A city in perpetual forward motion, Abu Dhabi greets visitors with gleaming skyscrapers and opulent Islamic architecture. There is much to see here, from the recently opened Louvre Abu Dhabi to the gigantic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its white marble splendor. Beach life and turquoise waters can be found on Saadiyat Island, Al Bateen and Corniche Beach.

A lesser-known river port in the Mekong Delta, Sa Dec was once the capital of Dong Thap province of southern Vietnam. Today, it is best known for its flower gardens and authentic bustling market. The city is also famous as the setting for French writer Marguerite Duras' 1984 novel, The Lover, and its 1991 film adaptation of the same name.

The city of Santa Cruz De Tenerife, located on the island of Tenerife, is a favorite stop for Transatlantic voyagers. Tenerife is both the largest and most populated of the seven Canary Islands and of Spain itself. As the island's main city, Santa Cruz De Tenerife is home to almost half of the island's population.

Madang, perched on the edge of Astrolabe Bay, feels like a well-kept secret of Papua New Guinea that’s framed by lush jungles and dotted with volcanic isles. Every June, Madang pulses with energy at the annual Madang Festival. Villages from across the province gather for ceremonies where dancers don feathered costumes, shells, and body paint. The beat of kundu drums rises through the air and stories woven in movement.

Douala is Cameroon’s largest city and its economic powerhouse, but beyond the busy ports and bustling streets lies a city full of creativity, flavor, and unexpected charm. Located on the Atlantic coast, Douala has long served as a crossroads of cultures. The city's waterfront, especially along the Wouri River, is a great place to watch the movement of boats, local fishermen, and floating markets while soaking in the tropical coastal air.