UNESCO: The Very Best of the World

UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has spent 33 years designating the world's best of the best. The 890 UNESCO World Heritage Sites include places of cultural or physical significance -- "of outstanding value to humanity" -- which the organization seeks to protect, preserve and celebrate.

UNESCO says it best: "Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations ... World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located."

This week's About.com Travel Blog Carnival, hosted by our Guide to Italy Travel, features UNESCO World Heritage Sites that range from Florida to Cambodia, Jerusalem to Guatemala, ancient ruins to rainforests, castles to mountain ranges. This is one global trek you don't want to miss.