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.

Marzamemi, a small fishing village on the southeastern coast of Sicily, offers an authentic taste of Mediterranean charm. Known for its picturesque stone buildings, vibrant piazzas, and crystal-clear waters, Marzamemi captures the essence of coastal life in Sicily. The town’s centerpiece is Piazza Regina Margherita, surrounded by rustic houses and lively seafood restaurants where visitors can savor the fresh catch of the day.

Replete with windmills and old-world charm, the village of Kinderdijk lies east of Rotterdam on the Lek River and is a popular stop for European river cruises. Home to the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands, Kinderdijk was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Seychelles, offers a pristine and unparalleled escape into nature's untouched beauty. The atoll, the second-largest in the world, is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and is home to the Aldabra giant tortoise, a species found nowhere else on Earth. This enormous tortoise population is one of the key attractions for visitors, providing a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Whistler, nestled in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, is a year-round destination renowned for its world-class skiing and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. As home to the largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb, this picturesque town transforms into a snowy wonderland each winter.