Does travel insurance cover surfing?

Yes. Our travel protection plans help cover surfing. Our plans include benefits such as Medical and Dental coverage, Emergency Assistance and Transportation, Trip Cancellation and Interruption, and Sporting Equipment coverage when surfing is part of your trip, subject to plan limits and conditions.

Does travel insurance help protect my surfboard?

Yes. Our travel protection plans help protect your surfboard. Surfboards are covered as sporting equipment under our Premium and Preferred plans, which include coverage if your board or related gear is lost, delayed, stolen, or damaged during your trip, subject to plan limits and conditions.

What happens if I’m injured while surfing abroad?

If you’re injured while surfing outside the United States, your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage or none at all. In many international surf destinations—especially remote coastal areas—travelers are often required to pay out of pocket for medical treatment or transportation to a suitable facility. Our travel protection plans include Medical and Dental and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage, which helps cover eligible medical expenses and transportation if you’re injured while surfing abroad, subject to plan limits and conditions.

Famous Monuments in France and Around the World

Key Takeaways

Iconic landmarks span continents and eras, from France’s Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles to global sites like the Taj Mahal and Sydney Opera House, each offering rich cultural, historical, and architectural significance.
Planning ahead enhances the experience, with practical tips such as booking timed entries, visiting during off-peak hours, and checking seasonal factors like tides or weather conditions to avoid crowds and maximize views.
Travel protection adds an important layer of support, helping address potential disruptions like trip delays, lost luggage, or medical concerns while traveling internationally.

When choosing a travel destination, a lot can influence your decision—beautiful landscapes, great food, pleasant weather, and of course, incredible monuments. Whether you're planning a trip to France, Europe, or farther across the globe, we’ve gathered some of the most iconic cultural landmarks to inspire your next adventure. Plus, you’ll find a few tips to help create a smooth and memorable journey.

woman sitting on ledge with the Eiffel tower behind her

5 Must-See French Cultural Monuments

Eiffel Tower (Paris)

One of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair and has become synonymous with Paris itself. Its iron lattice structure offers panoramic views from multiple levels, making it a must‑visit for first‑time travelers and returning visitors alike.

What to Do When You Visit:

Explore the tower’s viewing platforms, enjoy a meal at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant or Le Jules Verne, and take time to walk through the surrounding Champ de Mars gardens.

Travel Tip:

Visit just before sunset to experience both daylight and nighttime views, including the hourly sparkling light show.

woman looking outside window over the french town

Château d’If (Marseille)

Built in the 16th century, this fortress-turned-prison sits on a rocky island in Marseille’s bay and is best known as the setting for The Count of Monte Cristo. Today, the site offers dramatic coastal views and fascinating insight into France’s maritime history.

What to Do When You Visit:
Tour the prison cells, explore the ramparts, and enjoy the boat ride over from Marseille’s Old Port.

Travel Tip:
Take an early ferry in peak months—the island can get crowded by midday.

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey (Normandy)

Rising dramatically from tidal waters, Mont‑Saint‑Michel is one of France’s most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its medieval abbey, winding village streets, and panoramic viewpoints make it a top French landmark for travelers seeking history and atmosphere.

What to Do When You Visit:
Climb to the abbey, explore the cloisters, and stroll the village’s narrow passageways.

Travel Tip:
Check tide schedules in advance—the causeway experience varies dramatically depending on water levels.

Lascaux Cave (Dordogne)

Known as the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,” Lascaux features some of the most important Paleolithic cave paintings ever discovered. To preserve the fragile originals, visitors explore a state‑of‑the‑art replica that recreates the artwork and cave environment in remarkable detail.

What to Do When You Visit:
Walk through the immersive Lascaux IV exhibit with a guide or audio tour to learn about Cro‑Magnon art techniques and prehistoric symbolism.

Travel Tip:
Book tickets in advance during vacation seasons—tours are scheduled and limited.

Palace of Versailles (Île-de-France)

A symbol of royal grandeur, Versailles showcases the height of French art, architecture, and political history. With 2,300 rooms, stunning gardens, and the legendary Hall of Mirrors, it’s one of the most visited palaces in the world.

What to Do When You Visit:
Explore the palace interior, wander the gardens, and visit the Grand Trianon and Marie‑Antoinette’s Estate.

Travel Tip:
Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds. Garden fountain shows are seasonal but worth timing your visit around.

5 Famous Monuments to Discover in Europe

The Sistine Chapel (Vatican City, Italy)

Located within the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is home to Michelangelo’s unmatched Renaissance frescoes, including the iconic ceiling and The Last Judgment. It remains one of Europe’s most cherished artistic and religious sites.

