Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, entices sightseers with its vibrant color, stunning Gothic architecture, and temperate weather. Easily traversed by foot or tram, the city’s distinct quarters and vivid cultural landmarks make Lisbon an excellent spot for exploration.

Cusco once served as the heart of the Inca Empire, and that legacy still shapes every corner of the city even as it serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu. Outside the historic center, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán overlook the city from a nearby hilltop. This ceremonial complex is best known for its massive zigzag stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons. During the Inti Raymi festival in June, thousands gather here to reenact ancient Andean rituals.

Tissamaharama, often called “Tissa” by seasoned travelers, sits in southern Sri Lanka as a town steeped in history and living culture. Once the capital of the ancient Ruhuna Kingdom in the 3rd century BCE, this settlement still radiates stories from the distant past in its temples, reservoirs, and even the streets where market life unfolds each day.

Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.

Margarita Island, known locally as Isla de Margarita, sits just off Venezuela’s northeastern coast in the warm Caribbean Sea. The island's famous beaches span from quiet coves to wide-open shorelines. Playa El Agua stretches for over two miles with swaying palms and lively beachfront restaurants serving fresh snapper, tostones, and cold Polar beer. For those seeking less crowded sands, Playa Zaragoza offers calm waters and a glimpse of everyday coastal life.