Ganvie, often called the "Venice of Africa," is a lake village located in the heart of Lake Nokoué in southern Benin. What makes Ganvie extraordinary is that the entire village sits on stilts above the water, with wooden homes, floating markets, and schools accessible only by boat. Visitors can glide through narrow canals in pirogues, experiencing firsthand a way of life shaped entirely by water.
The Calf of Man, a small island off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man, offers a rare glimpse into a quieter side of the Irish Sea. Covering just over 260 acres, this uninhabited island is known primarily for its rich birdlife and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visitors often arrive by boat from nearby Port Erin, embarking on guided tours that reveal the island’s importance as a bird sanctuary.
The Cotswolds, a quintessentially English region known for its rolling hills, honey-colored stone cottages, and picturesque villages, offers a serene escape into the heart of the English countryside. Stretching across several counties, including Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a testament to its stunning landscapes and charming heritage.
Zihuatanejo, a charming coastal town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, invites travelers with its blend of serene beaches and vibrant local culture. Nestled on the Bay of Zihuatanejo, the town offers a picturesque escape with its stunning shoreline, where the gentle waves lap against golden sands. The tranquil atmosphere of Playa La Ropa, one of the town’s most renowned beaches, is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and savoring fresh seafood from beachfront restaurants.
Austria is located just east of Switzerland; northeast of Italy. The foremost attraction is skiing or hiking the Alps--equally breathtaking whether you're among its glorious peaks or at ground level. Visit the capital of Vienna, with its original coffee houses and the opera; or take a country drive and visit its charming villages.
Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra, India is now a cultural capital replete with famous landmarks and striking architecture. Located on the winding banks of the Yamuna River, Agra sits in India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. The city’s most prominent draw is the magnificent Taj Mahal, the iconic white marble mausoleum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions of people each year. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shaj Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a grand testament to the stunning beauty of the Mughal Empire’s Indo-Islamic architecture. Decorated with intricate design, calligraphy, and precious stones, the mausoleum's surroundings include a verdant garden and glittering reflective pool. Agra's other notable sites include Agra Fort and Delhi Gate (both made of striking red sandstone), the Shish Mahal (also known as Glass Palace), Itmad-ud-Daula (affectionately called the “Baby Taj Mahal”), and Aram Bagh (beautiful Persian-style gardens). Agra is a must-see destination for any trip to India!