Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, rises on the shores of the Caspian Sea as a city of striking contrasts. Its futuristic skyline, defined by the Flame Towers, glows each evening in waves of light, while the UNESCO-listed Old City preserves centuries of history within its fortified walls.

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.

Oban is located in the northern part of the Scottish Highlands. Renowned for the beauty of the land and the excellent scotch made there, Oban is an indisputable treasure of nature.

On the Nile's east bank sits Luxor, a onetime stronghold for Egyptian pharaohs. Key sites include Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.

Suva is the capital of Fiji and a popular island destination in the South Pacific. Highlights of this tropical city include Fiji Museum, Thurston Park, Mount Korobaba, and Colo-I-Suva Forest Park.