The Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area is a 265-acre maritime forest, one of the few left on North Carolina’s coast. Donated in 1971 by Theodore Roosevelt’s grandchildren, it honors the 26th President’s conservation legacy. Two interpretive trails start near the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, offering an easy way to explore this preserved coastal habitat. The shorter trail loops through salt marshes and leads to a viewing blind at East Pond, while the longer trail winds over dune ridges with views of Bogue Sound. Open year-round with free admission, it’s a peaceful spot for hiking, birdwatching, or a quiet retreat into nature.

Curaçao may have nearly 40 beaches, but few are as beloved as Porto Mari. Aside from the clear turquoise waters and sugar-white sands, the place has its own dive centre, a bar with local food and beautiful sunsets. If you're lucky, you can even encounter some beach-loving pigs. The area is also a local bastion of environmental protection, with hiking trails leading from the beach.

The stars of the Chongqing Zoo are definitely the Giant Pandas. This zoo does not only serve as an important base for protection and research of wild animals like Tibetan bears, tigers, hippos, monkeys and birds, but also provides a beautiful and comfortable setting for you to experience the wildlife.

After the February quake caused damage to the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban designed one of his famous “Emergency Architecture” buildings, and now the transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral project is welcoming visitors. Constructed from a series of 96 cardboard tubes and framing, this is an exciting symbol of innovation, hope and inspiration for the city for the next 50 or so years.