How many UNESCO World Heritage sites have you visited?
#121
Joined: Oct 2003
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Since my post in 2014 I've added 16 more from travels in Ecuador, India, France and Scotland for a total of 135. It's hard to say which is my favourite since they are so diverse.
However, if pressed, I would say the Taj Mahal. I was prepared to be let down by the reality of the site after seeing so many photos. However, on seeing it in the light of dawn, I was simply overwhelmed by it. It is surely one of the greatest works of humankind.
However, if pressed, I would say the Taj Mahal. I was prepared to be let down by the reality of the site after seeing so many photos. However, on seeing it in the light of dawn, I was simply overwhelmed by it. It is surely one of the greatest works of humankind.
#123

Joined: Mar 2003
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<i>Plus, it's a lot harder for us North Americans to reach these places than for those of you in Europe! </i>
Quite a few in the States:
http://www.state.gov/p/io/unesco/c48319.htm
Quite a few in the States:
http://www.state.gov/p/io/unesco/c48319.htm
#125
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,118
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Plus, it's a lot harder for us North Americans to reach these places than for those of you in Europe!
Quite a few in the States:
Michael, just for an example, Ohio to Carlsbad Caverns is 1500 miles, and Ohio to Skagway Alaska is 3000 miles, not to mention Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.
Just saying...
Quite a few in the States:
Michael, just for an example, Ohio to Carlsbad Caverns is 1500 miles, and Ohio to Skagway Alaska is 3000 miles, not to mention Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.
Just saying...
#126
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,886
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Not necessarily harder for americans. For us on the east coast a trip to europe is really no longer than a trip to CA. Have been to the former more than 100 times and the latter only about 8 or 9.
Can't count exactly how many I have seen - around 84 as close as I can come.
Can't count exactly how many I have seen - around 84 as close as I can come.
#127
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 620
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For The Average American, it IS harder to reach those UNESCO sites in Europe, when you consider the cost of flights to Europe, vs. say, driving or taking a train when you actually live in Europe. Not to mention taking 1-2 weeks off work if you are American, as opposed to a maybe just a long weekend if you are European.
If Average American really wanted to get to California, and couldn't afford the plane ticket, he could drive or take a bus. It would take several days, but he could do it for a reasonable price. He can't drive to Europe.
If you've been to Europe over 100 times, nytraveler, you're very fortunate, but not the norm.
There are only 21 UNESCO sites in all of the United States. There are 35 in France alone, which is about the size of Texas.
If Average American really wanted to get to California, and couldn't afford the plane ticket, he could drive or take a bus. It would take several days, but he could do it for a reasonable price. He can't drive to Europe.
If you've been to Europe over 100 times, nytraveler, you're very fortunate, but not the norm.
There are only 21 UNESCO sites in all of the United States. There are 35 in France alone, which is about the size of Texas.
#130
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,552
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Hi Flygirl, after meeting on Instagram I saw this thread 
I've seen 167 in 53 countries, which means I'm really old or I've been busy, or perhaps both!!! A while ago I wrote a blog post on this which tells me I have too much time on my hands!
I agree it's easier to "collect" them abroad, only six of mine are from the US. Though looking over the blogpost I see I can add some from Ireland too, obviously it wasn't a very exhaustive survey on my part!
Here's the post along with pictures from places like Easter Island, Borobudur, Palmyra and Iguazu Falls.I think the reason I did the post originally was to use photos from all over the place!
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2013/...nescos-so.html
- But of course I haven't been shown around UNESCO in Paris with an official delegation so I'll never catch up with Thin
-Reading others' lists above makes me realize a miss the contributions from Thit Cho who hasn't posted here in ages.

I've seen 167 in 53 countries, which means I'm really old or I've been busy, or perhaps both!!! A while ago I wrote a blog post on this which tells me I have too much time on my hands!
I agree it's easier to "collect" them abroad, only six of mine are from the US. Though looking over the blogpost I see I can add some from Ireland too, obviously it wasn't a very exhaustive survey on my part!
Here's the post along with pictures from places like Easter Island, Borobudur, Palmyra and Iguazu Falls.I think the reason I did the post originally was to use photos from all over the place!
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2013/...nescos-so.html
- But of course I haven't been shown around UNESCO in Paris with an official delegation so I'll never catch up with Thin
-Reading others' lists above makes me realize a miss the contributions from Thit Cho who hasn't posted here in ages.
#131
Original Poster


Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,306
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Hello WTB! You are an inspiration!
I have been good about tallying my various milestones as of the past few years (including times crossing the Atlantic Ocean - so far 55 trips to Europe) but I am still only at 67 sites. This is despite a visit to Thailand which I was sure would up that number but it did not.
I have been good about tallying my various milestones as of the past few years (including times crossing the Atlantic Ocean - so far 55 trips to Europe) but I am still only at 67 sites. This is despite a visit to Thailand which I was sure would up that number but it did not.
#133

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35,168
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I'm on the East Coast and it is longer to fly to Europe than to California. It takes about 7.5 hrs nonstop to fly to either Paris or London from Washington, DC. It takes 5:20 to fly to Los Angeles. Not to mention it is a lot more expensive to fly to Europe and a bigger time change, so that makes it more difficult, also.
From New York, it is about 6 hrs to fly to LAX but 7 hrs to fly to London and abut 7.5 to fly to Paris.
From New York, it is about 6 hrs to fly to LAX but 7 hrs to fly to London and abut 7.5 to fly to Paris.
#135

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
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108 now, 6 more than when I first answered. But I don't think the list is totally up to date, as it doesn't include the Grotte du Sorcier in St-Cirq, which is next door to us, and I've certainly visited it. It's only been on the list for a few years, but still, they are constantly adding sites. So, 109 I guess as of right now. Planning to see more in Spain, Hungary, and Italy before the end of the year.
#137

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,398
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Hmm, I'm not anywhere near as traveled as many here, but I've managed to come up with 82 on the list! Having been to France, Italy and Spain seems to rack them up quickly!
flygirl, I don't see Dublin on the list. Is there something I'm missing?
The list does seem arbitrary, though -- there are so many sites that seem to be real world heritage sites that aren't listed. Hopefully, more places will be listed eventually.
flygirl, I don't see Dublin on the list. Is there something I'm missing?
The list does seem arbitrary, though -- there are so many sites that seem to be real world heritage sites that aren't listed. Hopefully, more places will be listed eventually.
#139
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Question: if an item on a list seems to have more than one site (for instance, belfries of France and Belgium) would you count one per each site you visited?
There are a few other which seem to cover more than one site in one listing. How would you count that? I am only counting one.
There are a few other which seem to cover more than one site in one listing. How would you count that? I am only counting one.


