Nature is never far in Helsinki. Locals swim in the sea, walk forested trails, and gather mushrooms or berries all within city limits. One popular local habit is heading to the sauna, and the city offers several open-to-the-public options. Löyly, located on the waterfront, combines traditional wood-burning saunas with a sleek, modern design. In winter, visitors can even pair a sauna session with a quick dip through a hole cut in the ice for an experience both shocking and strangely calming.
American Samoa consists of a group of seven islands in the southern Pacific Ocean, comprising Tutuila; the Manua group, consisting of Tau, Olosega, and Ofu; Aunuu; Rose Island; and Swains Island.
Reynosa, located along the northern border of Tamaulipas, is a city shaped by its position as a cultural and economic bridge between Mexico and the United States. Founded in 1749, Reynosa has grown into a vital manufacturing and trade center, but it also holds onto traditions that reflect both its regional roots and binational influences. The Plaza Principal is a popular gathering spot, often hosting live music and seasonal festivals.
Lithuania offers visitors a chance to explore a country where medieval traditions and modern culture meet. Vilnius, the capital, is known for its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with winding streets, baroque churches, and cozy squares. Visitors can climb the hill to Gediminas’ Tower for a sweeping view of the city, or visit the Gates of Dawn, an important religious and historical monument that has welcomed travelers for centuries.
Xi’an, located in central China’s Shaanxi Province, served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and was the capital of 13 imperial dynasties. Its long history is most famously represented by the Terracotta Army, an underground army of life-sized warriors discovered in 1974. Each figure has distinct facial features, hairstyles, and armor, designed to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
This quaint port city is breathtakingly beautiful! Surrounded by peaks, Seward fjords are the perfect whale and porpoise habitat, and both seals and puffins fill the Alaska SeaLife Center. Those looking for a challenge can hike the western trail to the summit of Mount Marathon.