Nestled high in the Pyrenees, Soldeu is a mountain village in the principality of Andorra, best known for its access to Grandvalira, which is one of the largest ski areas in Southern Europe. At 1,800 meters above sea level, Soldeu has grown from a quiet farming village into a winter destination with over 200 kilometers of slopes. It hosted World Cup alpine ski races in 2019 and is scheduled to host the Finals again in 2029.
Guam, a vibrant island territory in the Western Pacific, offers travelers more than just sandy beaches and turquoise water. As the largest island in Micronesia, Guam has a dynamic past that’s shaped its present. Evidence of ancient Chamorro settlements can be found at sites like Latte Stone Park, where limestone pillars dating back over a thousand years stand tall.
Papua New Guinea is a land of surprises, where misty highlands give way to tropical coasts and vibrant festivals stir every sense. In the Highlands, the air carries the echoes of ceremonial drums and elaborate sing‑sings like the famed Goroka Show, where over 100 tribes gather in September to perform dances adorned with feathered headdresses, body paint, and the haunting clay masks of the Asaro Mudmen.
Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.
Ocho Rios, whose name comes from the Spanish for “Eight Rivers”, was originally a Taíno settlement before Spanish and later British colonial influence shaped its identity. Nestled along Jamaica’s lush north coast, this once-humble fishing village has transformed into a vibrant coastal town that blends historical depth with modern charm.