Palawan Island stretches along the western edge of the Philippines, shaped by seafaring routes, Indigenous cultures, and relative isolation from the country’s major urban centers.

Taormina, with its hilltop location above the Ionian Sea, is easily one of Italy's most beautiful places. As it's packed with people in the summertime, recommended months to visit include April and September.

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.

The United Arab Emirates rolls history and invention into a seamless experience. In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out with its reflective pools, marble columns inlaid with floral patterns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet beneath domes that glow by night. On Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi shelters art that spans civilizations, all beneath a dome designed to scatter sunlight like palm fronds.

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.