each year during its Chimpanzee Discovery Days, where you can observe the chimps with their families, enjoy a hayride tour, and learn all about primate care from the knowledgeable staff.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV3hp2HF8B5/" alt="a chimp at Chimp Haven" caption="chimphaven" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV3hp2HF8B5/" /]

Top Destinations for Getting Close to Wild Animals

The unique stories behind the names of cities are an important part of America's cultural history.

Every city in the world has an origin story, and American cities are no exception. Early settlers often named new communities after geographical features. Some city names honored founders, prominent leaders, or historical events of the time, while others christened new colonies after cities and villages they left behind in the old country. The unique — and sometimes confusing — stories behind the names of its cities are an important part of America's cultural history.
<h2>1. Chicago, Illinois</h2>
Most historians agree that the Windy City was originally named after the wrong plant and a bad smell. Early explorers who arrived in the area in the 1600s mistakenly determined that the indigenous Miami and Illinois term "chicagoua," which was a type of garlic, referred to wild onions. And in the Ojibway native language, a similar term, "chi-cag-ong," was the word for "skunk." Both were associated with unpleasant odors. It took 200 years to finally figure out the inaccurate translations. In the early 18th century, French speakers changed the name "Chicagou" to "Chikago" or "Chicago."

[caption id="attachment_52198" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52198" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-1065188752.jpg" alt="Chicago River Cityscape at Sunset" width="2121" height="1414" /> Mlenny / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Los Angeles, California</h2>
The Europeans who first landed in the Los Angeles area chose a name that honored their Catholic beliefs. The Spanish claimed the area in 1542, established the first settlement in the late 1700s and dubbed it "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles," or the "Town of Our Lady the Queen of Angels." It later fell under Mexican rule until the mid-1840s, when Americans took control. For decades, the English pronunciation for Los Angeles was a source of contention, with some of its residents preferring the Spanish version. But, by the 1930s, the English pronunciation became the most commonly accepted.

[caption id="attachment_52200" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52200" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-1179628861.jpg" alt="Los Angeles cityscape at dusk" width="2121" height="1414" /> LeoPatrizi / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. New Orleans, Louisiana</h2>
The indigenous people who inhabited the swampy coastal area along Louisiana's coast for 10,000 years — the Chitimacha, Choctaw, Ishak, Tunica, and Natchez indigenous tribes — called it Balbancha, "the land of many tongues." The French arrived and claimed the area as a French territory in 1682. According to indigenous oral histories, tribe members led French explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville to the high ground that would become New Orleans. Bienville named his village La Nouvelle-Orleans in 1718 to honor the French regent, Philippe, Duc d'Orléans.

[caption id="attachment_52201" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52201" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-868971098-1.jpg" alt="Pubs and bars with neon lights in the French Quarter, New Orleans" width="2000" height="1334" /> f11photo / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Portland, Oregon</h2>
In 1845, before it was Portland, it was a small settlement called "The Clearing." But two developers, Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove, wanted to name the settlement after their hometowns, Boston, Massachusetts, or Portland, Maine. They settled the conundrum with a two-out-of-three coin toss, and Pettygrove's hometown won. The 1835 penny the settlers used to make the decision was found in a safe deposit box that Lovejoy left behind. It was eventually given to the Oregon Historical Society and is currently on display at its museum.

[caption id="attachment_52202" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52202" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-1154049225.jpg" alt="Portland, Oregon, USA downtown skyline with Mt. Hood at dawn." width="2121" height="1414" /> Sean Pavone / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Orlando, Florida</h2>
People don't always agree on the origins of their city's name, and Orlando is one of those cities. Some say it was named after a soldier named Orlando Reeves who was killed while on sentinel duty outside of Fort Gatlin in 1835. In 1884, a newspaper reported that, yes, the city was named after a soldier, but his name was Orlando Jennings. Both soldier stories were later disproven when neither man was found on the War Department's list of soldiers killed in action. Some local historians trace the name to a local politician, J.G. Speer, who was a massive fan of Shakespeare and named the city after his favorite character in "As You Like It."

[caption id="attachment_52208" align="alignnone" width="2119"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52208" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-1170201458.jpg" alt="Lake Eola Park, Orlando, Florida, USA" width="2119" height="1414" /> aphotostory / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Atlanta, Georgia</h2>
The forcible removal of the Creek and Cherokee people in the 1830s cleared the way for expansion of the state's railroads into its interior sections. In 1837, as the Georgia Railroad was working its way west, the Western &amp; Atlantic Railroad was building eastward. The zero-mile marker, where the two met, became a community, which was originally called Terminus. In the 1840s, it became "Marthasville," after Governor Wilson Lumpkin's daughter, and later changed to Atlanta, which some say was a feminine form of "Atlantic" in the railroad's name. Others claim it was Martha Lumpkin's middle name.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52207" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/shutterstock_1010072140.jpg" alt="Atlanta, Georgia, USA downtown city skyline" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>7. Las Vegas, Nevada</h2>
A Mexican trader named Antonio Armijo discovered Las Vegas on his way to Los Angeles in 1829. He called it "Las Vegas," which means "the meadows" in Spanish. It was a green, wetland oasis sitting within the massive Mojave Desert, which covers more than 25,000 miles of the area's landscape. It officially became a city when the railroad auctioned off 110 acres of land in 1905. Las Vegas was an ideal refueling point and rest stop for the railways due to the availability of water.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-52206 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/shutterstock_1462390136.jpg" alt="Las Vegas, Nevada" width="1000" height="627" />


<h2>8. Boston, Massachusetts</h2>
Like many other cities in the New World, early settlers named Boston after a city in England. Members of the Massachusetts Bay Company, who hailed from Boston, England, were the first to land there in 1630. At that time, earlier colonists named the locale Trimount due to a large, triple-peaked hill nearby. Not long after they landed, the Massachusetts Bay Company renamed the town Boston.

[caption id="attachment_52205" align="alignnone" width="2120"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52205" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-928417954.jpg" alt="Boston, Massachusetts, USA skyline over Quincy Market." width="2120" height="1415" /> Sean Pavone / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Minneapolis, Minnesota</h2>
Minnesota's largest city started as a platted townsite in 1854 on the west side of the Mississippi River. Like many other cities, Minneapolis went through several name changes before it was incorporated. It was the city's first schoolmaster, Charles Hoag, who came up with the city's official name, composed from two words: the Dakota word for waterfall, "Minihaha," combined with the Greek word for city, "polis." He originally spelled it Minnehapolis, but the "h" was dropped to become Minneapolis, which translated as "city of falls."

