Manaus, capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state, is a city that rises unexpectedly from the rainforest. Once the center of the global rubber boom in the late 1800s, Manaus still holds onto that legacy with surprising elegance. The Teatro Amazonas, an opulent opera house imported piece by piece from Europe, sits at the heart of the city, its pink façade and domed roof tiled in the colors of the Brazilian flag. Today, it hosts concerts, festivals, and curious visitors eager to step back in time.
Balboa, Panama rests on the Southern tip of the Panama Canal, with the capital city of Panama lying just on the opposite side. It is a wonderful tourist community for anyone visiting the Panama Canal.
Wadi Bani Khalid is a major valley in Oman's Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, extending from the Hajar Mountains toward the desert landscapes of the Sharqiyah Sands. It is known for its year-round watercourses, pools, rocky gorges, and clusters of date palms. Unlike many wadis that can become dry, Wadi Bani Khalid retains flowing water in parts of its upper valley, creating a green contrast with the surrounding arid terrain.
Puerto Peñasco, also known as Rocky Point, rests along the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez in northern Sonora, Mexico. Along its shoreline, Sandy Beach draws visitors with long stretches of walkable sand and calm water, while Playa Hermosa and Playa Mirador offer quieter spots where tide pools appear as the sea pulls back. Boat rides to Bird Island, also known as Isla San Jorge, provide a rare chance to see large colonies of sea lions resting on rocky ledges.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, national park in the Northern Territory, Australia, in the arid center of the continent, southwest of Alice Springs. The area was established as Ayers Rock/Mount Olga National Park in 1958 and renamed Uluru National Park in 1977.
Photo Credit: Photo by Frederik Merten on Unsplash
A charming city nestled on the banks of the Rhine, Mainz, Germany lies southwest of Frankfurt and is replete with historic buildings and famous museums. The city's Altstadt district meets the river's edge and boasts a variety of beautiful and fascinating landmarks. Birthplace of famous printer Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz's most notable attraction includes the highly-revered Gutenberg Museum, home to the iconic Gutenberg Bibles and the printing press of Gutenberg's own invention. The city's other museums are well worth a visit, including the Natural History Museum of Mainz, the Museum of Ancient Seafaring, and the Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum. Marvel at the vibrant stained glass windows of nearby St. Stephan's Church, or explore the Mainz's impressive fortresses, including the Holzturm Tower and the Mainz Citadel. A quick trek up the city's verdant hills will lead you to the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre.
Other Popular Destinations in Germany
Cologne
This cultural capital and university city holds more than 2,000 years of history and is the cultural hub of Germany. Marvel at the gorgeous twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views, or lose yourself in one of Colonge's many museums for a few hours. Cologne boasts of having most pubs per person in Germany, so make sure you sit down for a refreshing regional Kölsch beer during your travels!
Passau
Passau sits on the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, so it is fitting that it is known as "the Dreiflüssestadt", which means the “City of Three Rivers.” The historical center offers a cathedral, churches and museums to explore, and the embankment is perfect for a romantic stroll.