Tikal is one of the most extraordinary ancient cities in Guatemala, hidden deep in the Petén region’s tropical forests. Once called Yax Mutal by its Maya builders, these ruins reveal thousands of years of history in carved stone stelae and towering limestone structures, some of which rise more than 60 meters above the jungle floor. Today, visitors can walk among the Great Plaza and gaze up at the Temple of the Great Jaguar and the Temple of the Masks, reminders of the city’s long legacy.

Located in northern Washington State, near the Canadian Border, Bellingham is the southern port for the Alaska Marine Highway System. Area attractions inlcude the San Juan Islands, winter skiing and the popular resort of Semi-Ah-Moo.

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.

Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, is a city rich in history and full of surprises for travelers seeking a blend of culture, architecture, and natural beauty. As you wander the tree-lined boulevards, you’ll discover the city’s intriguing mix of Soviet-era buildings, elegant Orthodox churches, and modern structures.

Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, tucked into the northern reaches of Botswana near the Chobe River, is a remote and pristine safari destination known for its rich biodiversity and exclusivity. Covering more than 275,000 acres of wilderness, the reserve is defined by floodplains, lagoons, woodlands, and savannah, creating a mosaic of habitats that sustain an impressive array of wildlife.