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).

Louisville is a city that knows how to make an impression. Birthplace of the Kentucky Derby, home to bourbon legends, and packed with stories that stretch back over two centuries, this river city blends tradition with bold creativity. Start downtown on West Main Street, also known as Museum Row. Here, visitors can tour the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where real bats are still made, and marvel at the 120-foot baseball bat leaning against the building.

The Netherlands offers travelers a landscape where innovation and tradition intersect. In cities like Amsterdam, visitors can explore centuries-old canal networks and Golden Age architecture while also encountering contemporary art installations and sustainable urban design. The Rijksmuseum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, while a short walk away, the Van Gogh Museum brings visitors closer to one of history’s most studied painters.

Minneapolis stands out with its unexpected blend of urban energy and freshwater calm. Built along the banks of the Mississippi River, the city has grown from a flour-milling powerhouse into a hub of creativity, design, and culture. At the heart of downtown, the Mill City Museum, housed inside the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, offers hands-on exhibits that bring Minneapolis’s industrial past to life. Just outside, the Stone Arch Bridge spans the river with sweeping views

Nestled along the stunning Sognefjord in Norway, the charming town of Olden offers a gateway to some of Scandinavia’s most breathtaking landscapes. This picturesque settlement is renowned for its proximity to the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier in mainland Europe.