Oslo, Norway’s capital, stands at the crossroads of Nordic history and forward-thinking design. Originally founded over a thousand years ago by Viking King Harald Hardrada, the city has evolved from a medieval trading hub into one of Europe’s most modern capitals. Visitors can explore its layered past at the Akershus Fortress, a 13th-century stronghold still standing guard over Oslofjord, or walk through the preserved wooden homes of Damstredet.

Brunei is a small country on the island of Borneo known for its wealth, tropical rainforests, and rich cultural heritage. The country’s landscapes are a mix of dense jungles, rivers, and coastal mangroves, offering a peaceful environment where nature remains largely intact.

La Rioja, located in northern Spain, is best known for its wine, but the region offers much more than vineyard views. Its capital, Logroño, sits along the Camino de Santiago and has welcomed travelers for centuries. The city’s historic center is compact and lively, with narrow streets lined by centuries-old churches, pintxo bars, and quiet plazas.

York, England, is a city where over 2,000 years of history comes to life. Originally founded by the Romans in 71 AD as Eboracum, York has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the Vikings to the Normans. Today, the city retains its medieval charm, with its historic York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, standing proudly as its centerpiece.

Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.