The Marshall Islands, a remote chain of atolls and islands in the central Pacific, invites travelers into a world where tradition, ocean life, and recent history all leave a lasting impression. Spread across nearly a million square miles of ocean, this independent nation offers rare access to some of the world’s most pristine marine environments.

Valbona is a mountain valley in northern Albania, located within the Albanian Alps and surrounded by steep limestone peaks, forested slopes, and open meadows. The valley forms part of Valbona Valley National Park and follows the course of the Valbona River through a long, narrow landscape. Small villages and scattered guesthouses occupy sections of the valley, where traditional stone and wood buildings stand among farms and mountain vegetation.

Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, is a historic jewel known for its blend of grandeur and tradition. Once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, the city was envisioned as the “Versailles of Morocco,” filled with monumental gates, sprawling walls, and lavish palaces.

Taormina, with its hilltop location above the Ionian Sea, is easily one of Italy's most beautiful places. As it's packed with people in the summertime, recommended months to visit include April and September.

Rockport, Texas sits along the Texas Gulf Coast, where calm bays, sandy shores, and working harbors shape daily life. The town is known for its long waterfront views over Aransas Bay, where dolphins often appear near fishing boats and pelicans glide low across the water. Rockport’s layout keeps the sea close at hand, with marinas, boardwalks, and public piers giving easy access to the shoreline from almost anywhere in town.