ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).
Tucked between Jordan's sandstone cliffs in the southwestern desert, Petra was carved directly into rose-colored rock more than 2,000 years ago. Visitors approaching through the narrow gorge known as the Siq are rewarded with their first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, a towering facade that seems to appear from another world.
Swakopmund, on Namibia’s Atlantic coast, is a town where desert meets ocean in striking contrast. Founded by German colonists in the late 19th century, its streets are lined with colonial-era buildings painted in pastel colors, giving the town a distinctly European feel.
One of the four islands that make up the British Virgin Islands, Jost van Dyke is a Caribbean paradise known for its white sand beaches, turquoise sea pools, and marinas filled with yachts.
Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is a city where tradition and modernity coexist. Visitors can explore historic temples such as Longshan Temple, discover cultural treasures at the National Palace Museum, and admire the cityscape from Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.
Located along the coast of Southern Italy, Crotone emanates a classic Italian lifestyle that appeals to tourists both foreign and domestic. History and archaeology buffs will find plenty of intriguing sites here, such as the Capo Colonna Archeological Park, the National Archeological Museum, and the 16th-century Castle of Charles V, which houses the Town Museum. Architecture enthusiasts won't want to miss the Cathedral, with its neo-classical façade, interior Baroque decorations, and a baptismal font that dates back to the 12th century. Also noteworthy is Le Castella, an ancient castle built on an island and accessible only by foot across a narrow strip of land.