French Guiana, tucked between Brazil and Suriname on the northeast coast of South America, offers an unexpected blend of Amazonian wilderness, colonial intrigue, and French flair. As an overseas department of France, it uses the euro, speaks French, and has croissants alongside cassava bread at breakfast. Yet just beyond the cafés of Cayenne, vast rainforest stretches for hundreds of kilometers, home to rare wildlife, remote rivers, and Indigenous communities.
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.
Punta Mita is located in the pristine State of Nayarit 40 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, on the northwest point of Bahia de Banderas, the Bay of Flags. The beaches (playas) are the most beautiful and pristine in the entire Bahia de Banderas, Bay of Flags, possibly all of Mexico. Share the magic, come visit the point of simple pleasures.
Florø, the westernmost town in Norway, sits right at the edge of the sea as a small, coastal town with deep maritime roots and front-row views of the North Atlantic. Established in 1860 as a herring fishing hub, Florø still carries the rhythm of the ocean in daily life. Though small in size, the town serves as a jumping-off point to explore the rugged coastline, scenic fjords, and a collection of islands that each have their own stories and scenery.
Set along a gentle curve of the Main River in Bavaria, the town of Miltenberg presents a streetscape that feels carefully preserved rather than rebuilt. Rows of half-timbered houses line a single main street, their wooden beams and painted facades forming one of the most photographed scenes in Germany. The old market square, known as the Schnatterloch, draws attention with its sandstone fountain and tightly packed historic buildings, creating a setting that has remained largely unchanged.
Photo Credit: Photo by Clement Souchet on Unsplash
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Central Mountain Range, Hualien, Taiwan offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This coastal city is renowned for its proximity to the stunning Taroko Gorge, a marvel of nature where marble canyons and lush vegetation create a dramatic landscape. Visitors can embark on breathtaking hikes along the Swallow Grotto Trail and the Shakadang Trail, each offering spectacular views of waterfalls and unique rock formations.
Hualien's charm extends to its vibrant local markets and culinary delights. The Dongdamen Night Market is a bustling hub where visitors can sample local specialties such as the famous Hualien-style beef noodles and fresh seafood. The market also showcases a variety of handcrafted goods and traditional snacks, providing a true taste of Taiwanese street food culture.
For a dose of tranquility, the city's serene Qixingtan Beach offers a picturesque retreat with its clear waters and pebbled shores. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a leisurely bike ride along the scenic coastline. Additionally, Hualien’s Liyu Lake provides opportunities for boating and picnicking amidst its scenic surroundings.
Fun Fact: Hualien is known for its "stone carving" art, a local tradition that transforms the abundant marble from the nearby Taroko Gorge into intricate and beautiful sculptures, reflecting the city’s deep connection to its natural resources.
Other Popular Destinations in Taiwan
Taipei
Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is a city where tradition and modernity coexist. Visitors can explore historic temples such as Longshan Temple, discover cultural treasures at the National Palace Museum, and admire the cityscape from Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is a mountain lake in Nantou County, central Taiwan, surrounded by forested hills and settlements. It is Taiwan's largest alpine lake and is known for the distinctive shape of its shoreline, which includes a smaller section resembling a crescent moon and a larger section associated with the sun. The lake sits within a scenic basin at an elevation of about 748 meters, creating a cooler setting than many lowland parts of Taiwan.