Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three Gili Islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and clear coastal waters, with a sandy shoreline extending around much of its perimeter. Its compact size makes it easy to explore by bicycle or on foot, while horse-drawn cidomo carts provide traditional local transport.

Cankuzo, tucked in Burundi’s eastern corner near the Tanzanian border, offers travelers a lesser-known but deeply rewarding experience. Known for its rolling hills, scattered woodlands, and untouched landscapes, Cankuzo is one of the country’s least populated provinces, which adds to its charm. The region’s peaceful setting makes it an ideal place to experience rural Burundi in its most genuine form.

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.

Mayotte, a French overseas department nestled in the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and mainland Africa, offers travelers a window into a lesser-known island culture shaped by Swahili, Malagasy, and French influences. Unlike its neighbors in the Comoros archipelago, Mayotte remains part of France, giving it a unique blend of European infrastructure and Indian Ocean traditions.

Santa Maria is the main coastal town on Sal, one of Cabo Verde’s eastern islands, and is closely connected with the island’s fishing and salt-producing heritage. The town developed beside a long sandy beach on the southern coast, with low buildings, narrow streets, small shops, restaurants, and a busy waterfront forming its center.