Grenoble sits at the meeting point of three Alpine mountain ranges in southeastern France, giving it a setting that feels both dramatic and lived-in. With origins dating back to Roman times, the city has long been a crossroads of trade, science, and political thought.
Raglan, on New Zealand’s North Island, is a coastal town that has earned international renown for its surf culture while retaining a bohemian, community-centered spirit.
Providence, Rhode Island blends deep colonial roots with a strong creative pulse. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, the city became known for its dedication to religious freedom and independent thought. Walking along Benefit Street, visitors pass rows of 18th- and 19th-century homes, many of which are impeccably preserved and marked with historical plaques. The Rhode Island State House, with one of the world’s largest self-supported marble domes, towers over the downtown area and offers public
São Tomé Island, the larger of the two islands in São Tomé & Príncipe, offers travelers a balance of culture, history, and dramatic natural scenery. Its capital, São Tomé city, is a coastal hub filled with colonial architecture, lively markets, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Polonnaruwa, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, served as the island’s capital nearly a thousand years ago. Today, it offers one of the most extensive and well-preserved archaeological sites in South Asia. Visitors can walk among the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist monasteries, and intricately carved stone temples. One of the highlights of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, a group of colossal Buddha statues carved directly into granite.