What to Do When You Visit:
Combine your Sistine Chapel visit with a full Vatican Museums tour to see the Raphael Rooms and the galleries leading to the chapel.

Travel Tip:
Book early morning entry to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a quieter viewing experience.

The Shard (London, United Kingdom)

This 310‑meter skyscraper reshaped London’s skyline with its sharp, crystalline form. As one of the tallest buildings in Europe, The Shard offers sweeping views that stretch as far as 40 miles on a clear day.

What to Do When You Visit:
Head to The View from The Shard observation decks or enjoy a cocktail at one of the tower’s sky‑high restaurants.

Travel Tip:
Sunset time slots often sell out—reserve early for the best cityscape photos.

Ludwig II’s Castles (Füssen, Germany)

King Ludwig II’s fairytale castles—including Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau—offer storybook scenery surrounded by Bavarian forests and lakes. Neuschwanstein famously inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

What to Do When You Visit:
Hike to Marienbrücke Bridge for the best panoramic views, tour the castle interiors, and enjoy the charming historic village of Füssen.

Travel Tip:
Visits to Neuschwanstein are timed and guided—book your slot ahead of your trip.

Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain)

Antoni Gaudí’s most celebrated work, the Sagrada Familia combines Gothic inspiration with organic Art Nouveau forms. Inside, colorful stained glass floods the basilica with kaleidoscopic light, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

What to Do When You Visit:
Visit both the Nativity and Passion facades, tour the interior columns inspired by tree trunks, and if available, take a tower tour.

Travel Tip:
Morning light is incredible—book an early time slot for the best interior illumination.

The Acropolis of Athens (Athens, Greece)

The Acropolis is the ancient heart of Athens and a cornerstone of classical civilization. Dominated by the Parthenon, this rocky hill showcases the achievements of ancient Greek architecture, democracy, and culture.

What to Do When You Visit:
Walk through the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike, then visit the Acropolis Museum to see original sculptures and artifacts.

Travel Tip:
Arrive when the site opens—it gets hot and crowded by midday, especially in summer.

5 Cultural Monuments to See Around the World

Taj Mahal (Agra, India)

A masterpiece of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century as a monument to love. The white marble mausoleum shifts color throughout the day, offering a different experience at sunrise, midday, and sunset.

What to Do When You Visit:
Stroll the symmetrical gardens, view the mausoleum from the reflecting pools, and explore Agra Fort nearby.

Travel Tip:
Sunrise visits offer cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and the most photogenic light.

Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey)

Once the world’s largest cathedral, later a mosque, then a museum, Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to centuries of faith, empire, and architectural innovation. Its immense dome and mosaics make it one of the most important landmarks in world history.

What to Do When You Visit:
Admire the vast central dome, explore the galleries, and take time to notice both Christian and Islamic motifs.

Travel Tip:
Dress modestly—head coverings may be required during active worship hours.

Potala Palace (Lhasa, Tibet)

Perched high above the Lhasa Valley, the Potala Palace was the winter home of the Dalai Lamas for centuries. Its towering white and red structures house thousands of rooms filled with Buddhist art, relics, and chapels.

What to Do When You Visit:
Take a guided tour through the palace’s chapels and assembly halls and enjoy sweeping views over Lhasa.

Travel Tip:
Due to the high elevation, take it slow—acclimate before climbing steep staircases.

Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia)

With its sail‑inspired silhouette, the Sydney Opera House is one of the 20th century’s most recognizable architectural achievements. Beyond its striking exterior, it hosts world‑class performances overlooking the harbor.

What to Do When You Visit:
Take a behind-the-scenes tour or attend a concert, ballet, or opera inside the iconic performance halls.

Travel Tip:
For the best photos, walk along the Royal Botanic Garden waterfront path toward Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair.

Chrysler Building (New York City, USA)

A crown jewel of Art Deco design, the Chrysler Building features a tiered, stainless-steel spire that gleams over Midtown Manhattan. Though its observation deck is closed, the lobby remains open and beautifully preserved.

What to Do When You Visit:
Admire the building from street level, visit the ornate lobby, and explore nearby Grand Central Terminal for additional architectural highlights.

Travel Tip:
Evening twilight is the best time for photographing its illuminated crown.

Think About Travel Insurance and Assistance Services

Even the best‑planned trips can run into unexpected challenges—flight delays, lost baggage, stolen passports, or health issues abroad. Travel insurance with 24/7 global assistance services gives you peace of mind and support when you need it most, helping you stay protected throughout your travels.

Get your fast, free, and easy quote today.