...and all the places like it...

I've been thinking a lot lately about mythic destinations. Maybe not Kublai Khan's stately pleasure domes or the lost city of Shangri-La but mythic destinations of another kind--real places that have outsized and enduring appeal.

It's annual thing with me. That's because in anticipation of Studio Traveler's annual late summer announcement of 2016 destinations, I have spent the last several weeks making decisions about next year's trips.

I'm excited and proud of what I and my travel planning colleagues have come up with. I'll even risk a bold claim--that next year's list is a wonderful mix of mythic destinations. Places that will reward our time and attention with wonderfully rich cultural experiences, excellent food and that certain sense of je-ne-sais-quoi...the mysterious 'it' factor that makes a place special, unique and irresistible...

I love a good puzzle so no captions for this week's scroll. Just a few visual hints...

The big reveal comes next week when we tell all--or at least highlights--of these wonderful adventures ahead.

See you then and I can hardly wait!