A trip to Iraq is often driven by a passion for history, and Ancient Babylon, located roughly 100 kilometres south of Baghdad, is a key attraction. Since accommodation near the site is limited, most visitors opt for a day trip from the capital. To reach Babylon, head to the Alawi car park, locally referred to as the 'garage', and ask about shared taxis or minivans heading there. The journey costs no more than 15,000 Iraqi dinars and takes about two hours. These vehicles typically drop passengers a few kilometres from the entrance, so you may need to arrange a local taxi or ask nearby residents for assistance. Currently, entrance to the archaeological site costs 25,000 Iraqi dinars, approximately $18 USD. Payment by card is possible, but it's advisable to carry cash, as foreign cards may not always be accepted. Inside, the ruins reveal a fascinating glimpse into the past. The main area consists of castle-like arches leading to wide terraces, alongside the remnants of the ancient gardens and in the distance, Saddam Hussein’s hilltop mansion looms. Access to the mansion is not guaranteed, as its opening appears to depend on the day and circumstance.

Join a full or half day tour by Xplor Tours and visit the locations used during filming of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. On this tour you get the chance to explore locations such as Rivendell, where Frodo recovers from his knife attack, the Anduin River, and the Gardens of Isengard, to name a few. The cherry on top is the tour of Weta workshop, where you can see how props and weaponry is made, as well as sets from Thunderbirds. This is a must for any "Lord of the Rings" fan.

A favourite place to meet and admire wildlife, this stretch of beach is home to (and named after) the large numbers of seals that can always be found frolicking or relaxing on the sand or among the waves nearby. Seal pups are a common sight here, but be sure to stay clear of the larger male seals, which can be aggressive towards humans if they feel at all threatened.

Gudmundstjärn, located 30 km west of Sundsvall, is one of Sweden's last preserved self-sufficient settlements. Between 1779 and 1944 the fields here were farmed by five generations. No roads connected the homestead to the outside world. The 22 preserved buildings have been declared historical monuments, and the area is now a nature reserve.