Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument stretches across southern Utah as a vast landscape of layered cliffs, winding canyons, and open desert plateaus. The land shifts in color from pale cream to deep red, depending on the angle of the sun, revealing rock layers that look like pages stacked over time. Much of the area feels remote, with long dirt roads like Hole-in-the-Rock Road leading travelers deep into quiet terrain where rock formations rise suddenly from flat ground.
Shimizu, a picturesque port in Shizuoka City, offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Shimizu is known for its rich maritime history, and a culinary highlight is its fresh seafood, particularly tuna. The port boasts the highest tuna catch in Japan, making it a prime destination for sushi fans.
It's the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, lying 40 miles south of St. Thomas and St. John. While its history is laced with tales of pirates and privateers, the island today maintains a slower, more quiet pace than its sisters to the north.
Amalfi, Italy, is a gem nestled along the world-famous Amalfi Coast, where dramatic cliffs meet the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. This enchanting town, once a powerful maritime republic, is now a beloved destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. The heart of Amalfi is its bustling Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the stunning Amalfi Cathedral.
The turnoff for Locarno is located near Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino. By train, Locarno is well served from Zurich and Milan, as it is by road. Lovers of beautiful landscapes starting out from Geneva and Lausanne owe it to themselves to pass through Simplon and the Centovalli by taking the picturesque little train that links Domodossola to Locarno.
By plane, Locarno is accessible from most major European cities. Several medium-haul airlines (in particular Crossair) serve the Lugano-Agno airport (45 minutes from Locarno by car and Festival shuttle). Air travellers can also fly into Milan-Linate (two hours by car to Locarno) and Zurich (three hours).
Other Popular Destinations in Switzerland
Lucerne
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Basel
Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums.