Sandakan, on the northeast coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is a city where history, wildlife, and culture come together. Once a major trading port known as “Little Hong Kong” for its bustling connections to the wider world, Sandakan has retained its multicultural character, with influences from Chinese, Malay, and Indigenous communities visible in its temples, markets, and cuisine.

Mostar, a picturesque city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Renowned for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), this 16th-century Ottoman structure arches gracefully over the Neretva River, symbolizing the city’s historical role as a bridge between East and West.

Lillehammer, nestled along the northern shores of Norway’s Lake Mjøsa and framed by pine-covered hills, is a town that blends natural beauty with cultural richness. Famous for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer has leveraged its global spotlight to cultivate attractions that celebrate both its sporting legacy and artistic heritage.

Travelers on the Arabian Sea often find themselves in Muscat, on the Gulf of Oman. This port capital is situated between ocean and mountains, and boasts lovely beaches, great diving sites (watch for turtles!), 16th-century forts, and the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which can hold 20,000 people.

Imlil is a small Berber village nestled in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, serving as a gateway to the Toubkal National Park. Its history is tied to mountain agriculture and traditional life, with stone houses and terraced fields reflecting centuries of adaptation to the rugged terrain.