Eight-mile-long island, where a variety of water sports is available. Stroll the bustling port area, where hundreds of stores sell goods ranging from Columbian emeralds to imported fine china and porcelain.

The island of Iona lies just off the west coast of Scotland, easily reached from Oban by ferry. This jaunt in itself is quite stunning commanding a view of the rocky peaks and green slopes of the Mull Mountains. An old village, Iona was founded in 563 AD by Columba and his disciples when they travel from Ireland to the Harbour of the Caracle, built a monastery and introduced the Christian faith here. Iona is still a major center for pilgrimages. Please note that cars are not permitted on the isl

Bar Harbor should be any traveler's Maine priority! Drink in a view of the Atlantic Ocean from the town pier, and be sure to get some lobster at one of the excellent local restaurants. Bar Harbor, a Mount Desert Island town, is also the portal to the rugged, recreational paradise Acadia National Park, where birding, whale-watching and kayaking is the order of the day. The park's Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on America's East Coast.

Quetzaltenango, often called Xela by locals, is Guatemala’s second-largest city and a hub of indigenous culture, colonial history, and highland landscapes. Surrounded by volcanoes, including the towering Santa María, the city sits at over 7,600 feet above sea level, giving it a crisp mountain climate that contrasts with the country’s tropical lowlands.

Costa Rica is a country that has built its identity around both natural preservation and cultural vibrancy. Known for its stable democracy and emphasis on sustainability, it has become a global leader in eco-tourism.