The Dead Sea lies at the lowest point on Earth, around 430 meters below sea level, and features water with nearly ten times the salinity of the ocean. That level of salinity makes floating on its surface effortless. Visitors can lie back without effort, with views opening across barren hills and reflective water. This shoreline also hosts a mix of minerals collected over millennia and known for their soothing effect on skin and joints.
Amsterdam, the 17th century capital of Holland, is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its numerous, boat-navigable canals. Truly rich in history, the oldest part of this populous, multicultural city is Sloten, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.
Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya.
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.
Alentejo is a large region in southern Portugal known for its wide plains, cork oak forests, whitewashed towns, and slower rural pace. Stretching from the Tagus River to the Algarve and from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border, it covers much of the country’s interior farmland and wine-producing territory.
Photo Credit: Image by Erick Salas Agudelo from Pixabay
Barranquilla sits near the mouth of the Magdalena River on Columbia's Caribbean side. It is a major seaport and a center of commerce, but everyone breaks loose for four days in February for one of the liveliest carnivals outside of Rio. It is centered between Cartagena and Santa Marta, and a good highway connects the three cities.