Te Anau sits on the edge of New Zealand’s second-largest lake, acting as the unofficial gateway to Fiordland National Park. While it’s often viewed as a starting point for trips to Milford Sound, the town itself offers a slower, more scenic way to experience the South Island’s dramatic landscapes. Te Anau’s lakefront is a mix of walking paths, local birdlife, and wide-open views across snow-dusted peaks.
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
Saint-Malo, a captivating walled city on the coast of Brittany, France, invites visitors to step back in time while embracing the beauty of the rugged coastline. Known for its rich maritime history, this former pirate stronghold has retained its medieval charm, with narrow cobblestone streets, towering granite walls, and fortifications that echo tales of seafaring adventures.
Sesriem, located in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, serves as the gateway to the world-famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, two of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes. The dramatic red dunes of the Namib Desert, some of the highest in the world, are an awe-inspiring sight, particularly at sunrise when the light casts long shadows, creating an otherworldly contrast of colors.
Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs, is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its stunning red rock formations and striking geological features. This public park is famous for its towering sandstone spires, some reaching heights of over 300 feet, which create a dramatic contrast against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pikes Peak.
Located on the banks of the Danube, Spitz an der Donau is a charming market town in Austria's Wachau valley. Occupied since Celtic times, Spitz offers spectacular views of the Danube valley. Picturesque Renaissance and Baroque houses line quaint cobblestone streets at the foot of Tausendeimerberg (the "Hill of a Thousand Buckets), so named for its abundant vineyards. To the south, towering above Spitz is the famous fortress of Hinterhaus Castle, the thousand-year-old ruins of which are in fine condition and only a short hike away. History buffs will also want to visit the late Gothic church, St. Mauritius, which houses the wooden Apostles statues that date back to 1380, and a high altarpiece painting by Austrian artist Kremser Schmidt.