Located off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is an archipelago that is sure to enchant visitors with its unique blend of African and Portuguese influences. This group of ten volcanic islands boasts dramatic landscapes, from the barren, rugged mountains of Fogo Island to the lush, green hills of Santo Antão. With its stunning landscapes, lively culture, and warm hospitality, Cape Verde offers a wide range of activities for all sorts of travelers.

Dambulla, situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is best known for its rock temple complex that has been in use for over two thousand years. The Dambulla Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is made up of five caves carved into a granite outcrop, filled with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate wall paintings. These caves were first used by King Valagamba in the 1st century BCE as a refuge during exile, and later transformed into a sacred site.

Bodø, located just north of the Arctic Circle, is a coastal city where dramatic landscapes meet a surprising blend of modern culture and outdoor access. As the largest town in the Nordland region of Norway, Bodø has become a key stop along the Norwegian Scenic Route and a gateway to the Lofoten Islands. Located just a short drive away, the Saltstraumen maelstrom, which is one of the world’s strongest tidal currents, visitors can watch whirlpools form in the sea with astonishing power.

The Maldives, a nation of islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, is known for its dazzling turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Stretching across 26 atolls, this tropical paradise is often described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, lies off the southeastern coast of Africa and is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and unique landscapes. Its rainforests, spiny deserts, and highland plateaus provide habitats for species found nowhere else on Earth.