French Guiana, tucked between Brazil and Suriname on the northeast coast of South America, offers an unexpected blend of Amazonian wilderness, colonial intrigue, and French flair. As an overseas department of France, it uses the euro, speaks French, and has croissants alongside cassava bread at breakfast. Yet just beyond the cafés of Cayenne, vast rainforest stretches for hundreds of kilometers, home to rare wildlife, remote rivers, and Indigenous communities.
Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, is a mesmerizing landscape filled with more than 2,000 natural stone arches, pinnacles, and balanced rocks sculpted by centuries of wind and water erosion. One of the most iconic landmarks is Delicate Arch, a freestanding red rock formation that has become a symbol of Utah itself.
Washington State offers travelers a dynamic mix of landscapes, cultures, and experiences shaped by volcanoes, forests, coastline, and innovation. Seattle, the state’s largest city, is home to the iconic Space Needle, buzzing Pike Place Market, and holds deep roots in music history. Visitors can stand on the original floor of the first Starbucks, explore interactive exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture, or catch a ferry from the city’s waterfront for a scenic ride across Puget Sound.
Etosha National Park, located in northern Namibia, is one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations. Covering nearly 8,500 square miles, it is centered around the Etosha Pan, a massive salt flat that can be seen from space. During the dry season, animals gather around waterholes, creating spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities that attract visitors from around the world.
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.
Located in the western part of the Yukon Territory Province of Canada, this area is on the Yukon River and famous as the gold mining area of the great Gold Rush. It is still an active mining area and also a popular tourist attraction as it has retained much of the look from the gold rush era.
Tunis' white-washed, blue-shuttered buildings hide a treasure trove of Arabic and Ottoman art. Inspect illuminated manuscripts from the Koran, follow the twists and turns of the fascinating old Medina (inner city), marvel at the ornate Palace of Dar Ben Abduallah and the magnificent Djamaa-Ez-Zitouna Mosque, whose 184 columns were "recycled" from the rocky ruins of Carthage.
The Norwegian Sea, situated between Norway and the Arctic Ocean, offers a breathtaking adventure in one of Europe’s most rugged and enchanting regions. This body of water is bordered by Norway's western coastline, the Faroe Islands, and the northern reaches of Iceland, each contributing to its unique allure.
Libya, located in North Africa along the Mediterranean coast, is a country of vast deserts, ancient history, and dramatic landscapes. Much of its terrain is dominated by the Sahara Desert, with sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and oases shaping life across the country.
Khasab stands at the edge of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, where rocky inlets carve into the land like desert fjords and earning it the nickname "Norway of Arabia." A short dhow ride uncovers soaring cliffs and narrow waterways, often mirrored by pods of dolphins gliding beside the wooden vessel. These traditional dhows, used for centuries by traders, now carry visitors into those coastal arms for snorkeling, swimming, and quiet reflection.
Tsavo West National Park, located in Kenya, offers a quintessential safari experience amidst dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. This vast park is part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem and is renowned for its diverse habitats, including semi-arid plains, volcanic hills, and lush riverine forests. The park’s centerpiece, the Mzima Springs, provides a vital water source for wildlife and features crystal-clear pools that allow visitors to view aquatic life such as hippos and fish through underw
The capital of French Polynesia, Papeete is a veritable island paradise with bright cerulean waters, iconic overwater bungalows, and palm trees galore.
Holyhead, a charming port town located on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of North Wales and beyond. Known for its bustling ferry terminal, Holyhead connects Wales with Ireland, making it a convenient starting point for cross-border travel.
Monterey
Monterey, California, is a coastal gem with a rich maritime history and stunning natural beauty. Located on the rugged Pacific coastline, this charming city is renowned for its world-class aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which offers visitors a chance to explore the vibrant marine life of the region. Monterey's historic Cannery Row, once the center of the sardine-packing industry, has been transformed into a lively waterfront area brimming with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Agrigento
Agrigento, located on the southern coast of Sicily, is a city steeped in history and renowned for its ancient Greek ruins. The crown jewel of Agrigento is the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Visitors can marvel at the remarkably preserved Temple of Concordia, which dates back to the 5th century BC and is considered one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.
Nara
Nara, located in Japan’s Kansai region, is a city where ancient history and serene landscapes coexist. As the country’s first permanent capital, it preserves a wealth of historic sites that reflect its significance during the Nara period.
Iron Gates
The Iron Gates, a dramatic gorge along the Danube River, is a spectacular natural wonder straddling the border between Romania and Serbia. This striking geological formation carves its way through the Carpathian Mountains, creating breathtaking views that captivate all who visit.
Èze
Eze is a hilltop village perched high above the Mediterranean on France’s Côte d’Azur, where stone houses and narrow lanes cling to a steep rocky outcrop between Nice and Monaco.
RAIL TOURS
Historic Trains Of The Old West With Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
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Vietnam & China: Hanoi to Kunming by Rail
From Intrepid Travel
Canadian Rockies by Train
From Collette
Swiss Splendors By Train
From Globus
First Passage to the West Discovery Eastbound
From Rocky Mountaineer
First Passage to the West Excursion Lake Louise Eastbound
Valparaíso, Chile, is a city that beckons travelers with its vibrant street art, steep hillsides, and bohemian spirit. Known as the "Jewel of the Pacific," Valparaíso's historical importance as a major port during the 19th century has left an indelible mark on its architecture and culture. The city's UNESCO-listed historic quarter is a labyrinth of colorful houses and cobblestone streets that seem to defy gravity as they cascade down to the Pacific Ocean (UNESCO). The iconic Ascensores (funiculars) that dot the city offer a unique way to explore these hills while providing stunning panoramic views.
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Valparaíso is its thriving arts scene. The city is essentially an open-air museum, with vibrant murals and street art adorning nearly every surface. A walk through Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción neighborhoods will reveal an ever-changing gallery of bold colors and creative expressions, with each piece telling a story of the city's past and present (Chile Travel). The art extends into the city's lively culture, with numerous galleries, cafes, and cultural centers where you can immerse yourself in the local creative energy.
Valparaíso is also deeply connected to the life and work of Chile's Nobel Prize-winning poet, Pablo Neruda. His house, La Sebastiana, perched high on a hill overlooking the bay, is now a museum dedicated to his legacy. Visitors can explore Neruda's eclectic collections and enjoy the same breathtaking views that inspired many of his writings (Fundación Pablo Neruda). This connection to Neruda adds a literary charm to the city's already rich cultural tapestry.
Fun Fact: Valparaíso hosts one of the most famous New Year's Eve celebrations in South America. The city's annual fireworks display, "Año Nuevo en el Mar," lights up the sky over the bay, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to witness this spectacular event (Valparaíso Tourism).