[caption id="attachment_52204" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52204" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-1008004582.jpg" alt="Minneapolis Skyline Aerial With Park And Lake" width="2121" height="1413" /> Davel5957 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Miami, Florida</h2>
It's hard to imagine the sprawling metropolis that is Miami was once nothing more than a settlement of just over 300 people. Its name comes from the Mayami, an indigenous tribe that lived in the Lake Okeechobee area during the 17th or 18th centuries. The city started as the "Village of Miami," on the south side of the Miami River. By 1900, the railroad had extended into Miami, and the city grew rapidly. Within ten short years, Miami's population grew to nearly 5500 residents.

[caption id="attachment_52203" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52203" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/02/GettyImages-1137673992.jpg" alt="South Beach Miami from South Pointe Park, Florida, USA" width="2121" height="1413" /> Pola Damonte via Getty Images / Getty Images[/caption]

Stories Behind the Names of Great American Cities

Most people travel to explore and relax. But some take it further, and these unusual types of tourism put a whole new spin on world travel.

The goal of travel is pretty simple: get away from the usual day-to-day grind, relax, visit new places, and have fun. Some people choose to match their getaway with a hobby or interest, like culinary globetrotting. Other travelers plan socially conscious trips, based on causes important to them.

But beyond there, there are unusual types of tourism you may never have heard of, geared for those who prefer to explore the unique locales of the world on their own terms.
<h2>1. Alphatourism</h2>
The alphabet becomes your guide with this type of tourism. Once travelers arrive at their destination, they find the street index on a local map and identify the first one listed alphabetically, then the last one, and draw a line on the map to connect them. The goal is to follow the line, taking in as much as you can between the two points.

[caption id="attachment_51182" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/1086145112.jpg" alt="woman map street stalls" width="1200" height="800" /> lechatnoir / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. True crime tourism</h2>
The fan base for true crime shows and podcasts has grown exponentially over the last several years. In 2020 alone, an array of true crime documentaries stayed in Netflix’s top slot for 58 days straight, and the demand for more remains high.

That obsession has also become a type of tourism. Visiting sites of gruesome crime scenes — taking Jack the Ripper walking tours in London, touring Vlad the Impaler’s Transylvania killing grounds, or exploring Ted Bundy’s hunting grounds throughout the West Coast of the U.S. — are popular choices.

[caption id="attachment_51374" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51374" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-500231058-1.jpg" alt="Illuminated cobbled street in old city by night with dark silhouette" width="2000" height="1500" /> PytyCzech / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Contretourism</h2>
Rebels of traditional tourism head to the most popular tourist sites on the planet, then ignore them and focus on the surroundings around the site.

Instead of concentrating on the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, they might turn their attention to the beautiful Field of Miracles, the bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, the Knights Square palace, or the many boutiques and cafes along the Borgo Stretto.

[caption id="attachment_51184" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/655560296.jpg" alt="woman taking selfie pisa" width="1200" height="800" /> ViktorCap / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Erotourism</h2>
For couples who need to spice up their relationship, erotourism might be the answer. Partners plan a visit to the same destination, but without a fixed meeting point. These romantically inspired individuals spend their time exploring the city, searching for each other.

They may choose to send photo clues to the other to provide hints about their whereabouts. Others prefer to tap into their instincts and knowledge about their partner’s habits to find the most likely spot where they’d be. The reward is not only finding each other but exploring an unfamiliar destination and discovering new things to share once you’ve met up again.

[caption id="attachment_51185" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/1047257206.jpg" alt="couple vacationing france" width="1200" height="800" /> serts / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Monopolytourism</h2>
One of the most popular board games in the world, Monopoly has a massive number of fans who have discovered a way to combine their passion with travel. Not only can you find Monopoly games featuring iconic national parks to tour, but a select number of cities sell local versions, too.

Instead of properties like Boardwalk or St. Charles Place, the squares feature nearby sites and landmarks. Monopoly groupies use these games to map out their travel plans using a simple roll of the dice.

[caption id="attachment_51303" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51303" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-1090814948-1.jpg" alt="closeup view of miniature liberty statue character on desktop game" width="2000" height="1125" /> yevtony / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Tombstone tourism</h2>
Although visiting graveyards and burial sites isn’t a new pastime, tombstone tourism has grown in popularity over the last several years. With all the DNA testing available to trace our roots, more travelers are turning their getaways into fact-finding missions to discover where their ancestors lived, died, and were buried. Others seek out the burial sites of historic figures, heroes, or famous writers and musicians.

It may sound a bit morbid, but cemeteries not only provide important historical and cultural lessons but are often some of the most beautiful spots on the map.

[caption id="attachment_51186" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/674457260.jpg" alt="sunset cemetery tombstones" width="1200" height="800" /> mammuth / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Industrial tourism</h2>
Different areas of the world depend on a specific type of industry and have become famous for it. Bordeaux, France is home to 65 wine areas. Switzerland is renowned for its watchmaking, Scotland for its whiskey, and Brazil for its coffee.

Travelers who have a passion for industry create itineraries that include visits to factories, vineyards, distilleries, and sites that hold historical significance for the industry. Countries with top honors for industrial tourism include Japan, Germany, the U.K., and the Netherlands.

[caption id="attachment_51304" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51304" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-542741999.jpg" alt="Workers at a distillery" width="2121" height="1414" /> Kelvin Murray / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Set-jetting tourism</h2>
A lot of people love watching movies. But a number of globetrotters are willing to go anywhere on the planet to visit the locales and sets of their favorite films. Set-jetting can even go beyond seeing the area. A few of the destinations provide immersive experiences connected to the film. Tourism organizations have even created set-jetting travel maps to help travelers experience an array of movie locales.

Itineraries focusing on Harry Potter, James Bond, and Elizabeth, the Golden Age are popular choices for set-jetters.

