Istanbul is a city built on layers of empire. Spanning two continents, it was once the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Visitors walking through the Sultanahmet district can witness this timeline firsthand, from the Roman-era Hippodrome to the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque. At nearby Topkapi Palace, rooms still display the jeweled swords, ceremonial robes, and handwritten Qurans once used by Ottoman sultans.

British influences are quite evident in Victoria, from afternoon tea times to elegant Victorian architecture. This capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island provides ample outdoor recreation, with its public parks and access to both the ocean and wilderness. Cyclists will be right at home here, as Victoria boasts a seemingly endless number of bike paths for exploring.

Huacachina is a small desert oasis in Peru’s Ica Region, located about five kilometers from the city of Ica. A green lagoon sits at the center of the settlement, surrounded by palm trees, huarangos, eucalyptus, and high sand dunes. The contrast between water and vegetation and the surrounding coastal desert gives Huacachina a distinctive landscape within southern Peru. T

Portland, England, offers a charming blend of coastal beauty, historical intrigue, and unique geological features. Nestled on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, this picturesque island town is renowned for its stunning cliffs and quarries.

Tucked away on the southern tip of a narrow, 16-mile peninsula in Belize, Placencia is a charming seaside village that effortlessly blends laid-back Caribbean vibes with an adventurous spirit. Known for its vibrant local culture and idyllic beaches, Placencia invites visitors to relax on its soft sandy shores or dive into its crystal-clear waters.