Lafayette is often called the heart of Cajun country for good reason. This vibrant city blends French-speaking roots with bold music, rich storytelling, and a culture that doesn’t just celebrate life but dances through it. Originally settled by Acadians expelled from Canada in the 1700s, Lafayette has grown into a lively hub where traditions are preserved and passed down through generations.

Andringitra National Park lies in southeastern Madagascar across the regions of Haute Matsiatra and Ihorombe, protecting about 31,160 hectares of mountains, valleys, forests, and high-altitude grasslands. The park is part of the Andringitra Massif, where granite ridges and steep cliffs rise above deep valleys. Its elevation creates several distinct environments, ranging from humid forest to exposed mountain vegetation. The park is also part of the UNESCO-listed Rainforests of the Atsinanana.

Travelers on the Arabian Sea often find themselves in Muscat, on the Gulf of Oman. This port capital is situated between ocean and mountains, and boasts lovely beaches, great diving sites (watch for turtles!), 16th-century forts, and the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which can hold 20,000 people.

Bizerte is a coastal city in northern Tunisia, situated on the Mediterranean Sea around a lagoon and a network of canals connecting the city with Lake Bizerte. It is known for its working fishing harbour, historic waterfront, and proximity to some of northern Tunisia’s most important natural areas.

Ananuri is a historic fortified complex in northern Georgia, set beside the Zhinvali Reservoir on the Aragvi River. Its stone walls, towers, churches, and defensive structures rise above the reservoir and the surrounding wooded mountains, creating one of the most recognizable historic landscapes along the Georgian Military Highway.