Lake Tana, located in the northwest of Ethiopia, is the country’s largest freshwater lake and the source of the Blue Nile. Its calm waters are dotted with more than 30 islands, many of which are home to ancient monasteries adorned with religious paintings and manuscripts.

Raglan, on New Zealand’s North Island, is a coastal town that has earned international renown for its surf culture while retaining a bohemian, community-centered spirit.

Istanbul is a city built on layers of empire. Spanning two continents, it was once the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Visitors walking through the Sultanahmet district can witness this timeline firsthand, from the Roman-era Hippodrome to the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, and the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque. At nearby Topkapi Palace, rooms still display the jeweled swords, ceremonial robes, and handwritten Qurans once used by Ottoman sultans.

Luxembourg, a small yet influential country in the heart of Europe, offers visitors a rich blend of historic sites and contemporary culture. The capital city, Luxembourg City, is famous for its dramatic cliffs and ancient fortifications that have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status. Walking through the old quarters, visitors can explore the casemates that reveal layers of the city’s military past.

Boquete Valley, nestled in the highlands of Panama near the Baru Volcano, is a lush retreat known for its cool climate, verdant hills, and coffee plantations.