Lao Cai, a gateway city to the northern highlands of Vietnam, offers an alluring blend of cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of French colonial heritage. Situated along the Red River and bordering China, Lao Cai is the starting point for adventurers heading to the famous terraced rice fields of Sapa, but it has its own unique charms to discover.

Guernsey, the second-largest of the Channel Islands, blends coastal landscapes with a deep-rooted history shaped by centuries of outside influence. Though located closer to France than to mainland Britain, Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency with its own government and a distinct identity. The capital, St Peter Port, is a hillside town overlooking a natural harbor, where visitors can explore narrow lanes, stone stairways, and 18th-century buildings.

Glenfinnan, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, is a picturesque village renowned for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance. This small but enchanting destination is best known for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an architectural marvel completed in 1901.

>Slovenia, tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, is a small country with a strong sense of identity and an impressive variety of landscapes. Its capital, Ljubljana, is known for its walkable center and mix of Baroque, Secessionist, and modern architecture. The Ljubljanica River runs through the city and is lined with open-air cafés and artisan shops.

Haines is a charming stop in the Alaska Panhandle and a gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and Tongass National Forest.