Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, is a lively seaside town where Afro-Caribbean culture, indigenous traditions, and tropical landscapes come together. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now known for its reggae rhythms, colorful wooden houses, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Kampong Cham, nestled along the banks of the Mekong River, is a captivating destination that offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. This charming city is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including the iconic Ko Paen Bamboo Bridge, which is rebuilt annually after the rainy season. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with French-colonial architecture, giving the city a quaint and historic ambiance.
Inyeug, more commonly known as Mystery Island, is a tiny, uninhabited islet off the coast of Aneityum in Vanuatu’s southernmost province. Measuring just 1.5 kilometers long, the island is completely free of roads, shops, and electricity. What it offers instead is pure seclusion and untouched beauty. Cruise ships often anchor offshore, bringing day visitors to its white-sand beaches and shallow coral lagoons, but once they depart, the island returns to stillness.
Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, is a barrier island with a story that stretches from ancient Indigenous cultures to Gilded Age millionaires. Today, it’s a state park carefully preserved for public enjoyment, offering a quiet blend of coastal landscapes, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities. With only a limited number of commercial developments allowed, the island maintains a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that’s hard to find on most Southeastern beaches.
Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island of La Palma, one of the seven Canary Islands. Although often forgotten in favor of the similarly named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a compact and colorful colonial town well worth a visit. Swimming, paragliding, and hiking and some of the most popular daytime activities, while stargazing is a favorite pastime after the sun goes down. La Palma was recently name as a "Starlight Reserve," which means the island is committed to preserving the quality of the night sky as well as increasing access to viewing opportunities.