Featured image: The city of Valetta is one of three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Malta / Photo by Envato

Plan your travels around culturally significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While we may know the Acropolis in Athens, Petra, Jordan or the Egyptian Pyramids, there are many more UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore. World Heritage Sites belong to every human on earth, regardless of the territory on which they stand. 

The first UNESCO property, The Galapagos Islands, was inscribed in 1978, highlighting their unique and exceptional natural features, particularly the islands’ distinct biodiversity and geological significance. Today, the  World Heritage List includes 1223 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. These include 952 cultural, 231 natural and 40 mixed properties in 168 States Parties. As of October 2024, 196 States Parties have ratified the World Heritage Convention. Read the full list here.

Get inspired by our UNESCO World Heritage articles, featuring Lyon, Malta, Jordan, Italy, Spain and more. In this webinar, you’ll learn about lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage sites, including culturally significant ancient ruins, historical structures, monuments, mountains and wilderness areas, with advice on how to plan your travels at home and abroad. 

Webinar details: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hosted by Carolyn Ray

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

When: 7 pm EST (check local time zones here)

Where: Zoom! Sign up below for the link. Capacity is 100 women. The session will be recorded and shared on our YouTube channel for those who can’t join us. As always, participants are welcome to share their experiences and ask questions.

These webinars are offered to all women at no charge, but we are asking for your support to pay our hosts and team who help produce these. Please consider supporting our efforts to help women travel safely and well here. 

Our expert panelists

For this event, our moderator is Carolyn Ray. alongside experts who can help you get started on the journey of discovering UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world. 

Isabel Martín Benítez, Consul for Tourism Affairs, Embassy of Spain in Canada

Panelist Biographies

Mary Collins, CEO, Far Horizons

Mary Collins acquired Far Horizons Archaeological and Cultural Trips in 2022, when the original founder retired after 40 years. Mary takes pride in the fact that the company has always been women owned and operated, and that a large percentage of Far Horizons travelers are solo women. In addition to leading the charge as the CEO of Far Horizons, Mary is the co-founder of Blue Fern Travel, a history-infused food and cocktail tour company focused on supporting local businesses and community by sharing stories through flavors.

Mary earned her M.P.A. in nonprofit and international management, and has worked with Ugandan-based NGO, Paper to Pearls; children’s shelter For Children’s Sake; and the Department of Veterans Affairs. She currently serves on the board of Archaeology In the Community in Washington, DC. Mary and her husband, Stefan, have two daughters and a son who are adventurous culinary and cultural explorers. Learn more here.

Katharine Butler – Dines, CEO, Women Travel Abroad 

Katharine specializes in premium small-group travel experiences for women, fostering connection, adventure, and cultural immersion. Founded in 2014, Women Travel Abroad is a trusted leader in boutique women-only journeys, offering life-changing adventures that balance exploration, comfort, and authentic connection. With just 6-10 travellers per group, the experience is intimate and personalized. UNESCO-focused trips include the Cradle of Humanity outside of Johannesburg in South Africa, Ireland’s Newgrange, a prehistoric monument older than the pyramids, the Douro River in Portugal to visit less-touristy vineyards and villages and Essaouira in Morocco.  Learn more here.

Isabel Martín Benítez, Consul for Tourism Affairs, Embassy of Spain in Canada

The Tourist Office of Spain is dedicated to drive tourism in Spain by focusing on the country’s highlights from its world-class festivals to ancient monuments. With agencies established worldwide, its network of employees is able to provide potential and current travelers with essential information to ensure their vacations run smoothly and their demands are met. Learn more here. 

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