A lesser-known river port in the Mekong Delta, Sa Dec was once the capital of Dong Thap province of southern Vietnam. Today, it is best known for its flower gardens and authentic bustling market. The city is also famous as the setting for French writer Marguerite Duras' 1984 novel, The Lover, and its 1991 film adaptation of the same name.

Les Saintes (also known as Iles des Saintes) are perfect for the kind of traveler who relishes unspoiled tropical beauty and the serenity that comes from doing next to nothing on a vacation, but doing it à la française.

Whether exploring ancient ruins or strolling through its modern city center, visitors will find plenty to discover in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands.

Manaus, capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state, is a city that rises unexpectedly from the rainforest. Once the center of the global rubber boom in the late 1800s, Manaus still holds onto that legacy with surprising elegance. The Teatro Amazonas, an opulent opera house imported piece by piece from Europe, sits at the heart of the city, its pink façade and domed roof tiled in the colors of the Brazilian flag. Today, it hosts concerts, festivals, and curious visitors eager to step back in time.

Annapolis may be best known as the state capital, but its real charm lies in its deep maritime history, walkable streets, and Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. Founded in 1649, Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1783 and is still home to the oldest state house in continuous legislative use. A visit to the Maryland State House, where George Washington famously resigned his military commission, offers a direct link to the early days of American democracy.