Baddeck sits along the calm waters of the Bras d’Or Lake on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, a village with deep roots and stories to tell. Its name comes from an Indigenous word thought to mean “place with an island near,” a nod to nearby Kidston Island and the long history of the Mi’kmaq people in the area. A highlight for many visitors is the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, where the legacy of one of history’s most inventive minds comes alive.

Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, but the town itself offers far more than a launching point for temple exploration. Located in northwestern Cambodia, Siem Reap balances centuries-old traditions with a rapidly evolving cultural scene. Its streets are lined with colonial-era buildings, Buddhist pagodas, bustling markets, and open-air cafés.

Nestled in the mountains just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone has long been a retreat for travelers seeking both quiet and culture. Once a crucial checkpoint on the historic Tōkaidō road between Edo and Kyoto, Hakone is still shaped by centuries of history. The reconstructed Hakone Sekisho (Hakone Checkpoint) offers a glimpse into the Edo Period, when travelers were inspected by samurai guards before continuing on their journey.

Vis, a charming island city in Croatia's Dalmatian region, offers a serene retreat with its blend of historical allure and natural beauty. Known for its historical significance, Vis boasts remnants of its Greek and Roman past, including the well-preserved fortifications and ancient ruins. The city itself is a captivating blend of Venetian and Austro-Hungarian architecture, with quaint streets and lovely waterfronts that invite leisurely exploration.

The Temple of Horus at Edfu has a massive entrance pylon covered with sunk relief carvings. This Ptolemaic temple was constructed between 237 and 57 B.C.E.