Catalina Island, located just 1.5 miles off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a serene tropical escape known for its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

Karatu, located in northern Tanzania between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, is more than just a stopover for safari-goers. This highland town, surrounded by rolling farmland and volcanic hills, offers travelers a closer look at daily life in the region. The area is home to the Iraqw people, known for their terraced farming, traditional homesteads, and unique language unrelated to most other East African tongues.

If you find yourself in Rotterdam, there's a strong chance you've arrived by water. This popular port city (the second largest in the Netherlands) has gone through an architectural renaissance since World War II, with daring, innovative structures dotting the city (cube houses!) and defining its skyline. Café culture is on the rise here, so grab yourself a table and a cup.

Astoria, Oregon is the state's oldest city. Located on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is rich in history, including fishing, canning and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Farther from a continental landfall than any other group of islands on earth, the twelve Marquesas jut out of the open Pacific just south of the equator, shrouded in a constant cloud cover.