Taupō, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is built along the shores of Lake Taupō, which is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, formed nearly two thousand years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. That eruption was so powerful, it was recorded in ancient Chinese and Roman texts, even though it occurred halfway across the world. Today, the lake is calm, clear, and central to life in the region, offering everything from trout fishing to kayaking and lakeside cycling.

Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world where a 700-year-old fishing village sits minutes away from the headquarters of international banks. Once a British colony and now a Special Administrative Region of China, the city carries traces of Cantonese, colonial, and global influences in its streets, rituals, and food. The city has more than 300 hiking trails, including the well-known Lion Rock hike, which ends at a dramatic cliff overlooking Kowloon’s dense skyline.

Nestled along the Trondheim Fjord in central Norway, Trondheim offers a captivating blend of rich history and vibrant modern life. As Norway’s first capital, Trondheim boasts a legacy that includes the striking Nidaros Cathedral, an iconic landmark whose construction began in the 11th century.

County Kerry, located in Ireland’s southwest corner, is a landscape of dramatic contrasts, where rugged mountains meet serene lakes and Atlantic waves crash against wild peninsulas. Known as “The Kingdom,” Kerry holds deep cultural and historical significance, with ancient ring forts, medieval monasteries, and Gaelic traditions that endure in everyday life.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town boasts narrow, winding streets lined with towering stone buildings adorned with beautifully carved wooden doors, reflecting its rich history as a major trading hub.