Lafayette is often called the heart of Cajun country for good reason. This vibrant city blends French-speaking roots with bold music, rich storytelling, and a culture that doesn’t just celebrate life but dances through it. Originally settled by Acadians expelled from Canada in the 1700s, Lafayette has grown into a lively hub where traditions are preserved and passed down through generations.
Arrawarra is a small coastal community on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, located north of Coffs Harbour. Its landscape centres on Arrawarra Headland, where a sandy beach meets rocky shoreline, coastal vegetation, and waters protected within the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The area is known for surfing, fishing, swimming, beach walking, and exploring rock pools.
Nakhchivan is the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan located between Armenia, Iran, and Türkiye. The city lies in a broad valley surrounded by dry mountains, with the Nakhchivanchay River and irrigated farmland supporting orchards, vineyards, and gardens. Nakhchivan has a long history as a regional center of settlement, trade, and craftsmanship, and its landscape contains a notable concentration of historic monuments.
Dakhla is a coastal city in Morocco’s far southwest, situated on a narrow peninsula that extends into a large Atlantic lagoon. Its setting creates a striking contrast between the dry desert landscape inland and the sheltered blue waters along the coast. Dakhla is an important regional centre for fishing, commerce, and transport, while its lagoon has made the city increasingly known for water sports.
Famous for its thermal baths and spas, it is said that the town was founded by Hannibal. It was originally called Prusa after Prusias I, king of Bithynia.
On South Plaza Island, sea lions breed all along the low lying northern coast. These sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tail gulls and the beautiful red billed tropic birds. The landscape is dominated by optunia cactus trees. A look under each tree reveals a land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus pad to fall.
Other Popular Destinations in Ecuador
Quito
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is the beating heart of the Galápagos and is home to the largest town in the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and a key access point for travelers exploring this unique region. But beyond its small port and shops, the island reveals a surprising range of ecosystems, from black lava shores to lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely.