The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, offer far more than just sunshine and beaches. Made up of eight main islands, each with its own personality, the Canaries are a place where lunar landscapes, cloud forests, volcanic peaks, and historic towns coexist within short travel distances. On Tenerife, Mount Teide looms over a landscape of solidified lava and craters that look like a science fiction set.
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
Replete with windmills and old-world charm, the village of Kinderdijk lies east of Rotterdam on the Lek River and is a popular stop for European river cruises. Home to the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands, Kinderdijk was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Jayapura is a part of Irian Jaya and shares a landmass with Papua New Guinea and it's peoples culture is very similar to the Papuans. From snow capped mountains to jungles, from swamps to glaciers there is much to explore in this less traveled, diverse region.
Pontevedra is a historic city in Galicia, in northwestern Spain, set along the Lérez River near the Atlantic coast. It is known for its well-preserved old town and a layout that favors pedestrians, giving the center a calm and accessible feel.
Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s most important protected natural areas. Located in the subtropical lowlands of southern Nepal, the park is known for dense sal forests, grasslands, rivers, and a large concentration of wildlife.
Photo Credit: Photo by Meg von Haartman on Unsplash
Santa Cruz de Mompox, better known as simply Mompox (or Mompós), draws many visitors to northern Colombia with its rich history, well-preserved colonial architecture, and several annual events including its Holy Week celebrations and the Mompox Jazz Festival.
Other Popular Destinations in Colombia
Cartagena
A true gem on the Caribbean coast, the port city of Cartagena (Cartagena de Indias) welcomes visitors with its charming old town, colonial buildings, and exceptional beaches. A popular cruise ship stop, many seafarers find themselves honorary Cartagenans, as they stroll shady, cobblestone lanes and gaze upon impressive churches.
Barranquilla
Barranquilla sits near the mouth of the Magdalena River on Columbia's Caribbean side. It is a major seaport and a center of commerce, but everyone breaks loose for four days in February for one of the liveliest carnivals outside of Rio.