Annapolis may be best known as the state capital, but its real charm lies in its deep maritime history, walkable streets, and Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. Founded in 1649, Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1783 and is still home to the oldest state house in continuous legislative use. A visit to the Maryland State House, where George Washington famously resigned his military commission, offers a direct link to the early days of American democracy.
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, is a living museum nestled in the Moselle Valley, where Roman ruins rise beside medieval churches and bustling market squares. Founded by the Romans in 16 BCE, Trier was once known as “Roma Secunda,” the second Rome, and still boasts the largest collection of Roman architecture north of the Alps. The Trier Cathedral (Dom St. Peter), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest church in Germany and houses a relic said to be the Holy Robe of Christ.
This quaint town on the Rhine is the gateway to the Black Forest and lies halfway between Freiburg and Colmar. As you walk the cobblestone streets, stop to sample local schnapps made from fermented pears or cherries and the distinctive smoky ham of this region. St. Stephan's Cathedral perches on a hillside and is the exquisite centerpiece of the town.
Do you want a vacation experience so unique and thrilling that you actually have to wear a hard hat? Look no further than New Zealand's White Island, where you can stand on an active volcano! Located offshore from Whakatane and Tauranga, White Island is New Zealand's only live marine volcano and one of the most active in the world. The tours are quite the experience, especially since you can hear the hissing and bubbling of the volcano all around you!