Tucked along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Benin offers a vibrant blend of traditions, rich history, and colorful daily life that surprises and delights travelers at every turn. The country is the birthplace of Vodun (commonly known as Voodoo), a spiritual tradition still practiced widely and celebrated each January 10th with processions, drums, and dance in the city of Ouidah.

Tampere is the third largest city in Finland with a population of 182,000. Tampere is also the heart of the Tampere Region which has a dynamic population of about 430,000. In the last few years the city's population has grown rapidly. Tampere is located 110 miles north of Helsinki, the capital.

Gold Harbour is a small bay on the southeastern coast of South Georgia, where a narrow beach sits beneath steep mountains and hanging glaciers. The site is known for its rich concentration of wildlife and its dramatic setting, with the snow-covered Salvesen Range forming a backdrop behind the shoreline. The name reflects the golden appearance of the cliffs and mountains when illuminated by low sunlight.

Karatu, located in northern Tanzania between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, is more than just a stopover for safari-goers. This highland town, surrounded by rolling farmland and volcanic hills, offers travelers a closer look at daily life in the region. The area is home to the Iraqw people, known for their terraced farming, traditional homesteads, and unique language unrelated to most other East African tongues.

Situated on the northeastern coast of Greece, Kavala is a picturesque port city popular for its archaeological treasures, historic old town, and scenic beach. Be sure to explore the city's best known sites, including the Panagia neighborhood, the Kavala Castle, the towering Aqueduct, and the Kavala Archaeological Museum.