[caption id="attachment_51372" align="alignnone" width="2267"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51372" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-485407333.jpg" alt="Reynisdrangar on Reynisfjara Beach" width="2267" height="1323" /> demerzel21 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Battlefield tourism</h2>
Travelers interested in military history may choose to spend their vacations exploring famous battlefields around the world. The U.S. National Park Service offers passports to a long list of battlefields that are now located within the borders of federally owned parks.

Several battlefields in the U.K., including Hastings, Bosworth, Culloden, and the World War I Western Front, make the list of popular battlefield destinations.

[caption id="attachment_51309" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51309" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-1279332555.jpg" alt="Cannon at Antietam" width="2000" height="1500" /> Erin Egnatz / Getty Images[/caption]

<strong><strong> </strong></strong>


<h2>10. Ghost tourism</h2>
Cities across the globe offer ghost tours, most of which operate year-round for those hoping for a ghost sighting. Washington, D.C. is a hotbed of apparitions, according to supernatural experts. The historic Oak Hill Cemetery, where President Lincoln’s son Willie is buried alongside 20,000 others, is a prime spot for ghostly encounters.

In Australia, tourists can book a nighttime excursion through the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, where ghosts of former patients roam the halls. Beneath the city of Paris, France, in a web of tunnels called the Mines of Paris, visitors might see a ghost near the abandoned railway or in the catacombs.

[caption id="attachment_51373" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51373" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-1360245778.jpg" alt="Abandoned railway line in Paris" width="2121" height="1414" /> Roman Vershinin / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>11. Aerotourism</h2>
Explorers with lots of time but scant travel funds may choose aerotourism.

Most of us take for granted the architecture, artwork, and the many little spaces inside an airport. Instead of boarding the plane and heading to a new destination, these travelers go to an airport and explore every nook and cranny of it, from top to bottom. This can also be an option for those stuck in an airport during an exceptionally long layover or a missed or canceled flight.

[caption id="attachment_51306" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51306" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-109718091-1.jpg" alt="Airport terminal, T4 Madrid " width="2000" height="1500" /> ManuelVelasco / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>12. Atomic tourism</h2>
It may not be most people’s idea of a dream vacation, but there are those who seek out destinations tied to the world’s atomic history and its nuclear weapons. Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the Nevada Test Site, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, and the Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia are among the most popular sites on the destination list.

For an inside look at the stories and legacy of the Manhattan Project, atomic tourists can head to Los Alamos, New Mexico for a walking tour and interactive exhibits at Bradbury Science Museum.

[caption id="attachment_48634" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/08/1060912240.jpg" alt="chernobyl apartment buildings" width="1200" height="800" /> kefirm / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>13. Disaster tourism</h2>
The aftereffects of famous disasters and places with a dark history fascinate some travelers, who might plan trips to assassinations sites, such as those of Martin Luther King and President John F. Kennedy . Concentration camps, the 9/11 Memorial, and Hiroshima are also popular destinations.

Many disaster tourists flocked to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina to see its devastation firsthand.

[caption id="attachment_51307" align="alignnone" width="2127"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51307" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-525749557.jpg" alt="The National September 11 Memorial &amp; Museum" width="2127" height="1409" /> Filippo Maria Bianchi / Getty Images[/caption]

<strong><strong> </strong></strong>
<h2>14. Jailoo tourism</h2>
These tourists look for the untouched corners of the world far from the reach of civilization when planning a getaway. Whether it’s the Amazon jungle, a forest in Siberia, or spectacular mountains across Asia, this type of travel is not for the inexperienced explorer nor those who aren’t in excellent physical health.

A number of jailoo tourists immerse themselves in local cultures, such as staying in a shepherd’s yurt in Mongolia and learning customs from the locals there.

[caption id="attachment_51189" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/185419139.jpg" alt="man woman fire yurt" width="1200" height="800" /> Matteo Colombo / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>15. Sagittatourism</h2>
For those adventurers who are up for anything, Sagittatourism is a unique and exciting way to choose destinations. Hang a map on the wall, step back, close your eyes, and throw a dart at the map. Wherever the dart lands is the chosen destination.

While it may not be the preferred method for everyone, this type of travel does spark interest for explorers who prefer remote, less-traveled places on the globe.

[caption id="attachment_51308" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51308" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-172956391.jpg" alt="dart on map" width="2121" height="1414" /> chrisboy2004 / Getty Images[/caption]

Unique Types of Tourism You've Probably Never Heard Of

Sometimes, when filming is over, the props left behind become must&#x2d;see destinations for the movie's devotees. Here are a few you won't want to miss.

Whether it turns out good or bad, a lot of work goes into making a movie. Searching for suitable filming locations and creating dazzling sets are some of the earliest steps in the process, and they're crucial ones.

Sometimes, when everything's said and done and the entire crew departs, they leave behind props and places that become destinations for the movie's devotees. Some of these spots have stood the test of time, so switch that camera on and get ready to explore.
<h2>15. Popeye Village, Mellieha, Malta</h2>
In 1980, Robin Williams starred in a musical version of the beloved comic <em>Popeye</em>. The film was shot on the gorgeous Mediterranean island of Malta. Production built a charmingly colorful town over seven months and abandoned it when the movie wrapped. Today, it's a resort and theme park with boat rides and restaurants that serve a lot more than just spinach.

[caption id="attachment_51074" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="wp-image-51074 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-1187158591.jpg" alt="Popeye Village in Malta" width="2121" height="1414" /> ewg3D / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>14. Western Leone film set in Andalusia: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly</h2>
You can pretend you've traveled back in time to the Wild West in this bone-dry nook of southern Spain. Play Ennio Morricone's familiar theme from <em>The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly</em> to round out your spaghetti western fantasy. The sets constructed in the '60s and '70s still stand, and they feature a hangman's noose, saloons, and churches.

[caption id="attachment_51076" align="alignnone" width="2119"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51076" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-643894332.jpg" alt="Western Leone film set in Tabernas Desert, Andalusia" width="2119" height="1414" /> Chiara Salvadori / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>13. Sibley, Louisiana: Year One</h2>
You might remember the bawdy 2009 comedy <em>Year One</em> starring Jack Black and Michael Cera. The actors play hunter-gatherers who encounter biblical figures and places, and you can still find Sodom in northwest Louisiana. At the time, the ancient villages were some of the largest sets production designer Jefferson Sage had ever worked on.

