Puerto Varas is a lakeside city in Chile’s Los Lagos Region, set on the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue with views toward the volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco, Puntiagudo, and Tronador. The waterfront, with its promenade and gardens, forms the center of the city’s relationship with the lake, while wooded hills and agricultural land extend beyond the urban area.
Kimberley is a city in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, known for its strong connection to diamond mining. It stands on a semi-arid plateau, where wide skies and dry landscapes shape daily life.
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of India’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where ancient temples stand alongside colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers. Originally known as Madras, the city grew around Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company in 1644. One of Chennai’s most well-known features is Marina Beach, which stretches for over 13 kilometers and is among the longest urban beaches in the world.
Villa Llao Llao is a scenic area within the municipality of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina’s Río Negro Province, set on a narrow peninsula between Lake Moreno and Lake Nahuel Huapi. The area forms part of the wider Nahuel Huapi National Park and is surrounded by forests, mountains, and clear glacial lakes.
Nature is never far in Helsinki. Locals swim in the sea, walk forested trails, and gather mushrooms or berries all within city limits. One popular local habit is heading to the sauna, and the city offers several open-to-the-public options. Löyly, located on the waterfront, combines traditional wood-burning saunas with a sleek, modern design. In winter, visitors can even pair a sauna session with a quick dip through a hole cut in the ice for an experience both shocking and strangely calming.
Natural wonders await you in the steaming, geothermally active North Island city of Rotorua, New Zealand. Pohutu Geyser erupts several times per day, and blistering mud pools provide a truly unique sightseeing experience. When in Rotorua, tourists also visit its living Maori village, as well as Te Puia (New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute), where weaving and woodcarving is featured. Those not afraid of heights can get a bird's eye view on the Skyline Rotorua gondola, and more earthbound souls can reinvigorate themselves at the Polynesian Spa wellness center, with its hot pools and therapies.
Other Popular Destinations in New Zealand
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.
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.