Manaus, capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state, is a city that rises unexpectedly from the rainforest. Once the center of the global rubber boom in the late 1800s, Manaus still holds onto that legacy with surprising elegance. The Teatro Amazonas, an opulent opera house imported piece by piece from Europe, sits at the heart of the city, its pink façade and domed roof tiled in the colors of the Brazilian flag. Today, it hosts concerts, festivals, and curious visitors eager to step back in time.

Lewiston and Clarkston are located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers at an elevation of 738 feet above sea level. The valley is rather narrow with a range of hills to the North sloping abruptly to about 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

Whether exploring volcanic trails or relaxing in seaside hot springs, Hachijo Jima provides an unforgettable island experience that feels worlds away from Japan’s major cities.

North Conway, located in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, has drawn visitors since the mid-19th century, when artists from the White Mountain School began painting its dramatic landscapes. Today, the area still offers scenic appeal, anchored by the towering presence of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeastern U.S. Historic photographs and lithographs of North Conway hang in galleries downtown, showing just how little the iconic views have changed in over 150 years.

Blarney, a village just outside Cork in Ireland, is best known for its legendary Blarney Castle, where travelers from around the world come to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.