Dotted with lighthouses along its shoreline, Portland, Maine is a coastal gem in the northeastern United States and a veritable paradise for lovers of fresh seafood, craft breweries, and small-town charm. At the center of downtown Portland, the Old Port neighborhood boasts a number of unique and historical buildings, trendy restaurants and bars, and picturesque views of the Portland Harbor.
Ardagger provides a charming escape from Austria’s larger cities. Whether exploring the abbey, enjoying the riverfront, or sampling local dishes, visitors will find plenty of reasons to appreciate this peaceful corner of Lower Austria.
Oaxaca, nestled in the heart of southern Mexico, is a city where ancient traditions and vibrant culture thrive. Renowned for its rich history and indigenous heritage, Oaxaca offers a unique blend of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern influences. The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to its past, featuring stunning colonial architecture such as the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church, a masterpiece of Baroque art.
Akaroa is a small seaside settlement on Banks Peninsula in Canterbury, built around a sheltered harbour formed within an ancient volcanic landscape. Its streets contain French-inspired names, colonial buildings, cafés, and cottages, giving the town a distinctive character within New Zealand. The surrounding peninsula is shaped by steep volcanic hills, sheltered bays, farmland, and winding coastal roads.
Ballena Bay is a coastal community in southern Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province, located along the Pacific coast near Uvita. The area is closely associated with Marino Ballena National Park, a protected marine and coastal landscape extending along about 15 kilometers of shoreline. Ballena Bay is surrounded by tropical forest, sandy beaches, rocky shores, mangroves, and offshore formations.
Beirut traces its roots back over 5,000 years. Once called Berytus during the Roman era, it grew into a key port of the Mediterranean. Today’s visitors can follow the Beirut Heritage Trail, a 2.5 km walking route marked with bronze medallions, that links archaeological sites, historic courtyards, and restored Ottoman buildings. The path unveils layers of the city's past one block at a time.
Photo Credit: Photo by Frederik Merten on Unsplash
A charming city nestled on the banks of the Rhine, Mainz, Germany lies southwest of Frankfurt and is replete with historic buildings and famous museums. The city's Altstadt district meets the river's edge and boasts a variety of beautiful and fascinating landmarks. Birthplace of famous printer Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz's most notable attraction includes the highly-revered Gutenberg Museum, home to the iconic Gutenberg Bibles and the printing press of Gutenberg's own invention. The city's other museums are well worth a visit, including the Natural History Museum of Mainz, the Museum of Ancient Seafaring, and the Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum. Marvel at the vibrant stained glass windows of nearby St. Stephan's Church, or explore the Mainz's impressive fortresses, including the Holzturm Tower and the Mainz Citadel. A quick trek up the city's verdant hills will lead you to the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre.
Other Popular Destinations in Germany
Passau
Passau sits on the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, so it is fitting that it is known as "the Dreiflüssestadt", which means the “City of Three Rivers.” The historical center offers a cathedral, churches and museums to explore, and the embankment is perfect for a romantic stroll.
Regensburg
Regensburg, Germany’s medieval gem, will transport you to a bygone era. The site of both Celtic and Roman settlements, Regensburg flourished in the Middle Ages.