Find Out What the Best-Selling Album Was in the Year You Were Born

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Every year there’s one album that dominates the charts and everyone’s hearts.

Billboard has been keeping a list of all the best-selling albums (in the US) dating back to 1956 so you can find out which band or artist was worming their way into the public’s ears the year you were born (unless you’re over 61).

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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For tiny tots last year, it was rapper Drake’s album Views, while in 1997 it was all about Spice Girls’ debut Spice.

Back in 1987, Bon Jovi’s was topping the charts with Slippery When Wet while Elton John ruled the airwaves in 1975 with Elton John’s Greatest Hits.

Pop stars like Adele and Justin Timberlake have been topping the charts in recent years but it was musical soundtracks and Broadway hits in the 1950s and 1960s.

Here’s the full list compiled by Business Insider, with the notable singles from each best-selling album.

2016: Drake – Views

Young Money

Copies sold: 4,140,000

Notable singles: ‘Hotline Bling’, ‘One Dance’

2015: Adele – 25

XL Recordings

Copies sold: 8,008,000

Notable singles: ‘Hello’, ‘When We Were Young’

2014: Taylor Swift – 1989

Big Machine Records

Copies sold: 3,661,000

Notable singles: ‘Shake It Off’, ‘Blank Space’, ‘Bad Blood’

2013: Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience

RCA Records

Copies sold: 2,430,000

Notable singles: ‘Suit & Tie’, ‘Mirrors’

2012: Adele – 21

Columbia Records

Copies sold: 4,410,000

Notable singles: ‘Someone Like You’, ‘Set Fire to the Rain’, ‘Rumour Has It’

2011: Adele – 21

Columbia Records

Copies sold: 5,824,000

Notable singles: ‘Rolling In The Deep’

2010: Eminem – Recovery

Aftermath Entertainment

Copies sold: 3,415,000

Notable singles: ‘Not Afraid’, ‘Love The Way You Lie’

2009: Taylor Swift – Fearless

Big Machine Records

Copies sold: 3,217,000

Notable singles: ‘Love Story’, ‘You Belong With Me’

2008: Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III

Cash Money/Universal Motown

Copies sold: 2,880,000

Notable singles: ‘Lollipop’, ‘A Milli’

2007: Josh Groban – Noël

Reprise Records

Copies sold: 3,699,000

Notable single: ‘The First Noel (feat. Faith Hill)’

2006: High School Musical (Soundtrack)

Walt Disney Records

Copies sold: 3,719,000

Notable single: ‘Breaking Free’

2005: Mariah Carey – The Emancipation of Mimi

Island Def Jam

Copies sold: 4,968,606

Notable singles: ‘We Belong Together’, ‘Shake It Off’

2004: Usher – Confessions

Arista Records

Copies sold: 7,979,000

Notable singles: ‘Burn’, ‘Confessions Pt. II’, ‘Yeah!’

2003: 50 Cent – Get Rich or Die Tryin’

Shady Records/Aftermath Entertainment

Copies sold: 6,536,000

Notable singles: ‘In da Club’, ’21 Questions’

2002: Eminem – The Eminem Show

Aftermath Entertainment

Copies sold: 7,608,000

Notable singles: ‘Without Me’, ‘Sing For The Moment’

2001: Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory

Warner Bros. Records

Copies sold: 4,813,000

Notable single: ‘In The End’

2000: NSYNC – No Strings Attached

Jive Records

Copies sold: 9,936,000

Notable singles: ‘Bye Bye Bye’, ‘It’s Gonna Be Me’

1999: Backstreet Boys – Millennium

Jive

Copies sold: 9,446,000

Notable singles: ‘I Want It That Way’, ‘Larger Than Life’

1998: James Horner and Celine Dion – Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture

Sony Classical

Copies sold: 9,338,000

Notable single: ‘My Heart Will Go On’

1997: Spice Girls – Spice

Virgin Records

Copies sold: 5,302,000

Notable singles: ‘Wannabe’, ‘Say You’ll Be There’

1996: Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill

Maverick

Copies sold: 7,380,000

Notable singles: ‘You Oughta Know’, ‘Hand In My Pocket’

1995: Hootie and the Blowfish – Cracked Rear View

Atlantic Records

Copies sold: 7,020,000

Notable singles: ‘Hold My Hand’, ‘Only Wanna Be With You’

