Palau, a Pacific island nation made up of over 500 islands, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers who want to discover something both ancient and alive. Located between the Philippines and Guam, this small country is known for its otherworldly seascapes, but its appeal runs far deeper than its turquoise waters.

Salamanca, often called the “Golden City” for the warm glow of its sandstone buildings, is a place where centuries of stories are etched into every wall. Visit its historic center to wander through cobbled streets lined with architectural marvels. The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, is one of the oldest in Europe and still buzzes with student life.

Bakkagerði is a small village in Borgarfjörður Eystri on Iceland’s remote east coast, surrounded by steep mountains, narrow valleys, and the North Atlantic. The village serves as the main settlement and service center for the fjord, with a small harbor and colorful houses scattered beneath the surrounding peaks. Its isolated location gives Bakkagerði a strong connection to the landscape and to traditional rural life.

Abuja is a planned, modern city and the proposed new federal capital of Nigeria. The site was chosen to replace the capital Lagos because of the central location, easy accessibility, good climate and land for further expansion.

Saint-Louis is a historic city in northern Senegal, positioned on an island at the mouth of the Senegal River where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Its distinctive setting between waterways has shaped the city’s architecture, economy, and daily life. The historic island is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its regular street plan, waterfront quays, colonial buildings, and distinctive balconies and galleries.