Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
Austria is located just east of Switzerland; northeast of Italy. The foremost attraction is skiing or hiking the Alps--equally breathtaking whether you're among its glorious peaks or at ground level. Visit the capital of Vienna, with its original coffee houses and the opera; or take a country drive and visit its charming villages.
Playa del Carmen, located along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, offers more than just soft beaches and turquoise waters. Once a quiet fishing village, the town has grown into a lively hub where Mayan history meets a modern beachside lifestyle. Visitors walking along Quinta Avenida will find artisan shops, street performers, and cafes offering everything from espresso to tacos al pastor. This area becomes especially active in the evenings when live music spills out from local venues.
The Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda stands as a testament to the island's maritime history and naval heritage. Located at the western tip of Bermuda, this historic site was once a major naval base for the British Royal Navy and is now a thriving hub of culture, history, and tourism. The Dockyard's impressive buildings, including the Commissioner's House and the historic fortifications, offer a glimpse into Bermuda's naval past.
Nature is never far in Helsinki. Locals swim in the sea, walk forested trails, and gather mushrooms or berries all within city limits. One popular local habit is heading to the sauna, and the city offers several open-to-the-public options. Löyly, located on the waterfront, combines traditional wood-burning saunas with a sleek, modern design. In winter, visitors can even pair a sauna session with a quick dip through a hole cut in the ice for an experience both shocking and strangely calming.
The Lemaire Channel is a spectacular sight with enormous sheer cliffs falling straight into the sea. It's a narrow channel flanked by the Antarctic Peninsula on one side and Booth Island on the other. So photogenic is the channel that it's nicknamed 'Kodak Gap', and it's only once you're well within it that a way through is visible. Unfortunately, ice can sometimes obscure the path and ships need to retreat and sail around Booth Island. At the northern end of Lemaire Channel are a pair of tall, rounded and often snow-capped peaks known as Una's Tits that are also popular with holiday snappers. The channel was first navigated by Belgian explorer de Gerlache during his 1898 expedition aboard Belgica, and, curiously, named it after the Belgian explorer Charles Lemaire, who explored parts of the Congo.