Uruguay may be one of South America's smallest countries, but it packs a striking variety of experiences into its compact borders. From the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento to the avant-garde coastline of José Ignacio, Uruguay blends old-world charm with modern personality. Montevideo, the capital, offers a glimpse into everyday life with its seaside promenade, called the “Rambla,” which stretches over 20 kilometers along the Río de la Plata.

Elafonisi is a coastal area in southwestern Crete, known for a shallow lagoon, pale sand mixed with pink shell fragments, and a narrow sandy crossing to a small offshore island. The beach lies within a protected Natura 2000 landscape that supports sea lilies, rare plants, seabirds, and other wildlife.

Lifou is the largest of the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia and is known for its raised coral landscape, clear lagoons, and forested interior. Unlike Grande Terre, Lifou has no high mountain range, but its limestone plateau reaches enough elevation to create cliffs, caves, and elevated coastal viewpoints.

The Falklands are a remote and beautiful group of islands with a temperate climate, warm and friendly people of British decent, unbelievably rich wildlife, colorful homes and gardens, and a unique way of life. There is a surprising variety of scenery with rolling moorlands, grassy plains dotted with lakes, mountains over 2000 feet high, and a magnificent coastline with wide white beaches and dramatic bluffs.

Town walls encapsulate this city, making for fantastic viewpoints all around. Visitors can also walk across the Pont de les Peixateries Velles bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel. When leaving, it is a must to find El Cul de la Lleona, a lioness statue, and kiss her bottom. Tradition dictates that doing so will ensure a return trip in your future!