Ashland is a small city in southern Oregon, set in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains near the California border. The community is known for its tree-lined streets, historic downtown, Lithia Park, and access to surrounding mountain landscapes. Ashland’s compact center contains independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings, while Ashland Creek runs through the city and into the park.

Orléans is a city on the Loire River in central France, where a historic urban center meets broad riverbanks and the landscapes of the Loire Valley. Its position on the river helped make it an important center for trade and transport, while today the quays provide space for walking and cycling. The old center contains a mixture of medieval streets, Renaissance buildings, and later architecture, with the Sainte-Croix Cathedral forming a prominent landmark.

Ifrane is a mountain city in Morocco’s Middle Atlas, set at about 1,650 metres above sea level between Fez and Meknes. Its high elevation gives it a cooler climate than many Moroccan cities, with regular winter snowfall and mild summers.

Alabama surprises many first-time visitors with its rich cultural depth and variety of landscapes. From the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores to the Appalachian foothills in the north, the state offers a wide range of experiences. Music runs deep in Alabama’s veins. Muscle Shoals, a small town along the Tennessee River, is legendary among musicians. Its Fame Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio hosted Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

A favorite stop on South American and Antarctic cruises, Punta Arenas lies within the spectacular system of fjords that dot the coast of Chile. La Cruz Hill affords commanding views of the Straits of Magellan. Visit Punta Arenas for fascinating museums, quaint restaurants filled with fresh Chilean eats, and ample opportunity to watch local penguins!