Italy’s port city of Brindisi, tucked along the Adriatic coast in the Puglia region, has been a gateway to the East for over two thousand years. Once the Roman Empire’s main departure point for the Via Appia, the road to Greece and beyond, Brindisi still bears traces of its ancient past, from Roman columns to remnants of old harbors that once welcomed traders, pilgrims, and soldiers.

Trakai is a small historic town west of Vilnius, surrounded by lakes and wooded landscapes in southeastern Lithuania. Its most recognizable landmark is Trakai Island Castle, a red-brick fortress built on an island in Lake Galvė and connected to the shore by a wooden bridge. The town itself is set between several lakes, including Lake Galvė, Lake Totoriškės, and Lake Luka, giving its streets and waterfront a distinctly waterside setting.

The Outer Hebrides form a long chain of more than 70 islands off Scotland’s northwest coast, stretching from Lewis and Harris through the Uists to Barra and Vatersay. The islands are linked by ferries, bridges, and causeways, but each has a distinct landscape and community character. Stornoway on Lewis is the principal town and a center for local administration, arts, and commerce.

Antigua and Barbuda, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean, is celebrated for its 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Together, they offer a balance of culture, heritage, and natural splendor.

Boothbay Harbor is a small fishing village located close to the ocean. To experience the classic flavor of Maine, the outlying areas are a must-see.