Often referred to as the "Manchester of Finland", Tampere is a captivating blend of industrial heritage, charming wooden houses, delectable homemade cuisine, and cultural landmarks that echo its not-so-distant past. Immerse yourself in the local culture and unwind in the city's abundant saunas — the largest number in all of Finland.

You would never expect to step into Bavaria while visiting central Washington, but upon entering Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains, you will certainly feel as though you have been transported to Germany. Nearly a quarter of the town's residents can trace their ancestry back to Germany, and they have brought that Old World feel with them. Alpine-style buildings line the streets of this gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries. Though the town is small, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.

There are few destinations that offer as much diversity, both scenically and culturally, as the archipelago of 83 islands that form Vanuatu. You will be struck by its tropical playgrounds featuring deserted beaches, lush dense forests, pristine waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and traditional villages. Vanuatu is the only place on earth where you can officially post your mail from an underwater post office and from the ash plain on the summit of a volcano.

A well preserved, colonnaded medieaval old town with its world renowned Golden Roof. Right next to this there's a brightly coloured, sparkling imperial palace, the Hofburg - baroque and monumental. A stone’s throw away is the Hofkirche, a court church containing larger-than-life bronze statues, the Schwarze Mander, standing guard around the (empty) tomb of Emperor Maximilian I., a truly breath-taking sight and unique in Europe. High above this superb architecture towers the Nordkette, a magnificent mountain range between 2300 and 2500 m.

A dreamscape located in the heart of Blue Ridge Mountains in Western-North Carolina, Banner Elk is a favorite destination for countless individuals and families seeking fun in the outdoors. The 'ski capital of the South' offers plenty of open air activities such as fishing, rafting, horseback riding, hiking, golfing and, of course, skiing. Banner Elk also presents a climate that accommodates every itinerary, spanning the Blue Ridge and Grandfather Mountains, picturesque communities, fine restaurants, and specialty shopping.