Perched on the southern coast of Iceland, the quaint village of Vík í Mýrdal, or simply Vík, is a destination that defies expectations with its dramatic landscapes and unique charm. Known as Iceland’s southernmost village, Vík is famed for its striking black sand beach, Reynisfjara, consistently ranked among the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.

Tomar sits on the Nabão River in central Portugal as a place where medieval history and everyday life meet in welcoming streets and grand monuments. Just outside the convent walls lies the Pegões Aqueduct, an impressive feat of engineering more than 6 kilometers long that once carried water from distant springs to the hilltop site. Some sections of its arches rise more than 30 meters above the valley floor, making it a striking backdrop for photos.

Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a vibrant port city and a frequent starting point for cruises to the Galapagos Islands.

Merida was once the sprawling capital of the Mayan empire and the center of their universe. Merida is now the center of a cosmopolitan universe, built on Mayan heritage, and given a unique twist by French and Mediterranean immigrants. Days are spent exploring the city's many museums and equally fascinating shopping districts. At night, local music can be heard from just about every park in the city, inviting newcomers to enjoy a romantic and fun-filled evening.

Hisor is a historic city in western Tajikistan, located about 30 kilometers west of Dushanbe in the fertile Hisor Valley. The city lies between mountain ranges and is surrounded by agricultural land, rivers, orchards, and settlements that give the valley a distinctly rural character.