Thanks to the implementation of a coastal highway in the 1980s and the government's subsequent infrastructure investments, Natal is now the largest city in Brazil's Rio Grande do Norte. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful beaches, white sand dunes and a diverse cultural experience. The city also lays claim to having some of the cleanest air on the continent as well as the world's largest cashew tree, the Cajueiro de Pirangi, which produces roughly 70,000 nuts annually.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is often called the “Pink City” for the terracotta-hued buildings that line its historic streets. Founded in 1727, it was one of India’s first planned cities, designed with wide avenues and grand public squares.

Kirkenes sits at the far northeastern edge of Norway, just a few kilometers from the Russian border and not far from Finland. This Arctic town offers travelers a perspective they won’t find anywhere else in the country. With street signs in both Norwegian and Russian, and a local history shaped by war, trade, and shifting borders, Kirkenes has long stood at the crossroads of cultures.

This is a city one could get lost in for days, exploring the old Ming Dynasty walls and wandering through its superb museum. If time permits, you should also take a walk through Linggu Park, home of the Linggu Pagoda and other items of Buddhist interest. Even just a casual walk through the streets-replete with food vendors and baskets of live geese-will help convey the unique flavor of this city.

The Abaco Islands, part of The Bahamas, stretch across more than 120 cays and islands, offering a laid-back yet adventurous escape. Known for their calm waters and sheltered harbors, the Abacos are often called the sailing capital of The Bahamas, drawing boaters and yachters from around the world.