Spain:
A society imbedded in an old world tradition mixed with modern lifestyles and youthful culture provides a delectable experience to the masses of visitors that venture every year. Despite recent economic troubles that have begrudgingly enacted austerity measures on the country, reform under a newly elected president should prove hopeful in it's financial recovery.
The diversity offerred across the many territories of it's borders are enough to satisfy weeks of curiosity for would be travelers. Famous authors have rightfully so, painted the image of Spain as a picturesque location for romance, festivals, urban pleasures and rural excursions. In the Sun Also Rises, Hemingway helped popularize the San Fermin festival that occurs in the northern city of Pamplona where a week long schedule of celebration including the famous running of the bulls take place. The Fallas festival on the Mediterranean coast of Valencia, hosts a series of weeklong events where the the most popular fireworks and pyrotechnicians assemble to put on evening displays of unimaginable viewing pleasure.
The modernization of it's two largest cities, Madrid and Barcelona make commuting within each, an undaunting experience provided you have a reliable map and plan of attack. Neither can be easily defined as they are big and populated. But detectable differences in the character of the two cities gives them a slightly seperate feel as Madrid offers a more commercial, political persona whereas Barcelona lends a hip, counter culture vibe. Conveniently, the two can be visited easily via a three hour train connection.