Uruguay may be one of South America's smallest countries, but it packs a striking variety of experiences into its compact borders. From the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento to the avant-garde coastline of José Ignacio, Uruguay blends old-world charm with modern personality. Montevideo, the capital, offers a glimpse into everyday life with its seaside promenade, called the “Rambla,” which stretches over 20 kilometers along the Río de la Plata.

ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

Highest mountain in New Zealand, located on the South Island, it stands 12,349 ft

The Costa Brava coastal region, in northeastern Spain, offers excellent beaches and a typical Mediterranean climate, making it an enticing holiday destination. While parts of the Costa Brava coastline have been exploited by large-scale tourist developments, other areas have retained their traditional roots.

Cooper Island is a small, rugged island off the southeastern coast of South Georgia, lying near the entrance to Drygalski Fjord. Its landscape combines steep rocky slopes, snowfields, glaciers, and sheltered coastal areas, with the island surrounded by cold waters often containing sea ice. The island is part of the protected South Georgia environment and is visited primarily for its wildlife and scenery. Expedition vessels may approach or land when conditions permit, although access depends on w