Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.

León, in northwest Spain, is a city where Roman, medieval, and modern layers coexist. Its historical heart features the León Cathedral with its remarkable stained glass, the Basilica of San Isidoro, and winding streets that hint at centuries of trade and culture.

Sonoma is a year-round haven that combines in one location everything you could desire in a memorable travel experience - the finest wine, dining, lodging, and spas, a flourishing arts community, interesting history and the bounty of Northern California's great outdoors.

Ranthambore, a gem of Rajasthan, India, is where wildlife and history intertwine seamlessly to create an unforgettable travel experience. Famous for the Ranthambore National Park, this destination is a haven for those seeking a close encounter with nature’s most magnificent creatures. The park, once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, now stands as a vital sanctuary for Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and over 300 species of birds.

Perched on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a city that blends centuries of history with a strong cultural identity. It served as a Roman military camp called Lousanna before evolving into a key medieval settlement. Today, visitors can still climb the tower of Lausanne Cathedral, widely regarded as the most impressive Gothic structure in Switzerland. From the top, the view stretches over the rooftops of the Old Town to the vineyards of Lavaux and across the lake to the French Alps.