Charleston, South Carolina, is a gem of Southern charm and history, offering an immersive travel experience in a beautifully preserved city. Known for its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture, Charleston's historic district is a living museum where visitors can stroll past colorful row houses and elegant mansions. Key landmarks include the Battery and Rainbow Row, a series of pastel-colored houses that are among the city's most photographed sites.
Istanbul is a city built on layers of empire. Spanning two continents, it was once the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Visitors walking through the Sultanahmet district can witness this timeline firsthand, from the Roman-era Hippodrome to the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque. At nearby Topkapi Palace, rooms still display the jeweled swords, ceremonial robes, and handwritten Qurans once used by Ottoman sultans.
Riomaggiore, a charming village in Italy's famed Cinque Terre, is a gem of the Ligurian coast. With its colorful houses cascading down steep cliffs towards the azure Mediterranean, this picturesque town offers a postcard-perfect escape. Founded in the 13th century, Riomaggiore is rich in history, with medieval churches like the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1340, reflecting its ancient past.
São Tomé & Príncipe, a two-island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, is one of Africa’s smallest yet most captivating destinations. Known for its unspoiled landscapes, it offers lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and secluded beaches.
The Java Sea sits between the islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Sulawesi in Indonesia and is a destination rich in natural beauty, history, and vibrant cultures. This shallow sea is known for its stunning turquoise waters, pristine islands, and fascinating marine life.
The Old Canary Country is the island with the longest coast line, offering wide plains, gentle valleys, and huge beaches. Some of its beaches compare with the best in the world.