Taiwan is an island nation that blends rich cultural traditions with modern innovation. Taipei, the capital, features landmarks such as Taipei 101, traditional temples, and night markets that offer a window into local life and culinary culture. Historic towns like Tainan preserve centuries-old temples and street art, reflecting Taiwan’s layered heritage.
Fox Glacier, on New Zealand’s South Island, is one of the country’s most remarkable natural wonders, where icy landscapes meet lush rainforest. Named after Sir William Fox, a 19th-century Prime Minister of New Zealand, the glacier stretches from the high peaks of the Southern Alps down into temperate rainforest.
Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, offers a refreshing take on Midwest travel with a blend of creativity, history, and community pride. Its downtown skyline is anchored by the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol, which offers free guided tours and a striking view from its hilltop perch. Just across the river, the East Village mixes old brick storefronts with indie shops, coffee houses, and vibrant murals. It's where old meets new, a theme that runs throughout the city’s evolving identity.
The principal attraction of this suburb south of Los Angeles (on I-5) is that remarkable entertainment machine, Disneyland. Even adults will delight in this theme park, and there's now an element of nostalgia for many parents -- they first went there when they were children.
Photo Credit: Photo by Fermin Rodriguez Penelas on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Kylli Kittus on Unsplash
If summer means the beach to the inhabitants of Greater Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is most often the beach they are thinking of. Situated on the northern Atlantic coast, 400km from the capital, beaches in this area sprawl for eight km, with sophisticated mansions (reflecting the area's upper-class origins) mingling with the new middle-class resorts. Sea lions keep an eye on the fishing activities around the wharves, and a replica of the grotto of Lourdes is a kitsch paradise.