Jodhpur, often called the "Blue City" of India, is located on the edge of the Thar Desert in the state of Rajasthan. The city is famous for the blue-painted houses in its old quarter, which create a striking contrast against the golden hue of the desert landscape.
Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument stretches across southern Utah as a vast landscape of layered cliffs, winding canyons, and open desert plateaus. The land shifts in color from pale cream to deep red, depending on the angle of the sun, revealing rock layers that look like pages stacked over time. Much of the area feels remote, with long dirt roads like Hole-in-the-Rock Road leading travelers deep into quiet terrain where rock formations rise suddenly from flat ground.
Walvis Bay, set along Namibia’s Atlantic coast, is a vibrant port town where desert and ocean converge in striking contrast. Once under German and later South African administration, the bay has long been valued for its deep natural harbor, which remains central to Namibia’s fishing and shipping industries today.
Nestled along Cambodia’s picturesque coastline, Sihanoukville offers an inviting retreat with its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. This coastal city, named after King Norodom Sihanouk, is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, is a city that blends the desert’s quiet rhythms with the daily life of a growing urban center. Its coastal setting, unique cultural traditions, and access to the desert make Nouakchott both an introduction to Mauritania and a gateway to exploring the country further.
Keswick is an attractive small town, centrally situated in the northern half of the Lake District and close to the border with Scotland. Easily accessible by road and rail this compact region of less than 200 square miles (500km2 ) contains the best of lake and mountain landscapes.
This area is, above all, for the active person. There are walks and climbs for all standards; from the high 900m mountains Helvellyn and Scafell to guided walks and gentle rambles. While Derwentwater has a launch service and two small marinas, neighbouring Bassenthwaite Lake, Buttermere, Crummock Water and Thirlmere are quieter but easily accessible by the many lakeside paths. Keswick's Hope and Fitz Parks offer bowls, tennis and park golf, and a spectacular 18 hole golf course is nearby at Threlkeld. There are biking, riding and gliding facilities as well, so little reason for inactivity.