Western Samoa, a stunning island nation in the South Pacific, invites travelers with its rich cultural traditions and breathtaking landscapes—stunning rainforests, towering waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savaii, along with seven smaller islands, Western Samoa is a vibrant hub of Polynesian culture.
Derry stands on the banks of the River Foyle in Northern Ireland and is known for its intact seventeenth-century city walls, steep streets, and strong local identity.
La Palma (also San Miguel de La Palma) is the fifth of Spain's Canary Islands. This mountainous volcanic island is a natural wonder of tropical vegetation. Its coast is lined by jagged cliffs and plunging ravines, and its beaches are covered with black sand. Thanks to dry climate and the height of its mountains creating excellent observation conditions, La Palma has become the home of some of the world's largest telescopes, seated on the rocky ridge called El Roque de los Muchachos.
Korčula, a jewel in Croatia's Adriatic Sea, invites visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Often referred to as "Little Dubrovnik," the city boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a fortified old town encircled by ancient walls.
Pamplona, the capital of Spain’s Navarre region, is best known worldwide for the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival each July. But beyond the brief rush of that event lies a city steeped in medieval history, Basque influence, and a slower pace that surprises many visitors. One of the most significant aspects of Pamplona is its place on the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Photo Credit: Photo by Xavier von Erlach on Unsplash
Situated at the foot of Mont Collon, the small village of Arolla is a popular starting point for summer mountain hikes as well as a common stop on the Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route expeditions. In the winter, it's a small ski resort with five lifts and guaranteed snow thanks to the elevation.