Important both historically and economically, the beachside city of La Serena is one of Chile's oldest post-Columbian cities. The region's silver, copper and agriculture were so important that the city had its own mint. Today, La Serena maintains a colonial air, although it is threatening Viña del Mar's supremacy as premier beach resort. Apart from a string of beautiful beaches, attractions include a handful of museums and a number of nearby quaint villages and vineyards.
Batalha, a small town in central Portugal, is steeped in history and home to one of the country’s most magnificent monuments, the Batalha Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, was built to commemorate the Portuguese victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. I
Phang Nga is a coastal province in southern Thailand known for its dramatic limestone landscapes and deep connection to the Andaman Sea. Historically shaped by maritime trade, fishing communities, and tin mining, the region sits just north of Phuket yet feels distinctly quieter and more grounded.
Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Nile River, Aswan, Egypt, is a city where ancient history and natural beauty converge in an enchanting landscape. Often referred to as the gateway to Nubia, Aswan is a haven for those seeking to explore Egypt's rich heritage while basking in a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. The city's ancient roots are palpable as you stroll through its vibrant streets, where the echoes of Pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic eras linger in every corner.
Nestled in the mountains just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone has long been a retreat for travelers seeking both quiet and culture. Once a crucial checkpoint on the historic Tōkaidō road between Edo and Kyoto, Hakone is still shaped by centuries of history. The reconstructed Hakone Sekisho (Hakone Checkpoint) offers a glimpse into the Edo Period, when travelers were inspected by samurai guards before continuing on their journey.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
Collioure, just before the Spanish border, aims its charms at its own people. It's the ideal small town-without-the-glitz antidote to condo city Riviera. Like an ice cream shop, Collioure offers 31 flavors of pastel houses and six petite scooped-out beach-sprinkled lightly with beachgoers. This sweet scene, capped by Collioure's winking lighthouse, sits under a once-mighty castle in the shade of the Pyrenees. The ambience of Collioure is what was so charming about the Cote d'Azur back before the introduction of the paid vacation turned the Riviera into France's holiday beach.