In the middle of the Øresund strait, right between Sweden and Denmark, lies the idyllic island of Ven. The astronomer Tycho Brahe was gifted the whole island by King Fredrik II after he discovered a new star in the Cassiopeia constellation. Here he constructed one of the most interesting buildings of the time: the Uraniborg castle, a subterranean observatory called Stjerneborg and a renaissance garden. The New Church of Ven has now been turned into a museum, the garden has been renovated, and in the observatory you can watch a light and sound show. The light in Ven is said to have a unique quality, which has attracted many an artist and ceramist to the island. Take a tour among the studios and workshops, and meet with sculptors and silversmiths along the way. Ven is a small island, and the best way to get around is by bike, which you can easily rent when you get off the ferry.

This hiking trail can be a bit challenging, but adventurers will be rewarded with a unique experience. A descent through lush rainforest leads to a valley of a solid, yet still steaming lava lake. The scenery of the Kīlauea Iki Crater is barren and desolate, but eerily beautiful.

Jakarta Cathedral, officially known as The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, stands as a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture in the heart of Indonesia’s bustling capital. Completed in 1901, this remarkable cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Jakarta's diverse cultural and religious heritage. Visitors can marvel at its intricate stained glass windows, towering spires, and the grand pipe organ that adds to its historic charm. Located opposite the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, the cathedral highlights Jakarta’s unique juxtaposition of religious landmarks, reflecting the city’s spirit of tolerance and harmony.

If you’re looking for a different side of Bocas, you’ll find it hidden in the indigenous villages tucked away in the forests on every island. The indigenous Ngöbe-Buglé and Naso continue to live without modern luxuries such as running water, electricity and medicine. They know how to get around the forests of the islands and speak their own language, make their own clothing and crafts, and cure illnesses with local plants prepared by medicine men known as curanderos. To learn more about living in the wild in these unspoiled communities, book a tour with an operator or if you’re staying in a remote hotel, ask the owners, there may be a village nearby.