Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is often described as one of the world’s smallest capitals, yet it brims with color and character. Located on Mahé Island, the city is both a cultural hub and a gateway to the surrounding beaches and mountains.

Ullapool is a village in the Scottish Highlands about 65 miles north-west of Inverness. Ullapool is known for the progressive, ecologically sound practices of its inhabitants and is the center for the Highland Environment Centre; a project of the Highland Eco Trust.

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.

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.

Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, is a city that wears its history in stone. Built in the 16th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center is filled with over 200 colonial-era buildings made from pink cantera, a soft volcanic stone that gives the city its distinct look. The centerpiece is the Morelia Cathedral, a massive baroque structure that features twin towers that light up every Saturday night with a fireworks and music display.