Albania offers travelers a surprising and diverse experience shaped by centuries of influence. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins set against a lagoon. In Berat and Gjirokastër stone houses stack along steep hillsides, giving visitors the sense of walking through a living museum. These towns offer an authentic window into daily Albanian life.

Nuwara Eliya sits high in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, above the plains at nearly 1,900 meters, with a climate that remains refreshingly mild year-round, which is a sharp contrast to the tropical warmth found elsewhere on the island. For those looking to explore the outdoors, Lake Gregory has long been a place for boating, walking, and watching the mist drift across the water at dawn.

Estes Park, Colorado, is a picturesque mountain town nestled at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it offers visitors a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, pristine alpine lakes, and breathtaking mountain vistas, Estes Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Known as "The City with Soul," Jackson is a popular hub for a variety of music genres, including jazz, gospel, and blues music. Highlights include the Jackson Zoo, the Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

Angola is one of Africa’s most surprising travel destinations, where modern cities meet ancient traditions and landscapes range from dramatic waterfalls to endless Atlantic beaches. In the capital of Luanda the waterfront promenade known as the Marginal buzzes with music, food stalls, and sunset views. A short drive away, the Fortress of São Miguel panoramic views of the bay.