The Cotswolds, a quintessentially English region known for its rolling hills, honey-colored stone cottages, and picturesque villages, offers a serene escape into the heart of the English countryside. Stretching across several counties, including Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a testament to its stunning landscapes and charming heritage.
Toulon, a vibrant port city on the French Riviera, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Known for its deep natural harbor, Toulon has long been a significant naval base for France, and the city's maritime heritage is still very much alive today. Visitors can explore the bustling Toulon Harbor, where yachts, fishing boats, and naval vessels coexist in a lively display of seafaring life.
Fraser Island, or K’gari as it is known to its Traditional Owners, the Butchulla people, is a gem off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The world's largest sand island, stretching over 120 kilometers, is a place where nature dazzles and adventure beckons. Renowned for its unique ecosystems, Fraser Island offers a diverse landscape of lush rainforests growing on sand, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and expansive sand dunes.
The capital of picturesque St. Barthélemy, Gustavia is a veritable island paradise in the Caribbean. A former French colony, this small city on St. Barths’s west coast offers a variety of fine dining, designer shopping, and spectacular beachside activities to ensure a relaxing tropical getaway. Be sure to visit the historic site of Fort Karl for a panoramic view of Gustavia’s glittering harbor, then walk to Shell Beach to take a dip in warm, turquoise waters.
Capital of Martinique, a French overseas territory, Fort-de-France is a veritable island paradise replete with striking colonial architecture, exotic flora and fauna, verdant nature parks, and sparkling beaches.
Doubtful Fjord (Doubtful Sound) is a large fjord in southwestern New Zealand, in the same region as the smaller but better known Milford Sound. It is home to an unusually large population of bottlenose dolphins, as well as a variety of birds, fur seals, penguins, and often even humpback whales.
Unlike Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is inaccessible by road, so boat cruises are the only transportation available to visitors. Day trips operate out of the small nearby town, Manapouri.