Matera, one of Italy's most enchanting cities, is a living testament to human resilience and creativity. Nestled in the southern region of Basilicata, Matera is renowned for its ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi. These prehistoric stone houses, carved directly into the limestone rock, date back thousands of years, making Matera one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
The Beagle Channel, at the southern tip of South America, stretches between Chile and Argentina and offers one of the most striking maritime landscapes in the world. This narrow passage, framed by snow-covered peaks and rocky islands, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its waters are calm compared to the open sea, which has made it a historic navigation route for explorers and sailors for centuries.
Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India, sits at around 1,600 meters above sea level and was once the summer resort of British colonial officers. Today, it’s known for its vast tea plantations, many of which date back to the 19th century. Visitors can walk through estates like Kolukkumalai, the highest tea plantation in the world, where traditional methods are still used to process leaves by hand.
Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, is one of the country’s most renowned private game reserves. Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, it offers visitors a chance to see Africa’s iconic wildlife in an environment that feels both wild and exclusive. The reserve is particularly famous for its sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) often spotted during guided game drives at dawn and dusk.
Sinaloa, in Northwest Mexico, comprises 18 municipalities, and Culiacán Rosales serves as its capital. It is located opposite Baja California Sur, across the Gulf of California.
Nestled in the heart of Quebec, Saguenay is a city that invites travelers to experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Set along the picturesque Saguenay River, this city is a gateway to the Saguenay Fjord, one of the longest fjords in the world, where steep cliffs rise dramatically from the deep waters. Visitors can explore this majestic landscape by boat, kayak, or even on foot, with numerous trails offering breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife such as belugas and seals.
Saguenay is also rich in cultural experiences. The La Pulperie de Chicoutimi, a former industrial site turned museum, delves into the city’s history, showcasing its transformation from a booming pulp mill town to a cultural hub. The museum also features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and Quebec heritage, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts (La Pulperie de Chicoutimi). Another cultural gem is the Petite Maison Blanche (Little White House), a symbol of resilience after surviving the catastrophic floods of 1996, which has since become a local museum dedicated to the event (Petite Maison Blanche).
For those seeking adventure, Saguenay offers year-round activities. In winter, the region transforms into a snowy playground, ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Monts Valin National Park is particularly popular for its “ghost forest,” where snow-laden trees create a surreal winter wonderland (Sepaq Monts-Valin). In summer, the city’s proximity to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park makes it a hotspot for whale watching, offering unforgettable encounters with these gentle giants of the sea (Marine Park).
Fun Fact: Saguenay boasts one of the highest rates of sunny days in Quebec, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities throughout the year!