Lukla, a mountain town perched at 2,860 meters in eastern Nepal, is best known as the gateway to the Everest region. The town is home to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the world’s most thrilling landing strips, named after the legendary climbers who first reached Everest’s summit in 1953. The short, sloped runway hugs the mountain, offering a once-in-a-lifetime arrival that travelers remember long after their journey ends.
This mountainous archipelago offers magnificent views of stark white glaciers and snowfields, which cover a vast stretch of the region. Arctic flora and fauna fascinate; catch a glimpse of polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and walruses amongst the mossy tundra and icy coasts. In the summer, visitors will witness the rare splendor of Svalbard’s midnight sun.
Bartolomé Island, one of the most iconic destinations in the Galápagos archipelago, is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and the postcard-perfect view from its summit. Just off the east coast of Santiago Island, this uninhabited islet draws visitors for its unique terrain with lava flows, spatter cones, and a rust-colored cinder cone that rises sharply above the sea.
Antsirabe is a highland city in central Madagascar, known for its cool climate, broad streets, thermal springs, and distinctive cycle rickshaws called pousse-pousse. Located in a fertile agricultural region, it serves as an important center for farming, crafts, and local trade. The surrounding landscape includes rice fields, volcanic hills, and cultivated countryside, while the city itself has a more orderly layout than many other Malagasy towns.
The islands have long been connected to coastal communities whose livelihoods include fishing and small-scale trade. Traditional dhow boats remain part of the maritime landscape, linking island and mainland communities across the archipelago. Local culture reflects the wider coastal heritage of Inhambane Province, where African, Swahili, and Indian Ocean influences have shaped food, language, music, and commerce.
Photo Credit: Photo by Karthick Krishnakumar on Unsplash
Nanaimo Harbour
Photo Credit: Photo by Rick Hyne on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Debbie Molle on Unsplash
Town on East side of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Excellent shopping for native and maritime items. Direct ferry access to Vancouver.
Other Popular Destinations in British Columbia
Vancouver
This vibrant, diverse British Columbia seaport is one of the jewels of Canada. Surrounded by ocean and mountains alike, Vancouver offers breathtaking vistas, not to mention world-class outdoor activities, culinary delights, fine art, and cultural events.
Victoria
British influences are quite evident in Victoria, from afternoon tea times to elegant Victorian architecture. This capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island provides ample outdoor recreation, with its public parks and access to both the ocean and wilderness. Cyclists will be right at home here, as Victoria boasts a seemingly endless number of bike paths for exploring.