ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

Isola Bella sits on Lake Maggiore as part of the Borromean Islands, closely tied to the ambitions of the Borromeo family who reshaped the rocky outcrop in the 17th century.

North Hatley is a small village in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, set along the northern shore of Lake Massawippi. The community is known for its quiet residential streets, lakeside setting, and strong connection to outdoor recreation.

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.

Ninh Binh, located about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, offers a landscape shaped by limestone karsts, winding rivers, and flooded rice paddies. Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” the area is best explored by rowboat. At Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, boat routes pass through caves, ancient pagodas, and valleys surrounded by towering cliffs. Local rowers often use their feet to paddle, an unusual technique that surprises many first-time visitors.