Les Andelys, a picturesque town on the banks of the Seine in Normandy, France, is best known for its dramatic setting beneath the ruins of Château Gaillard. This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, stands high on a chalk cliff overlooking the river, a reminder of the region’s turbulent past during the wars between England and France.
Pompeii, Italy, is a mesmerizing time capsule that invites travelers to step back into the world of ancient Rome. Once a thriving city, Pompeii was abruptly buried under volcanic ash and pumice following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This tragic event preserved the city in remarkable detail, allowing visitors today to walk the cobbled streets and witness a snapshot of Roman life, from grand villas and bathhouses to bakeries and amphitheaters.
Tombstone Territorial Park is a protected wilderness area in central Yukon, north of Dawson City along the Dempster Highway. The park covers a large section of the North Klondike River region, where rugged mountains, broad valleys, tundra, and black spruce forests create a landscape unlike the lower-elevation country farther south.
Pärnu, often called Estonia’s “summer capital,” is a charming seaside city known for its long sandy beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant spa culture. Located along the coast of the Gulf of Riga, Pärnu has been welcoming visitors since the 19th century, when it became one of Northern Europe’s premier spa destinations.
Medan (pop 1.5 million) is the capital of north Sumatra and the third largest city in Indonesia. It is a huge, sprawling city and a popular entry/exit point for travellers. The solid Dutch buildings of the affluent older suburbs inspire images of bloated bureaucrats and burghers from the colonial era, while jerry-built lean-tos house the bulk of its population.
The city's two finest buildings are the Istana Maimoon (Maimoun Palace) and the magnificent black-domed Mesjid Raya. There are some fine examples of European architecture along Jalan Sukarno-Hatta, such as Bank Indonesia and the High Court. There are a number of museums, including the Museum of North Sumatra, which has excellent coverage
of the region's culture and history, and the weaponry-and-warfare-influenced Bukit Barisan Military Museum. Cultural performances can be seen at Taman Budaya.
Much of the budget accommodation is close to the city centre. Jalan Semarang, a small street between Jalan Pandu and Jalan Bandung, has great food stalls offering Indonesian and Chinese meals late into the night.
Other Popular Destinations in Indonesia
Ubud
Ubud lies in the uplands of central Bali and has long been regarded as the island’s cultural and spiritual heart. Historically a center for healing and royal patronage, the town developed around temples, palaces, and traditional villages that supported dance, painting, woodcarving, and ritual life.
Jakarta
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a city where centuries of history meet modern energy. Located on the island of Java, it has long been a hub for trade and culture, drawing influences from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.