Tampico, located on the Gulf Coast of Tamaulipas, is a port city with a layered history shaped by trade, oil, and immigration. Its downtown district is known for neoclassical buildings, many of which were constructed with imported bricks and ironwork from Europe during the oil boom of the early 20th century. One of Tampico’s most photographed structures is the Mercado Municipal, rebuilt in recent years but still functioning as a central hub for daily life.

Bar Harbor should be any traveler's Maine priority! Drink in a view of the Atlantic Ocean from the town pier, and be sure to get some lobster at one of the excellent local restaurants. Bar Harbor, a Mount Desert Island town, is also the portal to the rugged, recreational paradise Acadia National Park, where birding, whale-watching and kayaking is the order of the day. The park's Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on America's East Coast.

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, sits at the foot of the Ala-Too Mountains and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. The city is known for its wide tree-lined streets, Soviet-era architecture, and public squares.

Brazil's third largest city, Belo Horizonte was founded in 1897. Most of Brazil's gems and semi-precious stones are mined in this area and it is where you can find the best bargains, from aquamarines to imperial topaz. It is just 59 miles from Brazil's most historic colonial city, Ouro Preto.

Home to a number of Hindu and Buddhist temples, beautiful botanical gardens, and ancient palaces, Kathmandu is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Nepali culture, history, and religion.