Situated on the Isthmus of Panama, the tropical Republic of Panama is of course best known for its canal. Thousands of ships cruise through the Panama Canal locks each year. Visitors to the country will also find diverse wonders of nature, including plants, birds, and trees. Panama City, its capital, has over a million inhabitants and is a modern, bustling destination.
Just south of Kyoto, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and a cultural hub known for its spectacular culinary scene. Highlights of this sprawling and lively city include majestic Osaka Castle, whose tiers of white and green tower over Nishinomaru Garden’s blooming pink cherry trees, as well as the Shitennoji Buddhist temple, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and ever-popular Universal Studios Japan.
Cook Islands is a self-governing island group in free association with New Zealand, comprising two groups of widely scattered islands in the South Pacific Ocean. The Southern, or Lower, Group includes Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro, Manuae, and Takutea.