Punakaiki is a small coastal settlement on New Zealand’s South Island, located along the rugged West Coast within Paparoa National Park. It is widely recognized for its distinctive limestone formations and its position between dense rainforest and the Tasman Sea.
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. The island’s rich past is evident in its archaeological treasures, with Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences shaping its architecture and traditions. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a must-visit for history lovers, where you can wander among some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece.
Kilkenny is a city where history sits beside everyday life, and stories from centuries past shape the streets visitors walk today. At its heart stands Kilkenny Castle, first built in the 12th century and home to the Butler family for more than 600 years. From here, the Medieval Mile creates a natural path through the city, linking key sites such as St. Canice’s Cathedral. Its round tower, one of the few in Ireland still open to climb, rewards visitors with wide views across the rooftops.
Tobermory is a small harbour community at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, where Georgian Bay meets Lake Huron. Its location is surrounded by clear freshwater, rugged limestone shoreline, forests, and numerous offshore islands. Tobermory is closely associated with Fathom Five National Marine Park and Bruce Peninsula National Park, which protect distinctive terrestrial and underwater environments around the peninsula.
Wicklow is a coastal town in County Wicklow on Ireland’s east coast, positioned around a sheltered harbor where the Vartry River meets the Irish Sea. Known locally as the county town, it combines a working harbor, historic streets, coastal walks, and access to the wider landscapes of the Garden County. The ruins of Black Castle stand on a rocky headland above the harbor, while the Murrough provides a broad coastal wetland for walking and wildlife observation.
Mount Hood National Forest covers a large area of the Cascade Range east of Portland, centered on Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest peak. The forest contains volcanic mountains, deep river valleys, alpine meadows, dense conifer forests, and numerous lakes and streams. Mount Hood itself dominates the landscape, rising above surrounding foothills and visible from many parts of the region.
The Canyon valleys of the Waimea River and its tributary were once heavily populated, and the town was an early center of native government. It was here that Captain James Cook, English Navigator-Explorer, made his first landing in the Hawaiian Islands on January 20, 1778. Waimea developed as a provisioning port for whalers and sandalwood traders. A ruined Russian fort, built (1815) in a futile attempt to seize the isle, occupies a coastal bluff aboe the Waimea River. A rich sugar-plantation region extends 9 miles (15 km) northwest of Waimea.
Other Popular Destinations in Hawaii
Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.
Kona, Hawaii
Kona started as King Kamehameha I's government seat, and is now a popular tourist destination with key landmarks like Hulihee Palace, as well as coffee farms, shopping and dining.