The Marshall Islands, a remote chain of atolls and islands in the central Pacific, invites travelers into a world where tradition, ocean life, and recent history all leave a lasting impression. Spread across nearly a million square miles of ocean, this independent nation offers rare access to some of the world’s most pristine marine environments.

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.

Aruba, the “One Happy Island,” blends Caribbean charm with a distinct Dutch influence that shapes its culture, cuisine, and colorful architecture. Located just outside the hurricane belt, it enjoys year-round sunshine, making it a favorite destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

It's the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, lying 40 miles south of St. Thomas and St. John. While its history is laced with tales of pirates and privateers, the island today maintains a slower, more quiet pace than its sisters to the north.

Telšiai, often called the capital of Lithuania’s Samogitia region, offers visitors a deep dive into a unique cultural heritage paired with striking natural settings. The town is set on the shores of Lake Mastis, where the reflections of historic buildings and lush forests create a calm and inviting atmosphere. Telšiai’s old market square bustles with life and is home to some of the town’s most notable landmarks, including the Neo-Gothic St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral.