Phillip Island, a serene escape located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Australia, is a natural wonderland that entices visitors with its stunning coastal landscapes and unique wildlife experiences. The island is most famous for its Penguin Parade, where every evening at sunset, hundreds of little penguins—the smallest penguin species in the world—waddle ashore to their burrows on Summerland Beach.
Bath is a city full of history and culture. Romans trekked many miles to bathe in the hot, soothing mineral waters of the Roman Bath. Majestic art collections were contributed to Bath from many different civilizations. The fan-vaulting at Bath Abbey has 614 memorial tablets that creates an extensive mural cenotaph to the people that contributed to the grandeur of Bath.
Castellina in Chianti is a hilltop town in Tuscany, set among the vineyards and wooded slopes of the Chianti Classico area between Florence and Siena. Its historic center follows the ridge of a fortified settlement, with stone buildings, narrow streets, and views across the surrounding countryside. The town’s most distinctive structure is the Via delle Volte, a covered passage built into the medieval defensive walls.
Mount Rainier National Park is centered on Mount Rainier, a massive glaciated volcano rising above the forests and valleys of Washington’s Cascade Range. The mountain dominates the surrounding landscape, with glaciers, snowfields, alpine meadows, old-growth forests, rivers, and waterfalls extending across the park. Its varied elevations create distinct environments, from dense lowland forest to open subalpine terrain and rugged alpine slopes.
Exploring the Amazon Jungle in Brazil is like venturing into the heart of a living, breathing world. The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is a lush, sprawling expanse that teems with extraordinary biodiversity.
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.
Other Popular Destinations in California
Los Angeles
Sunshine, cars, celebrities... these are just a few of the things that define Los Angeles. But as any visitor to this expansive Southern California city will tell you, it's a place with seemingly infinite possibilities. There's downtown, with Crypto.com Arena, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Olvera Street. There's Hollywood, with its Walk of Fame, maps to the stars' homes and palm-tree lined boulevards. There's Santa Monica, with its pier, shopping and ocean breezes.
San Francisco
San Francisco offers something for everyone. Whether it's exploring world-famous landmarks, discovering hidden gems in its neighborhoods, or enjoying the coastal breeze by the bay, this vibrant city promises a memorable experience for all who visit.