Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, offers a refreshing take on Midwest travel with a blend of creativity, history, and community pride. Its downtown skyline is anchored by the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol, which offers free guided tours and a striking view from its hilltop perch. Just across the river, the East Village mixes old brick storefronts with indie shops, coffee houses, and vibrant murals. It's where old meets new, a theme that runs throughout the city’s evolving identity.

Naples, Florida, embodies the essence of coastal charm and luxury on the Gulf of Mexico. Renowned for its stunning beaches and pristine waters, Naples offers visitors a quintessential Florida experience. The city’s Naples Pier is a local landmark and a must-visit spot for panoramic views, fishing, and beautiful sunsets. Whether you’re strolling along the pier or relaxing on the sandy shores, the scenic beauty of Naples is sure to captivate.

Lake Maggiore, straddling the border of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, is the second-largest lake in Italy and one of the most scenically diverse. Surrounded by Alpine peaks and dotted with elegant towns, the lake has attracted visitors for centuries, including literary figures like Stendhal and Ernest Hemingway. The western shore is home to the Borromean Islands, a group of three small islands known for palaces, terraced gardens, and white peacocks that roam freely across the lawns.

Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.

Fishguard, a coastal town in north Pembrokeshire, is divided into two parts: Fishguard and Lower Town. Lower Town is a small harbor nestled at the mouth of the River Gwaun, lined with fishing cottages and boats. It has served as a filming location for several productions, including the 1956 movie *Moby Dick* starring Gregory Peck. Visitors can walk the quayside, explore rock pools at low tide, or take boat trips along the Pembrokeshire Coast.