Western Samoa, a stunning island nation in the South Pacific, invites travelers with its rich cultural traditions and breathtaking landscapes—stunning rainforests, towering waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. Made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savaii, along with seven smaller islands, Western Samoa is a vibrant hub of Polynesian culture.
Fanning Island, also known as Tabuaeran, is one of the Line Islands in the Republic of Kiribati. Sitting just four degrees north of the equator, this remote atoll is a rare find for travelers seeking raw, untouched Pacific beauty. With no large hotels or chain resorts, visitors often arrive by cruise or private yacht and are welcomed with coconut-leaf garlands and traditional songs.
In Cyprus, travelers are immersed in a culture that draws on Europe, the Middle East, and 9000 years of constant invasion. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors.
Shirley Heights, perched high above English Harbour on Antigua’s southern coast, is one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints. Once a military lookout and signal station during the 18th century, it played a key role in guarding the British naval base at Nelson’s Dockyard.
Arnhem has strong ties to Dutch fashion and design, thanks to ArtEZ University of the Arts. Graduates from its fashion department have gone on to international acclaim, and their influence is visible in boutiques and creative spaces throughout the Modekwartier (Fashion Quarter). This district features workshops, studios, and cafes where visitors can meet designers and even purchase one-of-a-kind pieces made on-site.
Oahu, island in central Hawaii, between Kauai and Molokai islands, in Honolulu County; it is the third largest island in the state, after Hawaii and Maui. The most heavily populated of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is known as the Gathering Place. It is about 64 km (about 40 mi) long and 42 km (26 mi) wide. Oahu is the commercial center of Hawaii and is important to United States defense in the Pacific. Pearl Harbor naval base is situated here. Two parallel mountain ranges, the Koolau Range and the Waianae Range, cross Oahu from northwest to southeast. A wide fertile plateau separates the two ranges. The chief agricultural industries in Oahu are the growing and processing of pineapples and sugarcane; tourism also is very important to the economy. Among the many popular beaches is the renowned Waikiki, backed by the famous Diamond Head, an extinct volcano. The largest community, Honolulu, is the state capital.