Barranquilla sits near the mouth of the Magdalena River on Columbia's Caribbean side. It is a major seaport and a center of commerce, but everyone breaks loose for four days in February for one of the liveliest carnivals outside of Rio.

Hilo, the charming and laid-back gateway to Hawaii’s Big Island, offers an authentic Hawaiian experience steeped in natural beauty, history, and culture. As the largest town on the east side of the island, Hilo sits at the foot of two majestic volcanoes: Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano, and Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that hosts some of the world's most advanced astronomical observatories.

Mijas, perched on the hillside above the Costa del Sol, blends centuries of Andalusian tradition with views that stretch across the Mediterranean. The whitewashed buildings of Mijas Pueblo reflect sunlight from narrow cobbled streets that wind through small plazas, each with its own fountain, chapel, or overlook. The town’s layout still follows Moorish-era planning, and remnants of the old wall (La Muralla) offer shaded walks lined with native plants and panoramic views over the coast.

The capital of picturesque St. Barthélemy, Gustavia is a veritable island paradise in the Caribbean. A former French colony, this small city on St. Barths’s west coast offers a variety of fine dining, designer shopping, and spectacular beachside activities to ensure a relaxing tropical getaway. Be sure to visit the historic site of Fort Karl for a panoramic view of Gustavia’s glittering harbor, then walk to Shell Beach to take a dip in warm, turquoise waters.

Lihue, the main town on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, blends administrative importance with island charm. As the county seat, it’s the hub of government and commerce, but it also serves as the welcoming gateway for travelers arriving at Lihue Airport or through its nearby harbor.