Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has long served as a cultural and trade crossroads in the Andaman Sea. Centuries ago, it was a stopover for merchants trading tin, spices, and textiles, with influences from Chinese, Portuguese, Indian, and Malay travelers still reflected in the island’s architecture and cuisine. Inland, the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary protects rainforest habitat home to gibbons, civets, and exotic birds.

Located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, this small yet dense island capital is the cultural center of the Maldives.

Telšiai, often called the capital of Lithuania’s Samogitia region, offers visitors a deep dive into a unique cultural heritage paired with striking natural settings. The town is set on the shores of Lake Mastis, where the reflections of historic buildings and lush forests create a calm and inviting atmosphere. Telšiai’s old market square bustles with life and is home to some of the town’s most notable landmarks, including the Neo-Gothic St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral.

Moshi sits on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania, shaped by both Chagga culture and its role as a crossroads for trade and travel.

Costa Rica is a country that has built its identity around both natural preservation and cultural vibrancy. Known for its stable democracy and emphasis on sustainability, it has become a global leader in eco-tourism.