>Slovenia, tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, is a small country with a strong sense of identity and an impressive variety of landscapes. Its capital, Ljubljana, is known for its walkable center and mix of Baroque, Secessionist, and modern architecture. The Ljubljanica River runs through the city and is lined with open-air cafés and artisan shops.
Panama is a country shaped by its geography and defined by its role in global history. The Panama Canal remains its most iconic feature as a 50-mile engineering marvel that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks from a dedicated observation deck or explore the interactive museum that explains how the canal changed international trade forever.
Wheeling is a historic city in northern West Virginia, set along the Ohio River near the state’s border with Ohio. Its location made it an important transportation and manufacturing center, with the National Road, railroads, and river traffic all contributing to its growth. Today, Wheeling combines a compact downtown with historic neighborhoods, riverfront parks, cultural venues, and extensive recreation areas.
Levi is a fell resort in Finnish Lapland, located near the village of Sirkka in the municipality of Kittilä. The settlement sits beside Levi Fell, which rises above the surrounding forests and provides the setting for a large network of outdoor routes and ski slopes. Levi has developed into one of Finland’s best-known year-round resort areas, with accommodation, restaurants, shops, and activity providers concentrated around the fell.
Iowa, often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, offers a delightful array of attractions for visitors seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Des Moines, the state capital, is a vibrant hub with something for everyone. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park showcases large-scale works by renowned artists, set against the backdrop of downtown’s skyline. Nearby, the Science Center of Iowa engages visitors with interactive exhibits and an impressive IMAX theater.
Dorrigo National Park lies on the escarpment of northern New South Wales, about an hour from Coffs Harbour, where subtropical rainforest covers steep valleys and high country. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, protecting plant communities that preserve links to ancient forests. Its elevated position creates broad views toward the Bellinger Valley and the coast, while dense forest keeps many walking tracks cool and shaded.
Photo Credit: Photo by Kameron Kincade on Unsplash
Kilauea is the world's largest active volcanic mass, located southeastern Hawaii Island. The central feature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is an elongated dome built of lava eruptions from a central crater and from lines of craters extending along east and southwest riffs or fissures.
Kilauea is bordered by the volcano of Mauna Loa to the west and north, the Kau Desert to the southwest, Ainahou Ranch to the south and a tropical fern jungle to the north-northeast.
Kipuka Puaula, also called Bird Park, is located to the northwest, a grassy meadow dotted with clumps of koa, ohia, soapberry, kolea and mamani trees, has a nature trail leading to an open forest with many varieties of native trees.
Other Popular Destinations in Hawaii
Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.
Kona, Hawaii
Kona started as King Kamehameha I's government seat, and is now a popular tourist destination with key landmarks like Hulihee Palace, as well as coffee farms, shopping and dining.