The winning photo was submitted by Sarah McFalls. You can view the photo here.

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Photographs are a great way to remember your adventures around the world. With the click of a button you can capture a moment in time and preserve it for years to come.

The city of Prague is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, largely because the city managed to remain intact during World War II. Now, many thousnds of visitors take in “the golden city” each year in hopes of capturing some of the most amazing sights you can find anywhere.

The Lennon Wall in Prague

One of the most popular photo ops is Prague Castle, which happens to be the largest castle in the world. Not only is it currently home to the Czech Crown Jewels, the Prague Castle was also the base for Reinhard Heydrich, who was once thought of as a successor to Adolf Hitler.

There is also The Lennon Wall, Vyšehrad and the Prague Metronome, to capture in Prague.

You’re probably asking now how you are going to get there. Don’t worry, STA Travel has you covered. We are awarding a round-trip flight from New York, New York, to Prague, Czech Republic, to the person who submits the best – as determined by the STA Travel judges – travel photo.

Here are a few rules:

- The picture can’t contain any nudity or vulgar depictions

- The photo must be one you took

- You must include a link to your photo from your Flickr, Photobucket or Picasa account in the comments section of this post.

- You must use a valid e-mail address when you post so we can notify you if you’ve won

- You can only submit one photo,  so make sure to select your best

We will select a winner at 3 p.m. central on Friday, May 29. Good luck!

Fine Print

Travel is for JFK to Prague. Travel must be booked by June 30, 2009 and travel completed by December 31, 2009. Reservation must be made a minimum of 4 weeks prior to departure. Ticket is non-transferable, non-refundable, and has no cash value. Travel dates are subject to availability and certain blackout dates may apply. International segments must be flown on Czech Airlines only. Winner is responsible for all government issues taxes and fees at the time of booking.

As you all know, it’s our birthday and you only turn 30 once! The truth is everyone loves a good party, so it’s time to let loose, have a “yagabomb” and check out some of the best party cities in the world!

1. Ibiza, Spain - This Spanish Island is notorious for its debauchery. Home to a number of foam parties and bars, including Privilege, the largest club in the world (it can hold ten times the number of people that went to my high school) how could we not put it at number one?

“Hear no evil, speak no evil - and you'll never be invited to a party” - Oscar Wilde

2. Florianopolis, Brazil – Less known than its amigo Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis is the epitome of paradise. 42 beaches, check. Beautiful people, check. Awesome nightlife, check plus.

3. Ios, Greece – The island of Ios is MADE to party. When they don’t even serve breakfast until noon, you know it’s a good time.

4. Hvar Island, Croatia – With a number of waterfront bars for the night owl and beaches to explore during the day, Hvar Island is one underrated party destination that begs to be experienced.

5. Koh Phanang, Vietnam – Full moon party is what you get when you add gallons glow in the dark body paint, one beach, buckets of booze, and 20,000 people from all over the world. Just don’t mistakenly get literal and expose your backside.

6. Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul offers a range of party options for any student on holiday. Check out the clubs on the waters of the Bosporus during the summer that don’t stop till 4am or later.

7. Prague, Czech Republic – With pints for around a euro, the city of Prague is the one of the cheapest places to get silly. The party goes on till 4 am so plan to stumble around until the wee hours.

8. Melbourne, Australia – Hands down, the best partying I have ever done has been with a group of Aussies. With a lion’s share of pubs, chic lounges, and raving clubs, Melbourne reminds you that Oz is more than koalas and Fosters.

9. Beirut, Lebanon – Beirut has become a decadent spot for merry making. Just be sure to check the local guides for the best places to go, as sentiments on party palaces change almost daily.

10. Shanghai, China - Frequented by many famous DJ’s, Shanghai has many districts that have awesome clubs all within stumbling distance: great for the expat who can throw back a drink or five.

Let me know your take on the best city to get schwasty face in!

Another week, another giveaway from your friends at STA.

Whether you are a photog or just a voyeur, everybody goes to Europe to see the sights. From the Louvre in Paris to St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Europe is full of  must-see locations for any traveler.

Our travel experts across the country came up with ten of their favorite must-see places in Europe. After you check out our list, make sure to let us know what your must-see place is in Europe.

On Friday, April 17, at 5 p.m. CDT, we will select one suggestion for a must-see place in Europe at random and that person will receive:

- 1 Round-Trip Ticket to a European destination courtesy of STA and Virgin Atlantic

- 1 Eurail pass

- 1 Busabout pass for hop-on-hop-off travel

So get to reading our list and then leave a comment for your chance to win.

STA Travel’s 10 Must-See Places in Europe

1. Vondelpark in Amsterdam – Imagine Central Park, but with a connected series of ponds and streams and you have one of the most beautiful parks in the world. 10 million visitors flock to this 120 acre park each year to see the park and its open air theater and film museum.

Wouldn't you like to see that in person?

2. Prague Castle in Prague – One of the biggest castles in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records, this castle is home to the Czech Crown Jewels. Measuring at 570 meters in length and an average of 130 miles wide, make sure to bring your wide-angle lens.

3. The Colosseum in Rome – Have you ever seen Gladiator? Check out the spot where the real Gladiators fought in brutal battles for their lives. Later in its existence, the Church tried to turn it into a wool factory to provide employment for Rome’s prostitutes.

