Alabama surprises many first-time visitors with its rich cultural depth and variety of landscapes. From the white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores to the Appalachian foothills in the north, the state offers a wide range of experiences. Music runs deep in Alabama’s veins. Muscle Shoals, a small town along the Tennessee River, is legendary among musicians. Its Fame Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio hosted Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Mafia Island is a coastal island in Tanzania’s Pwani Region, lying in the Indian Ocean opposite the Rufiji River Delta. It forms part of the Mafia Archipelago, which includes smaller islands such as Chole, Juani, Jibondo, and Bwejuu. Kilindoni is the main town and port, while Utende provides access to Mafia Island Marine Park.

Home to a number of Hindu and Buddhist temples, beautiful botanical gardens, and ancient palaces, Kathmandu is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Nepali culture, history, and religion.

Kootenay National Park occupies 1,406 square kilometres of the Canadian Rockies in southeastern British Columbia, extending from the Continental Divide toward the Columbia Valley. The park is known for its contrasts, with glaciers and alpine terrain giving way to dry grasslands, narrow canyons, and forested valleys. Highway 93 South crosses the park, providing access to many of its landscapes and viewpoints.

São Tomé Island, the larger of the two islands in São Tomé & Príncipe, offers travelers a balance of culture, history, and dramatic natural scenery. Its capital, São Tomé city, is a coastal hub filled with colonial architecture, lively markets, and a welcoming atmosphere.