Santander, the capital of Spain’s Cantabria region, sits along the Bay of Biscay and offers travelers a mix of coastline, culture, and history shaped by centuries of maritime life. Once a bustling port for Castilian exports, Santander saw its golden age in the 19th century when Spanish royalty turned it into a summer retreat. The legacy of that era remains visible at the Palacio de la Magdalena, perched on a peninsula with views of the sea and home to royal stables, a mini zoo, and guided tours.
Turku, Finland’s oldest city, is a captivating blend of rich history and contemporary charm. Established in the early 13th century, Turku is renowned for its medieval architecture, including the majestic Turku Castle.
Ogunquit is a beautiful place by the sea. Offering quaint New England flavor of the Village Center, Ogunquit is a bustling holiday haven to visitors from all over the world. Ogunquit today remains a tranquil, small village that continues to offer almost everything to almost everyone as perhaps nowhere else in the country can.
Tan Chau, located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, is most well-known for its exclusive silk production, using local materials such as dyes made from the mac nua (Diospyros mollis) fruit.
Te Anau sits on the edge of New Zealand’s second-largest lake, acting as the unofficial gateway to Fiordland National Park. While it’s often viewed as a starting point for trips to Milford Sound, the town itself offers a slower, more scenic way to experience the South Island’s dramatic landscapes. Te Anau’s lakefront is a mix of walking paths, local birdlife, and wide-open views across snow-dusted peaks.