Bartolomé Island, one of the most iconic destinations in the Galápagos archipelago, is known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and the postcard-perfect view from its summit. Just off the east coast of Santiago Island, this uninhabited islet draws visitors for its unique terrain with lava flows, spatter cones, and a rust-colored cinder cone that rises sharply above the sea.
The Virgin Islands, an archipelago in the northeastern Caribbean, are divided between the United States and the United Kingdom, each offering a distinct flavor while sharing the same breathtaking landscapes. These islands are known for their lush hillsides, crescent-shaped beaches, and some of the clearest waters in the region.
Skadar Lake National Park protects the Montenegrin side of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, near the country's southern border with Albania. The lake expands and contracts with seasonal water levels, creating a landscape of marshes, reed beds, open water, rocky shores, and low hills. The park is especially important for wetland wildlife and contains a rich variety of fish, plants, and birds.
Paro, Bhutan, is a serene valley town that offers a gateway to the mystical charm of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Nestled amidst verdant hills and bisected by the glistening Paro Chhu river, Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. At the heart of this picturesque valley stands the majestic Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with a history dating back to the 17th century.
Tonga is distinctly different to its neighboring island nations. This Polynesian kingdom, made up of 170 islands, carries a proud history that dates back over 3,000 years. On the main island of Tongatapu, travelers can explore ancient stone structures like the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui Trilithon—sometimes called the Stonehenge of the Pacific. Royal tombs in Lapaha offer a glimpse into the lineage of Tonga’s kings, while village life remains guided by customs that have changed little over centuries.
Sunlight enters through an opening above the weathered limestone formations inside the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands.
Photo Credit: Wendy Harman
Rising from Fiji’s northern Yasawa Islands, Sawa-i-Lau is a striking limestone island surrounded by an otherwise volcanic island chain. Its rugged shoreline conceals a series of partially flooded caverns, including a spacious chamber where sunlight filters through an opening above and illuminates a clear saltwater pool. Adventurous swimmers can also enter a darker inner cave through a short underwater passage. Rich in local legend, Sawa-i-Lau offers a memorable blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and island adventure.