Located at the foot of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, Lourdes is best known for the Marian apparitions reported by 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. These events transformed the small market town into one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which includes the Grotto of Massabielle, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X, draws millions each year.
Seattle is a city shaped by water, mountains, and innovation. Its skyline, dominated by the Space Needle, tells only part of the story. Beneath it lies a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character. Seattle was the birthplace of grunge music and remains a stronghold for independent arts. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), located at the Seattle Center, celebrates the city’s creative spirit with exhibits on everything from Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix to science fiction and gaming.
Tauranga, New Zealand, lies southeast of Auckland and is an adventure-lover's paradise. Originally settled by the Māori peoples, this vibrant city is a popular destination for hiking, kayaking, biking, golfing, and everything active. Hike up Mount Maunganui for stunning panoramic views of the city below, then hit nearby Mount Maunganui Beach to soak up the sun or play in the sand.
American Samoa consists of a group of seven islands in the southern Pacific Ocean, comprising Tutuila; the Manua group, consisting of Tau, Olosega, and Ofu; Aunuu; Rose Island; and Swains Island.