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.

Mist, research stations, and penguins are just a few of the things that define the South Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Antarctica. These 11 Antarctic islands, most notably King George Island, have served as a base for researchers from Chile, Argentina, and a variety of other countries. The archipelago has also become a popular cruise destination for tourists to the Antarctic region.

Florence (Firenze) is a compact city, but densely packed with spectacular art and architecture everywhere you look. The city center itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Loyalty Islands, an enchanting archipelago in New Caledonia, provide an unforgettable escape for travelers looking to experience an unspoiled side of the Pacific.

Belarus is an independent republic in Eastern Europe. Minsk is the capital and largest city. The climate is generally temperate and humid, with colder, continental conditions in the east.