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 Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical landscapes.
Jordan Valley is a small community in southeastern Oregon near the Idaho border, surrounded by the open high-desert landscape of Malheur County. The area is characterized by sagebrush plains, dry hills, rocky ridges, and wide views across a sparsely populated region. Jordan Creek runs through the valley, providing a natural feature in an otherwise arid environment. The community developed as a ranching and agricultural center and remains closely connected to the surrounding range country. Its re
The Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands scattered across the South Pacific, offer a rare blend of Polynesian tradition and laid-back island charm. Rarotonga, the largest and most visited island, is ringed by a turquoise lagoon and backed by lush mountains. Visitors can circle the entire island in under an hour, stopping along the way for fresh coconut, beachside cafés, or a quick swim in the clear lagoon.
Lake Malawi - The Lake of Stars - is an immense inland sea of fresh, crystal clear water in which tropical fish abound. Its shores and the deserted islands which dot its surface are home to a variety of game and an abundance of exotic birdlife. Local fishermen leisurely paddle their traditional "mokoros", or dugouts, across its expanse, and the sun drenched serenity is but enhanced by the shriek of a Fish Eagle or the grunting of distant hippo.
Lake Malawi is one of a series of lakes in Africa's Rift Valley. It is the ninth largest lake in the world, with a surface area of about 30,000 square km, a length of about 580 km, and is approximately 704 meters deep. Lake Malawi has a very diverse bottom, ranging from rocky, to sandy, to heavily planted areas. As with Lake Tanganyika, the lower layers of the lake are completely devoid of oxygen and uninhabitable by fish. It was reported in "African Cichlids of Lakes Malawi and
Tanganyika-12th Ed." that there are 225 known species of cichlids in the lake, with 40+ species of non-cichlids. Lake Malawi's fish population is a prime food source for many Malawi inhabitants. Lake Malawi National Park, opened in 1980 near Monkey Bay, was put in place to protect the many cichlid species of the lake from extinction due to over-fishing and
collection for export.
Other Popular Destinations in Malawi
Lilongwe
Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, blends modern development with a laid-back atmosphere, offering visitors an introduction to the country’s culture and daily life. Markets are at the heart of Lilongwe’s character, with the bustling Old Town Market standing out as a must-visit. Here, traders sell everything from fresh produce and local crafts to colorful fabrics and handmade goods.
Zomba
Zomba is a city in southern Malawi situated at the foot of the Zomba Plateau, a large mountain massif rising above the surrounding Shire Highlands. The city is known for its tree-lined streets, cooler climate, and access to forested mountain landscapes. Zomba Plateau dominates the local scenery, with steep slopes, streams, waterfalls, and broad viewpoints overlooking the plains below.