Barca d'Alva sits quietly along the Douro River, right at Portugal’s eastern border with Spain. Once the final stop on the historic Douro railway line, this riverside village remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. The surrounding landscape filled with terraced vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees form part of the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region.

This small yet charming city in Alaska's panhandle is a throwback to the gold rush era. Skagway is a well-preserved part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, sits along the banks of the Danube River and has long served as a cultural meeting point in the Balkans. Its centerpiece is Petrovaradin Fortress, a massive 18th-century stronghold nicknamed the "Gibraltar on the Danube." The fortress is known not just for its historic architecture but also for its network of underground tunnels and the iconic clock tower where the hands are reversed, meaning the large hand shows the hour.

Tonga is distinctly different to its neighboring island nations. This Polynesian kingdom, made up of 170 islands, carries a proud history that dates back over 3,000 years. On the main island of Tongatapu, travelers can explore ancient stone structures like the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui Trilithon—sometimes called the Stonehenge of the Pacific. Royal tombs in Lapaha offer a glimpse into the lineage of Tonga’s kings, while village life remains guided by customs that have changed little over centuries.

The Java Sea sits between the islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Sulawesi in Indonesia and is a destination rich in natural beauty, history, and vibrant cultures. This shallow sea is known for its stunning turquoise waters, pristine islands, and fascinating marine life.