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Asturias

Asturias is a region of splendid beaches, unspoiled nature, dotted with rich architectural, industrial and cultural heritage. Apart from the region’s uncrowded beaches, there are lively inland cities and areas of great natural beauty. There are several major destinations in the Asturias region, including the cities of Oviedo, Gijon and Aviles, along with the scenic village of Ribadesella. Our guide includes tips and information concerning these four key Asturias locations.

Macau

Macau has a colorful palette and a plethora of sites despite occupying just 30.8sq km of the Chinese mainland. From neon-lit casinos to dusky markets, cobbled streets to modern cafés and Baroque churches to Art Deco buildings - there’s a wonderful mix of East and West. Thirty buildings and squares are UNESCO listed and many reflect Macau’s colonial Portuguese legacy, as does the food, laid-back lifestyle and the blue azulejo-tiled street names. Yet Macau has a modern Asian look, rivalling Singapore and Hong Kong.

Badajoz

A gateway between the two nations of the Iberian peninsula, Badajoz lies as close to Lisbon as it does to Madrid or Seville, and the city draws on influences from both sides of the border, as well as from centuries of tumultuous history, to form its distinctive character. Winding medieval alleys and a skyline dotted with palace towers make the historic town a sight to behold, while the remnants of the majestic Alcazaba watch over the city as they have for centuries, once an impenetrable fortress that protected the area from countless invasions.

Eindhoven & North Brabant, Netherlands

VisitBrabant - Safaripark de Beekse Bergen

According to ZooSite, Beekse Bergen is not only the Best Wildlife Animal Park in the Netherlands & Belgium, but in addition to the 1500 wild animals in the safari park it has a holiday park and a water playpark. Stay at the holiday park in some of the African-style accommodation and you will receive a FunCard which gives you access to the Safaripark Beekse Bergen and Speelland Beekse Bergen as well as to a number of other nature and sports attractions in Brabant. But Beekse Bergen is of course renowned for being the largest wildlife safari park in Benelux. The bus safari was recently awarded the ‘Best experience in Benelux’ and the elephant enclosure was named ‘Most attractive new enclosure’. Come and experience Africa, right in the middle of Brabant..!

Ljubljana

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is the nexus of Europe. Namely, the unique character of Ljubljana is made up of the influences of various cultures, while its distinctive image is the result of a diverse and alluring history. Ljubljana is a picturesque city of romantic bridges, co-existing in harmony with its own river; a city with an exquisite architecture, full of vibrant cultural creativity. Ljubljana’s ancient centre at the foot of the hill, overlooked by Ljubljana Castle, is relatively small and easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. The lush vegetation surrounding the city guarantees plenty of outdoor hiking, cycling and recreational opportunities.

Leavenworth, Washington

You would never expect to step into Bavaria while visiting Washington, but upon entering Leavenworth, you will certainly feel as though you have been transported to Germany. Nearly 25% of the town's residents can trace their ancestry back to Germany, and they have brought that European feel with them. Though the town is small, what it lacks in size it makes up for in personality.

Cochin

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is one of the most beautiful places in India. This comes as no surprise, since Cochin is known for its rich history, culture, and attractive nature. Many centuries ago, the city was a hub for international merchants who traded various products for aromatic spices, the finest fabrics and shiny jewellery. Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and Italian influences run through Cochin's architectural styles. The city is filled with museums, temples, shops, restaurants and so much more to fill an eventful stay.

Eindhoven & North Brabant, Netherlands

VisitBrabant - The Efteling

For the most enjoyable day in the Netherlands, you must visit the Efteling! In 2015, the spectacular new dive coaster ‘Baron 1898’ was added to the Efteling’s already impressive list of attractions, with a music composition by DJ Hardwell, born and raised in Breda. This hair-raising dive coaster promises to take you on a thundering 90 km/h trip to outrun the spirits before screeching to a halt again. Experience Aquanura, the third largest fountain show in the world. Four frogs transform the Vonderplas (lake) into a musical spectacle, featuring a soundtrack by Grammy Award winning, electronic dance music icon DJ Tiesto. Glide through the air in the ‘Droomvlucht’, discover the forbidden city in Fata Morgana and step into the magical city of Raveleijn. Here you land in the middle of a spectacular battlefield filled with fire and water special effects.

Carlsbad, California

Nicknamed "Village by the Sea," Carlsbad enjoys seven miles of tidy, uncongested beaches along the Pacific coastline. This makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing, all paired with a mild climate. Furthermore, Carlsbad has three lagoons, a lake, an aquarium, museums and shopping districts. As if that was not enough, the town's proximity to San Diego and Los Angeles provides a multitude of additional options within a short drive.

Eindhoven & North Brabant, Netherlands

VisitBrabant - Eindhoven

If you love design, going out and shopping, then the largest city in North Brabant, Eindhoven, is the place to be. It’s a vibrant and lively city bursting with energy with a constant flow of new developments in creativity, innovation and design. Excellent shopping and impressive architecture can be found in and around Eindhoven’s large covered shopping centre. In the old city centre, you will find a futuristic building called 'The Blob', designed by the Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The Van Abbemuseum is another must-do while visiting this city. Its distinctive architectural design, alongside its collection and exhibitions programme makes the Van Abbemuseum a unique place for modern and contemporary art. The exhibitions in De Kazerne are definitely worth a visit. Grab a bite and a drink and be inspired by the creative works of various artists. The setting will leave you speechless. For another uniquely industrial dining experience, try the Piet Hein Eek design restaurant, Radio Royaal or one of the other eateries in the former Philips factory in Eindhoven. The Strijp S, the nearby creative cultural heart of Eindhoven, is not to be missed during a visit to this City of Light. With acclaimed festivals like GLOW and Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven really is a must-visit!