Poster Nature

Toulouse, France, is known for its pinkish-hued buildings, its location as the French industrial aerospace hub, for being the home of one of the oldest universities in Europe (established in 1229), and, for foodies, the variety of fresh seafood, meats, and cheeses for sale at the Victor Hugo Market.

Named after the famed author of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the market is open every day except Mondays from dawn until 1pm. Whether it’s a creamy-soft camembert with its edible rind, a few dozen escargot ready to be dropped into a bath of butter and garlic, or some of the freshest fish in southwest France, shoppers will find it here. 🇫🇷

your idea of Bordeaux is all vin rouge and vin blanc—think again. This stunning southwest French city is chock-full of charming cafés, magnificent neoclassical architecture, gorgeous green spaces, miles of riverfront and winding cobblestoned streets fringed with quaint boutiques. Here, an insider’s mini-guide to the best spots to sip (très délicieux espresso), stay, and stroll in beautiful Bordeaux.

Strasbourg has been known throughout history as a city at the crossroads. Over thousands of years, you straddled many kingdoms and many cultures. Two rivers are joined here. Two religions have flourished in your churches. Three languages comprise an ancient oath that bears the city’s name. 🇫🇷

Colonised over the years by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, Sulawesi is an intriguing cultural mix even before you get to the animist religious traditions that persist in the south. The island is also a legendary destination for diving and snorkelling of course, especially off the volcanic northern peninsula. 🇮🇩

Fifteen years ago Santa Teresa was a sleepy little hippy enclave known for its lush rainforests and epic surf spots. People from all parts of the world came to visit and ended up staying. Thus today this surf town, on the southern tip of Nicoya Peninsula, surrounded by the 3000 acre Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is THE up and coming go-to spot for barefoot luxury. 🇨🇷

Caye Caulker are some of the best options for enjoying laid-back beach living. The sun shines year-round, and you can find beaches, coral reefs, jungles, and rivers. 🇧🇿

Sestri Levante, where pastel houses curve gently along the twin bays — the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fairy Tales. 🇮🇹

As the “A” of the Dutch Caribbean trio called the ABC Islands (which also include Bonaire and Curacao), Aruba has the type of consistent, near-perfect weather that makes it a huge draw to visitors. Located just off the coast of Venezuela and outside of the hurricane belt, the island’s temps remain in the mid-80s year-round with cooling trade winds, and scant annual rainfall. 🇦🇼

For a small archipelago, the Turks and Caicos Islands deliver in a big way as a popular Caribbean beach destination among the wealthy for second or third homes. White powdery sand, electric blue waters and some 350 days of sunshine a year are the draw. The absence of income, property and capital gains taxes seal the deal. 🇹🇨

A perfect retreat for those looking for seclusion, it’s also a perfect playground for adventure goers, with everything from windsurfing to hiking. 🇱🇨