[caption id="attachment_51333" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51333" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-1351933607.jpg" alt="A scenic river flowing in Webster Parish in Louisiana" width="2121" height="1414" /> Norm Lane / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>12. Atlas Corporation Studios, near Ouarzazate, Morocco</h2>
At 30,000 sq meters, Atlas Film Studios in the Moroccan desert is the biggest studio on the planet and has been home to some equally epic period and modern movies. Think <em>Gladiator</em>, <em>The Mummy</em>, <em>Black Hawk Down</em>, <em>Kingdom of Heaven</em>, and <em>Babel</em>, for starters.

When you visit, be sure to hit the permanent Egyptian temple. About a half an hour's drive away from Ouarzazate, you'll find the gas station from the 2006 horror The Hills Have Eyes.

[caption id="attachment_51077" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51077" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-1067201684.jpg" alt="Permanent Egyptian Temple set at Atlas Studios, Morocco" width="2121" height="1414" /> James Strachan / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>11. Montgomery, Alabama: Big Fish</h2>
The award-winning 2003 film <em>Big Fish</em> was shot on a purpose-built set on Jackson Lake Island. You could visit it right now if you wanted to. Nature has had its way with the buildings and streets (they survived a tornado in 2021) and the ghost town vibes might make you a little edgy, but there's plenty of fun to be had if you're keen on reenacting your favorite scenes.

Make friends with the resident goats and sheep, and bring $15 if you'd like to camp.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSLvo4ML4RG/" alt="Welcome to Spectre sign with goats around" caption="marianzing" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/marianzing/" /]


<h2>10. Plaszow Camp in Krakow, Poland: Schindler's List</h2>
Head to Krakow for a heartbreaking reminder of World War II and a slice of cinematic history. When the Oscar-winning movie, <em>Schindler's List</em>, was made, Plaszów labor camp no longer existed. The production team used original blueprints to build a replica in the Krakus Quarry. There's also a replica of Goeth’s villa.

[caption id="attachment_51116" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51116" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-1209675669.jpg" alt="Old quarry and Krakus Mound in distance, Krakow, Poland" width="2121" height="1414" /> Pawel Wewiorski / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Former Harrisburg State Hospital, Pennsylvania: Girl Interrupted</h2>
Angelina Jolie won an Oscar for her role as a sociopath who grew up in a psychiatric hospital. The movie featured a hospital that was a real mental institution until 2006. If you visit, you can still see the movie's "Administration" sign because hospital staff never got rid of it. Now that the building is solely offices, the memorabilia may be on its way out.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVN2L4kLTv3/" alt="Harrisburg State Hospital" caption="hoverjetphotography" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/hoverjetphotography/" /]


<h2>8. Smurf-Blue Town in Júzcar, Spain</h2>
This spot isn't a deserted film set, but it is a movie promotion relic. When the Spanish PR team for the 2011 Smurfs movie was bouncing ideas around, they came up with one to transform the village of Júzcar in Malaga. Cue a smurf-blue town and character-covered walls.

While the once-white town is no longer allowed to market itself as Smurf Village, it stuck with its new tourist-attracting blue color and the spectacle has been delighting visitors ever since.

[caption id="attachment_51078" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="wp-image-51078 size-full" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-548233435.jpg" alt="Smurf Blue Town in Júzcar" width="2121" height="1414" /> _548901005677 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Cinecittà, Rome, Italy: The Borgias and Rome</h2>
If you thought <em>Gangs of New York</em> was filmed in NYC, here's a little factoid for you. It was actually shot in Rome, at Europe's biggest film studio, Cinema City, aka Cinecittà. Set designer Ferretti built a section of 19th century New York from the ground up. Most of it is gone, but you'll be able to see sets from the 2005 TV series Rome, and The Borgias too.

[caption id="attachment_51337" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51337" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-912683440.jpg" alt="ROME, ITALY - JANUARY 31: The 'Ancient Rome' set built for the HBO series 'Rome', which is the biggest set at Cinecitta Studios on January 31, 2018 in Rome, Italy. " width="1024" height="683" /> Simona Granati - Corbis / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Blue Cloud Ranch, California: Zero Dark Thirty</h2>
Blue Cloud Ranch in greater LA is a popular place to make movies and includes Marvel blockbusters and award season favorites on its resume. Pop by and see how the Santa Clarita Valley stood in for Afghanistan in <em>Zero Dark Thirty</em> and <em>Iron Man</em>.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDe2Mbeg5cZ/" alt="Blue Cloud Movie Ranch movie set" caption="bobbyshaker" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/bobbyshaker/" /]


<h2>5. Tataouine, Tunisia: Star Wars</h2>
We're heading to an otherworldly place. Anakin Skywalker's home planet of Tatooine gets its name from the Tunisian desert town that brought it to life.

The Berber caves and Hotel Sidi Idriss are huge, well-preserved drawcards for franchise fans. Five hours away, the city of Tozeur also served as a filming location, and you can stop by to make the most of your <em>Star Wars</em> pilgrimage.

[caption id="attachment_51109" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51109" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/shutterstock_1188077329-1.jpg" alt="Underground Berber Caves In Sidi Driss, Matmata, Tunisia" width="2000" height="1500" /> Slimstyl / Shutterstock[/caption]


<h2>4. Wallilabou Bay, St. Vincent: Pirates of the Caribbean</h2>
Wallilabou Bay in Saint Vincent got a makeover to become Port Royal in 2003's <em>Pirates of the Caribbean</em>. Stay over at Wallilabou Anchorage, and you'll get a surreal glimpse of props and parts of the set. Just don't be caught stealing anything or getting drunk like Jack Sparrow.

[caption id="attachment_51110" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51110" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/GettyImages-1200940117.jpg" alt="Skeleton props in coffins in Wallilabou Bay, Saint Vincent" width="2121" height="1414" /> thierry64 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Cypress Gardens, South Carolina: The Notebook</h2>
'It wasn't over. It still isn't over!' Before Noah uttered this iconic line in <em>The Notebook</em>, there was a lot of gentle rowing through a beautiful swamp. That swamp is Cypress Gardens, a stone's throw away from Charleston, and unsurprisingly, it's super popular with young lovers.

