Washington’s mountains rise from the ground like the mighty, mythical gods of lore. Stretching upwards with little regard for the communities of people peppered around them, such grand indifference captures our imaginations and awe. We strive to scale and conquer them, to master their trails and hills, and their magnificence allows us to transcend who we are in some magical way. Grand Mound, Washington places you within reach of the state’s majestic mountains, and thus its main attractions.

Indonesia’s sprawling capital is one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing, most chaotic, and exciting places. It is the gateway to a vast, vibrant, and varied island nation home to dozens of fascinating cultures. Formerly the colonial capital of the Dutch East Indies, when it was known as Batavia, Jakarta has grown from its original seaport district into a huge modern conurbation of high-rise hotels and apartments, thronged shopping malls, and wide, crowded avenues.

As the poet Umberto Saba wrote: “Trieste has an unsociable grace. Located between the sea and the mountains of Carso, beautiful and fascinating, she does not like to show off, although she conquers her visitor at first sight.” Tergeste, as Trieste was named during the Roman era, is to be discovered on foot, to fully taste her richness and to breathe, through her streets, buildings and monuments, her 2000-year-old history.

This medieval city looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale, with its bustling market square, spiralling Gothic towers, castles and legends of dragons. Explore the city's narrow backstreets, hidden courtyards and the network of underground cellars and tunnels. Krakow is known as the cultural capital of Poland through its love of music, poetry and theatre. After years of occupation and struggle, Krakow has emerged a proud city with a strong sense of identity, yet has still maintained its artistic and fun-loving soul.