1994: Elton John/Hans Zimmer – The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Walt Disney Records

Copies sold: 4,934,000

Notable singles: ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’, ‘Circle of Life’

1993: Whitney Houston/Various Artists – The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album

Arista

Copies sold: 5,460,000

Notable single: ‘I Will Always Love You’

1992: Billy Ray Cyrus – Some Gave All

Mercury Records

Copies sold: 4,700,000

Notable singles: ‘Achy Breaky Heart’

1991: Mariah Carey – Mariah Carey

Columbia Records

Notable singles: ‘Vision of Love’, ‘Love Takes Time’

1990: Janet Jackson – Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814

A&M Records

Notable singles: ‘Miss You Much’, ‘Rhythm Nation’

1989: Bobby Brown – Don’t Be Cruel

MCA Records

Notable single: ‘My Prerogative’

1988: George Michael – Faith

Columbia

Notable singles: ‘One More Try’, ‘Father Figure’

1987: Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet

Mercury

Notable singles: ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’, ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’

1986: Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston

Arista

Notable singles: ‘How Will I Know’, ‘Greatest Love Of All’

1985: Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A.

Columbia

Notable singles: ‘Dancing In The Dark’, ‘Born In The U.S.A.’

1984: Michael Jackson – Thriller

Epic

Notable singles: ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Beat It’

1983: Michael Jackson – Thriller

Epic

Notable singles: ‘Thriller’, ‘P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)’

1982: Asia – Asia

Geffen Records

Notable single: ‘Heat of the Moment’

1981: REO Speedwagon – Hi Infidelity

Epic Records

Notable singles: ‘Keep on Loving You’, ‘Take It on the Run’

1980: Pink Floyd – The Wall

Columbia

Notable singles: ‘Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)’

1979: Billy Joel – 52nd Street

Family Productions

Notable single: ‘My Life’

1978: Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track

RSO Records

Notable singles: ‘How Deep Is Your Love’, ‘Stayin’ Alive’

1977: Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

Warner Bros.

Notable singles: ‘Go Your Own Way’, ‘Don’t Stop’

1976: Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive!

A&M Records

Notable single: ‘Show Me The Way’

1975: Elton John – Elton John’s Greatest Hits

DJM Records

Notable singles: ‘Your Song’, ‘Daniel’

1974: Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

MCA Records

Notable single: ‘Bennie and the Jets’

1973: War – The World Is a Ghetto

United Artists

Notable single: ‘The Cisco Kid’

1972: Neil Young – Harvest

Reprise Records

Notable single: ‘Heart of Gold’

1971: Jesus Christ Superstar

Decca

Notable single: ‘Superstar’

1970: Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge over Troubled Water

Columbia

Notable singles: ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’, ‘The Boxer’

1969: Iron Butterfly – In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

Atco

Notable single: ‘In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida’

1968: The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Are You Experienced

Track Records

Notable singles: ‘Purple Haze’, ‘Foxy Lady’

1967: The Monkees – More of The Monkees

Colgems Records

Notable single: ‘I’m A Believer’

1966: Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – Whipped Cream & Other Delights

A&M Records

Notable single: ‘A Taste of Honey’

1965: Mary Poppins (Original Soundtrack)

Walt Disney Records

Notable singles: ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’

1964: Hello, Dolly! (Original Broadway Cast)

20th Century Fox Records

Notable single: ‘Hello, Dolly!’

1963: West Side Story (Soundtrack)

Columbia Masterworks

Notable single: ‘I Feel Pretty’

1962: West Side Story (Soundtrack)

Columbia Masterworks

Notable single: ‘Maria’

1961: Camelot (Original Broadway Cast)

Columbia Records

Notable single: ‘If Ever I Would Leave You’

1960: The Sound of Music (Original Broadway Cast)

Columbia Masterworks

Notable single: ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘The Sound of Music’

1959: Henry Mancini – Music from Peter Gunn

RCA Victor Records

Notable single: ‘Peter Gunn Theme’

1958: My Fair Lady (Original Broadway Cast)

Columbia Records

Notable single: ‘With A Little Bit of Luck’

1957: My Fair Lady (Original Broadway Cast)

Columbia Records

Notable single: ‘The Rain in Spain’

1956: Harry Belafonte – Calypso

RCA Victor Records

Notable singles: ‘Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)’, ‘Jamaica Farewell’

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

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WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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