San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in northern Chile, sits at over 2,400 meters above sea level in one of the most geologically diverse areas on Earth. Surrounded by volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, and ancient lava flows, it has long served as a gateway to the Atacama Desert. This desert is the driest non-polar place in the world, where some weather stations have never recorded rainfall.
Texas is a state where size meets story from high plains to coastal shores, every region brings something distinct to the table. In San Antonio, visitors can walk through centuries of layered history starting at the Alamo, a site of one of the most famous battles in the state’s fight for independence. The nearby San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a deeper look into the Spanish colonial influence that shaped the region.
The British have long been associated with the Dordogne Valley. Fertile and green, this is where the 100 Year's War was fought. Many of the castles and "Bastides" were built by the British. The French say it is the land with "a little bit of everything", from a gentle river to lush pastures to wonderful wineries.
Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage City nestled in the mountains of central Mexico, is a place where history is built into every hillside alley and underground tunnel. Today, visitors can still tour La Valenciana Mine, where centuries-old tunnels and original mining equipment offer a glimpse into the city's wealth-driven past. The nearby Templo de San Cayetano, built by mine owners in the mid-1700s, is a stunning example of baroque design, lined with gilded altars and intricate woodwork.
Carlsbad is the gateway to the famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Carlsbad offers a variety of outdoor recreation, and its location on the Pecos River opens the door to great fun on the water. This friendly small city is a wonderful place to visit.
Rorvik is a busy fishing community on the eastern side of the Vikna archipelago. Outdoor activities abound in this maritime region, including kayaking, canoeing, fishing and diving. Several museums offer a look at Rorvik's culture and history, and wildlife enthusiasts will find a myriad of bird and fish species to observe.
Keswick is an attractive small town, centrally situated in the northern half of the Lake District and close to the border with Scotland. Easily accessible by road and rail this compact region of less than 200 square miles (500km2 ) contains the best of lake and mountain landscapes.
This area is, above all, for the active person. There are walks and climbs for all standards; from the high 900m mountains Helvellyn and Scafell to guided walks and gentle rambles. While Derwentwater has a launch service and two small marinas, neighbouring Bassenthwaite Lake, Buttermere, Crummock Water and Thirlmere are quieter but easily accessible by the many lakeside paths. Keswick's Hope and Fitz Parks offer bowls, tennis and park golf, and a spectacular 18 hole golf course is nearby at Threlkeld. There are biking, riding and gliding facilities as well, so little reason for inactivity.