A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
One of Germany’s oldest cities following Trier, Neuss originated from the Roman encampment Novaesium on the left bank of the Rhine in 16 BC. Artifacts from the city’s initial years are displayed at the Clemens Sels Museum, which also boasts an impressive collection of artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Cabo San Lucas – or Cape Saint Luke in English – is one of Mexico’s most esteemed resort towns, situated at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It has attracted visitors from around the globe for many years, who come to enjoy its stunning beaches and vibrant waters.
As a Hanseatic trading city, Rostock was awarded city rights in the 13th century and has since served as a pivotal center for trade, education, and shipbuilding along the Baltic Sea.
Alongside the Danube in Baden-Württemberg, Ulm is renowned for its majestic minster. This city, the birthplace of physicist Albert Einstein, offers a striking contrast of medieval and contemporary elements. The vestiges of ancient city walls along the Danube and the historic district, once home to fishermen and leather workers, speak to its rich past.
Situated in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Abbotsford is adjacent to Greater Vancouver and the USA. It is the largest city outside Greater Vancouver and ranks third in the nation for its percentage of visible minorities.
The second oldest city in Quebec, Trois-Rivières, is situated at the convergence of the Saint Lawrence and Saint-Maurice Rivers. Notably, its name translates to ‘Three Rivers’, indicative of its three estuaries along the St Lawrence River.
The easternmost location on the Ruhr’s Industrial Heritage Trail, Hamm is a tranquil town, formerly centered around coal mining, which has now transitioned to manufacturing and logistics. Unlike many cities in the Ruhr area established in the 19th century, Hamm traces its origins back to the 13th century and was a member of the influential Hanseatic League of trading cities in the 15th century.
Amidst the hilly and wooded landscape of the Bergisches Land lies the town of Solingen, located just upriver on the Wupper from Wuppertal. Renowned since the Middle Ages with the moniker Klingenstadt (City of Blades), Solingen has a rich heritage of forging scissors, cutlery, swords, and daggers for centuries.
Sitting alongside the St. Lawrence River directly opposite Quebec City is the charming city of Lévis. With its intimate, village-like atmosphere, it serves as a delightful destination for visitors.
Straddling the Ruhr River, Mülheim is a historic city surrounded by smaller settlements that emerged during the industrialization of the 19th century. Mülheim was among the first cities in the Ruhr area to transition from heavy industry to a service-oriented economy. The last mine, Rosenblumendelle, was closed in 1966, and today, one would hardly suspect that mining activities ever took place in the city.
San Francisco, one of the most significant cities in California and the cultural and commercial epicenter of Northern California, ranks among the most-visited destinations globally. The Bay Area’s crown jewel, San Francisco is recognized worldwide for its remarkable ethnic and cultural diversity, striking Victorian architecture, beautiful scenery, summer fog, and notably, its very liberal community.
Despite its modest size, Darmstadt boasts a diverse array of attractions. Steeped in history, the city was once home to the opulent Landgraves of Hesse-Darmstadt and the Grand Dukes of Hesse who indulged in a luxurious lifestyle, leaving behind an enduring legacy of art, porcelain, and illustrious furniture showcased in various museums throughout the city.
Located in the state of Saxony, Chemnitz is an industrial city that emerged prominently during the industrial revolution of the 19th century. This period of growth is documented by an outstanding industrial museum, while the affluence generated for the industrialists and emerging middle class is still visible in Kaßberg, known as the largest contiguous Art Nouveau district in Germany.
One of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Barrie sits along the western shore of Lake Simcoe on Kempenfelt Bay. The city is approximately 90 kilometers north of Toronto, making it easily accessible from the larger metropolis.
Individuals captivated by medieval history will find themselves in an ideal setting in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Regensburg, where 1,500 registered monuments have endured through the ages. During the period of the Holy Roman Empire, Regensburg was the venue for the Imperial Diet, allowing visitors to stand in the very space where some of Europe’s most influential leaders congregated.
Located in southern Lower Saxony, Göttingen is a university city nestled in the Leine Valley. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is largely influenced by the presence of the University of Göttingen, which was established in 1734 by King George II of England and Elector of Hanover, making it the oldest university in Lower Saxony.
Not far from the coast, this Alentejo town is defined by the walls of its medieval castle. Originally constructed by the Moors, the castle ranks among the few historical landmarks worth noting. Another prominent site is the Roman settlement of Miróbriga, which features the remnants of Portugal’s sole Roman hippodrome.
The Saxon city of Zwickau is often referred to as “Automobil- und Robert-Schumann-Stadt” (City of Cars and Robert Schumann). While longer in phrasing, this title encapsulates two significant aspects of Zwickau: the renowned 19th-century composer Robert Schumann was born here, and his birthplace hosts an intriguing museum dedicated to his life and his relationship with the talented pianist Clara Wieck.
In 1648, Osnabrück played a crucial role in concluding the Thirty Years’ War when the Peace of Westphalia treaty was signed between Sweden and the Habsburgs. Today, this city in Lower Saxony is recognized as Friedensstadt (City of Peace) and visitors can explore the historic Town Hall where the treaty was established.
Situated on the right bank of the Rhine between Cologne and Düsseldorf, Leverkusen has only emerged as an urban center since 1975, following the incorporation of several towns and districts from the Bergisches Land into a single city.