Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.

Three hours north of Auckland, a chain of verdant islands meet glittering turquoise waters in the Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise will astound you with its abundance of natural beauty and marine life. Sail to the Bay of Islands, and you'll find plenty to see and explore. Hike to stunning Rainbow Falls, kayak along the shores of New Zealand's lush coastline, and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, penguins, and a variety of colorful parrots.

Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean, is celebrated for its 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Together, they offer a balance of culture, heritage, and natural splendor.

Děčín, a picturesque city in the Czech Republic, is nestled on the banks of the Elbe River and surrounded by lush landscapes and dramatic rock formations. This charming destination is renowned for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. The centerpiece of Děčín’s architectural heritage is the Děčín Castle, which towers above the city and offers breathtaking views of the Elbe Valley.

Golubac is a gateway to the Iron Gates Gorge, a stretch of the Danube River that separates the Carpathian and Balkan mountains.