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.
Cayenne, the lively capital of French Guiana, sits where the Cayenne River meets the Atlantic Ocean, blending South American rhythms with French-Caribbean influence. While it's officially part of France, Cayenne feels worlds away from Paris, with colorful markets, colonial architecture, and a language mix that includes French, Creole, Portuguese, and Indigenous dialects.
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, is a living museum nestled in the Moselle Valley, where Roman ruins rise beside medieval churches and bustling market squares. Founded by the Romans in 16 BCE, Trier was once known as “Roma Secunda,” the second Rome, and still boasts the largest collection of Roman architecture north of the Alps. The Trier Cathedral (Dom St. Peter), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest church in Germany and houses a relic said to be the Holy Robe of Christ.
Tsavo West National Park, located in Kenya, offers a quintessential safari experience amidst dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. This vast park is part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem and is renowned for its diverse habitats, including semi-arid plains, volcanic hills, and lush riverine forests. The park’s centerpiece, the Mzima Springs, provides a vital water source for wildlife and features crystal-clear pools that allow visitors to view aquatic life such as hippos and fish through underw
Iceland, a land of extraordinary contrasts and natural wonders, offers an experience unlike any other. Its dramatic landscapes are defined by active volcanoes, geysers, and sprawling glaciers, all set against a backdrop of ethereal Northern Lights. A must-see is the Golden Circle, a popular route encompassing the Thingvellir National Park, the geothermal area of Geysir, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall.
Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Nile River, Aswan, Egypt, is a city where ancient history and natural beauty converge in an enchanting landscape. Often referred to as the gateway to Nubia, Aswan is a haven for those seeking to explore Egypt's rich heritage while basking in a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. The city's ancient roots are palpable as you stroll through its vibrant streets, where the echoes of Pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic eras linger in every corner.
Photo Credit: Photo by Stanislav Lvovsky on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Stanislav Lvovsky on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Yash Shah on Unsplash
Lamu is a place of fantasy and other-worldliness wrapped in a cloak of medieval romance. With an almost exclusively Muslim population, Kenya's oldest living town has changed little in appearance or character over the centuries. Remote and self-contained, this once thriving port town is now a gloriously relaxed and relaxing destination. No other Swahili town, other than Zanzibar, can offer you such a cultural feast and uncorrupted traditional style of architecture - if you can ignore the TV aerials. A couple of hours spent in the waterfront Lamu Museum is an excellent introduction to the town's culture and history. And if the museum stokes your interest in Swahili culture then you should also check out the beautifully restored building nearby housing the Swahili House Museum. One of Lamu's quirkier attractions is the Donkey Sanctuary - no doubt a haven for all those donkeys seeking political asylum. Taking a trip by dhow is almost obligatory.