Our mountains are high with lush forest and pristine alpine lakes hidden from the too casual viewer. Wildlife abound along the rippling streams that feed the wild waters of the Wenatchee River, finally merging with the mighty Columbia. King salmon fighting to return to their birthplace can be viewed from the Rocky Reach Dam. Nature is at its unspoiled best

St. Barthélemy, often called St. Barts, is a small French Caribbean island known for its blend of natural beauty, refined luxury, and vibrant culture.

Hikone is a city in Shiga Prefecture on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. Its location combines a historic castle town with lakeside landscapes, wooded hills, and traditional neighborhoods. Hikone Castle, a National Treasure, is the city's best-known landmark and remains surrounded by moats, stone walls, and gardens.

Mijas, perched on the hillside above the Costa del Sol, blends centuries of Andalusian tradition with views that stretch across the Mediterranean. The whitewashed buildings of Mijas Pueblo reflect sunlight from narrow cobbled streets that wind through small plazas, each with its own fountain, chapel, or overlook. The town’s layout still follows Moorish-era planning, and remnants of the old wall (La Muralla) offer shaded walks lined with native plants and panoramic views over the coast.

West of Vienna, the quaint town of Dürnstein lies on the banks of the iconic Danube and is the perfect destination for river cruising, sightseeing, and enjoying the best of Austrian culture. Though small, this picturesque village offers plenty to see and do.