The Orkney Islands sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. This group of around seventy islands offers wide horizons, quiet roads, and coastlines shaped by wind and waves where visitors often arrive expecting rugged scenery and leave talking about the sense of space from the long beaches to the steep cliffs and sea stacks rising straight from the water. One striking example is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack that draws photographers and climbers alike.
Nazaré, set along Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast, is a fishing town transformed into one of the world’s most dramatic surf destinations. Its identity is deeply tied to the sea, both in its centuries-old maritime traditions and in the awe-inspiring waves that now draw visitors from around the globe.
Ha'il is a city in north-central Saudi Arabia and the capital of Ha'il Province, located near the western edge of the vast An Nafud desert. The city lies in an oasis region where groundwater supports palm groves and agriculture, creating a cultivated landscape between surrounding desert and mountains.
St. Julians was originally a tiny fishing village, built round a small bay. It has retained most of its charm, thanks to some sympathetic restoration. Overlooking the bay is Spinola Palace, built in 1688. Today St Julians provides some of the best restaurants, like the San Giuliano and Barracuda, overlooking the Bay, popular with locals and visitors alike. It gets quite busy over the weekends and during the peak season, making parking a problem. However, public transport is frequent and nearby P
Durban is a big subtropical city in the north-eastern province of KwaZulu/Natal. It has been a major port since the 1850s and is home to the largest concentration of Indian-descended people in the country - Mohandas Gandhi arrived here as an indentured labourer in 1893. Today the city is better known as a holiday-makers' fun parlour with a happening nightlife.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jeremiah Lawrence on Unsplash
Montgomery, capital of Alabama and seat of Montgomery County, a port on the Alabama River, in the central part of the state. Montgomery is the site of Alabama State University (1874), Auburn University at Montgomery (1967), Huntingdon College (1854), Troy State University at Montgomery (1966), Faulken University (1942), and a junior college. Points of interest include the Greek Revival style State Capitol (1851), which served as the capitol of the Confederacy during the first few months of the American Civil War (1861-1865); the first White House of the Confederacy (built 1825?; now a museum), where Confederate President Jefferson Davis lived for a time; the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts,
featuring displays of American art; the W. A. Gayle Planetarium; the Ordeman-Shaw House, maintained in the style of the 1850s; and the Civil Rights Memorial (1989), honoring 40 people who gave their lives between 1954 and 1968 in the fight for racial equality. Cramton Bowl (site of a postseason college all-star football game), Garrett Coliseum, and the
Junius Bragg Smith Theatre are major sports and entertainment facilities.
Other Popular Destinations in Alabama
Hamilton
Hamilton, Alabama, nestled in the picturesque region of northwest Alabama, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and natural beauty. As the county seat of Marion County, Hamilton is renowned for its vibrant community and rich history. A visit to the Marion County Museum, located in the historic courthouse, provides a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past, showcasing exhibits ranging from Civil War artifacts to local memorabilia.
Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama is a city that offers travelers a chance to experience Southern culture that’s both deeply rooted and constantly evolving. Known as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, the city features landmarks like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Street Baptist Church, where pivotal moments in American history unfolded. The adjacent Kelly Ingram Park uses life-size sculptures to tell powerful stories of protest and resilience, making a walk through the area both mov