Vietnam is a country where dramatic landscapes and deep-rooted traditions intertwine, creating a mosaic of experiences that stretch from misty northern mountains to the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its history is marked by ancient kingdoms, colonial legacies, and a remarkable story of resilience in the face of conflict.
Hot Springs, Arkansas has been drawing visitors for centuries, and it all starts with the water. The city sits atop a natural thermal spring system that produces nearly a million gallons of 143-degree water each day. These springs gave rise to Bathhouse Row, a stretch of eight historic bathhouses within Hot Springs National Park. Some, like the Fordyce Bathhouse, now serve as museums, while others still offer traditional thermal soaks.
A dynamic island escape, Penang, Malaysia, is chock-full of exciting attractions, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. Head to the George Town neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the island's best colonial architecture and historical landmarks, including the Penang Town Hall, Fort Cornwallis, and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower.
Cam Ranh is a coastal city in Khánh Hòa Province in south-central Vietnam, located around a sheltered bay along the South China Sea. The area is known for its long coastline, sandy beaches, fishing communities, and dry coastal climate. Cam Ranh Bay forms a deep natural harbor surrounded by hills and is an important maritime area.
Ocean City, Maryland, is a barrier-island resort along the Atlantic coast of Worcester County, known for its broad beaches, long boardwalk, and connection to the coastal bays. The town stretches for about 10 miles between the Ocean City Inlet and the Delaware state line, with distinct neighborhoods ranging from the historic downtown to quieter northern sections. Its roots as a fishing community remain visible alongside its role as a major seaside destination.
The Westfjords are a remote region in northwestern Iceland, shaped by deep fjords, steep flat-topped mountains, narrow coastal roads, and a shoreline carved over millions of years. The region lies away from Iceland’s Ring Road and contains some of the country’s least populated landscapes. Ísafjörður is the largest town and the main service center, with smaller communities including Patreksfjörður, Þingeyri, Flateyri, Súðavík, and Bolungarvík.
Photo Credit: Photo by Nicholas Doherty on Unsplash
West of Osaka and situated on the banks of Osaka Bay, Kobe, Japan is a beautiful port city renowned for its historic shrines, botanical gardens, hot springs, and marbled Kobe beef. Highlights of this Japanese retreat include Ikuta Shrine, thought to be one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Botanical Gardens, Mount Rokkō, and Arima Onsen, a popular hot springs resort surrounded by Japanese maple trees.
Learn More About Kobe
Kobe Harborland
This previous freight yard is now a spectacular shopping and entertainment district.
Photo Credit: Thomas Schmitz
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge
Suspension bridge connecting Kobe to Iwaya, and spanning the Akashi Strait. Be sure to take a tour and visit the observation deck for magnificent views.
Other Popular Destinations in Japan
Tokyo
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
Kyoto
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights.