Must-sees in Seville include the landmark palace Royal Alcázar of Seville, the Gothic, bell-towered Catedral de Sevilla, and Plaza de España, an architectural marvel with Moorish, Baroque and Renaissance influences. Meanwhile, Museo del Baile Flamenco is the place to learn about flamenco dancing culture.

Eagle Beach, on Aruba’s western coast, is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Known for its wide stretch of soft white sand and calm turquoise waters, it offers a peaceful setting away from the livelier resort areas.

Keswick is an attractive small town, centrally situated in the northern half of the Lake District and close to the border with Scotland. Easily accessible by road and rail this compact region of less than 200 square miles contains the best of lake and mountain landscapes.

Basse-Terre, the western half of Guadeloupe, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Dominated by the towering La Soufrière volcano, the island boasts lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.