Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.

Chiriquí, a province in western Panama, offers a striking variety of landscapes, from highland cloud forests to golden Pacific beaches. Bordered by Costa Rica to the west, it’s known for its rich agriculture, coffee plantations, and impressive volcano views. The capital city, David, serves as the main hub for travelers, but many of the region’s most memorable experiences are found in its rural towns, mountain valleys, and coastal areas.

Ragusa, located in southeastern Sicily, is a city steeped in history and Baroque beauty, often overlooked but truly a gem for travelers seeking a unique and authentic Italian experience. Divided into two distinct parts—Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla—the city showcases a dramatic contrast between the new and old.

Les Saintes (also known as Iles des Saintes) are perfect for the kind of traveler who relishes unspoiled tropical beauty and the serenity that comes from doing next to nothing on a vacation, but doing it à la française.

Maho Beach, on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, is one of the Caribbean’s most thrilling and unconventional beach experiences. Situated directly beside Princess Juliana International Airport, the beach is world-famous for its low-flying airplanes that descend just overhead before landing.