Copán, Honduras, is a hidden gem in Central America that beckons travelers with its extraordinary blend of ancient history, lush landscapes, and vibrant local culture. Known as the "Athens of the Maya," Copán is home to one of the most significant and well-preserved archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Argostoli sits on the west coast of Kefalonia, Greece’s largest Ionian Island, where a natural harbor meets the Koutavos Lagoon and a waterfront lined with cafés, tavernas, and shops. As the island’s capital, Argostoli blends everyday island life with moments of surprise, from sea turtles surfacing by fishing boats at dawn to historic sites hidden among palm trees and pedestrian streets.

Alice Springs, located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, is a town deeply connected to the desert landscapes and Aboriginal culture that define the region. Long an important meeting place for the Arrernte people, it remains a center of Indigenous art and traditions, with galleries and cultural institutions showcasing some of the world’s most renowned Aboriginal artworks and stories.

Rijeka sits at the head of Kvarner Bay on Croatia’s northern Adriatic, shaped by its long role as a port city at the crossroads of empires.

Travelers on the Arabian Sea often find themselves in Muscat, on the Gulf of Oman. This port capital is situated between ocean and mountains, and boasts lovely beaches, great diving sites (watch for turtles!), 16th-century forts, and the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which can hold 20,000 people.