Known as the "Garden Island," Kauai is Hawaii's oldest island and a tropical paradise. Covered with verdant rainforests, glittering waterfalls, and immense cliffs, Kauai will astound you at every turn. This island is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures, with activities from kayaking, to ziplining, to snorkeling. Better yet, marvel at the island's natural beauty, from the scenic cliffsides of Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park to the resort beaches of Poipu.
Branson, Missouri may be tucked into the Ozark Mountains, but there's nothing quiet about its entertainment scene. Since the 1960s, the town has built its reputation on live music, with more than 100 shows running at peak season. From country and gospel to comedy and magic, Branson’s theaters offer family-friendly entertainment nearly every night of the week. The Presleys' Country Jubilee, the first show on what is now 76 Country Boulevard, still packs the house after more than 50 years.
Verona is situated at a bend of the Adige River in northern Italy. It is hard to imagine that antique arts, monuments that date back to Roman times, and the shadows of the world's most famous tragic lovers can add up to a smiling, buzzing city. Yet they do, thanks perhaps to Verona's talent for melding her past and her present, her ancient and new so gracefully that everything blends in easy harmony.
Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, is a historic jewel known for its blend of grandeur and tradition. Once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, the city was envisioned as the “Versailles of Morocco,” filled with monumental gates, sprawling walls, and lavish palaces.
Esztergom is one of Hungary’s oldest and most historically significant towns, located along the Danube River just an hour north of Budapest. It was the country’s royal capital during the Middle Ages and the birthplace of its first king, Saint Stephen. Today, visitors are drawn to the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary. Its dome rises over 70 meters high and offers panoramic views of the river, the surrounding hills, and neighboring Slovakia across the Mária Valéria Bridge.
Tromsø, a gem nestled in the Arctic Circle, offers an unparalleled blend of natural wonders and cultural richness. Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," this Norwegian city is famed for its spectacular Northern Lights. Between September and April, Tromsø becomes a prime location for witnessing the aurora borealis, a mesmerizing display of green, purple, and pink lights dancing across the polar sky.
A stroll through Tromsø’s city center reveals a vibrant blend of modern and historical architecture. The striking Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive triangular shape and stained-glass windows, stands as a testament to the city's unique aesthetic. The Polar Museum provides fascinating insights into Tromsø’s history as a base for Arctic expeditions, including those of famed explorers like Roald Amundsen.
Tromsø is also a gateway to Arctic adventures. From whale watching tours that offer glimpses of orcas and humpback whales to snowshoeing and dog sledding across the snow-covered landscapes, the city offers a wealth of outdoor activities. For those keen on experiencing the midnight sun, Tromsø is one of the best places to enjoy this phenomenon from late May to late July.
Fun Fact: Tromsø is home to the world’s northernmost university, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. This makes Tromsø a hub of both academic and cultural activity in the Arctic region.