You'll also spot this nature preserve in <em>The Patriot</em>, and <em>Cold Mountain</em>. After being closed for over three years in the wake of floods, Cypress Gardens is open to the public once more.

[caption id="attachment_51111" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51111" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/shutterstock_1321604816-1.jpg" alt="Cypress Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina" width="2000" height="1334" /> Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock[/caption]


<h2>2. Henry River Mill Village, North Carolina: The Hunger Games</h2>
Henry River Mill Village harks back to the early 20th century when textiles made North Carolinians a fair amount of money. But times change. Location scouts found an abandoned and decaying place east of Asheville and thought the town looked just as down-and-out as District 12 should.

You can book accommodation and chat with fellow <em>Hunger Games</em> fans because they're the only other people you're likely to see here since the last residents moved away in the '80s.

[caption id="attachment_51113" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51113" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/shutterstock_1241284453-1-1.jpg" alt="Abandoned houses in the old mill village of Henry River" width="2000" height="1343" /> Nolichuckyjake / Shutterstock[/caption]


<h2>1. Hobbiton, New Zealand: The Lord of the Rings</h2>
Ah, Hobbiton. This well-maintained piece of the Shire will have you grinning from ear to ear. During a day trip to Matamata's impossibly green countryside, you'll get the complete tourist experience, including drinks at The Green Dragon Inn and all the selfies you want in front of quaint hobbit holes. Abandoned movie sites don't get better than this.

[caption id="attachment_51114" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-51114" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/01/shutterstock_1137860495-1.jpg" alt="Hobbit house in Hobbiton. New Zealand" width="2000" height="1280" /> Svetlana Orusova / Shutterstock[/caption]

Set Your Sights on These Remarkable Former Movie Sets

Whether they're famous for where their location, their eeriness, or their residents, each of these cemeteries has something you just can't miss.

Cemeteries are fascinating places full of history, and they score high on the creepy scale. You can wander through lush and beautiful grounds or make rubbings of different grave markers to your heart's content. You can even attend ghost hunts and paranormal tours. Whether they're famous for the place they're located, how eerie they are or the people laid to rest there, each of these cemeteries, located all over the United States, has something you just can't miss.
<h2>1. Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA</h2>
Perhaps one of the most well-known cemeteries in the US is Arlington National Cemetery. This is the final resting place for over 400,000 soldiers. Established during the Civil War, today it contains remains of soldiers from every US conflict. Several notable graves can be found here, including those of former presidents and astronauts. Memorials abound at Arlington as well: the eternal flame that marks JFK's burial site, one honoring the Shuttles Challenger and Columbia, and perhaps most famously, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This single gravesite has an entire amphitheater surrounding it. The soldiers interred inside were unidentifiable, and have been watched over 24/7 since July 2, 1937. The guard changes hourly and the ceremony is open to the public, as long as they are silent and respectful.

[caption id="attachment_50416" align="alignnone" width="2123"]<img class="size-full wp-image-50416" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/11/GettyImages-963087512.jpg" alt="Arlington National cemetery" width="2123" height="1411" /> Patrick Yuen / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Saint Louis No. 1 in New Orleans, LA</h2>
One of three similarly named cemeteries, Saint Louis No. 1 is quite a sight. As with most cemeteries in the city, it's filled with vault tombs and mausoleums, having few in-ground graves. This site is closed to the public, but accessible via tours, primarily because of concerns about vandalism. One of the most famous residents is famed 19th-century Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. It is said that if you leave three x's on her grave, her spirit will grant you a wish.

[caption id="attachment_50406" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/11/1133186576.jpg" alt="Vault tombs in New Orleans' Saint Louis No. 1 Cemetery" width="1200" height="801" /> Page Light Studios / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Neptune Memorial Reef in Miami, FL</h2>
This unique memorial is still being built, but definitely deserves a trip to see. Cremated remains are mixed with cement and molded into different features, such as shells. Then, these items and joined to the manmade reef and a copper plaque is placed on the reef. This man-made reef is building an ecosystem for plants and animals in Key Biscayne, just off the coast of Miami. Visitors are welcome via boat or scuba diving.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQZ1K8dBs2c/" alt="A statue at Neptune Memorial Reef" caption="fla_woman" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/fla_woman/" /]


<h2>4. Granary Burying Ground in Boston, MA</h2>
This site is the third cemetery established in Boston for the growing population, established in 1660. The beautiful grounds house the remains of many notable figures from the American Revolution, including Declaration of Independence signers John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Robert Treat Paine. Several other early American patriots, including Paul Revere and the casualties of the Boston Massacre, are here, too. While Benjamin Franklin is buried in Philadelphia, a large obelisk marks the resting place of his parents.

[caption id="attachment_50407" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/11/642319903.jpg" alt="Granary Burying Ground in Boston, MA" width="1200" height="800" /> Barry Winiker / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, NY</h2>
As one of the largest cemeteries in New York City, Woodlawn is the final resting place for many influential people throughout time. There are authors, like Herman Melville and business tycoons like J.C. Penney and F.W. Woolworth. However, it is a must-visit destination for Titanic aficionados and Jazz music fans. Woodlawn is the only cemetery in New York with a Titanic memorial and has many survivors (and recovered bodies of those who didn't survive) in its ranks. Many musicians, including Irving Berlin, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Celia Cruz, have found an eternal home here. You can wander on your own, or take any one of several available tours to learn more about the great entombed here.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFDAIUAs4z/" alt="A grave at Woodlawn Cemetery" caption="jfonseca.520" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/jfonseca.520/" /]


<h2>6. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, NY</h2>
The name of this site may sound familiar to you, via Washington Irving's classic short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." In fact, Irving lived in nearby Sunnyside and based his story on this cemetery and the adjacent Old Dutch Church. It was known as Tarrytown Cemetery before a request by Washington Irving to rename it, which was granted posthumously. In addition to visiting Irving's grave, you can find several other notable politicians, philanthropists, and well-to-do businessmen, such as William Rockafeller and Andrew Carnegie, buried here. The cemetery offers various walking tours, highlighting Irving and his storytelling, notable residents, and even some shocking stories only appropriate for the over 18 crowd.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-50415" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/11/shutterstock_693841108.jpg" alt="Sleepy Hollow Cemetery" width="1000" height="750" />

