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.

China, the world’s most populous country, stretches across vast landscapes ranging from the towering Himalayas and deserts of the north to fertile river valleys and bustling coastal cities. Its rich history spans thousands of years, marked by dynasties, inventions, and cultural developments that have left a lasting imprint on art, architecture, and philosophy.

Wilmington was the only open seaport in the Confederacy from 1863 until the last months of the war - nearly two years. Visit Fort Fisher which kept the port open to blockade runners. Afterwards, tour another historic treasure, the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts. In 1865, it was commandeered as headquarters for the Union forces.

Eden Islet is a small volcanic tuff cone rising from the clear waters off the northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island. Though visitors cannot set foot on the rocks, the islet’s dramatic shapes and steep cliffs offer striking views as boats circle its perimeter. Guides often point out coastal mangroves and lava formations that hint at the volcanic forces that shaped this part of the archipelago.

Behold beautiful Lucerne! This German-speaking area of central Switzerland on Lake Lucerne is a truly spectacular locale. Surrounded by mountains and notable for its famous Chapel Bridge, this idyllic and musical Swiss locale is wonderful any time of year.

The Isle of Wight is an island off the southern coast of England, separated from Hampshire by the Solent. Its landscape includes chalk cliffs, sandy and shingle beaches, wooded valleys, farmland, and small coastal towns. Cowes, Ryde, Newport, and Ventnor are among its principal settlements, each with a different character shaped by maritime, agricultural, or seaside traditions.