Cut length wise by the Turkish/Greek border, the island of Cyprus leads two lives. The Turkish side is traditional and Islamic, while the Greek side is a very modern vacation destination.

Perugia, the capital of Italy’s Umbria region, is a city built across hills and centuries. Originally settled by the Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago, it still holds remnants of their civilization, including one of the largest surviving Etruscan arches in Italy named Arco Etrusco, which greets visitors at the city’s entrance. Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center reveals layers of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture, all woven together within ancient stone walls.

San Ignacio sits in western Belize’s Cayo District on the banks of the Macal and Mopan Rivers, where the town and its sister settlement of Santa Elena are linked by Belize’s lone suspension bridge. Its location also makes San Ignacio a gateway to both inland Belize and the nearby Guatemalan border, making it easy for curious travelers to explore beyond town limits.

Northwest of Panama City lies the capital city of Colón, a gateway to the Panama Canal.

Haines is a charming stop in the Alaska Panhandle and a gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and Tongass National Forest.