Bantry is a market town on the northern shore of Bantry Bay in County Cork, where the coast opens toward the Atlantic Ocean. The town is surrounded by wooded hills, farmland, and a sheltered bay dotted with islands and peninsulas. Its harbor remains an important feature, while the main square and streets contain shops, cafés, pubs, and other local businesses serving the surrounding communities.
Taos, located in northern New Mexico, is a town renowned for its rich blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo cultures, dramatic landscapes, and artistic legacy. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it has been a center for centuries of human settlement, from the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America, to Spanish colonial missions and trading posts.
La Fortuna is a town in northern Costa Rica, located in the San Carlos region at the base of Arenal Volcano. It is known for rainforest landscapes, geothermal hot springs, and outdoor activities connected to the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Sheki is a historic city in northwestern Azerbaijan, located near the forested foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It developed as an important trading center along Silk Road routes connecting the Caucasus with Persia and Central Asia.
Dilijan is a town in Armenia's Tavush Province, surrounded by forested mountains, streams, and highland meadows. The town lies within the landscape of Dilijan National Park, where oak, beech, and hornbeam forests cover much of the surrounding hills. Dilijan is also known for its traditional architecture, craft workshops, and location between Lake Sevan and the forested valleys of northeastern Armenia. Its setting has long supported agriculture, forestry, and mineral-water traditions.
Kona started as King Kamehameha I's government seat, and is now a popular tourist destination with key landmarks like Hulihee Palace, as well as coffee farms, shopping and dining. Kona's pristine waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Manta ray boat charters and deep-sea fishing are also popular activities here.
Other Popular Destinations in Hawaii
Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.
Ka'anapali, Maui
In ancient times, Kaanapali was a royal retreat for the rulers of Maui, who delighted in the perfect three-mile stretch of white sand beach, the gentle waves, warm sunny days and the majestic West Maui Mountains. Maui royalty surfed, raced their outrigger canoes, feasted at luaus that lasted for weeks, and where the Kaanapali Golf Course now blankets the land, they played ulu maika, a form of lawn bowling with heavy lava balls.