Located at the foot of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, Lourdes is best known for the Marian apparitions reported by 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. These events transformed the small market town into one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which includes the Grotto of Massabielle, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X, draws millions each year.

Caye Caulker lies off the coast of Belize, a small island that was once a quiet fishing village and today still feels wonderfully uncrowded compared to many Caribbean destinations. Its name likely comes from an English twist on “Hicaco,” the old Spanish name meaning coco plum, a nod to the island’s early days and bilingual roots.

Nicaragua offers travelers a look into centuries of layered history set against striking natural backdrops. Visitors can tour the baroque-style Granada Cathedral, take a boat ride through Las Isletas (a chain of small, volcanic islands in Lake Nicaragua), or climb the bell tower of Iglesia La Merced for sweeping city views.

Majestic Victoria Falls, a waterfall of gargantuan proportions, sits atop the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. This cascading natural wonder is the main attraction for Victoria Falls National Park and the local town of Victoria Falls to its west

Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, blends Soviet-era architecture with traditional Central Asian culture. The city is known for landmarks such as the National Library, Rudaki Park, and the striking Flagpole Square, which reflect both civic pride and the country’s heritage