Pampas grass lines the dunes that border the small town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The tufts of their leaves, fluffy and swaying with the breezes sweeping from the Atlantic Ocean, seem to mimic the fluffy clouds that sweep overhead in the blue skies. Since the 1920s vacationers have penciled in Atlantic Beach for weekend getaways and summer trips. Perhaps this is because of the town’s pristine sands and seaside activities, or maybe it’s because nothing beats dinner and an ocean view sunset. Either way, the Beach is calling.

"The city in its setting and entire surroundings may be said to have something ideal." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1797). Scarcely any other European city has had its praises so often sung as Heidelberg. The mysterious Heidelberg Castle, the picturesque Old Town, and as Goethe himself stated, the perfection of its setting – in the nineteenth century, all of this attracted the German romanticists, who immortalized Heidelberg in poetry, music, and art. Today the charm of Old Heidelberg is combined with a future-oriented and international focus.

Ocean City in Maryland, is an Atlantic resort town pulsating with energy. Featured often on the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel, it offers a mix of beach fun, local eateries, and captivating attractions. The bustling boardwalk provides a constant stream of entertainment for all ages, from movies on the beach to waterfront concerts. At its southern end, Trimper's Rides has been a beloved amusement park for decades. Explore the surrounding waters with kayak adventures or boat tours, including trips to the popular Assateague Island.

The largest and southernmost Channel Island, Jersey, offers a unique mix of English and French influences. It boasts quaint fishing villages like St Aubin, with stunning sandy beaches and scenic coastal walks. Island life is full of festivals, with a local seasonal event being celebrated almost every month. The capital city, Saint Helier, is small but cosmopolitan, with a bustling harbour atmosphere.