One of the most remote cities in the world, formerly known as Turkestan. It is situated along the ancient Silk Road near the Sino-Russian border. Sightseeing highlights include the ancient mosques and open markets. A fascinatingly colorful and ancient way of life still exists.
As the capital of the Ben Tre Province, the city of Ben Tre is located in southern Vietnam on the Mekong Delta. Connected to other provinces by a network of bridges, the town draws less tourist traffic than nearby My Tho and Tra Vinh.
São Tomé & Príncipe, a two-island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, is one of Africa’s smallest yet most captivating destinations. Known for its unspoiled landscapes, it offers lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and secluded beaches.
Vienne, France sits along the wide bend of the Rhône River in southeastern France, where stone bridges, riverbanks, and steep hills shape the view from nearly every angle. The old town is filled with narrow streets that open suddenly into squares lined with cafés and small shops. One of the most striking sights is how Roman ruins appear in unexpected places, blending into daily life rather than standing apart as distant monuments.
Koggala is a coastal town in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, located between the Indian Ocean and the wide waters of Koggala Lake. The area is defined by sandy beaches, wetlands, small islands, and lowland vegetation, with the lagoon forming an important part of its landscape. Koggala offers a quieter coastal setting close to Galle and Habaraduwa, while its combination of ocean and inland waterways gives the town a distinctive character. The lake also supports fishing and small-scale boat activit
Photo Credit: Photo by Rinaldo Wurglitsch from Wikimedia
For a small country, Ecuador has more varied climatic zones than anywhere in the world. From Salinas, a favorite beach resort on the southern coast, one can go in one day from tropical beaches to semi-arid desert to impenetrable Amazon basin rain forest to the spring-like high altiplano to the soaring snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andean Cordillera. The area around Salinas was once home to the ancient Mocha culture. Archeologists have discovered exquisite examples of pottery and jewelry in Mocha gravesites.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Galapagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.