La Paz, Bolivia’s seat of government, is one of the world’s highest capital cities, dramatically set in a deep canyon carved by the Choqueyapu River. Founded in 1548 atop an important Indigenous settlement, the city has long been a crossroads of Andean cultures, colonial history, and modern political life.
Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs, is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its stunning red rock formations and striking geological features. This public park is famous for its towering sandstone spires, some reaching heights of over 300 feet, which create a dramatic contrast against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pikes Peak.
Kraków lies in southern Poland along the Vistula River and serves as one of the country’s most recognized cultural centers. Its layout is shaped by a well-preserved historic core, with streets radiating from a large central square. The city retains a human scale, where daily life unfolds among historic buildings, universities, and markets. It stands apart for its continuity of urban life, where medieval structures coexist with modern institutions without dramatic contrast.
Ningbo is right on the East China Sea, south of Shanghai. Many scholars believe this was the cradle of Chinese civilization. Study the stone tablets and thousands of rare Ming Dynasty books in China's oldest and most renowned library. See the Asoka Temple believed to be one of the most important Buddhist temples in China or visit Tian Tong Temple, one of the largest and most scenic. For shopping, try the colorful and busy Gao Tang Free Market, the largest in the city.
Ragusa, located in southeastern Sicily, is a city steeped in history and Baroque beauty, often overlooked but truly a gem for travelers seeking a unique and authentic Italian experience. Divided into two distinct parts—Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla—the city showcases a dramatic contrast between the new and old.
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Mt. Hood, Oregon, is a stunning natural playground renowned for its diverse outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes. In winter, Mt. Hood transforms into a skiing and snowboarding paradise at Timberline Lodge, which boasts the longest ski season in North America. The lodge itself is a historic gem, built in the 1930s and featured in the iconic film "The Shining."
It's the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, lying 40 miles south of St. Thomas and St. John. While its history is laced with tales of pirates and privateers, the island today maintains a slower, more quiet pace than its sisters to the north.
Columbus landed here in 1493 and had a rather unpleasant run-in with the indigenous Arawak Indians. Since then, the history of St. Croix is the history of European colonialism: sugar plantations, slave trading and, today, tourism. To walk this island is to enter history. There are beautiful beaches and many excellent resorts to enjoy.
Other Popular Destinations in Virgin Islands
St. Thomas
St. Thomas, the gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and Caribbean charm. Its capital, Charlotte Amalie, features a waterfront lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and historic forts such as Fort Christian, which offer glimpses into the island’s Danish colonial past.
Tortola Island
Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, beckons travelers with its idyllic beaches and vibrant culture. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Tortola offers crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and a range of outdoor activities. Cane Garden Bay, one of the island’s most famous beaches, is renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.