Chantilly is a town north of Paris in the Oise department, surrounded by extensive forests and closely associated with the Château de Chantilly. The château complex combines a grand Renaissance-style palace, the Petit Château, formal gardens, waterways, and the Great Stables, creating a distinctive cultural landscape. Chantilly's forest is crossed by walking and riding paths, while the town itself contains elegant streets, historic buildings, and areas of open parkland.

In Engelberg visitors can enjoy activities in all seasons. In winter, snow covers long ski runs, and slopes of all levels stretch down towards the valley. In warmer months, the same lifts take hikers to high meadows where paths lead past lakes and ridges with spectacular views. Down in the valley, the Brunni area has gentle slopes, a summer toboggan run, and even barefoot trails around quiet ponds, offering a different side of the Alps.

The third largest city in Turkey, a cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, during the International Arts Festival (June/July) and the international Fair (August/September), Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy.

Benguerra Island, part of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich marine life. Accessible by boat from Vilankulo, the island offers a secluded retreat where visitors can enjoy sun-soaked sandbanks, coral reefs, and the gentle sway of palm trees. Its small size and limited development help maintain an intimate atmosphere that feels far removed from bustling tourist hubs.

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.