Nestled in the mountains just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone has long been a retreat for travelers seeking both quiet and culture. Once a crucial checkpoint on the historic Tōkaidō road between Edo and Kyoto, Hakone is still shaped by centuries of history. The reconstructed Hakone Sekisho (Hakone Checkpoint) offers a glimpse into the Edo Period, when travelers were inspected by samurai guards before continuing on their journey.
Surfers Paradise is located along the Gold Coast. The 300 days of sunshine throughout the year make it perfect for enjoying the beach. Golfing, wildlife parks and theme parks are just a few of the many things to do.
Dzaoudzi is a historic town on Petite-Terre, one of the two main islands of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. It occupies a strategic position around the Rocher de Dzaoudzi, a rocky outcrop beside the lagoon, and serves as an important arrival point for visitors using the island’s airport and ferry connections. The town combines a compact urban setting with access to beaches, volcanic landscapes, and the waters of the surrounding lagoon.
Grampians National Park, known as Gariwerd by the Traditional Owners, is a mountainous landscape in western Victoria defined by sandstone ranges, rocky escarpments, forests, waterfalls, and broad valleys. The park forms part of the Grampians-Gariwerd region and contains some of Victoria’s most extensive areas of protected native habitat.
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.
Photo Credit: Photo by Tewodros Getnet on Unsplash
A small town located on the shores of Lake Tana (Ethiopia's largest). Visit the ancient monestaries, the beautiful Tissisiat Falls (30km) and the place where the 'Blue Nile' creates smoking waters.
Other Popular Destinations in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and a highland city set at the foot of the Entoto Mountains. Its elevated setting gives the city a relatively cool climate compared with much of the country, while broad avenues, busy neighborhoods, green hills, and expanding modern districts create a varied urban landscape. Addis Ababa is also the headquarters of the African Union and hosts numerous international organizations, giving it an important diplomatic role across the continent.
Gondar
Although its great days are past, its palaces and castles deserted, gondar is one of Ethiopia's most fascinating cities and one of the world's most mysterious. The city stands at the foot of the Simien mountains and is set in a landscape of incomparable beauty. Gondar is the former 17th century capital of Ethiopia, although some say it was Saudi Arabia.