Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.
Kaohsiung sits on Taiwan’s southern coast and rises from one of the island’s busiest harbors into a city that rewards slow exploration and lively discovery. History and local belief surface at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas beside Lotus Pond in Zuoying District. These twin pagodas that are connected to the shore by a zigzag bridge, invite visitors to walk through the dragon’s mouth and out the tiger’s, a practice locals associate with turning bad luck into good fortune.
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.
Pristina, the dynamic capital of Kosovo, offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. The city's skyline is punctuated by landmarks like the Mother Teresa Square, a tribute to the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and humanitarian who was born in Albania but had strong ties to the region. Nearby, the striking Newborn Monument, an ever-changing installation that commemorates Kosovo’s declaration of independence, showcases the country's evolving identity and creativity.
Lafayette is often called the heart of Cajun country for good reason. This vibrant city blends French-speaking roots with bold music, rich storytelling, and a culture that doesn’t just celebrate life but dances through it. Originally settled by Acadians expelled from Canada in the 1700s, Lafayette has grown into a lively hub where traditions are preserved and passed down through generations.
Albany is the oldest European settlement in Western Australia and was a major whaling station, and coal shipping port. There is also a large amount of Aboriginal evidence from earlier times in Albany.
There are fantastic views over the town of Albany, and the fantastic coastal scenery from the top of both Mt Clarence and Mt Melville. Mt Clarence is to the east of the town, and can be reached along Apex Drive. Mt Melville is to the west of the city and can be reaches from Serpentine Road. For other great views, and an interesting place to visit head to the Princess Royal Fortress on Mt Adelaide.