Long known for its old-world charm, from the historic Faneuil Hall to the Freedom Trail that celebrates Boston’s preeminent role in the American Revolution, Boston has come a long way towards staking its claim in the 21st century. With the completion of the “Big Dig” that buried Boston’s vast network of highways underground, Boston has hit the new century running. Attractions span beautiful public libraries, fascinating museums and plenty of sports. Boston is destined to grow ever more beautiful as more and more of the ungainly elevated highways are replaced with lush parks.

It is said that natives of Cologne who are living elsewhere always feel homesick, and visitors to this beautiful city will soon understand why. Germany’s oldest metropolis, which, of course, gave its name to the Eau de Cologne, offers a mix of magnificent and romantic churches, cutting-edge modern architecture, busy shopping streets, and world-famous museums. There is much to do and see in Cologne, and with all the frequent flights and transportation options, getting here has never been easier.

Zürich runs on punctual trams and Swiss precision, but it also runs on lake swims, quiet sophistication, and a love of design that shows up everywhere from museums to street corners. Indie shops now fill old guild buildings, the river turns into a hangout spot as soon as the sun is out, and nightlife pulses under stone arches in once-industrial districts. Between modern museums, lakeside strolls, and mountain views that steal the show, Zürich balances city polish with an easy, effortless charm.

Zaragoza, the capital of Spain's Aragon region, has a privileged location, equally distanced from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao. The city is connected by an international airport and a high-speed railway line (AVE). Visitors can expect a delicious gastronomy and a rich heritage of historical monuments: Basilica del Pilar, Cathedral of San Salvador, Aljafería Palace, the paintings of Goya or the Mudejar–UNESCO Heritage of Mankind. Local architecture combines Islamic and Gothic styles — an absolute must-see.

Washington’s mountains rise from the ground like the mighty, mythical gods of lore. Stretching upwards with little regard for the communities of people peppered around them, such grand indifference captures our imaginations and awe. We strive to scale and conquer them, to master their trails and hills, and their magnificence allows us to transcend who we are in some magical way. Grand Mound, Washington places you within reach of the state’s majestic mountains, and thus its main attractions.