Seven most magnificent palaces in the world
The prestigious magazine Architectural Digest has published a ranking of the world's most beautiful palaces. Let us take a look at the buildings that topped this list
This rating is based on statistics of insurance policies that are issued to those going abroad. The experts named the tourist destinations that are highly unpopular among the Russian travellers.
One of such places is the Pacific island country of Palau. The country's neighbours are the Philippines and Indonesia (800 km to the east and north, respectively). Palau is appreciated for its unique natural landscapes, as well as flora and fauna.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is probably more known for the Russians than Palau; however, it's almost impossible to meet Russian tourists in this small European country. There are a lot of places to see: beautiful low-rise buildings and mountains delights the eye (the country's neighbours are Austria and Switzerland).
The Russian tourists probably avoide Turkmenistan because of the stereotypes. But the travellers from other countries find something to look at in this country. For example, a lot of people get really excited about the famous fiery crater Darvaza.
Another kingdom that is ignored by the Russians is Lesotho (South Africa). It is an enclave area that is completely surrounded by South Africa. The population of the kingdom is two million people and almost all of them are of the Basotho nation. It is noteworthy that it is the only country in the world that is located at an altitude above 1,400 metres above sea level.
Also, there is Moldova in this rating - another former Soviet republic (as Turkmenistan). The experts believe that this country is worthy of being visited by the tourists from different countries.
San Marino is a small country with a beautiful name. It is located in the territory of the Italian Peninsula and is also neglected by the Russian tourists. This country is an enclave, surrounded by Italy. The UNESCO staff is watching over the historical center of this country.
Amazingly, New Zealand is also in this rating. The Russians visit this country but their number is quite low in the overall flow of tourists.
The lovers of the exotic from Russia sidestep Kiribati so far. It is a group of islands and atolls in Micronesia and Polynesia. The small flow of tourists is due to inaccessibility of the country and low level of service.
Another exotic place, overlooked by the Russian tourists, is Montserrat (an overseas territory of the United Kingdom). However, it is noteworthy that now it's almost impossible to meet travellers here. In 1995, the volcanic eruption occured on the island resulted in departure from Montserrat of two thirds of its population.
For now, the African countries aren't exotic for the Russians - tourists from Russia started choosing these destinations for their vacations more often. However, not all the states of Africa are equally popular. For example, Mali isn't in a great demand among the Russian tourists. This country has four monuments that are preserved by UNESCO: the old city of Djenne, the Tomb of Askia, Bandiagara and Timbuktu.
The prestigious magazine Architectural Digest has published a ranking of the world's most beautiful palaces. Let us take a look at the buildings that topped this list
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