Eskişehir, located in northwestern Turkey, is a city where old meets new in unexpected ways. Known for its youthful vibe due to its two major universities, the city is also deeply rooted in history. It sits along the Porsuk River, which winds through lively neighborhoods and parks. The riverfront, once mostly industrial, has been transformed into a place where gondolas pass under bridges and locals gather at riverside cafes.
St. Lucia is an island of verdant landscapes in every direction: A dense rain forest rises up and covers The Pitons' twin peaks, and in the valleys, the sun's rays dance upon the large yellow-green leaves of banana plants. Beyond all the greenery, you'll find isolated coves, stunning beaches, colonial towns, quiet fishing villages and first-class yachting facilities.
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.
Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is unlike any other city in the Caribbean. With its pastel-colored buildings lining the waterfront and a layout shaped by Dutch colonial planning, the city blends European design with Caribbean culture. Its historic center, divided by Sint Anna Bay into Punda and Otrobanda, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Travelers on the Arabian Sea often find themselves in Muscat, on the Gulf of Oman. This port capital is situated between ocean and mountains, and boasts lovely beaches, great diving sites (watch for turtles!), 16th-century forts, and the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which can hold 20,000 people.