The Coromandel Peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island is a place where coastline and culture come alive in ways that stay with visitors long after they’ve left. Stretching for about 110 kilometers between the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty, this region has deep roots that go back to the arrival of Māori long before Europeans stepped ashore.

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is a hidden gem that often surprises travelers with its rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, Canberra is a city thoughtfully crafted around Lake Burley Griffin, which offers picturesque views and serene walks. Unlike many cities, it is home to a vast population of kangaroos, which are often spotted hopping around suburban areas and parklands.

Pulau Ubin, an island northeast of mainland Singapore, offers a glimpse into the country’s past with its preserved kampong (village) atmosphere and rustic landscapes. Unlike the modern cityscape of Singapore, Pulau Ubin retains its traditional charm, with wooden houses, coconut palms, and unpaved roads where bicycles are the main mode of transport.

No airport, a single unnamed village, clear waters and white-sand beaches make Mayreau a quiet, rustic getaway.

Kom Ombo, a hidden gem along the Nile River in southern Egypt, is a destination that seamlessly blends ancient history, captivating architecture, and scenic beauty. This charming town is renowned for the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky.