Cuenca
Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca, Ecuador, is a city that seamlessly blends colonial charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Known as the “Athens of Ecuador” due to its vibrant intellectual and cultural life, Cuenca's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that delights visitors with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and red-tiled roofs.
Calf of Man
The Calf of Man, a small island off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man, offers a rare glimpse into a quieter side of the Irish Sea. Covering just over 260 acres, this uninhabited island is known primarily for its rich birdlife and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visitors often arrive by boat from nearby Port Erin, embarking on guided tours that reveal the island’s importance as a bird sanctuary.
Oxford
Oxford is best known for its world-famous university, but the city offers much more than historic college halls and ivory towers. Its skyline, shaped by spires and domes, hints at centuries of intellectual life. The University of Oxford dates back to at least the 12th century and includes iconic buildings like the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and the Radcliffe Camera, a circular reading room that looks more like a cathedral than a place for quiet study.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, is a barrier island with a story that stretches from ancient Indigenous cultures to Gilded Age millionaires. Today, it’s a state park carefully preserved for public enjoyment, offering a quiet blend of coastal landscapes, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities. With only a limited number of commercial developments allowed, the island maintains a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that’s hard to find on most Southeastern beaches.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is known for its wide sweep of white-sand beaches and warm Caribbean waters. Once a quiet stretch of coastline lined with coconut palms, it has grown into one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations while still offering plenty of spots that feel calm and remote.
