Located in northwest England, Birmingham has a tremendous history as an industrial city. Close to coal and iron ore supplies, it was here that Bouton and Watt harnessed steam power to run machinery. The Museum of Science and Industry resides here and provides an excellent look at England's history.
Bournemouth, located on England's southern coast, is a charming resort town known for its expansive beaches and picturesque seafront. The town's seven miles of sandy coastline, including the famous Bournemouth Beach, offer a delightful retreat for sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. The beach is complemented by the Bournemouth Pier, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the English Channel, take a leisurely stroll, or dine at one of the seaside cafes.
Komodo National Park is a natural wonder, home to the world’s largest lizards, breathtaking pink sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs. Trek through rugged landscapes to spot Komodo dragons in the wild or dive alongside graceful manta rays and colorful fish. With jagged hills rising from turquoise waters, the park offers an unforgettable adventure that feels truly otherworldly.
One of Japan's 60 core cities, Aomori is well-known for its beautiful landscapes. Favorite landscapes include the Hakkoda Mountains and Lake Towada. Another of the city's highlights is the Nebuta Matsuri, an annual festival known for its daily parade of giant, colorful lantern floats.
Espiritu Santo, one of the largest islands of Vanuatu off the east coast of Australia, is a popular destination for divers. Famous Champagne Beach, as one might guess from the name, offers crystal clear waters and powdery white sands, while the western side of the island is dotted with caves to explore and reefs team with marine life just offshore.
Portofino, Italy, is a jewel on the Italian Riviera, famed for its colorful buildings, glamorous yachts, and charming harbor. This picturesque fishing village, with its pastel-colored houses that cascade down to the emerald-green waters, exudes a quaint yet luxurious atmosphere. The Piazzetta, the heart of Portofino, is a lively square where visitors can sip an espresso or enjoy fresh seafood while watching the elegant boats bobbing gently in the harbor.
Photo Credit: Photo by Hendra Pontomudis on Unsplash
The Yarra Valley is Victoria's premier wine growing region, an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne.
The Yarra Ranges & surrounding valley is renowned for its beauty, wineries, national parks, forests & mountains. For the beginner, the Yarra Valley beckons with the best wine education you'll ever find, with about 30 wineries offering cellar door sales. Learning was never this much fun, especially when you can break for lunch at an excellent restaurant or cafe overlooking on the vineyards.
The Yarra Valley is also home to the world-renowned Healesville Sanctuary. This is the sanctuary that visitors from all over the world want to see. For years, it has won Australia's major environmental tourism award, along with national tourism awards for its gift shop. Healesville Sanctuary has also been winning accolades for more than 60 years for the natural bush environment that's home to over 200 species of Australian wildlife. You can meet the keepers, see birds of prey flying free, descend into the underwater world of the platypus and join in the nightlife in the nocturnal house.
Other Popular Destinations in Australia
Sydney
Sydney, Australia, is a vibrant city where iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and natural beauty converge. The Sydney Opera House, with its striking sail-like design, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are symbols recognized around the world, yet the city offers much more beyond its famous skyline.
Cairns
Cairns is the majestic entrance to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This warm, tropical destination is located in Far North Queensland. Must-see attractions in Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which educates tourists about indigenous peoples, and restaurant and bar-dotted Cairns Esplanade, which has a lagoon for swimming.