Loch Ness stretches over 23 miles through the Scottish Highlands, holding more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Best known for its elusive resident, the so-called Loch Ness Monster, the loch has sparked international curiosity since the first modern "sighting" in 1933. While Nessie remains elusive, the surrounding landscape offers clear reasons to visit with steep hillsides, forested trails, and ancient ruins framing one of Scotland’s most iconic bodies of water.

Red Sea beaches, world-class snorkeling and spectacular desert environments are all reasons to visit the port city of Aqaba, Jordan. Take a quick walk from the city's lovely waterfront promenade and behold its Old Town, which features the 14th century Mamluk Fort and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum.

Make friends with Rostock, one of Germany's most beautiful Hanseatic cities - where the Baltic Sea laps the shores of Mecklenburg/Western Pomerania and the air tastes slightly salty, where old-fashioned sailboats provoke nostalgic longings, and where brick gables reach into the sky.

Jayapura is a part of Irian Jaya and shares a landmass with Papua New Guinea and it's peoples culture is very similar to the Papuans. From snow capped mountains to jungles, from swamps to glaciers there is much to explore in this less traveled, diverse region.

Pemba Island, located off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, offers an idyllic escape for travelers seeking pristine natural beauty and cultural depth. Known as the "Green Island" for its lush, tropical landscapes, Pemba is a quieter, less-visited alternative to its famous neighbor Zanzibar. The island is a haven for those interested in diving and snorkeling, as its coral reefs teem with marine life, from colorful fish to graceful sea turtles.