If you could go to a World Heritage Site, where would you go?

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India’s Taj Mahal, the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, and Petra, the «Rose Red City,» in Jordan, are a few well-known «Wonders of the World.» These «wonders» also have another thing in common. They’re UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

World Heritage Sites are natural and human-made places that the United Nations wants to look after because they’re important to our civilization. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) encourages countries to work together to protect these sites.

In 1978, UNESCO began putting out an annual list of World Heritage Sites. The first list of protected places had 12 sites, including the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, and Yellowstone National Park in the USA. Today, there are more than 1,000 sites in 167 different countries. Which countries have racked up the most World Heritage Sites so far? China and Italy.

Among Italy’s 55 sites, you’ll find the Leaning Tower of Pisa, as well as natural places, such as Mount Etna. Mount Etna, on the east coast of Sicily, is Europe’s tallest volcano, and one of the world’s most active. Guides take tourists to explore Etna’s incredible terrain; you can even ride a cable car about 2,500 meters up the mountain to enjoy magnificent views.

In Sydney, Australia, visitors can take a ferry to Cockatoo Island, a World Heritage Site and Sydney Harbor’s largest island. Opened in 1839, the prison on Cockatoo Island was one of thousands built in Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was also known for its shipyard, where ships were built from 1857 to 1991. This site sits across the harbor from the Sydney Opera House, another World Heritage Site!

Trang An in Vietnam, has cultural and natural importance. Trang An is a spectacular area with many relics, such as the famous Tran Temple. «But, it’s really the landscape that shines here,» says travel blogger Joel Baldwin. Baldwin ran into Trang An recently, calling it «magical.» He recommends taking a boat tour on rivers flowing through rice fields, and drift around in caves under the surrounding mountains!

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UNESCO Site

5 Phrasal Verbs to Learn

To look after

To put out

To rack up

To run into

To drift around

World Heritage Sites

World Heritage sites are judged under strict criteria with a view to the aim that they reflect the world’s cultural and natural diversity and are of outstanding universal value. This is the seventh edition of a proven seller. World Heritage Sites attracts a general readership as well as travelers and those with an interest in natural or human history, the Earth sciences, geography, conservation of the environment, wildlife and habitats; and planning and preservation.

World Traveler Coloring Book

These fun and easy art activities feature ready-to-color line drawings of 30 far-flung travel destinations. Each ready-to-color line drawing has plenty of space for aspiring artists to add their own doodles, designs, and patterns. From Mayan pyramids and Dutch windmills to the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China, Travel Landmarks Coloring Book offers endless opportunities for creative self-expression.