<h2>7. Howard Street Cemetery in Salem, MA</h2>
This cemetery is interesting in that its most famous resident was buried here when it was not a cemetery at all, but an open field. During the Salem Witch Trials, Giles Corey was accused of witchcraft and refused to enter a plea. As a result, he was "pressed" in the field beyond the jail, and was crushed to death under a pile of heavy rocks. His last words were said to be a curse against the town, and his ghost is often reported walking in the fields which now house the Howard Street Cemetery. Other notable graves here include Revolutionary War soldiers and local ship captains.
[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVYDPMplkGq/" alt="A crooked line of tombstones at sunset in he Howard Street Cemetery in Salem, MA" caption="magicpizzamemories" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/magicpizzamemories/" /]


<h2>8. Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone, AZ</h2>
One of the few sites on our list that is not on the East coast, Boothill is the final resting place of many Old West characters. While the location you visit today has been refurbished and new stones (or planks of wood as the case may be) mark the graves, this is indeed a real cemetery and not just a tourist trap. Some grave locations are approximate and many markers bear only the title "unknown." However, we also can see the graves of many famous residents from the heyday of the wild West, such as China Mary and Dutch Annie, and Billy Clanton with the McLaury brothers, killed in the gunfight at the OK Corral. Perhaps the best epitaph there reads "Here lies Lester Moore. Four slugs from a 44. No Les, No More."

[caption id="attachment_50412" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-50412" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/11/GettyImages-598545368.jpg" alt="a tombstone in Boothill Graveyard in the historic western town of Tombstone, Arizona" width="2121" height="1414" /> makasana / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, GA</h2>
Sitting on 160 acres, the Bonaventure Cemetery is located on a bluff near the Wilmington River. Lush with trees and plant life, it also plays a background for the book and movie <em>Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil</em>, detailing the life and misdeeds of Savannah's socialites. The beautiful Bird Girl statue which is featured on the book's cover has since been moved to the Jepson Center for the Arts, but the cemetery still features many beautiful memorials, such as that of 6-year-old Gracie Watson, and the nation's second-largest memorial and gravesite dedicated to those who were killed in the Spanish-American War.

[caption id="attachment_50409" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/11/554282853.jpg" alt="Memorials under the trees in Bonaventure Cemetery" width="1200" height="800" /> Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, CA</h2>
Last but certainly not least is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It's the only cemetery in Hollywood and has a history full of scandal, misappropriated funds, and fame. The main claim to fame here is the host of entertainment stars buried within, such as Marion Davies, Mel Blanc, Cecil B. DeMille, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and so many more. After being purchased out of bankruptcy, the cemetery has been completely renovated. It has been the setting for many music videos, TV shows, and movies. Besides visiting the gravesites of many stars, you can also catch a movie projected onto the wall of the Cathedral Mausoleum during Cinespia events, or attend a music festival among the dearly departed.

[caption id="attachment_50413" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-full wp-image-50413" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/11/GettyImages-756704.jpg" alt="The landmark Hollywoodland &quot;Hollywood&quot; sign can be seen from the Hollywood Forever Cemetery March 8, 2002 in Hollywood, CA. The historic cemetery, final resting place for many Hollywood stars, offers digital rememberances of the deceased which are viewable at the cemetery and over the internet at no charge. " width="1024" height="667" /> David McNew / Getty Images[/caption]

Spooky Cemeteries You've Got to See

Have you ever dreamed about discovering remnants of centuries gone by? In 2015, a group of researchers did exactly that in Marion County, Oregon.

Have you ever dreamed about unearthing hidden treasure or discovering remnants of centuries gone by? In 2015, a group of researchers did exactly that in Marion County, Oregon. The area's severe drought receded Detroit Lake to a record low, and as the reservoir dried up, something incredible came to the surface. Hidden deep beneath the surface in a watery grave were the remains of an abandoned ghost town. How did it get there? And why? This enticing discovery opened eyes to life during days gone by.
<h2>Discover Detroit Lake</h2>
With 32 miles of pristine shoreline, Detroit Lake is one of Western Oregon's premier attractions. This reservoir borders the nearby town of the same name, with majestic views and abundant opportunities to fish, swim, boat, tube, hunt, and so much more. Beyond recreation, however, the lake is a vital community resource, supplying water to neighboring cities and towns up to 50 miles away. It wasn't always that way, however, as the area's past tells quite the tale.

[caption id="attachment_52909" align="alignnone" width="2123"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52909" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-823704628.jpg" alt="Detroit Lake in Western Oregon with Mt Jefferson in the background." width="2123" height="1413" /> GarysFRP / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Major water concerns</h2>
While humans have inhabited the region for centuries, the reservoir itself is relatively new — it didn't exist until 1953 when a dam was built to control flooding. Used to hold back the raging waters of the Willamette River, this man-made structure faces difficulties to this day, including intense rainfall, snow, heat, and, most of all, low water levels. This is a major cause of concern for the area, as low precipitation levels result in severe drought for miles, endangering not only Detroit but residents in surrounding communities as well. In 2015, those water levels reached a record low, receding to 83 feet below their normal capacity.

[caption id="attachment_52912" align="alignnone" width="1991"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52912" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-573913283.jpg" alt="Detroit Lake" width="1991" height="1065" /> Adam Oakley / EyeEm / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Unearthing a hidden treasure</h2>
Those record-setting lows revealed something the reservoir had been hiding for decades — the remains of Old Detroit, a railroad town that was abandoned back in 1953. While it was once a bustling hotspot for weary travelers, cowboys, and miners, at the time of discovery, in 2015, few locals even knew of its existence! Left behind to dry up and wither, few residents from the era remained. Now, they could explore it in-depth, unearthing hidden secrets of decades past. Little did they know, some researchers in the area would unearth treasures dating back to the 1800s.

[caption id="attachment_52913" align="alignnone" width="2101"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52913" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-489000770.jpg" alt="Dry Lakebed Of Lake Detroit In Drought" width="2101" height="1427" /> searagen / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Humble beginnings</h2>
Founded in 1880, Old Detroit began as a railroad camp. Here, local workers for the Oregon Pacific Railroad finally had a place to call home. While the community started to thrive, however, the railroad wasn't so successful. The lifetime dream of entrepreneur Thomas Egenton Hogg, it was supposed to connect the western U.S. with the East. It eventually reached the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, but it stopped there. Since this new railroad would have to traverse through harsh terrain, it became extensive and impractical, with Hogg running out of funds and eventually abandoning his goal.

