Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe from a whole new perspective with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. Your adventure aboard the Tahoe Flyer—the world’s only U.S. Coast Guard-certified balloon launch and recovery vessel—begins just after sunrise when the calm morning weather offers the perfect conditions for flight. As you ascend from lake level, your knowledgeable pilot will guide you through stunning panoramic views, pointing out local landmarks. Soar over iconic spots like Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed locations in the U.S., as well as Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, and the rugged beauty of Desolation Wilderness. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Yosemite's peaks and the coastal foothills over 150 miles away.

The famous dunes have been a nature reserve since 1897, although scientists theorise they only date back to 1755 when a Lisbon-born tsunami hit Gran Cannaria. The Faro de Maspalomas, an active 19th century lighthouse, is a 68-metre tall man-made landmark. It stands proudly at the end of the spectacular 2,710-metre-long beach.

Marked by the huge flaming sculpture called 'Wind of May', May Fourth Square is a symbol of the 1919 May Fourth Movement — a key moment in China’s modern history when students led an uprising that sparked a wave of nationalism. The square connects the Qingdao municipal government building with the coast, and it’s made up of two main areas: City Hall Square and Central Square. By day, it’s a popular spot for a stroll, and by night, the square is brought to life with colourful lights and a graceful water fountain.

First held in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival has grown into Asia’s largest beer event. Every August, starting on the second Sunday of the month, the festival kicks off and runs for 16 days in the city’s Shilaoren National Tourism Resort. This sprawling 35-hectare 'Beer City' is built specifically for the occasion, where beer lovers from all over the world come together. While you can always grab a Tsingtao Beer in Qingdao, nothing compares to the carnival buzz of the festival. Expect a fun mix of live music, international brews, and plenty of opportunities to sample the local favourite—Tsingtao Beer, of course. One quirky Qingdao tradition to note: fresh beer is often sold in plastic bags. So, don’t be surprised when you see people strolling the streets with a bag of beer in hand. It's all part of the fun.