The Whitsunday Islands sit in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, where more than 70 islands rise from wide blue seas and offer an invitation to explore. Whitsunday Island itself is the largest of this group, known internationally for its ribbon of white silica sand stretching over seven kilometers at Whitehaven Beach. This sand feels cool underfoot even in warm sunshine because it’s made of nearly pure silica carried there by ancient ocean currents.

Stepantsminda, often still referred to as Kazbegi, is a mountain town in northern Georgia near the border with Russia. It sits in the Terek River valley along the Georgian Military Highway, one of the country’s most important historic roads through the Caucasus Mountains.

Ocean City, Maryland, is a barrier-island resort along the Atlantic coast of Worcester County, known for its broad beaches, long boardwalk, and connection to the coastal bays. The town stretches for about 10 miles between the Ocean City Inlet and the Delaware state line, with distinct neighborhoods ranging from the historic downtown to quieter northern sections. Its roots as a fishing community remain visible alongside its role as a major seaside destination.

Silverton is a small mountain town in southwestern Colorado, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of over 9,000 feet.

Gabon, located on the west coast of Central Africa, is a country of lush rainforests, vast savannas, and a pristine Atlantic coastline. Despite its small population, it is home to remarkable biodiversity, including gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and countless bird species. National parks such as Loango and Ivindo protect these habitats, offering visitors a chance to experience Africa’s wildlife in relatively untouched landscapes.