Noosa Heads, located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a coastal town renowned for its pristine beaches, lush hinterland, and relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The town sits at the mouth of the Noosa River, where calm waterways meet the Pacific Ocean, creating ideal conditions for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Shenzhen, a dynamic metropolis in southern China, offers a unique blend of modernity and innovation. As a global technology hub, the city is renowned for its sleek skyscrapers and cutting-edge infrastructure. A visit to the Shenzhen Civic Center showcases the city's ambitious architecture, with its impressive glass buildings and futuristic design. The Shenzhen Museum, located nearby, provides a deep dive into the city's rapid development from a fishing village to a high-tech powerhouse.
Originating as a tiny fishing village in 1038, modern Kehl has become an important link between Germany and France. Rhine River cruises most often use Kehl as their gateway to the much larger and better-known Strasbourg. The savvy traveler, though, might choose to skip the jaunt across the river and enjoy many similar sights, shopping and cuisine as those offered in the teeming French city.
Dammam, the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, stands as a vibrant coastal city overlooking the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf. Once a modest fishing village, it has transformed into a major commercial and industrial hub, central to the Kingdom’s oil industry and maritime trade.
Otaru, a charming port city on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, offers a delightful blend of historic allure and scenic beauty. Known for its well-preserved canal area lined with old warehouses and beautifully restored buildings, Otaru provides a picturesque setting reminiscent of its bustling past as a major trade center during the Meiji and Taisho eras.
Situated in the Parque Nacional Iguazú near Puerto Iguazú, these spectacular falls lie just east of the confluence of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers. At least 5000 cubic m of water per second plunge the 70m into the abyss below. If they look familiar, it's because they were the supporting actors in the film The Mission; appropriately, the area has historic ruins of Jesuit missions which also draw many visitors. San Ignacio Miní, built in a style of architecture known as 'Guaraní
baroque', is especially popular. Above the falls, the waters are suitable for canoeing, kayaking and other water sports. The surrounding park is home to 55,000 hectares of pristine subtropical rainforest, with abundant wildlife and plant species.