Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa’s most vibrant and unpredictable cities. Sprawling along the banks of the Congo River, it’s the third-largest city on the continent and pulses with music, art, and personality at every turn. Across the river lies Brazzaville, making Kinshasa part of the only pair of national capitals facing each other across a single waterway.

High in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is where snow-dusted peaks, rushing rivers, and quiet cedar forests come together to create a destination full of experiences. The town sits beside the Beas River at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, offering a refreshing escape from India’s plains. Legend says the name “Manali” comes from “Manu-Alaya,” meaning the home of sage Manu, who is believed to have repopulated the world after a great flood.

The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders. This vast inland delta, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, offers a unique opportunity to experience a pristine wilderness. As the Okavango River meanders into the Kalahari Desert, it creates a sprawling floodplain that transforms into a lush oasis during the annual flood.

Killington, Vermont is best known for its ski resort, the largest in the eastern United States, but the town offers more than just winter slopes. Nicknamed “The Beast of the East,” Killington Resort spans six mountain peaks and includes over 1,500 acres of terrain. It was one of the first ski areas in the country to adopt snowmaking technology in the 1960s, and it continues to operate one of the longest ski seasons in North America, sometimes stretching from October into May.

Minneapolis stands out with its unexpected blend of urban energy and freshwater calm. Built along the banks of the Mississippi River, the city has grown from a flour-milling powerhouse into a hub of creativity, design, and culture. At the heart of downtown, the Mill City Museum, housed inside the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, offers hands-on exhibits that bring Minneapolis’s industrial past to life. Just outside, the Stone Arch Bridge spans the river with sweeping views