Montenegro, set along the Adriatic Sea, draws travelers with its dramatic landscapes and layered history. The Bay of Kotor, often mistaken for a fjord, is actually a submerged river canyon surrounded by steep cliffs and medieval towns. Kotor itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is enclosed by ancient fortifications that visitors can climb for panoramic views stretching from terracotta rooftops to the sea.
This charming town is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Scottish Gaelic culture, music, and history, making it a popular port city for visitors and a great starting point for exploring the rest of the archipelago.
Queenstown started off as a major gold mining area, based around the Queen River Valley. This then developed into a profitable copper mining area, which was still running until 1969. There are a variety of things to do in Queenstown, and it is a good base from which to explore western Tasmania.
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, offers visitors a rare opportunity to walk through the very streets where the nation’s founding ideals were debated, signed, and set into motion. The city's art scene is as bold as its history. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to works by Van Gogh, Duchamp, and an entire Japanese teahouse, but it might be better known for the "Rocky Steps" out front, where visitors recreate the famous movie scene daily.
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.
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!
Other Popular Destinations in New Zealand
Queenstown
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill.
Auckland
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.