British influences are quite evident in Victoria, from afternoon tea times to elegant Victorian architecture. This capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island provides ample outdoor recreation, with its public parks and access to both the ocean and wilderness. Cyclists will be right at home here, as Victoria boasts a seemingly endless number of bike paths for exploring.

Padua, a hidden gem in Northern Italy’s Veneto region, is a city where medieval splendor meets a vibrant modern atmosphere. Known for its ancient university, founded in 1222, Padua is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, having nurtured the minds of great scholars like Galileo Galilei.

Bikini Atoll, a remote ring of islands in the Marshall Islands, is one of the most sought-after wreck diving locations in the world. These underwater sites are preserved in a time capsule-like state, providing a rare look at history submerged in a silent world of coral and marine life.

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, Kandy is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. As the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, Kandy holds a unique charm that blends its colonial past with a rich, vibrant heritage. The city’s crown jewel is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses a relic believed to be the tooth of the Buddha.

The region of Lapland, Finland, is a dream come true for travelers in search of a real winter wonderland. The area has long been associated with Father Christmas, reindeer and a dense, snow-covered wilderness.