Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
Taita Hills rise above the dry plains of southeastern Kenya in Taita-Taveta County, forming a mountainous landscape between the Tsavo plains and the coastal region. The hills are part of the northern Eastern Arc Mountains and include steep slopes, cultivated valleys, and remaining patches of indigenous forest. Their cooler and wetter conditions contrast with the surrounding semi-arid lowlands, creating a range of habitats within a relatively small area.
Alkmaar is a historic city in the Dutch province of North Holland, known for its canals, narrow streets, traditional gabled houses, and long association with cheese trading. The old center is compact and largely walkable, with the Waagplein at its heart and the Waag building providing one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Canals such as the Oudegracht and Luttik Oudorp wind through the center, while bridges connect streets lined with shops, cafés, and historic buildings.
Rutana is a town in southeastern Burundi and the administrative centre of Rutana Province. The town sits within a hilly landscape of cultivated slopes, valleys, and rural settlements, with the surrounding countryside forming part of Burundi's southern highlands. Rutana is particularly associated with the nearby Kagera Falls, also known as the Chutes de la Kagera, where a series of waterfalls descends through a green valley.
Kennebunkport is a small coastal town with a long maritime history and a character all its own. Originally settled in the 1600s, it grew as a shipbuilding center before becoming a quiet summer escape. Today, its working waterfront meets charming streets lined with boutiques, historic homes, and small galleries. Dock Square, the town’s walkable heart, is where visitors can browse local crafts, sample Maine-made ice cream, or pick up a hand-carved wooden buoy as a souvenir.
Photo Credit: Photo by Gabriella Trejoss on Unsplash
While an earthquake in 1972 left few buildings intact in downtown Managua, new areas are building up. Managua has excellent restaurants, nice hotels, and is a good base for day tours into the countryside.
Other Popular Destinations in Nicaragua
Granada
Granada, Nicaragua, founded in 1524, is one of the oldest European-established cities on the mainland of the Americas where visitors can explore cobblestone streets lined with brightly painted facades. The mustard-yellow Granada Cathedral dominates the central park and provides an easy reference point for those navigating the city on foot or by traditional horse-drawn carriage.
León
León, Nicaragua serves as the country’s capital for more than two centuries and still feels like the intellectual and political heart of Nicaragua. The city is known for its revolutionary past, visible in murals that stretch across building walls, telling stories of resistance, poets, and everyday citizens. The Cathedral of León, the largest in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominates the central square.