Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, offers a refreshing take on Midwest travel with a blend of creativity, history, and community pride. Its downtown skyline is anchored by the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol, which offers free guided tours and a striking view from its hilltop perch. Just across the river, the East Village mixes old brick storefronts with indie shops, coffee houses, and vibrant murals. It's where old meets new, a theme that runs throughout the city’s evolving identity.

Glendalough, located in County Wicklow, is one of Ireland’s most historically significant and visually striking valleys. It’s best known for its early medieval monastic site, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The round tower, cathedral ruins, and stone churches that remain today are surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountain trails, creating a setting that feels both ancient and untouched.

Blarney, a village just outside Cork in Ireland, is best known for its legendary Blarney Castle, where travelers from around the world come to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.

Roatan is the largest of the eight islands known collectively as Las Islas de la Bahia. Brilliant clear blue waters and palm fringed beaches are cooled by gentle trade winds. An extensive reef system offers the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in the Western hemisphere, while inland nature reserves give an up-close look at native wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and parrots.

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is a city where tradition and modern life intertwine. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, it serves as the country’s cultural, political, and economic hub. The city’s skyline features a mix of Soviet-era architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and contemporary high-rises.