Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, is a dynamic hub where history, culture, and commerce intersect. Formerly known as Saigon, the city reflects layers of its past, from French colonial architecture to markets and historic districts that capture the energy of daily life.

Guatemala is a country where ancient history and living tradition meet in unexpected ways. The ruins of Tikal, once a major center of the Maya civilization, rise from the dense Petén jungle. Visitors can climb stone temples that pierce the forest canopy and listen for howler monkeys echoing through the trees. Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains over 3,000 structures and still holds secrets under layers of earth and vegetation.

Victoria de Durango rises on a high plateau Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental, founded in 1563 by Francisco de Ibarra. Its streets trace layers of history: the historic center holds the most listed buildings in northern Mexico and remains a notable stop on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, now a UNESCO World Heritage route.

Honduras, located in the heart of Central America, is a destination that offers both hidden treasures and well-known wonders. The country’s history is deeply tied to the ancient Maya civilization, with the ruins of Copán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region.

Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia on the Danube River, may be small but it has a lot to offer. A well-preserved Franciscan monastery and a 15th century castle make it a popular day trip for domestic as well as foreign tourists. Its wine-making tradition is even older; some say the region's viniculture dates back as early as 280 AD.