The Outer Banks are a long chain of narrow barrier islands along the coast of North Carolina, separated from the mainland by broad sounds and connected by bridges and ferries. Communities including Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Hatteras, and Ocracoke each have distinct settings and local traditions. The landscape is shaped by ocean waves, shifting sand, wind, and storms, creating wide beaches, dunes, marshes, maritime forests, and tidal inlets.
Freeport is the commercial center of Grand Bahama Island, set on the island’s southwestern side beside sheltered waters and extensive pine forests. The city was planned around a large private land development and has grown into a regional hub for tourism, shopping, dining, shipping, and recreation.
Suez, Egypt, is a city of historical significance and strategic importance, making it an intriguing destination for travelers. Located at the southern end of the Suez Canal, this city has been a key player in global trade and naval history for over a century. Suez is not only a gateway to the world-renowned canal but also a place rich in history and culture.
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a Greek island that captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Renowned for its breathtaking beaches, the island's most famous attraction is Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach. This picturesque cove, accessible only by boat, features an iconic shipwreck lying on powdery white sand surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Ica is a city in southern Peru, located in a fertile valley surrounded by the dry coastal desert. The city is the capital of the Ica Region and an important center for agriculture, wine, and pisco production. Its setting is distinctive because irrigated fields and vineyards lie close to extensive sand dunes. The nearby Huacachina oasis, about five kilometers from the city center, is one of the region’s best-known landmarks, with a lagoon surrounded by palms, huarangos, restaurants, and high dune
Kona started as King Kamehameha I's government seat, and is now a popular tourist destination with key landmarks like Hulihee Palace, as well as coffee farms, shopping and dining. Kona's pristine waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Manta ray boat charters and deep-sea fishing are also popular activities here.
Other Popular Destinations in Hawaii
Honolulu, Oahu
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaiʻi and the largest city in the Pacific, blends the energy of a major urban center with the deep roots of Native Hawaiian culture. Set on the island of Oʻahu, it’s home to iconic beaches, royal history, and a rhythm all its own. This sunny capital city is the main portal to the larger Hawaiian archipelago, and the perfect base for exploring Oahu.
Ka'anapali, Maui
In ancient times, Kaanapali was a royal retreat for the rulers of Maui, who delighted in the perfect three-mile stretch of white sand beach, the gentle waves, warm sunny days and the majestic West Maui Mountains. Maui royalty surfed, raced their outrigger canoes, feasted at luaus that lasted for weeks, and where the Kaanapali Golf Course now blankets the land, they played ulu maika, a form of lawn bowling with heavy lava balls.