Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, is a lively seaside town where Afro-Caribbean culture, indigenous traditions, and tropical landscapes come together. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now known for its reggae rhythms, colorful wooden houses, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Nuwara Eliya sits high in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, above the plains at nearly 1,900 meters, with a climate that remains refreshingly mild year-round, which is a sharp contrast to the tropical warmth found elsewhere on the island. For those looking to explore the outdoors, Lake Gregory has long been a place for boating, walking, and watching the mist drift across the water at dawn.
Riomaggiore, a charming village in Italy's famed Cinque Terre, is a gem of the Ligurian coast. With its colorful houses cascading down steep cliffs towards the azure Mediterranean, this picturesque town offers a postcard-perfect escape. Founded in the 13th century, Riomaggiore is rich in history, with medieval churches like the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1340, reflecting its ancient past.
The Coromandel Peninsula on New Zealand’s North Island is a place where coastline and culture come alive in ways that stay with visitors long after they’ve left. Stretching for about 110 kilometers between the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty, this region has deep roots that go back to the arrival of Māori long before Europeans stepped ashore.
The capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a charming seaside destination in Eastern Canada. Rich in maritime history and once a major trading hub, this city boasts fresh air, lovely sunsets, and a laid-back vibe. Must-see attractions include the hilltop fort Halifax Citadel, the Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
Tauranga, New Zealand, lies southeast of Auckland and is an adventure-lover's paradise. Originally settled by the Māori peoples, this vibrant city is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, biking, golfing, and everything active. Hike up Mount Maunganui for stunning panoramic views of the city below, then hit nearby Mount Maunganui Beach to soak up the sun or play in the sand. Head to the Lake McLaren canyons for a unique nighttime kayaking tour, where you'll catch a glimpse of luminescent glowworms. Visit Waimarino Water & Adventure Park at Wairoa River for a variety of thrilling amusements, including a massive water slide and human catapult, and sporty activities like beach volleyball, paddle boarding, and rock climbing. Explore Tauranga and find your inner thrill-seeker!