Dakar, the lively capital of Senegal, stands at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Cape Verde Peninsula. As the westernmost city on the African mainland, it has long been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and ideas.

The capital of Crete, Heraklion is a Greek port city and a popular stop on Mediterranean and Greek cruises. The city is an historical marvel, replete with archaeological wonders and remnants of the region's past. Highlights include the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Rocca a Mare Fortress, the Venetian Loggia, and just past the city limits, the Palace of Knossos.

Nuku Hiva, the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago, offers an unparalleled escape into Polynesian paradise. This rugged island is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, characterized by lush valleys, towering cliffs, and volcanic peaks.

St. George’s, the capital of Grenada, is a picturesque harbor town nestled within the rim of an extinct volcano. Its horseshoe-shaped Carenage, lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, offers a postcard-perfect introduction to the island.

Bakersfield, located in the southern part of California’s Central Valley, is a city known for its agricultural significance, oil industry heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. Positioned at the junction of the Sierra Nevada and the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield offers a mix of urban amenities and easy access to California’s diverse landscapes.