Tikal is one of the most extraordinary ancient cities in Guatemala, hidden deep in the Petén region’s tropical forests. Once called Yax Mutal by its Maya builders, these ruins reveal thousands of years of history in carved stone stelae and towering limestone structures, some of which rise more than 60 meters above the jungle floor. Today, visitors can walk among the Great Plaza and gaze up at the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks, reminders of the city’s long legacy.
Kansas City, Kansas offers more than meets the eye. Located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, this city blends its industrial roots with surprising pockets of creativity, flavor, and local pride. Food plays a big role in the city’s identity, and no trip is complete without sampling its barbecue. While its Missouri neighbor may get more attention, Kansas City holds its own with iconic joints like Slap’s BBQ, a local favorite known for brisket that draws lines out the door.
Ninh Binh, located about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, offers a landscape shaped by limestone karsts, winding rivers, and flooded rice paddies. Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” the area is best explored by rowboat. At Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, boat routes pass through caves, ancient pagodas, and valleys surrounded by towering cliffs. Local rowers often use their feet to paddle, an unusual technique that surprises many first-time visitors.
Cape Town, located at the southern tip of South Africa, is one of the world’s most striking coastal cities. Towering over it is Table Mountain, a flat-topped landmark that can be reached by cable car or on foot, offering sweeping views of the city, ocean, and beyond.
The capital of British Columbia is Victoria, and the total area equals 366,253 square miles. This province has a truly diverse climate: everything from majestic mountains to sparse deserts to rugged coastlines can be found here.
An intellectual and religious center during the Middle Ages, Linköping has grown into a modern center for technology and higher education. This city of over 130,000, lying southwest of Stockholm, enjoyed rapid growth after the founding of Linköping University, the Institute of Technology and the University Hospital.
Even though Linköping has developed into an industrial center and is Sweden's fifth-largest city, it maintains a small-town atmosphere. Old Linköping is the restored town center with preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The tower of the impressive Linköping Cathedral, which took nearly 300 years to complete, can be seen from a distance of more than 10 kilometers.
One of Sweden's top attractions, the Göta Canal, passes through the countryside just outside Linköping. At nearby sister city Norrkoping is Himmelstalund, one of the largest rock carving sites in Europe.
Other Popular Destinations in Sweden
Stockholm
As a city located in a Baltic Sea archipelago, it's not surprising that Stockholm has 50 bridges and sightseeing boats moving people between its 14 islands. This contemporary and welcoming capital of Sweden is nonetheless easily navigable by foot. Every district here has a distinct flavor, from the sophisticated Östermalm to the bustling downtown energy of Norrmalm to the delightful Old Town.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden’s vibrant west coast gem, offers a perfect blend of maritime charm, innovative design, and sustainable living. Known for its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and classic Nordic architecture, Gothenburg invites visitors to explore its rich history and modern flair. The city’s heart is anchored by the famous Kungsportsavenyen (Avenyn), a grand boulevard lined with cafes, boutiques, and cultural landmarks like the Gothenburg Museum of Art.