Symi, a charming island in the Dodecanese, Greece, offers a picturesque escape with its striking neoclassical architecture and vibrant Mediterranean colors. The town of Symi, a designated protected cultural heritage site, is renowned for its beautifully preserved pastel-colored mansions that line the harbor.
Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, sits at around 1,600 meters above sea level and was once the summer resort of British colonial officers. Today, it’s known for its vast tea plantations, many of which date back to the 19th century. Visitors can walk through estates like Kolukkumalai, the highest tea plantation in the world, where traditional methods are still used to process leaves by hand.
San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, is a city where cobblestone streets lead to centuries-old forts and pastel-colored buildings overlook the Atlantic. The district of Old San Juan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Spanish colonial architecture and thick stone walls that once defended the city from pirates and naval attacks. The city hosts regular events such as La Campechada, which celebrates Puerto Rican art and literature with live performances and open-air exhibits.
Manly, a seaside suburb of Sydney, Australia, is celebrated for its relaxed coastal charm and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Situated on the northern beaches of Sydney Harbour, it offers a unique combination of golden sands, surf-friendly waves, and a bustling promenade filled with cafés, shops, and restaurants.
Located 75 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is a vibrant and laidback city on the central coast of California. Settled by Spanish Missionaries in the late 18th century, Santa Cruz has become a coastal paradise for surfers, students, and lovers of nature. Nestled between Wilder Ranch State Park and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, University of California, Santa Cruz, is the city’s leading research institution. Towering trees line the campus’s many pathways, and it’s not uncommon to see deer and other wildlife roaming in nearby natural areas.
Santa Cruz has something for everyone, making it a crucial stop for those visiting California’s popular Bay Area. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Wharf provide stunning views of Monterey Bay and offer a plethora of vintage-style amusements, including a wooden roller coaster, the historic Looff Carousel, and a variety of arcade games ideal for the entire family. Steamer Lane, Pleasure Point, and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in a picturesque lighthouse, beckon surfers and surfing enthusiasts year-round to the glittering turquoise waves. Kayaks, paddleboards, and boats are easily available for those eager to fish and watch migrating whales emerging from the bay. Venture just beyond the city to catch a glimpse of the legendary redwood forests in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.