Sullivan Bay, located on the eastern shore of Santiago Island in Ecuador’s Galápagos archipelago, offers a landscape that feels almost otherworldly at first glance. Instead of lush greenery, visitors are greeted by wide stretches of hardened lava. These black, rippled fields tell a story written in fire, where molten rock once flowed freely before cooling into intricate patterns that can still be traced today.
Ullapool is a village in the Scottish Highlands about 65 miles north-west of Inverness. Ullapool is known for the progressive, ecologically sound practices of its inhabitants and is the center for the Highland Environment Centre; a project of the Highland Eco Trust.
Aceh is a province at the northern tip of Sumatra, with Banda Aceh as its capital and a coastline facing the Andaman Sea, Malacca Strait, and Indian Ocean. Its identity is strongly shaped by Islam, local adat traditions, and a long history of sultanates and maritime trade. Banda Aceh’s Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is one of the province’s best-known landmarks, while the Aceh Tsunami Museum documents the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami and its lasting impact on local communities.
Photo Credit: Photo by Delphine Ducaruge on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Oleg on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Petalz_R on Unsplash
Welcome to Christchurch, a picturesque city with English heritage. This South Island destination is currently in the midst of an exciting regeneration and rebuilding after damaging earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Here, the new mixes with the old in enchanting ways, with edgy modern architecture and old buildings sitting side by side.
In this explorable New Zealand locale, the Avon River winds through the center of the city, while lush green spaces are plentiful at Christchurch Bonatic Gardens and Hagley Park. Can't-miss attractions include the International Antarctic Center (featuring frozen tundra simulations), the historic Canterbury Museum, and punting on the Avon, also known as flat-bottomed boat rides!
Other Popular Destinations in New Zealand
Queenstown
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill.
Auckland
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.