Although Alpharetta is not a particularly big city now, experts predict that in about 25 years, Alpharetta will be the geographical center of metro Atlanta, as the area continues to expand North. After driving past many empty fields, or wooded areas, you might find it hard to believe that Alpharetta will really become such a major city. What you probably don't know is that much of Alpharetta's empty land is owned by some of the biggest names in the nation.

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.

Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is unlike any other city in the Caribbean. With its pastel-colored buildings lining the waterfront and a layout shaped by Dutch colonial planning, the city blends European design with Caribbean culture. Its historic center, divided by Sint Anna Bay into Punda and Otrobanda, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An essential passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Panama Canal is an extraordinary technological landmark and a testament to human innovation. Built in the early twentieth century by American engineers, the canal weaves through the Panamanian isthmus and allows easy access for commercial freighters and cruise ships alike.

Plentiful beaches, stunning scenery, and restaurants with open-air seating distinguish the resort town of Las Terrenas. Situated in the Dominican Republic's northeast, this growing town has an increasing number of hotels, shopping centers and clubs. Away from the bustle, clear waters and underwater caverns await exploration.