Mark Lammers

The southwestern coast of Turkey is unspoiled by modern development. I had been to Turkey several times, but was drawn to this area after reading Louis de Bernières’ novel “Birds Without Wings” about the displacement of Greek-speaking people from the area in the 1920s. As a history buff, I was also drawn to the rich legacy of antiquities from the Lycian, Roman, and Selcuk eras. It is often called the Turquoise Coast because of the brilliant blue color that the water radiates, something I’d never seen anywhere else. The best way to experience this rugged coastline of secluded inlets, ancient ruins, and tiny fishing villages is aboard a “gulet,” a traditional Turkish yacht with two masts and 6–8 cabins. For a week I indulged my love of sunrise swims, Turkish hospitality, and relaxed into another world.

Traveling by train across Australia gives you a glimpse into the soul of this vast country. Taking the all-inclusive Indian Pacific train from Sydney to Perth, you'll cover 400 kilometers, cross four time zones, and travel through three Australian states. Relax in comfort while you watch kangaroos out the window, eat locally sourced meals, and chat with other passengers. Off-train activities include wine tasting in McLaren Vale and an authentic Australian "barbie" (BBQ) in Rawlina. End the trip in the Margaret River wine region on the southwestern tip of the continent where the tall eucalyptus forests and ocean views will intoxicate you.

Roughly four million Americans claim Swedish ancestry, according to the 2020 US Census. Many of the families who emigrated to the United States came from the southern part of Sweden which consists of picturesque farmland, forests, lakes, idyllic small towns, and a lovely coastline. Touring the area is a great way to get in touch with your Scandinavian roots if you have them and see the Swedish countryside. Swedes welcome American visitors and English is spoken widely.

Tucked alongside the southwestern coast of Spain, between the Atlantic and the jade-colored bay, the city of Cádiz rises luminously under a cerulean blue sky. Archeological evidence tells us that the city dates to the 8th century BC, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe. Today, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalucia, with miles of beautiful sand beaches and a beautifully preserved old town.

Gotland is an island lost in time off the southeast coast of Sweden. It was once a center of power during the medieval Hanseatic League and home to pre-Viking Goths. Visby, Gotland’s primary city, is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site, containing architecture dating back centuries. The countryside is littered with beautiful Gotland horses, black sheep, and Viking-era runic picture stones. A popular summer destination for Swedes, it is the combination of a distinguished historic destination with the laid-back vibe of a Swedish summer holiday.