Nestled among quiet mountains lies the thriving Twin City of Bristol. One community in two states, this beautiful city is Bristol, Virginia on the north side of State Street and Bristol, Tennessee on the south side.

Tokushima is the capital of Tokushima Prefecture on the eastern side of Shikoku, where several rivers meet the sea and mountains rise beyond the urban area. The city is closely identified with Awa Odori, a traditional dance that fills streets with performers and musicians during its annual festival. Tokushima also serves as a useful base for exploring the wider prefecture, including the Naruto Strait, the Iya Valley, and sections of the Shikoku pilgrimage.

A tributary of the Amazon, the Napo River (Río Napo) originates in the east Andes mountains. It flows east through Ecuador, then southeast into Peru, where it joins the larger river roughly 50 miles downstream from Iquitos.

Cat Ba, the largest island in Vietnam’s Halong Bay, is a striking mix of rugged limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and vibrant jungle. Long home to fishing communities, the island has retained its local charm while also becoming a gateway to the natural wonders of the surrounding bay.

Sesriem, located in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, serves as the gateway to the world-famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, two of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes. The dramatic red dunes of the Namib Desert, some of the highest in the world, are an awe-inspiring sight, particularly at sunrise when the light casts long shadows, creating an otherworldly contrast of colors.