[caption id="attachment_52915" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52915" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-102841634.jpg" alt="A Southern Pacific RR 4-4-0 locomotive at the head of a passenger train, Ashland, Oregon, circa 1887." width="1024" height="658" /> Kean Collection / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Life along the railroad</h2>
For locals, however, the railroad was far from a failure. Detroit was in a remote location, but the railroad helped connect it with neighboring cities and towns, quickly attracting new residents from all walks of life. It was one of the line's final stops, so people from far and wide could finally reach it. To generate income, a lively logging industry sprung up along the line, with locals sending timber eastward.

[caption id="attachment_52921" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52921" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-1125692918.jpg" alt="Engraved map of the Pacific railroad across Idaho, Oregon, and Washington territory, from the book &quot;The Pacific tourist&quot; by Henry T. Williams, 1878. Courtesy Internet Archive." width="1024" height="810" /> Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>A new era</h2>
The railroad's construction transformed Old Detroit from a small encampment to a booming oasis. Residents experienced a vivacious community brimming with homes, eateries, shops, cafes, a church, a school, and even a theater for nighttime entertainment. Life was good, and locals thrived. Further down the valley, however, a different picture emerged. Away from the security of the town, farmers faced frequent flooding from area waterways, specifically the North Santiam River. Its unpredictable path wreaked havoc, washing through surrounding towns with abandon and causing millions of dollars in damage.

[caption id="attachment_52922" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52922" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-3429068.jpg" alt="March 1862: Confederate troops making camp at the Manassas Junction railroad station, Virginia, the site of two famous battles of the American Civil War known as the Battle of Bull Run or the Battle of Manassas. Original Artist: By Barnard &amp; Gibson. Original Publication: From 'Gardner's Photographic Sketch Book of the Civil War' by Alexander Gardner. - pub 1866." width="1024" height="721" /> George Eastman House/Barnard &amp; Gibson / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>A simple solution</h2>
Congress sprang into action to resolve the issue, passing the Flood Control Act in 1938. At this time, inhabitants had been residing in Old Detroit for nearly 60 years, and the area was brimming with life. Multiple civil engineering projects within close proximity were designed to control flooding, but they also transformed the lifestyle that locals were accustomed to. Two dams were being built within the Willamette Valley alone, and they would transform the area as it was known. Not only would flooding come to a halt, but dams would generate valuable electricity for surrounding areas where it was previously impossible.

[caption id="attachment_52923" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52923" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-468377956.jpg" alt="PETERSBURG, VA - APRIL: In this image from the U.S. Library of Congress, the flooded Appomattox River, which delayed U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant's pursuit of the Confederate army, is seen in April, 1865 near Petersburg, Virginia." width="1024" height="1013" /> Library of Congress / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Grand plans for a dam</h2>
These plans were at a massive scale. Once completed, the dam would stretch 1,580 long and reach 360 feet in height. What's more? It would contain 455,000 acres of the North Santiam River's water. Needless to say, these grand plans didn't go off without issue. 3,580 acres were required to begin construction, and that spelled trouble for Old Detroit residents, as the town stood directly in the line of fire. Rather than putting up a fight, residents made an agreement with the government. They would pack their things and relocate forever, leaving the town's buzzing shops, eateries, and homes abandoned for good. Now, the town would lie at the reservoir's base, overflowing with water for centuries into the future. No one thought it would ever resurface... until it did.

[caption id="attachment_52924" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52924" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-961340302.jpg" alt="man driving truck" width="2121" height="1414" /> Cavan Images / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>A new life</h2>
Since they were essentially forced from their homes, residents required new land to move onto. The government declined, but a timber merchant was willing to fill the void, offering up a former logging site for these river refugees to call home. Thankfully, some families were able to move their homes piece-by-piece to this new location, and many of those structures stand strong to this day. The majority, however, started from scratch, and New Detroit started to take shape.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52925" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/shutterstock_1766084225.jpg" alt="Historic buildings in Downtown Detroit - Michigan, United States" width="1000" height="655" />


<h2>Rediscovering the past</h2>
Fast-forward to the future. When water levels reached a new low, 2015's residents got a glimpse of their ancestors' former homes. Buried beneath nearly 2,000 feet of water were the remnants of Old Detroit, preserved the same way it had been left over 60 years prior. Within the town, one pivotal discovery was a wagon dating back to 1875. It was built by the day's biggest manufacturer and had likely carried travelers to their new home along the lake. An octagonal pit was revealed too, but its purpose remains a mystery. It was a treasure hunt for locals and tourists alike, as they unearthed structures and artifacts dating back decades, if not centuries.

[caption id="attachment_52926" align="alignnone" width="800"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52926" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/212047fd04465ad3-19952.jpeg" alt="octagon-shaped pit" width="800" height="533" /> Pinterest[/caption]

An Oregon Lake Reveals a Top-Secret Ghost Town

Discover the factors behind the world's most intelligent nations, and you'll see that map with fresh eyes.

Glance at a world map, and you'll notice gleaming seas, majestic mountain ranges, and lush landscapes. The human factor, however, is entirely left out. Intelligence quotient, or IQ, is the foremost measure of intelligence, and it's used widely in every nation on earth. Since IQ reflects vital factors such as education, resources, and technology, it says a lot about a country and its values, giving you a new view of the globe. Discover the factors behind the world's most intelligent nations, and you'll see that map with fresh eyes.
<h2>Japan - 106.49</h2>
Japan's high IQ is due in part to its rigorous education system, in which students attend from April through March of the following year. The level of education is intense by international standards, with difficulty levels skyrocketing far above average. School enrollment is also significant, as over 90% of students enroll in high school and 50% in college. With regard to quality and performance, Japanese pupils are the world's top performers in reading, literacy, math, and science. The populace as a whole is well-educated, with a strong societal focus on achievement from a young age.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-52929" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/shutterstock_776445706.jpg" alt="Himeji, Japan at Himeji Castle in spring season." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>Taiwan - 106.47</h2>
Taiwan leads Asia in electronics and machinery, and it's heavily invested in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and smart products. That same drive toward science and electronics carries over to every aspect of everyday life, which features a robust culture of academic excellence, especially in STEM-related fields. Its educational system produces some of the world's highest test scores, particularly in science and mathematics. Students attend 12 years of compulsory education, and the labor force features some of the most highly educated professionals on the planet.

