This southern Mexican state borders Guatemala. Its mountainous highlands and dense rainforest are dotted with several Mayan archaeological sites and Spanish colonial towns.

Santander, the capital of Spain’s Cantabria region, sits along the Bay of Biscay and offers travelers a mix of coastline, culture, and history shaped by centuries of maritime life. Once a bustling port for Castilian exports, Santander saw its golden age in the 19th century when Spanish royalty turned it into a summer retreat. The legacy of that era remains visible at the Palacio de la Magdalena, perched on a peninsula with views of the sea and home to royal stables, a mini zoo, and guided tours.

Saint-Émilion, nestled in the heart of southwest France, is a living monument to centuries of craftsmanship, faith, and wine-making. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, this medieval town sits on a limestone plateau surrounded by vineyards that date back to Roman times. Visitors can explore cobbled streets that wind past centuries-old stone houses, descend into underground catacombs carved by monks, and visit the astonishing Monolithic Church.

Torremolinos, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, has transformed from a small fishing village into one of the region’s most vibrant seaside towns. Just a short drive from Málaga, it became famous in the mid-20th century as one of the first international beach destinations in Spain, attracting artists, celebrities, and travelers in search of sun and sea.

Located on Ecuador's central coast, Manta is a port city frequented by many South American cruises. Manta is known for its delectable seafood and variety of pleasant beaches.