Landmarks

Tacky is in the eye of the beholder. But trap is pretty straightforward. And when the two get tied up together, there's a good chance you're going to spend money on something absurd at a gift shop.

By Charles W. Bryant

It's nature's light show, and we'd all like a front-row seat. But these mysterious flashes of pseudo-dawn can only be seen in certain parts of the world at certain times. Where and when?

By Debra Ronca

The Parthenon was constructed thousands of years ago, but with so much pollution and so many visitors, it may not last for long. Take a look at the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

This futuristic Ferris wheel was only supposed to stay put for five years. But with millions of tourists boarding its capsules, the city decided to keep it around. How was it built?

By Debra Ronca

It kept the Huns out for centuries, but today it draws 10 million visitors annually. The Great Wall winds across deserts, mountains and grasslands in even the most remote reaches of China. So why has it fallen into disrepair?

By Alia Hoyt

The forbidding slopes of Mount Everest have captivated mountain climbers for decades ... though you can never really conquer Everest, merely survive it.

People say that the Congo river is murky brown, but for centuries now, historians have written about the Congo's bloody waters. Fantastic tales of death and near misses have corroborated the Congo's reputation as the heart of darkness.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Like the imposing white marble of many Greek monuments, the impact of ancient Greek culture is still alive and well today. See and learn more about the ancient Greeks in this image gallery.

The next time you're pondering a big trip around the world, you might want to think about visiting a World Heritage site. Hundreds of them exist, and they're in some pretty cool spots.

By Jennifer Horton

It flows south to north and it helped build Ancient Egypt. How does the mighty Nile affect the people and animals that live nearby?

By Alia Hoyt

当托马斯·杰斐逊继承了5000英亩的局域网d in Charlottesville, Va., he set out to build a house with more conveniences and European influences. How long did it take him to build it, and what did he include in the plans?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

There are the seven wonders of the medieval world and the modern world, as well as the seven wonders of the natural world and underwater world. But what about the original seven wonders of the world.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

From corn palaces to giant balls of twine, this world has plenty of strange, quirky tourist attractions. Some of our favorites are on this list.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Route 66 the mother road is dotted with saloons motels and kitschy pit stops. Learn about the vintage businesses along historic Route 66 including the Cozy Dog Drive-In and the Buckingham Fountain.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

他们anti-museums:路边景点puzzling we ask "why was this created?" But that's exactly what so many tourists are looking for in the Information Age: things that boggle the mind not enrich it.

By Eric Peterson

Roadside statues are delightful vacation diversions. These larger-than-life creations were known for putting small unknown towns on the maps of every highway traveler. Learn about some of America's most popular roadside statues.

By Eric Peterson

Disneyland means pure magic to people all over the world. Learn about the opening of Disneyland and how a theme park grew to be an essential part of American childhood.

By Marshall Brain

One of the world's most recognizable buildings is surely the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Check it out, if you're so inclined....

By Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr

The Acropolis is the hill where the graceful, white structure of the Parthenon temple rises against the blue sky of Greece. Read more about the Parthenon and the Acropolis.

By Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr

No one knows who erected the massive Stonehenge or why but the romance and mystery of it continue to fascinate. Even today during the summer solstice you can stand at the central Altar Stone and witness the sun rising precisely over the Heel Stone lo

By Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr

Strong as iron and delicate as lace, the Eiffel Tower is the romantic symbol of Paris. Its design was disdained by the city's artists and writers, who protested the tower's construction for the Universal Exposition. Read about the Eiffel Tower.

By Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr

The Palace of Versailles: The world's most opulent playground for royalty! A chateau large enough to house 6,000 courtiers! A palace fit for a king! And not just any king, but Louis XIV. Read more about the extravagant Palace of Versailles.

By Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr

What makes a place romantic enough to inspire a long passionate kiss? Being together in beauty -- whether in a natural setting or a creation of the human imagination -- can certainly help affections flow freely.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The world's famous landmarks inspire wonder -- from lost cities to elegant houses of worship. Explore some of the world's greatest landmarks.

By Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr