Travel in city Bern, Switzerland

The U.S. Department of State issues a limited number of emergency passports on a case-by-case basis for U.S. citizens who need a passport to travel.

If your New Year’s resolution was to finally take the plunge and move abroad, this report might help you make the daunting choice of where to live.

A few years ago, at a reception at the Polish embassy in Bern, Switzerland, an elderly Jewish man pulled the ambassador aside and relayed an unbelievable story. They were standing on holy ground, the man said, a place where near-secret acts of heroism played out during World War II. Intrigued, the ambassador, Jakob Kumoch, tasked his staff with looking into the man’s claims. Soon, an incredible history emerged.

The gateway to Switzerland’s Bernese Alps, Thun is as quintessentially Swiss as you can get. Lake Thun is bookended by its namesake town to the west and the adventure sports hub of Interlaken to the east, and has long provided an escape into nature for Swiss travellers in the know. However, the region has remained somewhat under the radar to holidaymakers from further afield. The result is a series of quiet, trail-woven vineyards, castle-sprinkled shores, myth-laden caves and never-ending mountain views — all perfect for a short summer or autumn break.

Typically, the words "refreshing" and "commute" don't belong in the same sentence — in America, at least. (If you're reading this while sweating through your suit on the subway, I apologize in advance).