New York is more than a state, it’s a collection of vivid contrasts where small-town traditions meet global icons. Beyond the skyscrapers of Manhattan, visitors discover everything from glacier-carved lakes in the Finger Lakes region to quiet mountain villages in the Adirondacks. In upstate towns like Saratoga Springs and Hudson, restored main streets are lined with galleries, cafés, and antique shops, offering a slower pace steeped in local pride.

Cardigan sits on the west coast of Wales, where the River Teifi reaches the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay. At the heart of town stands Cardigan Castle, where battlements and gardens overlook the Teifi. The castle’s history includes the first recorded National Eisteddfod in Wales, a cultural competition of music, poetry and performance that still inspires events across the country.

The Mekong River, one of the world’s most iconic waterways, flows through six countries in Southeast Asia (China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam). Stretching over 4,300 kilometers, the Mekong weaves through lush landscapes, villages, and historic cities, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking adventure. Cruising along the river is one of the best ways to explore its wonders, from the tranquil waters of Laos to the floating markets of Vietnam.

North of Sligachan the road first rises and then dips down into Portree - the main town on Skye. With its natural harbor and open perspective, Portree is a pleasant village and offers visitors a fine range of local services, accommodation and things to do.

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.

Brasília may be a World Heritage Site, but it is only of interest to town planning and architecture students, and those keen to witness the folly of man on a metropolitan scale. It must have looked good on paper, and still looks good in photos, but in the flesh, forget it. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, urban planner Lucio Costa, and landscape architect Burle Marx, the city was built in an incredible three years between 1957 and 1960.