This is a wild and beautiful area unlike anywhere else in the world. Torres del Paine lies between the central spine of the Andes, nearly buried under a massive ice cap and the steppes of Southern Patagonia.

Kuala Lumpur may appear to be a modern Asian city of gleaming skyscrapers, but it retains much of its original character and local color. It has plenty of colonial buildings in its center, a vibrant Chinatown with street vendors and night markets, and a bustling Little India.

As a city located in a Baltic Sea archipelago, it's not surprising that Stockholm has 50 bridges and sightseeing boats moving people between its 14 islands. This contemporary and welcoming capital of Sweden is nonetheless easily navigable by foot. Every district here has a distinct flavor, from the sophisticated Östermalm to the bustling downtown energy of Norrmalm to the delightful Old Town.

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.

Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, beckons travelers with its idyllic beaches and vibrant culture. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Tortola offers crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes, and a range of outdoor activities. Cane Garden Bay, one of the island’s most famous beaches, is renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.