Set on the River Seine, Rouen is Normandy's capital and a breathtaking city steeped in history, art, and romance. Marvel at the exquisite Gothic architecture of the Palais de Justice, l'Église Saint-Maclou, l'Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen.
Ulm, Germany, a picturesque city on the banks of the Danube River, offers a rich tapestry of history and modern charm. Dominating its skyline is the Ulm Minster, home to the tallest church steeple in the world at 161.5 meters (530 feet). This Gothic masterpiece invites visitors to climb its 768 steps for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
The Orkney Islands sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. This group of around seventy islands offers wide horizons, quiet roads, and coastlines shaped by wind and waves where visitors often arrive expecting rugged scenery and leave talking about the sense of space from the long beaches to the steep cliffs and sea stacks rising straight from the water. One striking example is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack that draws photographers and climbers alike.
The next boom city in China. It's already been pegged. Xiamen, China, is the closest point on the mainland to Taiwan, and there is a great deal of investment flowing into the city. You'll enjoy the city mainly for its colonial mansions, twisting streets, turn-of-the-century Latin quarters, and balmy breezes sweeping across its palm-fringed beaches.
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.
Looe is a small seaside town on the south coast of Cornwall, England, divided by the River Looe into East and West Looe and connected by a graceful stone bridge. With origins as a medieval port, the town has long been shaped by fishing and seafaring, traditions that still define its identity today.
Photo Credit: Photo by Sylvain Cleymans on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by David Zieglgänsberger on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Lesly Derksen on Unsplash
Abel Tasman National Park, located at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Renowned for its golden beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters, the park offers an array of activities, from hiking to kayaking. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, stretches over 60 kilometers and provides breathtaking views of the coastline, making it a must-do for visitors.
The park's unique combination of pristine beaches and native bush creates a haven for wildlife, including the little blue penguin and the New Zealand fur seal. Kayaking along the coast offers the chance to explore secluded coves and spot marine life up close. For those interested in history, the park is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European to sight New Zealand in 1642.
Fun fact: Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, yet it boasts some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems in the country, making it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand.
Other Popular Destinations in New Zealand
Queenstown
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill.
Auckland
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.