Albufeira, perched on Portugal’s Algarve coast, combines the charm of a traditional fishing village with the vibrancy of a seaside resort. Its whitewashed buildings tumble down hillsides toward golden beaches and turquoise waters, creating one of the most picturesque coastal scenes in southern Europe.
Baffin Island is Canada’s largest island and one of the Arctic’s most imposing landscapes, shaped by ice, migration, and long human presence. Inuit communities have lived here for thousands of years, developing deep connections to sea ice, wildlife, and seasonal movement.
Porto-Novo is the political capital of Benin, located in the country's southeast near the Porto-Novo Lagoon and not far from the Nigerian border. The city is known for its combination of Yoruba heritage, royal traditions, and Afro-Brazilian architecture. Historic neighbourhoods contain distinctive buildings with decorated facades, while markets, workshops, museums, and religious sites remain part of everyday urban life.
Would you dare venture into the untamed wilderness of Madidi National Park in Bolivia? This vast and biodiverse rainforest is home to jaguars, giant otters, and countless exotic species, making it one of Earth's most ecologically rich places. Trek through dense jungle, navigate winding rivers and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature. For those bold enough to explore this remote paradise, unforgettable wildlife encounters and raw natural beauty await.
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Photo Credit: Photo by Doctor Tinieblas on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Ryan Stone on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Ryan Parker on Unsplash
South Beach
Photo Credit: Photo by Lydia Venjohn on Unsplash
Some of the most spectacular scenery is found on a trip to the San Juan Islands. No wonder. This 100-million-year-old mountain range turned archipelago, located a few miles northwest of Seattle, changes dramatically with the tide. There are 743 islands at low tide--and 428 at high tide.
The four largest islands are Orcas, San Juan, Shaw and Lopez. They are loaded with bald eagles, herons, cormorants, puffins and osprey, which hide out in the madrona trees. Along the way, your vessel might be followed by Dall's porpoise, harbor seals or even orca whales year-round residents of the San Juan Islands. Even if you're there for a single day, you have time to take a Whale and Sealife Search led by a naturalist, or shop in the local galleries.
Other Popular Destinations in Washington
Seattle
Seattle is a city shaped by water, mountains, and innovation. Its skyline, dominated by the Space Needle, tells only part of the story. Beneath it lies a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character. Seattle was the birthplace of grunge music and remains a stronghold for independent arts. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), located at the Seattle Center, celebrates the city’s creative spirit with exhibits on everything from Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix to science fiction and gaming.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a city in southwestern Washington located along the north bank of the Columbia River, directly across from Portland, Oregon. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the Pacific Northwest and serves as the county seat of Clark County.