Connecticut may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but it packs in more variety than many places twice its size. From classic New England villages and coastal towns to modern cities with thriving food and arts scenes, Connecticut surprises visitors with its contrasts. Each season brings a different reason to visit from the brilliant fall foliage and snowy town greens to spring festivals and sunny beach days on the Long Island Sound.

Seaside is a coastal city on Oregon’s northern Pacific shore, set between the ocean, the Necanicum River, and the wooded foothills of the Coast Range. Its broad sandy beach and compact oceanfront district have made it one of the state’s best-known coastal communities. The Promenade, a paved oceanfront walkway, follows the beach through the center of town and provides access to shops, restaurants, and public spaces.

Nestled in the heart of Istria, the charming town of Grožnjan offers an enchanting escape into a world where history and art seamlessly blend. Often referred to as the "City of Artists," Grožnjan is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and picturesque medieval architecture. As you wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, you'll encounter well-preserved stone houses, quaint squares, and an array of art galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists.

Some of the most spectacular scenery is found on a trip to the San Juan Islands. No wonder. This 100-million-year-old mountain range turned archipelago, located a few miles northwest of Seattle, changes dramatically with the tide. There are 743 islands at low tide--and 428 at high tide.

Madinah, officially Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, is a city in western Saudi Arabia with a central place in Islamic history and religious life. The city developed around an oasis and is surrounded by volcanic hills and rocky terrain, giving its urban landscape a distinct setting. At its heart stands Al Masjid an Nabawi, the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad, which is one of the most important religious sites in Islam.