In the Indian Ocean are the Maldives, 1190 tiny islands that Marco Polo described as the "flower of the Indies." The description still fits. An independent republic where English is widely spoken, the Maldives are a true unspoiled tropical paradise.

Pilsen, located in the western part of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city is best known as the birthplace of Pilsner beer, a name synonymous with the iconic pale lager that has become a global standard.

Welcome to Nairobi, safari capital and the largest city in Kenya. At one time a simple hydration spot for the Maasai, this high-energy East African city now strikes a balance between the cosmopolitan and the natural. In its adjacent Nairobi National Park, visitors will see lions, zebras, giraffes and rare black rhinos.

Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya.

Central Asia stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to China and Mongolia in the east, and from Afghanistan and Iran in the south to Russia in the north, including the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.