Galle, a coastal city in southern Sri Lanka, is a place where history and the sea are inseparably linked. Once a vital port on the spice trade routes, Galle reached its peak under Dutch colonial rule in the 17th century, when the massive Galle Fort was built.
Otavalo is a city in Ecuador’s Imbabura Province, set in a high Andean valley surrounded by mountains, farmland, and volcanic landscapes. It is best known for its Indigenous Kichwa population and its long-standing textile and craft traditions. The city sits between Imbabura and Mojanda volcanoes, with the peaks of the surrounding Andes visible from many parts of the valley.
Lake Havasu City rises from the Mojave Desert along the shores of Lake Havasu, a broad reservoir on the Colorado River that draws visitors with its radiant blue water and warm sunshine nearly all year. The most famous landmark here is the London Bridge, a granite-clad structure that once spanned the River Thames in England. This iconic span now connects the mainland to an island filled with shops, restaurants, and resorts, inviting visitors to stroll beneath its arches.
Iquique, perched between the Pacific Ocean and the sweeping sand dunes of the Atacama Desert, offers more than just sun and surf. This coastal city in northern Chile is a duty-free port, drawing visitors with its unique blend of high-end shopping, historic districts, and adrenaline-filled adventures. Whether wandering along the palm-lined Baquedano Boulevard or gliding down the towering sand dunes on a sandboard, Iquique surprises at every turn.
From the Caribbean Sea on one side to the Pacific Ocean on the other, Central America is home to lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and vibrant coastal towns.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jamie O’Sullivan on Unsplash
The Irish Republic's second largest city is a surprisingly appealing place - you'll find time passes effortlessly during the day, and by night the pub scene is lively. The town center is uniquely situated on an island between two channels of the Lee River. North of the river, in the Shandon area, is an interesting historic part of the city, if a bit run down today. Sights to the south include Protestant St Finbarr's Cathedral, the Cork Museum (largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role), the 19th century Cork Jail, the City Hall and numerous churches, breweries and chapels.
Cork prides itself on its cultural pursuits, and apart from a heap of cozy pubs, the Cork Opera House, Crawford Art Gallery and Firkin Crane Centre offer both traditional and mainstream fare. A popular day trip from Cork is to Blarney Castle, where even the most un-touristy visitor may feel compelled to kiss the Blarney Stone. Cork is around five hours to the south of Dublin by bus.
Other Popular Destinations in Ireland
Dublin
Dublin, Ireland is an architectural, artistic, and gastronomic marvel. Immerse yourself in this cultural capital and discover a few of Ireland’s most famous landmarks! The city is home to both the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse, where authentic Irish spirits and ales flow freely. Explore the long histories of these brewing giants in their respective factory museums.
Killarney
Killarney - Ireland's most vibrant town. Located in the Southwestern region of Ireland, in County Kerry, Killarney is a renown stop on the famed "Ring of Kerry" journey.