[caption id="attachment_52931" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52931" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-914679800-1.jpg" alt="Temple at Jiufen Old Street in Taipei Taiwan" width="2000" height="1333" /> f11photo / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Singapore - 105.89</h2>
Diverse and multi-faceted, Singapore is known as "Instant Asia" for its melting pot of cultures, attracting immigrants from across the continent. It's one of the world's greenest cities but also one of the world's wisest.

The educational system focuses on defined quantitative objectives, with high grades being pivotal to performance. The system is so formulaic and rigid that nearly everything students learn has an improved answer. Teachers focus primarily, if not completely, on examinable topics. With a system geared so strongly toward exam scores, students routinely aim for and achieve those A's.

[caption id="attachment_52932" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52932" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/shutterstock_610935047.jpg" alt="sunrise at the marina in singapore with the iconic building, merlion" width="1000" height="668" /> Richie Chan / Shutterstock[/caption]


<h2>Hong Kong - 105.37</h2>
Hong Kong is a vibrant city where centuries-old temples meet modern skyscrapers. Known for its rich culture, cuisine, and nightlife, education is another standout. Hong Kong is known for being incredibly competitive, so students start their learning journey early before school even begins. Helicopter parents push their children into studying, attending classes, and achieving, encouraging them to rapidly develop their IQs.

Educational development is constant throughout life. Intense pressure is placed on students to achieve the highest grades possible, which often includes extra courses, after-school activities, tutoring, taking IQ tests, and studying at home for hours on end. As evidenced by its ranking, that pressure clearly pays off.

[caption id="attachment_52933" align="alignnone" width="2120"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52933" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-629604122.jpg" alt="Cityscape Hong Kong and Junkboat at Twilight" width="2120" height="1414" /> Nikada / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>China - 104.10</h2>
Education and achievement are so ingrained in this fast-paced, technology-focused society that students start young. Facing intense pressure from parents, teachers, and peers, Chinese children go through rigorous testing. The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) compares educational performance worldwide, and students in Shanghai score far above average in reading comprehension, math, and science. In math, students performed 20% better than the international average!

Why the high IQs? Chinese schools center around extreme focus, intense studying, and rote learning for tests and multiple-choice questions. Students don't just learn information; they entrench it into their memories and consistently test on every subject. In Shanghai, secondary schools are ranked as "world-class," and the results speak for themselves.

[caption id="attachment_52934" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52934" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-587804246.jpg" alt="Aerial view of modern skyscrapers in Shanghai." width="2121" height="1414" /> Yongyuan Dai / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>South Korea - 102.35</h2>
In South Korea, the militant drive and a passion for excellence are engrained from a young age, so it's no wonder they rank high on IQ tests. Here, education is tied directly to family honor, and those without university degrees are looked down on as second-class citizens. Schools are rigid, intense, hierarchical, and fiercely competitive.

While obtaining a higher education might not be mandatory, it's considered abnormal not to have one, and less than 2% of students aren't enrolled. High entrance rates result in a highly educated workforce, and South Korea has the highest percentage of citizens with a tertiary education degree on earth.

[caption id="attachment_52936" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52936" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-1137568153-1.jpg" alt="Cherry blossoms in spring, Seoul in Korea." width="2000" height="1125" /> tawatchaiprakobkit / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Belarus - 101.60</h2>
Belarus places priority on its citizens accessing basic knowledge, ensuring that quality education remains equal regardless of a student's socioeconomic class or location. It has one of the highest "Access to Basic Knowledge" ratings on the planet, and its literacy rate is also one of the world's highest. 99.7% of Belarussian adults can read, and 98% have attended primary and secondary schools. Public participation and management of its educational system ensure that as many citizens as possible get the learning they need.

[caption id="attachment_52937" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52937" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-629231394-1.jpg" alt="Aerial View, Cityscape Of Minsk, Belarus" width="2000" height="1017" /> Ryhor Bruyeu / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Finland - 101.20</h2>
A variety of factors influence Finland's success. First, teachers take a laid-back approach, focusing on students who need the most help instead of the gifted minority. Instead, brighter students help educate average ones. Those who finish early can relax without teachers hovering over them, and there are no school sports, bands, or dances.

Books and lessons are all customized, making teachers a type of education entrepreneur. They create lessons based on their students' needs and abilities, not the other way around. Finland's high-tax government ensures high-quality education for every student, with equal per-pupil funding and complimentary college.

[caption id="attachment_52938" align="alignnone" width="2040"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52938" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-1196518007.jpg" alt="Helsinki Cathedral over Market square, Finland" width="2040" height="1469" /> Vladislav Zolotov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Liechtenstein - 101.07</h2>
Liechtenstein might be eight times smaller than Los Angeles, but its IQ scores are incomparable. The government controls both private and state schools, ensuring equal educational access and quality for every resident. With only nine public high schools in the entire country, this means a high level of oversight concerning learning. Students regularly achieve some of the highest test scores in Europe, and the country has a literacy rate of 100%.

[caption id="attachment_52939" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52939" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-826962806.jpg" alt="Vaduz town, panoramic view of the capital of Liechtenstein, Alps mountains, Europe" width="2121" height="1414" /> Magone / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Netherlands and Germany - 100.74</h2>
Performance-fueled perfection defines both of these top-scoring nations, which are direct and aggressive in their learning approach. Papers, for instance, must be completed with zero spelling or grammatical errors, and students are praised for accomplishing that. If there's a mistake, however? Students redo their work until there are none. This approach encourages everyone to live up to and improve on their country's heritage, to reach for perfection, and to take pride in their results. Clearly, it's working.

[caption id="attachment_52940" align="alignnone" width="2143"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52940" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2022/06/GettyImages-1143539287.jpg" alt="Channel in Amsterdam Netherlands houses river Amstel" width="2143" height="1398" /> Yasonya / Getty Images[/caption]