Niigata sits along the Sea of Japan on Honshu’s west coast, a place where long winters and bright summers shape its traditions and flavors. For centuries this region has produced some of Japan’s finest rice, especially the Uonuma Koshihikari variety known for its rich taste and texture. That quality rice helps make Niigata sake famous across the country, and visitors can sample more than 90 local brews at tasting spots such as Ponshukan inside Niigata Station.

Whether exploring ancient ruins or strolling through its modern city center, visitors will find plenty to discover in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands.

Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.

Located in western Austria, Innsbruck is a charming European destination on the banks of the Inn River. A popular stop for skiing, Innsbruck is nestled within the Alps and offers a variety of cable cars to whisk you to the mountains for outdoor sports and spectacular views of the Innsbruck below.

Salalah stands out with its rare blend of desert and tropical appeal. Unlike much of the Arabian Peninsula, this coastal city is transformed by the seasonal Khareef (monsoon), turning the landscape lush and green between June and September.