Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City" of India, rises from the sands of the Thar Desert with a breathtaking display of medieval architecture and vibrant culture. Dominated by its imposing fort, the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is a striking example of Rajput architecture.
Lake Titicaca, perched at over 3,800 meters above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world and a place where ancient stories still echo across the water. Shared by Bolivia and Peru, this lake has long been considered sacred by the Andean peoples. According to Inca legend, it was from Titicaca’s deep blue waters that the first humans were created. Today, the lake remains a center of cultural tradition, spiritual significance, and daily life for many who live along its shores.
Belém do Pará sits at the edge of the Amazon, where river and bay meet in a landscape with activity and color. The Ver-o-Peso Market spreads along Guajará Bay, welcoming early morning boats laden with fresh fish, herbs, fruits, and Amazonian goods. Recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, the local cuisine marries Indigenous, Portuguese, and African traditions to create dishes found nowhere else.
San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, is a city where cobblestone streets lead to centuries-old forts and pastel-colored buildings overlook the Atlantic. The district of Old San Juan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Spanish colonial architecture and thick stone walls that once defended the city from pirates and naval attacks. The city hosts regular events such as La Campechada, which celebrates Puerto Rican art and literature with live performances and open-air exhibits.
Liège, located along the Meuse River in eastern Belgium, is a city shaped by industry, resilience, and an independent spirit that dates back centuries. Once the capital of a powerful prince-bishopric, Liège has always done things its own way and is lived-in and layered with working neighborhoods, student cafés, and markets that tell the city’s real story. Every Sunday, locals gather at La Batte, one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in Belgium.
Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island of La Palma, one of the seven Canary Islands. Although often forgotten in favor of the similarly named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a compact and colorful colonial town well worth a visit. Swimming, paragliding, and hiking and some of the most popular daytime activities, while stargazing is a favorite pastime after the sun goes down. La Palma was recently name as a "Starlight Reserve," which means the island is committed to preserving the quality of the night sky as well as increasing access to viewing opportunities.