This picture (with the Big Ben clock tower, the Parliament building, and the double-decker red bus) is definitely one of the most representative pictures of London.

What you end up doing when you visit London depends on the time you have available. Travel agencies can give you itineraries ranging from several hours to days. But regardless of how long you are visiting, here are 7 activities you should include in your travel schedule.

1. The London Eye: spectacular views from the largest Ferris wheel in Europe!
2. Tower of London: a palace and fortress with nearly 1,000 years of history.
3. The National Gallery: an impressive collection of Western European paintings.
4. London Street Markets: colorful markets for every kind of shopping.
5. Buckingham Palace: for a royal experience and to see the traditional changing of the guard.
6. Cruise on the River Thames: a relaxing and leisurely way to explore London.
7. The British Museum: discover one of the largest collections in the world on human history and culture!

* Photo by Adrian Perez

Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world today.

With many new buildings popping by the minute, the city seems to be re-shaping itself every day. However, the Burj Al Arab hotel tower (photo above) is still the most famous city landmark.

Dubai offers different outdoor activities. The beaches in Dubai (Jumeirah Beach and Al Mumzar Beach Park) can get crowded on weekends and offer activities for everyone.

You can also book Desert Safari Tours from Dubai. They can pick you up in the city and drive you to the desert, which is around 45 minutes away.

And for those who can’t stand the heat outside, Dubai offers huge shopping centers and all types of markets. At Mall of the Emirates you can find Ski Dubai, a very popular indoor ski resort.

* Photo by Adrian Perez