Mljet National Park sits on the western side of Mljet Island in Croatia’s Adriatic Sea, a place where saltwater lakes meet ancient forest pathways. The park stretches across nearly one-third of the island, with Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake) as their most striking features. These two saltwater lakes are connected by a narrow channel to the open sea, creating calm blue waters that draw visitors for swims, casual kayak outings, or peaceful cycles around the shaded paths.

Niger, located in West Africa, is a country of vast landscapes and diverse cultures. Much of its territory is covered by the Sahara Desert, with rolling sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and oasis towns defining the northern regions.

A tributary of the Rhine, the Moselle River flows through France, Luxembourg and Germany. The Moselle also lends its name to a region of France, a valley which it bisects, and a wine produced along its banks.

Italy’s port city of Brindisi, tucked along the Adriatic coast in the Puglia region, has been a gateway to the East for over two thousand years. Once the Roman Empire’s main departure point for the Via Appia, the road to Greece and beyond, Brindisi still bears traces of its ancient past, from Roman columns to remnants of old harbors that once welcomed traders, pilgrims, and soldiers.

Tampa, Florida, offers more than just sunshine and palm trees, it’s a city with character, history, and plenty of unexpected experiences. Founded as a military outpost in the 19th century, Tampa has grown into a vibrant waterfront city with strong Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences. This cultural blend is especially noticeable in Ybor City, a historic district known for its red-brick buildings and deep cigar-making roots.