Ashland is a small city in southern Oregon, set in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains near the California border. The community is known for its tree-lined streets, historic downtown, Lithia Park, and access to surrounding mountain landscapes. Ashland’s compact center contains independent shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings, while Ashland Creek runs through the city and into the park.

Watamu, located on Kenya’s picturesque coast, is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Watamu is part of the Watamu Marine National Park, a protected area known for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. The park is a haven for snorkeling and diving, with opportunities to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.

While an earthquake in 1972 left few buildings intact in downtown Managua, new areas are building up. Managua has excellent restaurants, nice hotels, and is a good base for day tours into the countryside.

Palm Desert is a city in California’s Coachella Valley, set between the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Little San Bernardino Mountains. Its landscape is characterized by desert plains, palm trees, rugged mountain slopes, and irrigated areas created around residential neighborhoods and golf courses. El Paseo forms the city’s best-known commercial district, with shops, galleries, restaurants, and public art along a landscaped boulevard.

An island in the Strait of Mackinac where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet at the northern tip of the State of Michigan.