Spectacularly picturesque, Montreux is situated on the shore of Lake Geneva and one of Switzerland's most popular resort destinations. Montreux is best known for stunning lakeside views, upscale hotels, an annual jazz festival, and the magnificent Château de Chillon, the medieval castle which inspired the writings of many Romantic era poets.

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.

Uruguay may be one of South America's smallest countries, but it packs a striking variety of experiences into its compact borders. From the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento to the avant-garde coastline of José Ignacio, Uruguay blends old-world charm with modern personality. Montevideo, the capital, offers a glimpse into everyday life with its seaside promenade, called the “Rambla,” which stretches over 20 kilometers along the Río de la Plata.

Though it's San Diego County's smallest city in both size and population, Del Mar is one of its most widely known due to prominence of its Del Mar Race Track & Fairgrounds. The City of Del Mar with about 2 square miles of land for its 5,211 residents, the city gives up almost one quarter to the fairgrounds. But its beaches stretch from Del Mar Shores Beach Park in the north edge of Torrey Pine State Reserve and the La Jolla Underwater Park in the south.

Saint-Malo, a captivating walled city on the coast of Brittany, France, invites visitors to step back in time while embracing the beauty of the rugged coastline. Known for its rich maritime history, this former pirate stronghold has retained its medieval charm, with narrow cobblestone streets, towering granite walls, and fortifications that echo tales of seafaring adventures.