Lake Como, nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, offers a sublime retreat with its stunning landscapes and elegant charm. Renowned for its crescent shape and crystal-clear waters, Lake Como is framed by lush hills and dramatic mountain scenery. The lake's picturesque towns, such as Bellagio and Varenna, showcase charming cobblestone streets, historic villas, and lush gardens.

Sandakan, on the northeast coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is a city where history, wildlife, and culture come together. Once a major trading port known as “Little Hong Kong” for its bustling connections to the wider world, Sandakan has retained its multicultural character, with influences from Chinese, Malay, and Indigenous communities visible in its temples, markets, and cuisine.

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.

>Slovenia, tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, is a small country with a strong sense of identity and an impressive variety of landscapes. Its capital, Ljubljana, is known for its walkable center and mix of Baroque, Secessionist, and modern architecture. The Ljubljanica River runs through the city and is lined with open-air cafés and artisan shops.

Exploring the Amazon Jungle in Brazil is like venturing into the heart of a living, breathing world. The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is a lush, sprawling expanse that teems with extraordinary biodiversity.