From the Caribbean Sea on one side to the Pacific Ocean on the other, Central America is home to lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and vibrant coastal towns.
Kaohsiung sits on Taiwan’s southern coast and rises from one of the island’s busiest harbors into a city that rewards slow exploration and lively discovery. History and local belief surface at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas beside Lotus Pond in Zuoying District. These twin pagodas that are connected to the shore by a zigzag bridge, invite visitors to walk through the dragon’s mouth and out the tiger’s, a practice locals associate with turning bad luck into good fortune.
Konya has served as a spiritual center for centuries. Every December, the Şeb‑i Arûs festival marks the passing of Rumi, the Persian mystic, and draws Sufis and visitors from around the world to witness the Sema. Whirling dervish dance is performed to the sound of ney flutes and drums. In one of the country's most hushed and vivid traditions, performers spin in unison in flowing white skirts, a scene that blends meditation with graceful motion in a way found nowhere else.
Alghero, located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Italy, is a seaside city that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as “Little Barcelona” due to its Catalan influence, Alghero’s old town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can explore landmarks like the imposing Torre del Portal, a medieval tower that is a testament to the city’s rich heritage.