Valladolid breathes history. This is the place where King Felipe II was born, the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel were married, and Christopher Columbus died. This was once the capital of Spain, and although it has lost this title, it's still the principal city of Castilla y Leon, the land of castles from which the word ‘Castilian’ is derived. Today, Valladolid is a bustling university city that thrives on its manufacturing industries. It is a down-to-earth, lively place that blends the old with the energetic new.

A small but bustling tropical town blessed by the refreshing waves of the vast Pacific: Corinto is a gateway to a treasure trove of rich natural reserves, mighty volcanoes, fertile lands and centuries of colourful traditions, which are only the beginning of what awaits you in northwestern Nicaragua.

The Blue Mountains get their name from the natural blue haze created by vast eucalypt forests in this World Heritage area. Tiny droplets of oil released from the trees mix with water vapour and sunlight to produce the distinctive colour. Enjoy crisp mountain air, beautiful panoramas, charming villages, one of the world’s oldest cave systems, and exhilarating adventures in the Blue Mountains, near Sydney. You can even see dinosaur trees in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah. This is a great Australian escape and a natural wonder of the world.

For centuries, Jeddah, where the desert meets the sea, has been a crossroads for traders, travellers, and pilgrims in the Red Sea. As Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city, it thrives with eclectic dining, bustling shopping districts, and a uniquely liberal social scene. Yet, its true significance lies in its role as the gateway for millions en route to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Rich in history and brimming with character, Jeddah offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

Bucolic beauty envelops the small, unincorporated town of Arnold, California. Resting at the center of the 400-mile Sierra Nevada mountain range, Arnold is a breath, sigh, and smile of fresh air. Testaments to this are the mild summer temperatures, a close proximity to stunning natural wonders, and the overall seclusion of Arnold’s favored attractions.