Annapolis may be best known as the state capital, but its real charm lies in its deep maritime history, walkable streets, and Chesapeake Bay lifestyle. Founded in 1649, Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States in 1783 and is still home to the oldest state house in continuous legislative use. A visit to the Maryland State House, where George Washington famously resigned his military commission, offers a direct link to the early days of American democracy.

The capital city of the Dominican Republic is rich in history and beauty, boasting 16th-century Spanish architecture and the oldest cathedral in the Americas. The narrow streets of the old colonial city are a testament to the complex mixture of forces that contributed to the construction of the first European city in the Western Hemisphere.

Kansas City, Kansas offers more than meets the eye. Located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, this city blends its industrial roots with surprising pockets of creativity, flavor, and local pride. Food plays a big role in the city’s identity, and no trip is complete without sampling its barbecue. While its Missouri neighbor may get more attention, Kansas City holds its own with iconic joints like Slap’s BBQ, a local favorite known for brisket that draws lines out the door.

Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, is a city where history, art, and culinary traditions come alive. Known for its vibrant streets and historic architecture, Lahore showcases iconic landmarks such as the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Shalimar Gardens, which reflect the grandeur of the Mughal era.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, is a lively seaside town where Afro-Caribbean culture, indigenous traditions, and tropical landscapes come together. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now known for its reggae rhythms, colorful wooden houses, and a laid-back atmosphere.