The Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands scattered across the South Pacific, offer a rare blend of Polynesian tradition and laid-back island charm. Rarotonga, the largest and most visited island, is ringed by a turquoise lagoon and backed by lush mountains. Visitors can circle the entire island in under an hour, stopping along the way for fresh coconut, beachside cafés, or a quick swim in the clear lagoon.

Cuernavaca, often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” has long been a retreat for those seeking warm weather and relaxing surroundings just 90 minutes from Mexico City. With a history that stretches back to the Aztec empire, the city is layered with centuries of cultural change. The historic center of Cuernavaca combines architecture from multiple eras, with narrow streets leading to quiet plazas and colonial churches.

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa’s most vibrant and unpredictable cities. Sprawling along the banks of the Congo River, it’s the third-largest city on the continent and pulses with music, art, and personality at every turn. Across the river lies Brazzaville, making Kinshasa part of the only pair of national capitals facing each other across a single waterway.

This quaint and historic village has a notable Old Town with over 100 half timbered houses, with the oldest dating to 1339. During your exploration of Miltenberg, make sure to stop the oldest and most historic bar in town, a 500-year-old hangout that locals refer to simply as Weinhaus.

Pristina, the dynamic capital of Kosovo, offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. The city's skyline is punctuated by landmarks like the Mother Teresa Square, a tribute to the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and humanitarian who was born in Albania but had strong ties to the region. Nearby, the striking Newborn Monument, an ever-changing installation that commemorates Kosovo’s declaration of independence, showcases the country's evolving identity and creativity.