Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, and the eponymous park that surrounds it, are popular with South Island tourists, especially mountaineers and other adventurers. The only way in or out is State highway 80, which also happens to be one of the country's most scenic roads.
Summer in Inuvik brings the surreal experience of the Midnight Sun where the region experiences 56 days of continuous daylight from late May through mid-July. This natural phenomenon creates ideal conditions for exploring the dramatic tundra landscape and the nearby Mackenzie River Delta, one of the largest in North America. Adventurers can paddle through winding channels, spot migratory birds, or visit Tuktoyaktuk via the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway.
This small yet charming city in Alaska's panhandle is a throwback to the gold rush era. Skagway is a well-preserved part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Perched on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a city that blends centuries of history with a strong cultural identity. It served as a Roman military camp called Lousanna before evolving into a key medieval settlement. Today, visitors can still climb the tower of Lausanne Cathedral, widely regarded as the most impressive Gothic structure in Switzerland. From the top, the view stretches over the rooftops of the Old Town to the vineyards of Lavaux and across the lake to the French Alps.
Photo Credit: Photo by Mukhwinder Singh on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Uran Wang on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by anja. on Unsplash
Tauranga, New Zealand, lies southeast of Auckland and is an adventure-lover's paradise. Originally settled by the Māori peoples, this vibrant city is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, biking, golfing, and everything active. Hike up Mount Maunganui for stunning panoramic views of the city below, then hit nearby Mount Maunganui Beach to soak up the sun or play in the sand. Head to the Lake McLaren canyons for a unique nighttime kayaking tour, where you'll catch a glimpse of luminescent glowworms. Visit Waimarino Water & Adventure Park at Wairoa River for a variety of thrilling amusements, including a massive water slide and human catapult, and sporty activities like beach volleyball, paddle boarding, and rock climbing. Explore Tauranga and find your inner thrill-seeker!