A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Perched on a plateau beside the Tagus River, the city of Santarém served as the residence for Portugal’s monarchs during the Middle Ages. It also hosted the Cortes, the nation’s first parliament, which bestowed upon the city a remarkable collection of Gothic architecture present in its walls, churches, convents, and distinctive monuments, including a Gothic fountain featuring a royal emblem.
Until the year 1678, when it was annexed by France, Maubeuge experienced significant turmoil, having been sacked and plundered an astonishing 20 times. Once the town was under French control, it transformed into a fortified border settlement, featuring walls designed by Vauban, the esteemed military engineer of Louis XIV.
North of Lisbon, Loures is conveniently located for visits to the capital, allowing for excursions to museums, dining, or leisurely strolls through charming, historical neighborhoods.
The city of Tomar was established by the Knights Templar in the 12th century on land conferred by Portugal’s inaugural king. The order established a convent positioned on a hill and alongside the river, designing what would become the final Templar town globally. The Convent of Christ is recognized as a World Heritage Site, showcasing magnificent architecture refined over more than three centuries.
A suburban town situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, Oakville is a delightful locale that exudes a small-town atmosphere. It has consistently ranked among the top five living destinations in Canada and also serves as an appealing vacation spot.
Châtellerault, divided by the River Vienne, is a serene town with a wealth of historical and cultural significance. The right bank features a historic quarter of Renaissance townhouses where the philosopher René Descartes spent his childhood. Cross the dignified 16th-century Pont Henri-IV, and you will reach the town’s old industrial district.
Situated in the foothills of the Vosges, Épinal is a historic town recognized for its rich printing tradition. Workshops in this area have produced vibrant woodcut and lithographic prints for centuries. Visitors can observe these traditional techniques being utilized at the Imagerie d’Épinal and can explore an extensive collection of prints at the Musée de l’Image.
On the left bank of the Tagus River, the town of Montijo is mere minutes away from Lisbon, yet possesses an ambiance that makes the capital seem significantly distant. Few visitors explore Montijo; it presents a tranquil, village-like atmosphere with local bars where a bico costs merely 50 cents.
This town in the eastern part of the Alentejo region served as the initial line of defense between two conflicting nations, and its historical significance is evident. Elvas boasts the most extensive collection of fortified structures globally, characterized by its numerous layers of history that necessitate a knowledgeable guide to appreciate the intricacies of its bastions, ravelins, curtains, and moats.
Situated amidst an extensive medieval pine forest, Marinha Grande is a town that emerged around Portugal’s Royal Glassworks in the 18th century. Taking advantage of the abundant pine resin and sand, it has been producing glassware since the 1700s, which eventually paved the way for a plastics industry that remains a significant source of employment in the area. However, this description only scratches the surface, as the Atlantic Coast is also part of the municipality.
Opposite Porto on the River Douro, Vila Nova de Gaia is a city located along the south bank that extends down the coast. For a significant part of its history, Vila Nova de Gaia has been celebrated for its port cellars. The fortified wine, originating from the east, was transported via the river and stored in warehouses, many of which remain in operation and accessible to visitors.
Situated in the northern region of Alentejo, a brief distance from the Spanish border, Portalegre is a highland town adjacent to the Serra de São Mamede mountains. This locality has a longstanding tradition in textiles, starting in the 1940s when it began crafting tapestries that met the highest European standards.
Nusa Dua signifies ‘Two Islands’ in Indonesian, a term that may mislead, as there are two unobtrusive headlands, each crowned with a temple. This area is recognized as the ‘upscale’ sector of Bali, housing numerous high-end resorts. A gated tourist zone in Nusa Dua is prominently positioned, marked by security posts, leading you into a space adorned with meticulously maintained lawns, impeccable in every detail. In essence, it presents a stark contrast to many other regions of Bali.
Kuta is arguably the most renowned area of Bali, and justifiably so. It is home to the iconic Kuta Beach and boasts an energetic nightlife that continues into the early hours. The stretch of coastline features soft golden sand, complemented by a long promenade lined with cafes and an array of restaurants.
Whether residing in Mississippi or contemplating a visit, this southern state exhibits a captivating blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Mississippi, named after the river that flows alongside it, features a diverse landscape, including lowlands and hills. This state is predominantly forested, with main cities steeped in Civil War history and colonial heritage.
The Auvergne region’s second largest town is an enchanting medieval settlement along the banks of the Cher River. Overlooking Montluçon from a hilltop, the majestic Château des Ducs de Bourbon has served as the residence for the Dukes of Bourbon for centuries. This historical context creates an evocative backdrop for a center rich with timber-framed houses, Romanesque churches, and vaulted passageways.
The small town of Armentières is situated on the Belgian border, just 15 minutes from Lille and 20 minutes from the Belgian city of Ypres. For those seeking a local retreat, there is a lake featuring an activity center and beach, alongside various open farms and charming rural museums to explore.
On the leeward side of Reunion, Saint-Leu serves as a destination to reconnect with the island’s rich natural resources. It features a sanctuary for sea turtles, a botanical conservatory, and rocky promontories along the coast. Opportunities abound for underwater exploration to observe tropical fish, or for watching whales and dolphins breach the waves. Along the shore, visitors can enjoy surf beaches impacted by the Indian Ocean’s swells and tranquil lagoons with warm, clear waters.
On the northwest coast of Reunion, Le Port serves as the island’s principal harbour. Unique among French ports, it encompasses an industrial port, naval base (the third largest in France), passenger port, fishing port, and marina.
At the confluence of the Oise and Seine Rivers, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine is a mere thirty minutes from Paris by train. However, the pace of life here is considerably slower, reflecting its historical significance as the capital of France’s inland waterways.