Located on the Rhône River, Avignon is the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, 'Le Palais des Papes,' is a breathtaking must see.

Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.

Verona is situated at a bend of the Adige River in northern Italy. It is hard to imagine that antique arts, monuments that date back to Roman times, and the shadows of the world's most famous tragic lovers can add up to a smiling, buzzing city. Yet they do, thanks perhaps to Verona's talent for melding her past and her present, her ancient and new so gracefully that everything blends in easy harmony.

The capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a charming seaside destination in Eastern Canada. Rich in maritime history and once a major trading hub, this city boasts fresh air, lovely sunsets, and a laid-back vibe. Must-see attractions include the hilltop fort Halifax Citadel, the Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

South Dakota, known for its striking contrasts, from sacred Indigenous landmarks to dramatic prairie landscapes, offers travelers a rare chance to experience stories etched in both stone and living tradition. Mount Rushmore may be the most photographed site, but just 17 miles away, the Crazy Horse Memorial tells a deeper story. In the west, the Black Hills are full of geological surprises and sacred sites. Custer State Park offers scenic drives where herds of bison often stop traffic.