Antiquity is everywhere on the island of Rhodes, from its cobbled Old Town to a mighty acropolis presiding high over the town of Lindos. Ancient ruins recall Crusades-era occupation and Ottoman tyranny, but today, a rather magical Aegean lifestyle is predominant. Travelers will enjoy excellent food, picturesque beaches, buzzing nightlife, and snorkeling in clear waters.
Catalina Island, just 22 miles off the Southern California coast, offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Known for its crystal-clear waters and Mediterranean-like climate, Catalina is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. Avalon, the island’s primary town, charms visitors with its colorful architecture, boutique shops, and vibrant waterfront.
New Orleans is unlike any other city in the United States. Founded in 1718, it carries layers of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influence that can be felt in everything from its architecture to its street music. The French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the city, is full of iron-laced balconies, gas lamps, and narrow streets that echo with the sounds of live jazz.
Rocamadour is a remarkable village set against a steep limestone cliff in the Lot department of southwestern France. Its stone buildings, narrow lanes and ancient sanctuaries rise in stages above the Alzou River valley, giving the settlement a striking silhouette that has drawn visitors for centuries. Pilgrims have come here since the Middle Ages to see the Black Madonna in the Chapelle Notre-Dame and to walk the Chemin de Croix.
The National Park of American Samoa invites visitors to step into a world shaped by towering volcanic ridges, tangled rainforests, and clear coral-sand bays. Spread across Tutuila, Ta‘ū, and Ofu islands, the park protects nearly 13,500 acres of land and 4,000 acres of ocean, an unusual patchwork where ancient ecosystems like paleotropical rainforests meet hip-deep coral reefs. Only U.S. national park in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a place where you can hike through cloud-shrouded forests and t
Travelers on the Arabian Sea often find themselves in Muscat, on the Gulf of Oman. This port capital is situated between ocean and mountains, and boasts lovely beaches, great diving sites (watch for turtles!), 16th-century forts, and the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which can hold 20,000 people. To get a dose of Omani culture, Bait Al Zubair Museum holds local artifacts, while Royal Opera House Muscat is a center of performing arts. Additionally, you can shop for enticing goods at Mutrah Souq, a famous bazaar.