The Mara River in Tanzania is a natural wonder that draws adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Flowing through the heart of the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, this river is best known as the lifeblood of the Great Migration. Each year, from July to October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make a perilous crossing of the Mara. It’s a spectacle of nature that leaves visitors in awe, making it one of Africa’s most sought-after safari experiences.

Astoria, Oregon is the state's oldest city. Located on the Columbia River near the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is rich in history, including fishing, canning and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Who would have thought, back in the tumultuous coup and counter coup days of the 1970s, that Burkina Faso would become the cultural darling of West Africa? Unlikely as it seems, Burkina Faso has become the Utah of West Africa, hosting a biennial film festival that rivals the Sundance Film Festival for cultural clout. When it's not hosting film festivals, it's busy organizing its other biennial cultural festival.

Fort William, located on the western edge of the Scottish Highlands, is often referred to as the “Outdoor Capital of the UK,” but there’s more here than rugged landscapes. Ben Nevis draws hikers from across the world, but visitors don’t need to climb to its summit to experience the scenery. Not far from town, Glen Nevis offers film fans a familiar view, scenes from *Braveheart*, *Harry Potter*, and *Highlander* were all filmed in this dramatic valley.

Nestled in the heart of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a city that enchants with its blend of historical charm and vibrant modernity. Founded by the Romans in 123 BC, Aix-en-Provence, often simply called Aix, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.