Lamu is a place of fantasy and other-worldliness wrapped in a cloak of medieval romance. With an almost exclusively Muslim population, Kenya's oldest living town has changed little in appearance or character over the centuries. Remote and self-contained, this once thriving port town is now a gloriously relaxed and relaxing destination.

Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, sits along the banks of the Caledon River near the border with South Africa. As the political and economic center of the country, it offers a mix of modern amenities, government offices, and bustling markets.

Friday Harbor is the principal community and county seat of San Juan County, located on San Juan Island in northwestern Washington. The town overlooks a sheltered harbor and serves as a central gateway to the surrounding San Juan Islands. Its waterfront is lined with marinas, small businesses, restaurants, galleries, and ferry facilities, while residential streets and wooded areas extend beyond the compact downtown.

Ilha Grande, an island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, is a place where tropical forest and coastline meet in striking harmony. Once a pirate hideout and later the site of a penal colony, it has evolved into one of Brazil’s most remarkable island destinations. With no cars allowed and no large resorts, the island moves at a different pace, where footpaths and boats are the main ways to get around.

Turkmenistan is a land of striking contrasts, where vast deserts meet ancient Silk Road history. The country is dominated by the Karakum Desert, an expanse of sand and scrub that covers most of its territory, yet it is also home to oases where cities flourished as trading posts for caravans journeying between Persia, China, and beyond.