Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, is a barrier island with a story that stretches from ancient Indigenous cultures to Gilded Age millionaires. Today, it’s a state park carefully preserved for public enjoyment, offering a quiet blend of coastal landscapes, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities. With only a limited number of commercial developments allowed, the island maintains a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that’s hard to find on most Southeastern beaches.

A quaint Italian town off the beaten path.

San Ignacio sits in western Belize’s Cayo District on the banks of the Macal and Mopan Rivers, where the town and its sister settlement of Santa Elena are linked by Belize’s lone suspension bridge. Its location also makes San Ignacio a gateway to both inland Belize and the nearby Guatemalan border, making it easy for curious travelers to explore beyond town limits.

Levi is a fell resort in Finnish Lapland, located near the village of Sirkka in the municipality of Kittilä. The settlement sits beside Levi Fell, which rises above the surrounding forests and provides the setting for a large network of outdoor routes and ski slopes. Levi has developed into one of Finland’s best-known year-round resort areas, with accommodation, restaurants, shops, and activity providers concentrated around the fell.

The capital of Texas, Austin is located in the south-central area. It was named the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1839. The main campus of the University of Texas is located here, founded in 1881.