Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. The island’s rich past is evident in its archaeological treasures, with Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences shaping its architecture and traditions. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a must-visit for history lovers, where you can wander among some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece.

Barranquilla sits near the mouth of the Magdalena River on Columbia's Caribbean side. It is a major seaport and a center of commerce, but everyone breaks loose for four days in February for one of the liveliest carnivals outside of Rio.

Mauritania, stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert, offers travelers a journey through wide-open landscapes and centuries of history. Its terrain is marked by shifting sand dunes, ancient caravan towns, and stretches of untouched coastline.

Midway between Salzburg and Vienna, Linz boasts beautiful Baroque buildings, including Old Town Hall and the Old Cathedral, Alter Dom.

Fortaleza, on Brazil’s northeastern Atlantic coast, greets visitors with wide sandy beaches that stretch for miles along warm, blue water. Beyond the city’s shoreline, dramatic dunes and inviting waters make Fortaleza an ideal base for exploring nearby beach towns like Cumbuco and Canoa Quebrada, each with its own rhythms and landscapes.