North Seymour Island, located just north of Baltra in Ecuador’s Galápagos archipelago, is a compact but biologically rich destination known for its wildlife encounters. Though small in size, this flat, arid island punches far above its weight when it comes to natural spectacle, offering a rare chance to observe iconic species in a remarkably close setting.
Llandudno has two beaches on either side of the town. The quieter West Shore with it's sandy beach has a view of the Conwy Estuary, Isle of Anglesy and Puffin Island, site of a Cistercian monastery. Spanning over two miles of the crescent bay is the North Shore. On the pier there are places of amusement including Professor Peabody's Playplace containing supervised activities for the children. On the opposite side is Craig-Y-Don, a paddling pool for the toddlers.
Lead’s Main Street reflects its long history with places that invite people to explore local life beyond mining. The Black Hills Mining Museum offers displays of mining tools, machinery and a simulated underground mine experience that brings to life how miners worked the Black Hills over generations. Along the same street, galleries, cafés and historic buildings make for pleasant stops between deeper dives into the past.
Falmouth, on Cornwall’s south coast, grew around one of the world’s largest natural harbors, a feature that has shaped its maritime identity for centuries. The town expanded during the age of sail, serving as a key port for packet ships, and landmarks like Pendennis Castle still anchor Falmouth firmly in its naval past.
Salamanca, often called the “Golden City” for the warm glow of its sandstone buildings, is a place where centuries of stories are etched into every wall. Visit its historic center to wander through cobbled streets lined with architectural marvels. The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, is one of the oldest in Europe and still buzzes with student life.
Located 75 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is a vibrant and laidback city on the central coast of California. Settled by Spanish Missionaries in the late 18th century, Santa Cruz has become a coastal paradise for surfers, students, and lovers of nature. Nestled between Wilder Ranch State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, University of California, Santa Cruz, is the city’s leading research institution. Towering trees line the campus’s many pathways, and it’s not uncommon to see deer and other wildlife roaming in nearby natural areas.
Santa Cruz has something for everyone, making it a crucial stop for those visiting California’s popular Bay Area. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Wharf provide stunning views of Monterey Bay and offer a plethora of vintage-style amusements, including a wooden roller coaster, the historic Looff Carousel, and a variety of arcade games ideal for the entire family. Steamer Lane, Pleasure Point, and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in a picturesque lighthouse, beckon surfers and surfing enthusiasts year-round to the glittering turquoise waves. Kayaks, paddleboards, and boats are easily available for those eager to fish and watch migrating whales emerging from the bay. Venture just beyond the city to catch a glimpse of the legendary redwood forests in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.