Lerwick, the charming capital of the Shetland Islands, is a captivating destination where maritime history and natural beauty converge. Located on the edge of Scotland, this quaint town offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors.

Funafuti Atoll, the capital of Tuvalu, is a narrow strip of land wrapped around a brilliant turquoise lagoon that stretches over 20 kilometers across. Despite being just 600 meters at its widest point, Funafuti is the heartbeat of the country, where government buildings, homes, schools, and the island’s only airport all coexist along sandy roads lined with coconut trees.

Taupō, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is built along the shores of Lake Taupō, which is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, formed nearly two thousand years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. That eruption was so powerful, it was recorded in ancient Chinese and Roman texts, even though it occurred halfway across the world. Today, the lake is calm, clear, and central to life in the region, offering everything from trout fishing to kayaking and lakeside cycling.

One of the four islands that make up the British Virgin Islands, Jost van Dyke is a Caribbean paradise known for its white sand beaches, turquoise sea pools, and marinas filled with yachts.

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, sits on the Anatolian plateau and reflects the country’s layered history more quietly than Istanbul, yet with equal depth.