One of the Caribbean's most lively islands, Guadeloupe will charm you with its impressive dormant volcano, stunning tropical forests, and French ambience. Actually composed of two islands, Grand Terre and Basse Terre, Guadeloupe has the honor of hosting one of France's seven Parcs National. Don't miss a chance to try Guadeloupe's famous Creole cuisine.

The Volga River is an emblematic waterway that meanders through the heart of Russia, offering an exceptional journey through the country’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. As Europe’s longest river, stretching approximately 3,530 kilometers (2,194 miles), the Volga flows from the Valdai Hills to the Caspian Sea, weaving through major cities such as Tver, Nizhny Novgorod, and Volgograd.

British influences are quite evident in Victoria, from afternoon tea times to elegant Victorian architecture. This capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island provides ample outdoor recreation, with its public parks and access to both the ocean and wilderness. Cyclists will be right at home here, as Victoria boasts a seemingly endless number of bike paths for exploring.

Lead’s Main Street reflects its long history with places that invite people to explore local life beyond mining. The Black Hills Mining Museum offers displays of mining tools, machinery and a simulated underground mine experience that brings to life how miners worked the Black Hills over generations. Along the same street, galleries, cafés and historic buildings make for pleasant stops between deeper dives into the past.

Calgary, set against the backdrop of Alberta’s prairie landscape and the distant Canadian Rockies, is a city where western heritage and modern innovation meet. Once a hub for cattle ranching and the oil industry, it has grown into one of Canada’s most dynamic urban centers.