Kirkwall, the vibrant capital of the Orkney Islands, Scotland, is a place where history and culture intertwine with stunning natural landscapes. Founded by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago, Kirkwall is steeped in Viking heritage, with its centerpiece, the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, standing as a testament to the town’s medieval past.

Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.

Speyer, located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, is a city rich in history and culture. One of its most notable landmarks is the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Romanesque churches in the world.

Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia consists of two distinct regions—Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo—each offering unique opportunities. With its stunning landscapes and world-class food scene, Malaysia offers an unforgettable travel experience.

In Cyprus, travelers are immersed in a culture that draws on Europe, the Middle East, and 9000 years of constant invasion. Crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards, frescoed monasteries overlook citrus orchards, and sandy, sun-soaked feet tread Roman mosaic floors.