4. Sagrada Familia in Barcelona – Easily one of the most spectacular buildings in the entire world, Sagrada Familia is a massive Catholic church that has been under construction since 1882. The construction budget for 2009 is 18 million Euros.

5. Alhambra in Granada – The Alhambra was completed towards the end of Muslim rule in Spain, which is evident in the architecture of this beautiful building.  You may recognize Alhambra if you’ve ever read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

6. BMW Museum in Munich – The visually stunning four-cylinder BMW headquarters and adjacent museum is as beautiful outside as the cars are inside.  One of the most recognized car brands in the world, the BMW Museum showcases some of the best offerings ever produced by the manufacturer.

7. Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy – Most people go to Italy for the fine food, beautiful people and beautiful Duomos, but Lake Como is a can’t miss for anyone looking for breathtaking scenery. Make sure to scan the shoreline for some of the most amazing – and probably expensive – Villas you will ever see.

8. Hyde Park in London – While the park itself is great, the real must-see is located on the north-east corner. That location is home to Speakers’ Corner, where free speech reigns. Step on your soapbox and get ready to be heckled, just make sure to avoid profanity to avoid the ire of the police.

9. Paris Plage in Paris - Imagine walking through beautiful Paris seeing the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and then….a beach. Paris Plage, located in central Paris, is an artificial beach on the banks of the Seine River that is attracting tourists and locals who can’t afford to take a vacation.

10. Uffizi in Florence – Home to a statue of the famous hometown poet Dante, the Uffizi is also home to works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. Make sure to get your ticket in advance, because the wait can be long during peak season.

Let’s get the suggestions rolling.

Fine Print on Giveaway

The next stop on our golden itinerary was the famous city of Prague, a locale known for its innumerable spires and fantastical architecture. After arriving in the late afternoon, we took a short walking tour at dusk, winding through the Old Town to admire the astronomical clock and old town hall and then have a drink in a local pub.

Now, I’ve heard that Czechs say “Beer makes beautiful bodies” and consume more beer per capita than any other nation in the world (although Germany may dispute this); and, thanks to beer purity laws, it’s nearly impossible to wake up with a hangover after having Czech beer (note: I say NEARLY impossible). In fact, legend has it that Budweiser beer actually comes from an old Czech recipe for the beer Budvar! It seems an American fellow took a trip to Eastern Europe, dug the beer, and returned home with the recipe. Since he had the means to mass-produce and market the stuff, he passed it off as his own and went to work. Have the rights to the recipe been settled nowadays? Google it and let me know!

Prague at Night

Anyway, some of the group relaxed with quality beer while others tried absinthe. Fret not, Mom (she’s reading this, right?) — the stuff is no longer allowed to be made with wormwood, so there were no visits by that infamous little green fairy. After that, we walked onward to the Charles Bridge to marvel at the city of Prague by night. The evening was made perfect by the glorious castle on the hill (illuminated thanks to The Rolling Stones and a television special in which they wanted the Prague castle as a backdrop), a terrific group of travelers, and interesting stories provided by our guide, as well as a bit of fresh air while promenading. Then it was on to a super cheesy five-story nightclub in the heart of the city (right next to the Charles Bridge!) to dance to the most random mix of music EVER on the oldies floor. The group got down to everything from fifties joints to the flamenco jams of the Gipsy Kings. Nice.

The next day we were free to explore the city at our own leisure, so I took some time to recline, just wandering about the city, having coffee in a hidden café (not to mention the cocunut ice cream that came in a coconut shell), and generally enjoying myself. Suddenly there arrived a freak thunderstorm, and I had to make my second “emergency umbrella” purchase of the week. It seems I have poor judgement, as I always take my umbrella out of my bag on the days I need it. Don’t worry, though – I’m not just walking around with three umbrellas in my bag. I promptly lost the newest one when I left it in the hotel lobby that very night. Solid performance.

Anyway, after getting caught in the electric summer storm and buying a new umbrella, I met up with the gang for a bite to eat. More pork, potatoes, and beer before calling it an evening and saying farewell to glorious Prague.

From Prague, we sped toward the beautiful and oft overlooked country of Poland. We arrived rather late in the day, and after a sufficient number of tour group members got lost taking the wrong bus into Krakow, we called it a night and rested up for a massive day ahead. The following morning it was up and out early in order to pay a somber and enlightening visit to the concentration camp of Birkenau-Auschwitz. Always a fan of history (particularly that of World War II), I was left without words for much of the day; for touring the grounds and hearing our tour guide’s commentary on this place of such tremendous strife was both chilling and meaningful beyond description. It’s only through sharing and experiencing the past that we understand why we are where we are today, and for that reason, everyone should visit Birkenau-Auschwitz if given the opportunity.

After the sobering camp visit, we strolled into town to relax and take in the modern day. Some continued the day of learning with a Schindler’s Tour of the city while others chose to café hop, shop, or visit the markets. I spent my time wandering about in awe of the beautiful city center and wondering why more travelers don’t hit Poland in their journeys. It’s unbelievably lovely and metropolitan, that Krakow! I visited the open air markets that sold grand amounts of amber and ceramics, and I strolled through a festival that featured belly dancers and a power-walking tournament. Rock on. Upon grabbing some kebabs and heading back to the hotel, we stumbled upon a massive concert along the river that featured far too many out of place songs like “Red, Red Wine”…and I have to admit: the Polish people swaying and singing along was extremely entertaining. Something about that song and summertime just makes people want to jam.

All in all, a moving and exhilarating time