Barranquilla sits near the mouth of the Magdalena River on Columbia's Caribbean side. It is a major seaport and a center of commerce, but everyone breaks loose for four days in February for one of the liveliest carnivals outside of Rio.

This quaint town on the Rhine is the gateway to the Black Forest and lies halfway between Freiburg and Colmar. As you walk the cobblestone streets, stop to sample local schnapps made from fermented pears or cherries and the distinctive smoky ham of this region. St. Stephan's Cathedral perches on a hillside and is the exquisite centerpiece of the town.

Vis, a charming island city in Croatia's Dalmatian region, offers a serene retreat with its blend of historical allure and natural beauty. Known for its historical significance, Vis boasts remnants of its Greek and Roman past, including the well-preserved fortifications and ancient ruins. The city itself is a captivating blend of Venetian and Austro-Hungarian architecture, with quaint streets and lovely waterfronts that invite leisurely exploration.

La Palma (also San Miguel de La Palma) is the fifth of Spain's Canary Islands. This mountainous volcanic island is a natural wonder of tropical vegetation. Its coast is lined by jagged cliffs and plunging ravines, and its beaches are covered with black sand. Thanks to dry climate and the height of its mountains creating excellent observation conditions, La Palma has become the home of some of the world's largest telescopes, seated on the rocky ridge called El Roque de los Muchachos.

New Caledonia is an archipelago located in the south western part of the Pacific Ocean, and belongs to what is known as Melanesia. The mainland known as the "Grande Terre" is the principal island of New Caledonia and covers an area of 400 kms north to south and 50 kms west to east, with a total surface of 19 000 square meters. It is the third largest island in the South Pacific after New Guinea and New Zealand.