Cannon Beach, Oregon, offers an enchanting coastal escape along the Pacific Ocean. Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, a towering sea stack that rises 235 feet above the sand, this charming town is a visual feast for visitors. This natural landmark, surrounded by tide pools, is a prime spot for bird watching and marine life observation. The beach's scenic beauty, combined with its dramatic rock formations and golden sands, makes it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Oxford is best known for its world-famous university, but the city offers much more than historic college halls and ivory towers. Its skyline, shaped by spires and domes, hints at centuries of intellectual life. The University of Oxford dates back to at least the 12th century and includes iconic buildings like the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and the Radcliffe Camera, a circular reading room that looks more like a cathedral than a place for quiet study.
St. Moritz, located in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley, has been attracting visitors for over 150 years, long before the term "alpine resort" became common. It was here in 1864 that winter tourism was born, when a hotelier made a wager with British guests that they would enjoy the snow just as much as the summer sun. They returned, and the rest is history. The town has since hosted the Winter Olympics twice (in 1928 and 1948) and remains a favorite for skiing, snowboarding, and ice sports.
Weissenkirchen (or Weißenkirchen) is a charming Austrian town on the banks of the Danube. Surrounded by vineyards and wineries, Weissenkirchen is a delightful stop for European river cruises.