Aitutaki is known for its expansive lagoon and small, palm-lined islets spread across shallow, clear water. Travel across the lagoon by boat or kayak, with stops on uninhabited motus for swimming and time ashore. Snorkeling reveals coral gardens and reef fish, and the scale of the lagoon offers wide-open views in every direction. For a change of perspective, a short hike up Mount Maungapu offers panoramic views across the lagoon.
Taiwan’s southern port city balances spiritual tradition with contemporary creativity. At Sunfong Temple, rows of glowing red lanterns illuminate carved stone and incense-filled courtyards, while the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas offer a vivid introduction to local symbolism. Along the waterfront, the Pier-2 Art Center transforms former warehouses into a lively district of large-scale art installations, murals, green spaces, and independent boutiques.
Kauaʻi is shaped by rainforests, canyons, and a dramatic coastline. Pick up fresh poke bowls and roadside smoothies at family-run market stands before heading through the arching canopy of the Tunnel of Trees toward the sunny south shore near Poʻipū. Hike the dramatic contours of Waimea Canyon or follow forest paths to the cascading Wailua Falls. From the water, the island’s most iconic sight comes into view as the sheer cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast rise abruptly from the sea.
Just off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, Culebra feels refreshingly untouched. Flamenco Beach unfurls in a wide crescent of powder-white sand and clear, shallow water, often considered among the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches. Offshore, coral reefs invite easy snorkeling, while inland roads wind past low hills dotted with wild horses. The island’s small scale encourages slow exploration, split between beach time and quiet coastal viewpoints.
Ensenada blends Baja’s rugged coastline with a vibrant culinary scene. Stroll the waterfront malecón, explore local markets, or venture into the nearby Valle de Guadalupe, where rolling vineyards produce some of Mexico’s most celebrated wines. Ocean views, sea breezes, and regional flavors define this relaxed coastal gateway.
Nestled between the Ou Mountains and the Sea of Japan, Akita is a prefectural capital and yet remains a peaceful haven. Take a serene stroll through the shrines and galleries of Senshu Park, built around the ruins of the 17th-century Kubota Castle, to enjoy foliage and gardens renowned for their seasonal beauty, especially during the spring cherry blossoms. Then step into the Akita Museum of Art, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, to discover an impressive collection by famed Japanese-French painter Léonard Foujita and other contemporary artists.
While some travelers may set off to explore Hokkaido’s vibrant capital of Sapporo less than an hour away, the captivating harbor town of Otaru merits its own exploration. Steps from Ishikari Bay and the Sea of Japan, the lovely Otaru Canal is lined with shops, restaurants, and former warehouses now beautifully transformed into museums. Just beyond the canal, you’ll find Sakaimachi Street, a historic merchant district that features the Music Box Museum and the Museum of Venetian Art, along with unique boutiques that offer hands-on workshops in the creation of Otaru Glass.
Just two hours inland from the port of Tianjin, the Chinese capital of Beijing offers a striking blend of ancient grandeur and modern energy. Dating back to the 13th century, the vast Forbidden City is widely considered China’s most significant attraction, and a scenic stroll from this royal palace through Zhongshan Park leads to Tiananmen Square, a reflection of the nation’s contemporary identity. More evidence of China’s imperial artistry is on display at the Temple of Heaven, a complex of sacred structures surrounded by lush vegetation.
When the yacht drops anchor off the Abaco Islands, head aft to the Marina for a day on the turquoise waters in the warmth of the Bahamian sun. The yacht’s custom platforms transform into Marina Beach, a resort on the water with loungers, an ocean pool, and easy access for watersports. Go kayaking or paddleboarding from the yacht, jump in for a swim, or simply relax on a chaise and sip a craft cocktail while taking in panoramic views of the sea and shore.
Situated on the island of Vågsøy, Måløy is a working fishing village with an identity strongly tied to the sea. Explore the World War II-era Måløy Fortress, a concrete bunker complex that still bears the scars of a daring British commando raid in 1941. Find one of Norway’s photographed attractions a short drive outside of the city at Kannesteinen Rock, carved into a mushroom shape by centuries of waves. Back in town, follow rugged coastal paths that wind along wave-battered rocks and through windswept landscapes, enjoying sweeping views of the archipelago and open sea.
