Arikok National Park, covering nearly 20% of Aruba, is a striking showcase of the island’s rugged landscapes, cultural history, and biodiversity. Unlike the postcard image of Aruba’s white-sand beaches, Arikok reveals a wilder side, with windswept hills, desert-like terrain, and dramatic limestone cliffs meeting the sea.
A lesser-known river port in the Mekong Delta, Sa Dec was once the capital of Dong Thap province of southern Vietnam. Today, it is best known for its flower gardens and authentic bustling market. The city is also famous as the setting for French writer Marguerite Duras' 1984 novel, The Lover, and its 1991 film adaptation of the same name.
Inyeug, more commonly known as Mystery Island, is a tiny, uninhabited islet off the coast of Aneityum in Vanuatu’s southernmost province. Measuring just 1.5 kilometers long, the island is completely free of roads, shops, and electricity. What it offers instead is pure seclusion and untouched beauty. Cruise ships often anchor offshore, bringing day visitors to its white-sand beaches and shallow coral lagoons, but once they depart, the island returns to stillness.
Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, is a charming alpine destination with a blend of modern culture and medieval history. Overlooked by the stunning Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the reigning prince, this small yet vibrant city offers breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley and surrounding mountains
North Conway, located in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, has drawn visitors since the mid-19th century, when artists from the White Mountain School began painting its dramatic landscapes. Today, the area still offers scenic appeal, anchored by the towering presence of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeastern U.S. Historic photographs and lithographs of North Conway hang in galleries downtown, showing just how little the iconic views have changed in over 150 years.
Antiquity is everywhere on the island of Rhodes, from its cobbled Old Town to a mighty acropolis presiding high over the town of Lindos. Ancient ruins recall Crusades-era occupation and Ottoman tyranny, but today, a rather magical Aegean lifestyle is predominant. Travelers will enjoy excellent food, picturesque beaches, buzzing nightlife, and snorkeling in clear waters. Some must-sees here include the Palace of the Grandmaster of the Knights of Rhodes (a medieval castle), the Colossus of Rhodes statue, and the nature reserve Valley of the Butterflies.