Chios lies in the northeastern Aegean, close enough to the Turkish coast that the mainland feels present in daily life.

Samana sits on a peninsula along the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, shaped by seafaring history and a strong Afro-Caribbean cultural presence.

Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is a city where ancient walls surround over 30 historic temples, and daily life continues just steps away from centuries-old rituals. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, the city still reflects its origins through distinctive architecture, moats, and cultural practices. Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang are two of the most visited temples within the Old City, offering a chance to see traditional Lanna-style design.

Hot Springs, Arkansas has been drawing visitors for centuries, and it all starts with the water. The city sits atop a natural thermal spring system that produces nearly a million gallons of 143-degree water each day. These springs gave rise to Bathhouse Row, a stretch of eight historic bathhouses within Hot Springs National Park. Some, like the Fordyce Bathhouse, now serve as museums, while others still offer traditional thermal soaks.

This island in the Gulf of Thailand is known for white sand beaches, lush national parks, and night markets packed with fresh seafood. Visitors can spend mornings snorkeling, afternoons exploring temples, and evenings tasting local fish sauce, one of the island’s specialties.