Broadbeach is one of the fastest growing resort style shopping areas on the Gold Coast and has three major shopping areas; Pacific Fair, Oasis on Broadbeach, and the Pan Pacific and Conrad International Hotels - which are linked across the Gold Coast highway by monorail. The Cascade Water Gardens offer visitors an ideal picnic spot with free electric barbecues, children's playground, canal fishing and band rotunda - which offers free entertainment on the first Sunday of every month.
Giant’s Causeway is a remarkable coastal formation on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, where roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns extend from the foot of the cliffs into the sea. Most columns have a distinctive polygonal shape, created as layers of molten basalt cooled and contracted. The site forms part of the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected as an important geological landscape.
On coastal Iceland, the globe's northernmost capital, Reykjavík, invites visitors to discover its unique charms. Iceland is rife with natural wonders: geysers, geothermic spas, waterfalls and the spectacular Northern Lights. Reykjavik, dating back to 870 AD, offers world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Hwange National Park, located in western Zimbabwe, is the country’s largest protected area and one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. Covering more than 14,600 square kilometers, it is renowned for its extraordinary diversity of animals and habitats.
Tanjeh, also known as Tanji, is a coastal fishing village in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, facing the Atlantic Ocean south of the main tourist area. The settlement is known for its working fishing beach, where traditional wooden pirogues bring in catches from the sea and fish are sorted, sold, smoked, or dried.
Photo Credit: Photo by Zoltan Rakottyai on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Andy Arbeit on Unsplash
Valea Cetății
Photo Credit: Photo by Adrian Ciocalau on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Michelangelo Azzariti on Unsplash
Nestled in the heart of Romania, Brașov is a charming city that effortlessly blends medieval history with stunning natural beauty. Encircled by the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov's well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene make it a must-visit destination. The centerpiece of the city is the stunning Black Church, a Gothic marvel that dates back to the 14th century. This iconic landmark, known for its massive blackened walls, is the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe and houses an impressive collection of 4,000 volumes of the Protestant Reformation.
The city's Old Town, with its cobbled streets and colorful buildings, exudes a fairytale charm. Stroll through Piața Sfatului, the main square, where you can admire the historical Council House and the vibrant street life. Brașov’s medieval fortifications, including the impressive city walls and the Tampa Fortress, offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. For a taste of local history and culture, the Brașov History Museum, housed in the former Council House, provides a fascinating insight into the city's past.
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Brașov’s surrounding landscapes. The nearby Piatra Craiului National Park offers exceptional hiking trails, while the scenic Poiana Brașov resort is perfect for skiing and mountain activities year-round. The nearby Dracula’s Castle, or Bran Castle, is a short drive away and is a popular attraction steeped in legend and myth.
Fun Fact: Brașov is home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe, Strada Sforii. Measuring just 1.2 meters wide, it’s a delightful curiosity and a perfect spot for a memorable photo.
Other Popular Destinations in Romania
Bucharest
Tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and the imperative to live well defines Bucharest, a bustling city that is rebounding and expanding. In the 1900s, this vibrant Romanian capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" and that jubilant, raise-a-glass spirit carries over to this day.
Sighisoara
Sighisoara rises above the Târnava Mare River as one of the few medieval citadels in Europe that is still lived in and admired today. Its historic center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999, recognized for its long history as a fortified Saxon settlement and its role in trade and defense on the edges of central Europe. Wander through cobbled alleys framed by pastel-colored houses, and the layers of time feel close at hand, from the city walls and guild towers to busy cafés.