Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, is a place where tropical forest and coastline meet in striking harmony. Once a pirate hideout and later the site of a penal colony, it has evolved into one of Brazil’s most remarkable island destinations. With no cars allowed and no large resorts, the island moves at a different pace, where footpaths and boats are the main ways to get around.
Nuevo Vallarta, located along the Bahía de Banderas in the state of Nayarit, is a coastal destination known for its wide, sandy beaches and marina-lined canals. Originally developed as a tourism project in the late 20th century, it has grown into a well-organized resort area with luxury hotels, golf courses, and waterfront condos. Unlike older beach towns with colonial roots, Nuevo Vallarta was designed from the start to offer modern comfort while being surrounded by natural landscapes.
Baffin Island is Canada’s largest island and one of the Arctic’s most imposing landscapes, shaped by ice, migration, and long human presence. Inuit communities have lived here for thousands of years, developing deep connections to sea ice, wildlife, and seasonal movement.
Maloti-Drakensberg Park spans the mountainous borderlands of Lesotho and South Africa, forming a large protected landscape of high plateaus, steep cliffs, sandstone formations, grasslands, and river valleys. The Lesotho section is centered on Sehlabathebe National Park, while the South African portion includes uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. The area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage property for both its natural and cultural importance.
Rabat is a historic town in central Malta, adjoining the fortified city of Mdina and extending across a landscape shaped by limestone, fields, and ancient settlements. Its name means “suburb,” reflecting its position outside the walls of the former capital. The town has a distinctly local character, with narrow streets, traditional limestone buildings, small squares, and churches interspersed with archaeological sites.
Photo Credit: Photo by Cathy Holewinski on Unsplash
Wildwood Preserve MetroPark
Photo Credit: Photo by Cathy Holewinski on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Cathy Holewinski on Unsplash
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
Photo Credit: Photo by Cathy Holewinski on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Cathy Holewinski on Unsplash
Toledo, seat of Lucas County, northwestern Ohio, a port on the Maumee River, at its mouth on Lake Erie; incorporated 1837. The city's extensive transportation facilities include its fine natural harbor, which is a port on the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence Seaway and ranks among the world's leading soft-coal-shipping ports; an extensive network of railroads; and an air cargo terminal. Other commodities handled include grain, automobile parts, iron ore, and steel. Toledo is also a commercial and industrial center, with manufactures that include metal goods, jeeps, instruments, machinery, automobile parts, chemicals, textiles, and plastics. Its large glass-manufacturing industry dates from 1888. The city is a terminus of petroleum and gas pipelines and is a major oil-refining hub. The city has a museum of art and a museum of health and natural history.
Other Popular Destinations in Ohio
Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio is a city with grit, pride, and a surprising amount of charm. Perched along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it blends industrial roots with a strong cultural identity. One of its most iconic attractions is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where visitors can view everything from Prince’s custom guitars to handwritten lyrics by The Beatles. The museum brings history to life through rotating exhibits, film screenings, and live performances on the lakefront plaza.
Akron
Akron is the headquarters for the country's largest rubber companies, including Firestone, Goodyear, and General Tire. Akron is also home to the Goodyear Aerospace Corporation Air Dock, headquarters for the Goodyear blimp.