Tucked along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Benin offers a vibrant blend of traditions, rich history, and colorful daily life that surprises and delights travelers at every turn. The country is the birthplace of Vodun (commonly known as Voodoo), a spiritual tradition still practiced widely and celebrated each January 10th with processions, drums, and dance in the city of Ouidah.

Ojai (pronounced "Oh hi") is an Indian name generally accepted as meaning "the nest," although experts also interpret it as "moon." The valley was home to the Chumash who ascribed the east-west lying valley with mystical powers and found sanctuary in its canyons and mountains.

Brac, the largest island in Croatia’s Dalmatian group, is a captivating destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and vibrant local culture. Known for its stunning beaches and picturesque landscapes, Brac is home to the world-famous Zlatni Rat beach, often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic Sea.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park occupies a large area of southeastern California, extending across the Colorado Desert east of San Diego County. It is California’s largest state park and contains a varied desert landscape of broad valleys, badlands, rocky mountains, palm oases, dry washes, and sandy plains. The park takes its name from Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word for bighorn sheep.

Norfolk Island may be small but it carries a story that spans centuries. Located in the South Pacific between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, the island is a fascinating blend of Polynesian roots, British convict history, and Pitcairn Island culture. Today, visitors can walk through one of the best-preserved penal settlements in the world at Kingston, where stone ruins and restored Georgian buildings stand against a backdrop of green hills and the open sea.