Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan in the Philippines, is often seen as the gateway to some of the country’s most remarkable natural landscapes.

Important both historically and economically, the beachside city of La Serena is one of Chile's oldest post-Columbian cities. The region's silver, copper and agriculture were so important that the city had its own mint. Today, La Serena maintains a colonial air, although it is threatening Viña del Mar's supremacy as premier beach resort. Apart from a string of beautiful beaches, attractions include a handful of museums and a number of nearby quaint villages and vineyards.

Brittany is a region in northwestern France defined by a long Atlantic coastline, historic towns, fishing ports, farmland, and a strong regional identity. Its landscape ranges from sandy beaches and rocky headlands to tidal estuaries, islands, and inland forests. Cities such as Rennes, Saint-Malo, and Vannes provide different perspectives on Breton life, while smaller places such as Dinan, Locronan, and Rochefort-en-Terre preserve traditional architecture.

ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

Florø, the westernmost town in Norway, sits right at the edge of the sea as a small, coastal town with deep maritime roots and front-row views of the North Atlantic. Established in 1860 as a herring fishing hub, Florø still carries the rhythm of the ocean in daily life. Though small in size, the town serves as a jumping-off point to explore the rugged coastline, scenic fjords, and a collection of islands that each have their own stories and scenery.