Annapolis may be best known as the state capital, but its real charm lies in its deep maritime history, walkable streets, and Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. Founded in 1649, Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1783 and is still home to the oldest state house in continuous legislative use. A visit to the Maryland State House, where George Washington famously resigned his military commission, offers a direct link to the early days of American democracy.
Shanghai is a city where contrasting timelines meet at every corner. Once a small fishing village along the Huangpu River, it grew rapidly during the 19th century into a major trading port. Today, its skyline tells a story of that transformation. On one side, the Bund’s colonial-era buildings stand tall in limestone and granite; on the other, the futuristic towers of Pudong, like the Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao, stretch into the clouds.
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in northern Chile, sits at over 2,400 meters above sea level in one of the most geologically diverse areas on Earth. Surrounded by volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, and ancient lava flows, it has long served as a gateway to the Atacama Desert. This desert is the driest non-polar place in the world, where some weather stations have never recorded rainfall.
Eminently livable and a pleasure to visit, Zurich is Switzerland's largest and most affluent city. This Central European metropolis is an engine of finance and banking, and has much to offer to visitors. There are numerous art museums, fine chocolate stores, and boundless luxury shopping opportunities. Tourists are also advised to see the winding streets and church-steeples of Alstadt, Zurich's charming Old Town. Public transportation and bike rentals are great ways to navigate this culturally rich, sophisticated destination.