Iceland

Despite a population of just 330,000 people, Iceland is fast becoming one of northern Europe's big travel destinations. That's because it's simply an extraordinary place. For travelers after out-of-the-ordinary experiences, its ethereal landscapes, smoldering volcanoes and thermal baths are a true mecca. The Golden Circle is the country's classic tourist route, looping from the capital Reykjavik through Thingvellir National Park and on to the iconic Gullfoss waterfall and the geysers of Strokkur and Geysir. Route 1, covering over 800 miles, skirts the country's coastline, providing the perfect opportunity to get off the more well-trodden trail and see the island's empty spaces in all their glory.

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Russian traditional bread Karavay; Shutterstock ID 1033141414; Job: CNN Digital; Show: CNN Travel Best Breads ; Producer: Natalie Yubas

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The Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula has erupted every year since 2021 (pictured).

Iceland's Blue Lagoon closed as 1,000 earthquakes hit in 24 hours

People swim in Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon and apply silica mud masks in southwest Iceland

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The tails of two 35-tonne Fin whales are bound to a Hvalur boat on June 19, 2009 after being caught off the coast of Hvalfjsrour, north of Reykjavik, on the western coast of Iceland. Denmark on June 23, 2009 officially requested permission to resume hunting humpback whales off Greenland, in a move that has angered environmentalists. Ole Samsing, Danish commissioner at the annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) conference being held on the Portuguese island of Madeira, made the call and demanded a "quick solution".

Tourists are back in Iceland. But so is whale hunting

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Image of Forest Lagoon spa geothermal pools

Iceland's new Forest Lagoon spa immerses visitors among the trees

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Marisa Fotieo, who tested positive on an Icelandair flight from Chicago to Reykjavik, isolated in the airplane bathroom for about 3 hours.

Chicago woman quarantined in airplane bathroom for 3 hours after testing positive for Covid-19 mid-flight

Do you promise to be a better tourist? These places want it in writing

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Sveinn Snorri Sighvatsson is pictured stripping off during a visit to Geldingadalur in Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula

Icelandic man gets naked next to erupting volcano

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New York

It’s the most happening of cities, a place where over 200 languages are spoken and millions flock each year to see its world-famous sights. New York draws visitors in like nowhere else. The crowded streets of Manhattan are the stuff of legend. First timers will want to head to the top of the Empire State Building and stand beneath the glare of the lights of Times Square. But there’s so much more to see and do, whether it’s catching an Off-Broadway play, checking out world class art at MoMA or shopping the streets of SoHo. Brooklyn’s hip neighborhoods of Greenpoint and Fort Greene offer a more relaxed vibe, while the food in Queens’ Chinatown is worth the long subway ride.