Port Vila, the vibrant capital of Vanuatu, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and relaxed island charm. Nestled on the southern coast of Efate Island, Port Vila is renowned for its picturesque harbor, lush landscapes, and bustling market scene. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture at the Port Vila Market, where colorful stalls brim with fresh produce, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional island fare.

Manama pulses with stories from long ago and today. Just beyond the modern skyline lies Qal’at al‑Bahrain, a layered mound once the capital of Dilmun, used by societies from the Kassites to the Portuguese. Visitors can climb its crumbling stairways and imagine life across centuries there. Nearby, the Bahrain National Museum, opened in 1988 in a stately waterside building, displays archaeological finds from ancient Dilmun to modern-day artifacts and is one of the Gulf's first modern museums.

Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, stands apart from its island neighbors with its blend of neoclassical architecture, Orthodox and Catholic traditions, and year-round local life. Ermoupoli, the main town, was once a thriving 19th-century port and still displays its legacy through grand mansions, marble-paved squares, and the imposing Apollo Theater which was designed by an Italian architect and often referred to as a miniature La Scala.

One of San Cristobal Island's most popular visitor sites is Cerro Brujo, with its expansive white sand beach and a lagoon that locals once used as a salt mine but now offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Another must-see is Kicker Rock, a fascinating rock formation that looks like a boot from one angle (hence its English name) and like a sleeping lion from another (thus its Spanish name, Roca León Dormido).

Heimaey, the largest island in Iceland’s Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, is a captivating destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes and volcanic history. A visit to Heimaey offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.