Charlottesville, Virginia is a small city with deep roots and a lively sense of place. It's home to the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Both sites are working institutions where architecture, education, and ongoing dialogue shape how visitors experience the past.
Banff, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is one of Canada’s most celebrated mountain towns and a gateway to Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park lies in the Texas Panhandle near Canyon, protecting a section of Palo Duro Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” The canyon stretches through the surrounding High Plains, with layered rock walls, mesas, buttes, and dry grasslands creating a landscape distinct from most of Texas.
The most heavily populated of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is known as the Gathering Place. Two parallel mountain ranges, the Koolau Range and the Waianae Range, cross Oahu from northwest to southeast. . Among the many popular beaches is the renowned Waikiki, backed by the famous Diamond Head, an extinct volcano.
A natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches adorns South Africa's unspoilt southern coast. Nestling on the banks of a shimmering lagoon in the heart of this "Garden Route" is the picturesque town of Knysna. Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide endless opportunity for leisure and outdoor adventure. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafe’s beckon with small-town charm and hospitality.
Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island of La Palma, one of the seven Canary Islands. Although often forgotten in favor of the similarly named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a compact and colorful colonial town well worth a visit. Swimming, paragliding, and hiking and some of the most popular daytime activities, while stargazing is a favorite pastime after the sun goes down. La Palma was recently name as a "Starlight Reserve," which means the island is committed to preserving the quality of the night sky as well as increasing access to viewing opportunities.
Other Popular Destinations in Canary Islands
Las Palmas
Las Palmas (officially Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) is the capital of Gran Canaria island as well as co-capital (along with Santa Cruz de Tenerife) of the Canary Islands. It is a major cruise-ship port known for duty-free shopping and sandy beaches, including Playa de Las Canteras, considered by many to be one of the best urban beaches worldwide.
Tenerife Island
Tenerife is the largest isle of the Canary Islands archipelago. Famous for its black and yellow sand beaches as well as Mt. Teide, the dormant volcano that looms over the island.