The Darvaza Gas Crater, famously nicknamed the “Door to Hell,” is one of Turkmenistan’s most extraordinary landmarks. Located deep in the Karakum Desert, this fiery pit has been burning continuously since the early 1970s, when Soviet engineers reportedly set fire to a collapsed natural gas field to prevent the spread of methane.
Toiny is a quiet, scenic village located on the eastern coast of Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts), known for its unspoiled natural surroundings and authentic Caribbean charm. Unlike the more developed west coast beaches, Toiny offers a serene retreat where rolling hills meet the Atlantic Ocean, and dramatic cliffs frame the coastline.
New Orleans is unlike any other city in the United States. Founded in 1718, it carries layers of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influence that can be felt in everything from its architecture to its street music. The French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the city, is full of iron-laced balconies, gas lamps, and narrow streets that echo with the sounds of live jazz.
North Conway, located in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, has drawn visitors since the mid-19th century, when artists from the White Mountain School began painting its dramatic landscapes. Today, the area still offers scenic appeal, anchored by the towering presence of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the northeastern U.S. Historic photographs and lithographs of North Conway hang in galleries downtown, showing just how little the iconic views have changed in over 150 years.
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!