Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, is a place where tropical forest and coastline meet in striking harmony. Once a pirate hideout and later the site of a penal colony, it has evolved into one of Brazil’s most remarkable island destinations. With no cars allowed and no large resorts, the island moves at a different pace, where footpaths and boats are the main ways to get around.

South Central Asia offers travelers a journey through vivid contrasts, where centuries-old temples stand beside bustling modern cities, and tea-covered hills roll into dense tropical forests. In India, visitors can witness the grandeur of Mughal architecture at the Taj Mahal, then find serenity at the ghats of Varanasi, where rituals have continued for thousands of years.

In Engelberg visitors can enjoy activities in all seasons. In winter, snow covers long ski runs, and slopes of all levels stretch down towards the valley. In warmer months, the same lifts take hikers to high meadows where paths lead past lakes and ridges with spectacular views. Down in the valley, the Brunni area has gentle slopes, a summer toboggan run, and even barefoot trails around quiet ponds, offering a different side of the Alps.

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.

Jūrmala, Latvia’s famed seaside resort, stretches along 33 kilometers of white sandy beaches kissed by the Baltic Sea. Its wooden architecture, featuring colorful villas from the early 20th century, tells the story of its history as a retreat for the well-to-do during the Russian Empire. Visitors strolling the Jomas Street promenade will find a lively atmosphere filled with cafes, boutiques, and galleries, alongside peaceful spots where the sea breeze encourages relaxation.