Latvia invites visitors to explore a land where medieval streets meet vast forests and a lively coastline. Riga, the country’s capital, is home to one of the largest and best-preserved collections of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe. Walking through the Old Town, visitors can admire intricate facades and cobblestone streets that lead to landmarks like the House of Blackheads and St. Peter’s Church, whose tower offers panoramic views of the city.
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.
Belém do Pará sits at the edge of the Amazon, where river and bay meet in a landscape with activity and color. The Ver-o-Peso Market spreads along Guajará Bay, welcoming early morning boats laden with fresh fish, herbs, fruits, and Amazonian goods. Recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, the local cuisine marries Indigenous, Portuguese, and African traditions to create dishes found nowhere else.
ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).
Road Town, the vibrant capital of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), offers a charming blend of Caribbean culture, history, and natural beauty. Nestled around a horseshoe-shaped harbor and fringed by lush green hills, Road Town is the bustling heart of the BVI, where visitors can explore colorful markets, historical landmarks, and an inviting waterfront.