Dubuque sits along the Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa, where steep limestone bluffs rise above a broad river corridor. The city is Iowa’s oldest incorporated community and developed around river commerce, lead mining, manufacturing, and trade. Its historic downtown contains preserved brick buildings, churches, shops, restaurants, and the distinctive Town Clock, while the Port of Dubuque provides a more modern riverfront district.

Nosara, on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, is a laid-back coastal town known for its strong connection to wellness, nature, and surf culture. Unlike some of the country’s busier resorts, Nosara has kept development low-key, with no large beachfront hotels and a community that values sustainability.

Enclosed by mountains, the Bay of Kotor is dotted with historic towns, medieval fortifications, and centuries-old churches, making it a must-visit location for travelers looking to explore a unique coastal landscape.

North Seymour Island, located just north of Baltra in Ecuador’s Galápagos archipelago, is a compact but biologically rich destination known for its wildlife encounters. Though small in size, this flat, arid island punches far above its weight when it comes to natural spectacle, offering a rare chance to observe iconic species in a remarkably close setting.

Mljet National Park sits on the western side of Mljet Island in Croatia’s Adriatic Sea, a place where saltwater lakes meet ancient forest pathways. The park stretches across nearly one-third of the island, with Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake) as their most striking features. These two saltwater lakes are connected by a narrow channel to the open sea, creating calm blue waters that draw visitors for swims, casual kayak outings, or peaceful cycles around the shaded paths.