>Slovenia, tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, is a small country with a strong sense of identity and an impressive variety of landscapes. Its capital, Ljubljana, is known for its walkable center and mix of Baroque, Secessionist, and modern architecture. The Ljubljanica River runs through the city and is lined with open-air cafés and artisan shops.

This city in the Rhine Gorge is known for its winemaking, dramatic landscapes and 15-minute cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument (celebrating the German victory over France in 1871).

Sighisoara rises above the Târnava Mare River as one of the few medieval citadels in Europe that is still lived in and admired today. Its historic center has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999, recognized for its long history as a fortified Saxon settlement and its role in trade and defense on the edges of central Europe. Wander through cobbled alleys framed by pastel-colored houses, and the layers of time feel close at hand, from the city walls and guild towers to busy cafés.

Les Anses-d’Arlet, a charming fishing village on Martinique’s southern coast, is known for its picture-perfect blend of Caribbean warmth and local tradition. Its centerpiece is a white-sand beach backed by brightly painted houses and the landmark Church of St. Henry, whose steeple aligns beautifully with the sea when viewed from the pier.

San Nicolas, known as Aruba’s “Sunrise City,” offers a completely different vibe from the island’s resort-heavy northwest coast. Located at the southeastern tip, this former oil refinery town has reinvented itself as the cultural heart of Aruba, filled with vibrant street art, local galleries, and a strong sense of community.