Umeå, known as the City of Birches, isn't just about high-quality culture. It's home to some of Northern Sweden's finest dining establishments, where the delicacies of the Norrland cuisine are served with remarkable precision. Add to this a plethora of outdoor activities, and it becomes clear why, among others, tens of thousands of students find Umeå so appealing.

Inverness, the self-proclaimed 'Capital of the Highlands', is a city located in the northernmost region of Britain and boasts breathtaking mountain and moorland scenery. It sits on the River Ness, just a short distance from the famous Loch Ness, known for its legendary Monster. The city is home to impressive historic structures and provides convenient access to various outdoor adventures, from lochs and castles to nature reserves and battlefields.

Over the years, Taormina has been a source of inspiration for artists from all over the world. Celebrated as the idyllic destination par excellence, it represents the ideal place to escape from the chaos of city life. Located 200 metres above sea level, it is settled on a coastal terrace, overlooking the vastness of the Ionian Sea. The natural beauty of the hill from which the city rises is completed by the view of the imposing Etna volcano.

A gateway to the grand Mogollon Rim, peppered with lakes and rivers, Payson is Arizona's diamond in the rough. It offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. With its abundance of lakes and rivers, Payson is a haven for camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting enthusiasts. Explore the natural beauty of the "Heart of Arizona" and discover its lively festival scene, including the World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo and the Arizona State Old Time Fiddlin' Championship.

In 1831, Charles Darwin sailed to South America aboard the H.M.S. Beagle. On the return voyage across the Pacific, the vessel stopped on a small group of islands far off the Ecuadorian coast, changing the course of human scientific endeavour and self-understanding forever. Fascinated by the unique wildlife on the islands, Darwin collected biological specimens and studied them over the next 30 years. His findings led to the formulation of the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. This small group of islands and their one-of-a-kind wildlife are to thank for one of humanity's most remarkable discoveries. And today, almost 200 years later, they remain a source of endless fascination and a favourite travel destination for scientists, nature and wildlife enthusiasts, scuba divers, and anyone interested in the wonders of the natural world.