Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.

Liège, located along the Meuse River in eastern Belgium, is a city shaped by industry, resilience, and an independent spirit that dates back centuries. Once the capital of a powerful prince-bishopric, Liège has always done things its own way and is lived-in and layered with working neighborhoods, student cafés, and markets that tell the city’s real story. Every Sunday, locals gather at La Batte, one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in Belgium.

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city where history and modern life intersect on a grand scale. Ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven reflect centuries of imperial heritage, while the Great Wall lies just outside the city, offering views of one of the most famous engineering feats in the world.

Tromsø, a gem nestled in the Arctic Circle, offers an unparalleled blend of natural wonders and cultural richness. Known as the "Gateway to the Arctic," this Norwegian city is famed for its spectacular Northern Lights. Between September and April, Tromsø becomes a prime location for witnessing the aurora borealis, a mesmerizing display of green, purple, and pink lights dancing across the polar sky.

Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, is a city where history and daily life intertwine along the shores of the Atlantic. Founded in 1792 as a settlement for freed slaves from Britain and the Americas, it remains a place of cultural depth and resilience.