Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s most storied cities, famed for its role as a crossroads of culture, science, and trade along the Silk Road. The heart of the city is the Registan, a grand square framed by three ornate madrasas decorated with vivid mosaics, intricate tilework, and soaring arches.
Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.
Sweden is a country where medieval towns, coastal archipelagos, and expansive forests sit side by side with modern design and a strong cultural identity. Stockholm, the capital, is built across 14 islands connected by bridges and ferries. The historic district of Gamla Stan features narrow, cobbled streets and colorful buildings dating back to the 13th century.
San Antonio is a city where centuries-old missions, lively markets, and a strong sense of place come together in unexpected ways. At the heart of it all is the Alamo, the former Spanish mission that became a symbol of Texas independence after the pivotal 1836 battle. Beyond its landmarks, San Antonio thrives through its neighborhoods. The River Walk weaves through downtown, lined with restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Great Bird Island, lying just off Antigua’s northeastern coast, is a tiny, uninhabited gem known for its remarkable biodiversity and tranquil beauty. Despite its modest size, the island is home to some of the Caribbean’s rarest wildlife.
Les Saintes (also known as Iles des Saintes) are perfect for the kind of traveler who relishes unspoiled tropical beauty and the serenity that comes from doing next to nothing on a vacation, but doing it à la française. While Guadeloupe's bustling epicenter, Pointe-à-Pitre, is just a l5-minute plane hop away, it seems continents apart from the eight pristine volcanic dots that comprise Les Saintes. There are about 3,000 inhabitants in the islands. About half of them live on Terre-de-Haut where only a few dozen four-wheeled vehicles travel its roads. There is just one doctor, and his home, designed to resemble a ship's bow, is something of a local landmark.