Lao Cai, a gateway city to the northern highlands of Vietnam, offers an alluring blend of cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of French colonial heritage. Situated along the Red River and bordering China, Lao Cai is the starting point for adventurers heading to the famous terraced rice fields of Sapa, but it has its own unique charms to discover.

Located off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is an archipelago that is sure to enchant visitors with its unique blend of African and Portuguese influences. This group of ten volcanic islands boasts dramatic landscapes, from the barren, rugged mountains of Fogo Island to the lush, green hills of Santo Antão. With its stunning landscapes, lively culture, and warm hospitality, Cape Verde offers a wide range of activities for all sorts of travelers.

Torremolinos, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, has transformed from a small fishing village into one of the region’s most vibrant seaside towns. Just a short drive from Málaga, it became famous in the mid-20th century as one of the first international beach destinations in Spain, attracting artists, celebrities, and travelers in search of sun and sea.

Eger sits in northern Hungary and is known for its well preserved Baroque center, historic castle and long tradition of wine and craft that draw visitors from across Europe. Just beyond the historic center, generations of winemakers have perfected local styles and offer tastings of local varieties. A casual afternoon here can feel like a gentle cellar crawl, with seasonal music or simple snacks adding to relaxed tastings under vine covered walkways.

Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, is one of the country’s oldest cities, founded in 1525. It has long served as a gateway between the coast and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain range.