Three hours north of Auckland, a chain of verdant islands meet glittering turquoise waters in the Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise will astound you with its abundance of natural beauty and marine life. Sail to the Bay of Islands, and you'll find plenty to see and explore. Hike to stunning Rainbow Falls, kayak along the shores of New Zealand's lush coastline, and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, penguins, and a variety of colorful parrots.
Veracruz, Mexico, is a vibrant port city rich in history and culture. Founded in 1519 by Hernán Cortés, it is Mexico’s oldest city, and its historic center, with its colorful colonial buildings and bustling Zócalo, reflects its deep historical roots. Visitors can explore the impressive San Juan de Ulúa Fortress, a massive colonial-era fort that once served as a prison and a key military base.
Upolu is the more populated of Samoa’s two main islands and is home to Apia, the country’s capital and principal urban center. The island stretches from volcanic mountains in the interior to a deeply indented coastline of bays, beaches, and coral reefs. Lush vegetation covers much of the landscape, with villages, plantations, and gardens occupying the lower slopes and coastal areas.
Doha presents a journey where heritage and modern design intersect gracefully. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I. M. Pei, rises from the Corniche and houses ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, and metalwork spanning fourteen centuries. Nearby, the National Museum of Qatar, shaped like a desert rose, narrates the country's story through immersive exhibits and architecture by Jean Nouvel. These institutions offer perspectives on both art and national identity.
The Arctic Ocean, the world's smallest and shallowest ocean, offers a breathtaking and unique adventure for those seeking the grandeur of the polar regions. This icy expanse, bordered by Europe, Asia, and North America, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and pristine landscapes.
Elegant playground of the rich and famous, Gstaad also features the most glamorous snowfields in all of Europe. Mostly between Christmas and New Year, you will find international celebrities, aristocracy, movie stars and famous heads-of-state wherever you turn. Saanenland is a true paradise for fans of all kinds of winter sports.
Skiing starts here long before the other resorts get going, with ideal conditions on the nearby Diablerets glacier which offers year round skiing. By Christmas there is powder snow right down to the valley. With 250 kms of marked ski pistes for skiers of all standards, cross-country ski tracks and the excellent Swiss ski schools; 69 mountain railways and ski lifts, Gstaad is an ideal venue for all lovers of winter sun, sport and superb scenery.
But Gstaad is not just a winter resort; as each season unfolds, the lush mountains are a sporting paradise all year round. Gstaad in summer offers the fascination of unspoilt mountain scenery, the special atmosphere of the original, cosy chalet village and an attractive programme of events and activities.
Guests can sense the sincerity of Saanen hospitality regardless of whether they are in a palatial five-star hotel or a simple village restaurant. All the features of summer sport are in abundance - hiking, climbing, swimming, tennis, fishing or golfing at the beautiful alpine golf course at Saanenmöser. Gstaad also has lots to offer culturally.
World renowned soloists and chamber music ensembles rendezvous every year at the Yehudi Menuhin Festival. The Alpengala presents major symphonic works, operas and ballet.
Other Popular Destinations in Switzerland
Lucerne
Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.
Zurich
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities.