A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
To begin with a statistic: 58 out of America’s 96 Fourteeners—mountains exceeding 14,000 feet—are situated in Colorado. If your interpretation of beauty encompasses towering peaks, steep canyons, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and impressive rock formations, Colorado offers an abundance of transformative destinations far beyond what can be encapsulated in a mere ten articles.
Welcome to Gilbert, Arizona! This lively town, located just southeast of Phoenix, possesses a rich history and a thriving community that continues to develop. As one of the approximately 300,000 inhabitants who call Gilbert home, I am eager to share the story of our town’s beginnings.
Upon my arrival at our remarkable chalet (and following a cozy night’s slumber), I awoke early, eager for a day on the slopes.
The Eastern United States showcases an extensive range of ecosystems, from the rugged coastline of Maine to the sandy beaches of the Virgin Islands. This region also encompasses diverse landscapes, including a vast tropical swamp and an extensive 356-mile-long cave system.
We arose early following our previous day’s exploration and proceeded directly to breakfast before visiting the Shirayama-Hime Shrine to initiate our Misogi water purification ritual.
Ski vacations are undoubtedly among the most thrilling winter experiences. My own initiation into skiing came with some apprehension (as I began learning as an adult); however, within hours on the slopes, it turned into one of my preferred winter getaways. It is evident that numerous remarkable skiing destinations exist worldwide, making the task of identifying the top locations a bit daunting. While on paper the distinctions might seem marginal, in practice they can be substantial; different venues cater to varying preferences amongst skiers.
To summarize succinctly, the landscapes are as stunning as widely reported.
For those seeking an extraordinary experience in Indonesia, a visit to Papua (also known as Irian Jaya) offers breathtaking landscapes alongside some of the premier diving experiences globally.
Sumbawa, positioned in the sun-drenched West Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia, is geographically separated from neighboring Lombok by the Strait of Alas. Additionally, it is isolated from Komodo Island by the Sape Strait, with the Indian Ocean bordering the south and the Flores Sea to the north. Sumbawa stands as the largest island in West Nusa Tenggara, endowed with breathtaking natural scenery, crowned by the prominent Mount Tambora, a still-active volcano.
To many, Marseille soap represents a charming artisanal product. However, a century ago, it was a significant international industry, with Salon-de-Provence at its heart. Although the trade experienced a decline with the advent of washing machines and detergents, two historic factories in the city still uphold traditional methods of production and welcome inquisitive guests.
In Western Switzerland, the resort of Verbier is renowned for its stunning and challenging off-piste terrain. The highest elevation reaches over 3,300 metres at the iconic Mont-Fort. For those with skill and adventurous spirit, a black run begins right at the summit of this peak.
High in the Valais Alps, the village of Zermatt rests beneath the majestic and iconic Matterhorn. This renowned peak provides an inspiring and timeless view. Surrounding Zermatt are numerous vantage points for capturing photographs and sites where visitors can learn about the climbers who have conquered the mountain or met their fate in the attempt.
Visitors to Pennsylvania are well aware of its picturesque rolling farmlands, rich colonial history, and bustling cities—Philadelphia and culturally vibrant Pittsburgh. However, the state’s lesser-known gem lies within its unique shops, markets, and boutiques.
Staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offers a variety of options to appreciate the stunning views of Banff National Park, with hiking at Johnston Canyon being one of the top activities.
The resort village of Engelberg, nestled in Central Switzerland’s Uri Alps, originated around a historic monastery. Despite complex historical events, Engelberg Abbey continues to house monks and remains central to community life, hosting recitals during summer nights.
In the Landwasser Valley, Davos is a resort village situated in the Rhaetian Alps of Graubünden. At an elevation exceeding 1,500 meters, Davos holds the distinction of being the highest town in Europe. Funiculars, cable cars, and ski lifts are poised to elevate visitors even further into six distinct mountain areas that offer skiing during winter and hiking and mountain biking during summer.
Imagine an idyllic mountain resort, and Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps encapsulates that vision. Nestled beneath the renowned North Face of Eiger, a towering rock face that both inspires awe and evokes trepidation, this village is a haven for adventurers. First ascended in 1938, the North Face draws numerous climbers each year, who appear as mere specks as they navigate this formidable wall.
The renowned mountain resort of Saas-Fee is nestled within the Saas Valley in Valais. Featuring traditional wooden chalets and granaries, Saas-Fee possesses a rich historical legacy while catering to the demands of contemporary winter sports enthusiasts. An integrated network of Wi-Fi-enabled funiculars, cable cars, and ski lifts ensures access to slopes that are also accessible to hikers during the summer months.
In the eastern Alps’ Engadin Valley, St. Moritz is a distinguished mountain resort recognized for its luxury and historic wealth. The early popularity of St. Moritz can be attributed to British aristocrats, whose influence remains evident in the exclusive membership clubs, such as the men-only Cresta Skeleton Run.
In the lush Neckar Valley, Stuttgart serves as the capital of Baden-Württemberg. Historically, the city functioned as the residence for the Counts and subsequently the Kings of Württemberg until the 19th century, resulting in the legacy of royal palaces that have been transformed into government edifices and museums.