Šiauliai, often referred to as the "City of the Sun" due to its high number of sunny days, is a vibrant gem in northern Lithuania. The city's most iconic landmark is the Hill of Crosses, a profound site of pilgrimage adorned with thousands of crosses placed by visitors over the decades. This unique and moving monument, which has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance, symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the Lithuanian people.
Dramatic and otherworldly, Deadvlei in Namibia is one of the most surreal landscapes on the planet. Located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Deadvlei is a white clay pan that was once an oasis filled with acacia trees. Over 900 years ago, a shift in climate and the encroachment of the towering red sand dunes cut off the river that fed the pan, leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful scene of dead trees that have been perfectly preserved in the arid environment.
Abundant treasures for vacation enjoyment await visitors of all ages in the picturesque central California beachside community of Pismo Beach. Whether you enjoy a romantic walk along the beach, a challenging ride on a all-terrain vehicle through the sand dunes, sporting activities which suit enthusiasts of all levels or just plain fun, Pismo Beach has it all. Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach is in the center of some of the state's most beautiful coastline.
Sigiriya, in central Sri Lanka, is an ancient rock fortress and one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites. Rising nearly 200 meters from the surrounding plains, the massive granite column is crowned by the ruins of a royal palace built in the 5th century CE by King Kasyapa.
Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and scenic riverbanks, Chalon-sur-Saône, located along the Saône River, is the perfect base to immerse oneself in the heart of Burgundy’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes. From exploring its charming Old Town with medieval landmarks like the St. Vincent Cathedral to discovering the history of photography at the Musée Nicéphore Niépce, the town offers a unique experience for every traveler.
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Clown Anemonefish at the Cairns Aquarium
Photo Credit: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
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Rubber tree in Redlynch
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Photo Credit: Photo by Shino Nakamura on Unsplash
White-lipped Tree Frog
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Sailfin Tang at the Cairns Aquarium
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Metallic Starling
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Jabiru or Black-necked stork
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Blue-spotted ray at Cairns Aquarium
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Squirrelfish (left) and a Lined Butterflyfish at Cairns Aquarium
Photo Credit: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
Lime green coral at the Cairns aquarium
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Rainbow Bee-eater
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Cairns Aquarium
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Freshwater sawfish at Cairns Aquarium
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Trinity Beach
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Hawaiian Ti plant at Cairns Botanic Gardens
Photo Credit: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Jeffrey Daniel on Unsplash
Cairns is the majestic entrance to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This warm, tropical destination is located in Far North Queensland. Must-see attractions in Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which educates tourists about indigenous peoples, and restaurant and bar-dotted Cairns Esplanade, which has a lagoon for swimming. Also, Daintree National Park, northwest of Cairns, has beautiful beaches, rainforests and canyons.