Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it offers an outsized variety of experiences, from colonial history to coastline escapes. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams as a haven for religious freedom, the state still reflects its independent spirit. In Providence, travelers can visit the John Brown House Museum to explore the city’s role in early American commerce, or walk Benefit Street, lined with preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes.
Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, offers a captivating blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Founded in the 8th century, Aarhus boasts a rich history that visitors can explore at the Old Town Museum, an open-air museum that recreates Danish life through the ages with its historical buildings and interactive exhibits. The city's medieval roots are also visible in the well-preserved Aarhus Cathedral.
Catalina Island, located just 1.5 miles off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a serene tropical escape known for its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
Mývatn is a lake and surrounding region in North Iceland, known for its shallow waters, numerous small islands, volcanic formations, and rich birdlife. The lake covers about 37 square kilometers and is part of an internationally important wetland together with the Laxá River. The surrounding landscape was shaped by volcanic activity, creating a mixture of lava fields, craters, geothermal areas, and wetlands within a relatively compact area.
Hiva Oa, one of the most enchanting islands in the Marquesas archipelago, is a destination where natural beauty and cultural richness converge. Known as the “Garden of the Marquesas,” Hiva Oa is a lush, verdant paradise, dotted with towering cliffs, deep valleys, and an endless array of tropical flora
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Polar Bears
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Walrus at Smeerenburgbreen
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Billefjorden
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Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Barnacle goose
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Arctic skua
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The remote and austerely beautiful Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, lies north of continental Norway in the Arctic Ocean, a mere 650 miles from the North Pole. A hub for Dutch, English, French, Norwegian, and Russian whalers between the 17th and 19th centuries, this collection of glacial islands officially joined the Kingdom of Norway in 1925 with the Svalbard Act and continues to be used in coal mining enterprises. Spitsbergen, the only permanently inhabited island in the Svalbard archipelago, and its largest settlement, Longyearbyen, have become popular stops for tourists, who often arrive on arctic cruises.
This mountainous archipelago offers magnificent views of stark white glaciers and snowfields, which cover a vast stretch of the region. Arctic flora and fauna fascinate; catch a glimpse of polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and walruses amongst the mossy tundra and icy coasts. In the summer, visitors will witness the rare splendor of Svalbard’s midnight sun.
Other Popular Destinations in Norway
Bergen
Charming Bergen will sweep you away with its picturesque architecture and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled between stunningly verdant mountains and the winding fjords of the North Sea, this scenic town will delight you at every turn.
Trondheim
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.