Latvia is a republic in northeastern Europe. Riga, the capital and largest city, is also the country's chief port. The climate is dominated by marine influences in the west, with cool summers and mild winters; more continental conditions and greater climatic variation exist in the east. In Latvia, snow covers the ground from two to more than four months of the year. Summers are frequently hot, with average daily temperatures exceeding 25° C (about 80° F).

Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.

Karpathos is marked by the peculiar Karpathian houses, built of carved stone, full of embroidery and characteristic interior decorations. From Pigadia you may visit Kyra Panagia, a picturesque bay with a marvelous beach and a monastery of the same name. A little further, on the northern promontory of Karpathos, lies the Diafani village; on the nearby little island of Saria we see Palatia, with ruins of the ancient city of Nisyros.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam at 9 million people. It is an enticing mix of the old and new, with European architecture due to French colonization to towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls.

Three hours north of Auckland, a chain of verdant islands meet glittering turquoise waters in the Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise will astound you with its abundance of natural beauty and marine life. Sail to the Bay of Islands, and you'll find plenty to see and explore. Hike to stunning Rainbow Falls, kayak along the shores of New Zealand's lush coastline, and keep an eye out for whales, dolphins, penguins, and a variety of colorful parrots.