Stockton, California, sits on a deepwater channel 70 miles inland, connecting it to San Francisco Bay. The city is home to California’s largest inland port, shipping agricultural goods worldwide. Visitors can enjoy waterfront views at the Stockton Marina, explore the eclectic Haggin Museum, or wander the vibrant Cambodian Buddhist Temple. Stockton’s rich diversity shines in its food scene, from the Stockton Taco Trail to global eateries on the Miracle Mile. With parks, museums, and historic theaters, Stockton offers a mix of culture and recreation for all.

Sandwiched between the sea and the Ligurian hills, Genoa is a city that leaves a lasting impression. Its history is a fascinating tapestry of triumphs and setbacks, as reflected in the city's rich architecture. As the European Capital of Culture in 2004, Genoa boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries, as well as a renowned theatre and the largest aquarium in Europe. The city has also good shopping, the best nightlife in the region, and excellent restaurants. And for those looking to explore beyond the city limits, day trips along the picturesque Ligurian coast come highly recommended.

White beaches, turquoise waters, and lively nightlife — these are images Bridgetown, the capital of the Caribbean island of Barbados, likely conjures up in the minds of most. But Bridgetown is so much more! There's the colonial heritage — its entire downtown is on the UNESCO list, after all — lush forests right outside city limits and an abundance of local and international shopping options. An animated buzz sets in as the sun goes down, inviting one to join the famously laid-back and welcoming Bajans on a night out.

Bathed in sunlight year-round, Seville has a charismatic and upbeat vibe. The mix of Roman, Moorish and Colonial influences have sculpted Seville's reputation as a cultural cornucopia. Tangled alleyways, labyrinths, exquisite cathedrals, and animated tapas bars line the Guadalquivir river, which winds its way through the Andalusian capital.

European explorers took what today is Praslin Island's nature reserve to be the original Garden of Eden, and no wonder — the primeval forest of Vallee de Mai has changed little over millions of years, and giant Aldabra tortoises still roam the archipelago populated by an incredible diversity of endemic plant and animal species. Out of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, only 12 are inhabited by humans, making for splendidly pure natural landscapes, unspoilt beaches, and some of the world's most fantastic diving spots.