On South Plaza Island, sea lions breed all along the low lying northern coast. These sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tail gulls and the beautiful red billed tropic birds. The landscape is dominated by optunia cactus trees. A look under each tree reveals a land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus pad to fall.

Ella is a small hill-country town in Sri Lanka’s Badulla District, surrounded by tea plantations, cloud-covered mountains, forests, and deep valleys. Its elevated setting gives the area a cooler climate than the lowlands, while the Ella Gap opens dramatic views toward the southern plains. The town itself is compact and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding countryside by foot, road, and the railway that winds through Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, offers a captivating blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Founded in the 8th century, Aarhus boasts a rich history that visitors can explore at the Old Town Museum, an open-air museum that recreates Danish life through the ages with its historical buildings and interactive exhibits. The city's medieval roots are also visible in the well-preserved Aarhus Cathedral.

Fairbanks is the largest city in Alaska’s Interior and a major center for the region’s communities, education, transportation, and commerce. Located along the Chena River, it lies north of Denali National Park and south of the Arctic Circle. The city is known for dramatic seasonal changes, including long summer days and extended winter darkness.

Castries, St. Lucia's capital and a busy port city, is an idyllic Caribbean wonderland. Tourists will find craft and fruit markets, photo-ready murals and a general cozy charm here. One must-do activity is getting to the top Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck) to drink in the lovely panoramic views. Be sure to visit the museum at Derek Walcott Square, and soak up the sun on Vigie Beach!