Lake Como, nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, offers a sublime retreat with its stunning landscapes and elegant charm. Renowned for its crescent shape and crystal-clear waters, Lake Como is framed by lush hills and dramatic mountain scenery. The lake's picturesque towns, such as Bellagio and Varenna, showcase charming cobblestone streets, historic villas, and lush gardens.
Stowe, Vermont, nestled in the Green Mountains, is a quintessential New England destination that captivates visitors year-round with its charming village atmosphere, outdoor adventures, and vibrant arts scene. Often referred to as the “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe offers world-class skiing and snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort, which boasts over 485 acres of skiable terrain, including trails on Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield.
Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, is where tradition, history, and the South Pacific’s natural world intersect in quiet and unexpected ways. As the political and cultural center of the Kingdom of Tonga, it is home to the capital city, Nukuʻalofa, as well as ancient royal burial grounds, dramatic coastal blowholes, and friendly villages where daily life unfolds slowly.
Located on the Adriatic, Koper is a coastal port city in Slovenia. Koper is home to a variety of architectural gems dating back centuries, especially near the city's central Tito Square. Koper's marina and beaches provide spectacular views of the Bay of Trieste, while the city's variety of museums, parks, restaurants, and bars offer plenty to explore and entertain.
Winnipeg sits at the meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, a location that has shaped its role as a gathering place for thousands of years. Long before it became a modern city, the area was central to Indigenous trade networks, a legacy that remains visible today through institutions like The Forks and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
No airport, a single unnamed village, clear waters and white-sand beaches make Mayreau a quiet, rustic getaway. About 200 people live on this 1.5 mile (2.5km) long island just west of the Tobago Cays. Most visitors arrive via small cruise ships that dock at Saline Bay on the southwestern shore - making the island's other beaches best for seclusion. Salt Whistle Bay, at the northern end of the island, is protected from rough Atlantic breakers by a long narrow arm. This gorgeous bay has clear waters, beautiful white sands, calm swimming conditions and a protected anchorage for visiting yachts. The 20 minute walk from the village (near the middle of the western coast) to Salt Whistle Bay follows a path lined by cacti and scored by birdsong. There's a good view from the hilltop stone church at the northern side of the village.
Take a time machine to another century. One road, one pick up truck and more farm animals than citizens. Hunt for sea shells, sunbathe and surrender to the peace and quiet that make this a most serene island.