Perched on a ridge overlooking the Dudh Koshi River valley, Tengboche is home to one of the most iconic monasteries in the Himalayas. The Tengboche Monastery dominates the skyline, its whitewashed walls and golden roof visible from miles around. Surrounded by towering peaks such as Ama Dablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku, the village offers visitors sweeping panoramas and a sense of quiet reflection high in the mountains.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is a city where time seems to have paused in the mid-20th century. Known for its remarkably preserved Italian modernist architecture, the city has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jūrmala, Latvia’s famed seaside resort, stretches along 33 kilometers of white sandy beaches kissed by the Baltic Sea. Its wooden architecture, featuring colorful villas from the early 20th century, tells the story of its history as a retreat for the well-to-do during the Russian Empire. Visitors strolling the Jomas Street promenade will find a lively atmosphere filled with cafes, boutiques, and galleries, alongside peaceful spots where the sea breeze encourages relaxation.
Do you want a vacation experience so unique and thrilling that you actually have to wear a hard hat? Look no further than New Zealand's White Island, where you can stand on an active volcano! Located offshore from Whakatane and Tauranga, White Island is New Zealand's only live marine volcano and one of the most active in the world. The tours are quite the experience, especially since you can hear the hissing and bubbling of the volcano all around you!
Divundu is a small settlement in northeastern Namibia, situated along the Kavango River near the western entrance to the Bwabwata National Park. The river creates a green corridor through a region otherwise dominated by dry woodland and sandy plains. Divundu is an important stopping point between Rundu and Katima Mulilo and serves as a gateway to several wildlife and cultural sites in the Kavango and Zambezi regions.
Wadi Shab is one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. Shab Village on the coast, is a picturesque fishing village overlooked by old houses and a small fort. Rocky paths, clear blue pools and banana plantations will be the backdrop for a picnic lunch.
Photo Credit: Photo by David Stanley from Wikimedia
Besides being one of the largest and most remote of the Galapagos Islands, Fernandina Island is home to the area's most active volcano. It also boasts the most pristine ecosystem; unlike other islands in the Galapagos, Fernandina has thus far avoided the introduction of any non-native mammal species.
Relatively little vegetation is found here, thanks to the volcanic activity, but endemic wildlife is abundant. Large populations of marine iguanas and flightless cormorants inhabit the island, as well as sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and more.
Visitors to Fernandina Island have just two destinations to choose from: Punta Espinoza and Punta Mangle. The former is more popular, offering fascinating tidal pools and a short hike ideal for viewing mangroves and lava formations, while the latter is an excellent site for snorkeling or diving.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is the beating heart of the Galápagos and is home to the largest town in the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and a key access point for travelers exploring this unique region. But beyond its small port and shops, the island reveals a surprising range of ecosystems, from black lava shores to lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely.