Paro, Bhutan, is a serene valley town that offers a gateway to the mystical charm of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Nestled amidst verdant hills and bisected by the glistening Paro Chhu river, Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. At the heart of this picturesque valley stands the majestic Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with a history dating back to the 17th century.
Kamloops, located in the interior of British Columbia, sits at the meeting point of the North and South Thompson Rivers. The name comes from the Secwépemc word “Tk’emlúps,” meaning "where the rivers meet," and the area has been a gathering place for Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Today, visitors can explore this rich cultural heritage at the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park, where trails lead through archaeological sites and reconstructed pit houses.
Terre-de-Haut is an island off the coast of Guadeloupe and replete with a variety of stunning viewpoints to gaze out at the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is often called the “Pink City” for the terracotta-hued buildings that line its historic streets. Founded in 1727, it was one of India’s first planned cities, designed with wide avenues and grand public squares.
Castries, St. Lucia's capital and a busy port city, is an idyllic Caribbean wonderland. Tourists will find craft and fruit markets, photo-ready murals and a general cozy charm here. One must-do activity is getting to the top Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck) to drink in the lovely panoramic views. Be sure to visit the museum at Derek Walcott Square, and soak up the sun on Vigie Beach!
Honningsvag is a town on the north coast of Norway and the gateway to Nordkapp, or North Cape, which marks the northernmost point in Europe. This remote Norwegian destination is a popular stop for cruises to Northern Europe and the Arctic.