Monteverde, which means "green mountain," is nestled high in the Tilarán mountain range of Costa Rica. The Cloud Forest is the home to a myriad of plants, mammals, insects, reptiles, and over 400 species of exotic birds.
Kobe, Japan is a beautiful port city renowned for its historic shrines, botanical gardens, hot springs, and marbled Kobe beef. Highlights of this Japanese retreat include Ikuta Shrine, thought to be one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Botanical Gardens, Mount Rokkō, and Arima Onsen, a popular hot springs resort surrounded by Japanese maple trees.
Písek, a picturesque city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, is a hidden gem steeped in history and charm. One of its most notable landmarks is the Písek Stone Bridge, the oldest preserved bridge in the country. Built in the 13th century, this Gothic bridge spans the Otava River and is a testament to medieval engineering.
The capital of French Polynesia, Papeete is a veritable island paradise with bright cerulean waters, iconic overwater bungalows, and palm trees galore.
Snowdonia, a majestic national park in North Wales, offers a stunning tapestry of natural beauty and adventure. At its heart is Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, reaching 1,085 meters (3,560 feet). The mountain is accessible via several well-marked trails, with the Snowdon Mountain Railway providing a scenic ride to the summit. From the top, panoramic views stretch over rugged landscapes and, on clear days, to the distant peaks of Ireland.
On coastal Iceland, the globe's northernmost capital, Reykjavík, invites visitors to discover its unique charms. Iceland is rife with natural wonders: geysers, geothermic spas, waterfalls and the spectacular Northern Lights. Reykjavik, dating back to 870 AD, offers world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Reykjavík is a popular destination for tourists, with attractions including the towering cathedral Hallgrimskirkja, the steel boat sculpture Sun Voyager, the bustling cafe district Laufavegur, and Perlan, a combination restaurant/planetarium/observatory. You might time your visit to New Year's Eve, when the city is in party mode and the sky is alight with fireworks.