Yogyakarta, on the island of Java, is often described as Indonesia’s cultural capital, a reputation grounded in living tradition rather than nostalgia. It remains the seat of a functioning sultanate, and the royal palace, or kraton, anchors the city’s identity through ceremonies, crafts, and court arts that continue to shape everyday life. The city also played a key role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence, giving it a strong sense of civic pride and historical awareness.

Welcome to Christchurch, a picturesque city with English heritage. Here, the new mixes with the old in enchanting ways, with edgy modern architecture and old buildings sitting side by side

The Caribbean's Saba Island is the perfect hideaway! Climb 1,066 hand carved steps to the top of Mount Scenery, or take a roller coaster ride on "The Road", the only road on Saba. Scuba dive, hike, go deep sea fishing, shop for Saba Lace and Saba Spice (an innocent sounding but potent local rum), or relax and enjoy the spectacular views high above the blue Caribbean.

This is a city one could get lost in for days, exploring the old Ming Dynasty walls and wandering through its superb museum. If time permits, you should also take a walk through Linggu Park, home of the Linggu Pagoda and other items of Buddhist interest. Even just a casual walk through the streets-replete with food vendors and baskets of live geese-will help convey the unique flavor of this city.

One of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro in north-central Spain and Portugal just might be the world's most beautiful wine region. Most of the river on the Spanish side isn't navigable, so river cruises generally travel roundtrip from Porto, on the coast of the Atlantic.