Groningen is a university city in the northern Netherlands, known for its historic center, extensive cycling culture, canals, and strong student population. The city grew around the meeting point of waterways and regional trade routes, and its compact center contains medieval churches, former warehouses, courtyards, and market squares.
The white limestone bottom of this freshwater lagoon makes the vibrant aquamarine waters look even brighter. This blissful escape is perfect for kayaking or lounging and has smaller crowds than some of the more well-known tourist towns.
Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, but the town itself offers far more than a launching point for temple exploration. Located in northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap balances centuries-old traditions with a rapidly evolving cultural scene. Its streets are lined with colonial-era buildings, Buddhist pagodas, bustling markets, and open-air cafés.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, offers an enchanting coastal escape along the Pacific Ocean. Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, a towering sea stack that rises 235 feet above the sand, this charming town is a visual feast for visitors. This natural landmark, surrounded by tide pools, is a prime spot for bird watching and marine life observation. The beach's scenic beauty, combined with its dramatic rock formations and golden sands, makes it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Kingston is a waterfront city in eastern Ontario where Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Rideau Canal meet. Its location at the entrance to the Great Lakes and the Thousand Islands has shaped its role in transportation, trade, defence, and settlement. The city is known for its limestone buildings, historic downtown, waterfront parks, and connection to Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada.