The South Pacific stretches across a vast expanse of ocean, dotted with thousands of islands that vary from remote atolls to vibrant cultural hubs.

French Guiana, tucked between Brazil and Suriname on the northeast coast of South America, offers an unexpected blend of Amazonian wilderness, colonial intrigue, and French flair. As an overseas department of France, it uses the euro, speaks French, and has croissants alongside cassava bread at breakfast. Yet just beyond the cafés of Cayenne, vast rainforest stretches for hundreds of kilometers, home to rare wildlife, remote rivers, and Indigenous communities.

Brighton, a vibrant seaside city on England's southern coast, has long been a favorite getaway for those seeking a mix of culture, history, and the sea. Its most famous landmark, the Royal Pavilion, is an architectural wonder with its exotic, Indian-inspired domes and minarets. Originally built for King George IV as a lavish seaside retreat, the palace today offers visitors a glimpse into royal opulence with its richly decorated interiors and sprawling gardens.

Freiburg was founded by the Dukes of Zähringen in 1120, and the layout of streets and squares of the rapidly prospering metropolis is still impressively reflected in today's cityscape.

From the rugged highlands and volcanic plateaus to the lowland deserts and the Great Rift Valley, Ethiopia's terrain is as varied as it is dramatic.