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.

Manama pulses with stories from long ago and today. Just beyond the modern skyline lies Qal’at al‑Bahrain, a layered mound once the capital of Dilmun, used by societies from the Kassites to the Portuguese. Visitors can climb its crumbling stairways and imagine life across centuries there. Nearby, the Bahrain National Museum, opened in 1988 in a stately waterside building, displays archaeological finds from ancient Dilmun to modern-day artifacts and is one of the Gulf's first modern museums.

Maine, known as the Pine Tree State, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, maritime heritage, and charming small towns. Start your exploration in Acadia National Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lyttelton is the largest settlement on Lyttelton Harbour, an inlet on the northwestern side of Banks Peninsula, and provides a frequent landing spot to those who are Christchurch bound.

San Francisco offers something for everyone. Whether it's exploring world-famous landmarks, discovering hidden gems in its neighborhoods, or enjoying the coastal breeze by the bay, this vibrant city promises a memorable experience for all who visit.