Rarotonga, the vibrant heart of the Cook Islands, offers visitors a chance to experience island life with striking scenery and rich tradition. This volcanic island is only 32 kilometers around, making it easy to explore by scooter or bicycle in a single day. From the lush mountains of the interior to the lagoon that wraps around the coast, Rarotonga feels intimate but never short on discovery.
Stromboli is a small volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off the north coast of Sicily. Referred to by some as the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean," Stromboli is in a constant state of mild volcanic activity, so don't venture out on a hike without an experienced guide.
Located in northwest England, Birmingham has a tremendous history as an industrial city. Close to coal and iron ore supplies, it was here that Bouton and Watt harnessed steam power to run machinery. The Museum of Science and Industry resides here and provides an excellent look at England's history.
Albania offers travelers a surprising and diverse experience shaped by centuries of influence. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins set against a lagoon. In Berat and Gjirokastër stone houses stack along steep hillsides, giving visitors the sense of walking through a living museum. These towns offer an authentic window into daily Albanian life.
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second-largest city and a place where industrial heritage and deep cultural roots intersect. Founded near the former capital of the Ndebele kingdom, the city carries strong historical significance tied to King Lobengula and the resistance to colonial expansion.
Photo Credit: Image by Iszarizal Ismail from Pixabay
Photo Credit: Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash
Penang Botanical Gardens
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Crab-eating macaque at Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest
Photo Credit: Photo by You Le on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Caitlin James on Unsplash
A dynamic island escape, Penang, Malaysia, is chock-full of exciting attractions, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. Head to the George Town neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the island's best colonial architecture and historical landmarks, including the Penang Town Hall, Fort Cornwallis, and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. Just off Beach Street you'll find some of Penang's famously vibrant street art and murals, the perfect place for photos. A visit to Penang won't be complete without stopping by one of the islands many temples, most notably the iconic Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple, whose bright yellow roofs and red lanterns beckon from the wooded hills west of George Town. The island's natural beauty is sure to impress: visit the Penang Botanic Gardens, Penang Butterfly Farm, or Tropical Spice Gardens to delight in vivid and exotic flora. The island's north coast offers spectacular and secluded beaches surrounded by lush tropical forests. Head to Monkey Beach, Batu Ferringhi, or Pantai Keracut to lounge on the warm sand, dip your toes in bright azure water, or watch local monkeys and wild turtles roam the beach.
Other Popular Destinations in Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu (Borneo)
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo, is a vibrant city where modern life meets wild landscapes. Overlooking the South China Sea and backed by lush rainforests and mountains, it serves as both a cultural hub and a gateway to Borneo’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a city where tradition and modernity meet in striking ways. Towering over the skyline are the Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world, while at street level you’ll find lively markets, ornate temples, and colonial-era architecture.