A dynamic island escape, Penang, Malaysia, is chock-full of exciting attractions, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. Head to the George Town neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the island's best colonial architecture and historical landmarks, including the Penang Town Hall, Fort Cornwallis, and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower.

Tortuguero, located on Costa Rica’s remote northern Caribbean coast, is a destination unlike any other in the country. Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, this coastal village sits between the Caribbean Sea and a network of freshwater canals. Its name, meaning "place of turtles," comes from the thousands of sea turtles that arrive annually to lay their eggs on its beaches, including green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles.

Akita sits in the northern part of Japan’s Tōhoku region and offers travelers experiences rooted in long-held traditions, lively festivals, and scenic valleys. Its capital city blends seasonal appeal with cultural offerings, from Senshu Park, once the site of Kubota Castle, where cherry blossoms and lotuses draw locals and visitors alike, to the Akita Museum of Art, a striking building designed by famed architect Tadao Ando that displays works including pieces by Tsuguharu Foujita.

Poʻipū is a coastal community on the southern shore of Kauaʻi, known for sunny weather, sandy beaches, and access to the island’s sheltered southern coastline. Its landscape includes beaches, lava-rock formations, palm-lined resorts, residential neighborhoods, and open coastal areas. Poʻipū Beach Park is the main public gathering place, with several connected sandy areas and shallow water that can be suitable for swimming when ocean conditions allow.

Fianarantsoa is a hilltop city in Madagascar’s central highlands and the capital of Haute Matsiatra region. Its name means “place of good learning,” reflecting the city’s long association with education and religious institutions. Built across a series of hills, Fianarantsoa overlooks valleys filled with rice fields, farmland, and scattered villages.

South Africa is a country where landscapes and cultures unfold in remarkable variety. From the rugged cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope to the open plains of Kruger National Park, it offers experiences shaped by both nature and history.