Long isolated from the outside world, Bhutan is a relic of a more traditional Asia, preserved in time and with little in the way of tourist infrastructure. In an increasingly connected world, this small, beautiful, and utterly enchanting Himalayan country is one of the last truly off-the-beaten-path destinations on the planet. It is a challenging country to visit, but to those who choose to venture there, it soon reveals itself to be an especially rewarding one, as well.

Welcome to 'The Emerald City', with its blend of laid-back and progressive vibes. As Washington State's largest city, Seattle is not just the home of the iconic Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass, but also the birthplace of grunge and global coffee joints like Starbucks and Tully’s. Forget the rainy reputation; Seattle often outshines it with more sun than you'd expect!

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, the once secluded area of Los Cabos has transformed itself into a popular international resort destination. Tourists flock to the region for its stunning beaches and the Corridor, a 33 km strip connecting the twin towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, both of which have a reputation for captivating visitors from all corners of the globe. Los Cabos is also the host of several well-known international events such as the Bisbee Black and Blue Marlin tournament and the SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race.

The Lone Star Flag of Texas is one of the most recognizable state flags in the United States. Now travelers have the chance to explore its birthplace. Montgomery, Texas, is rife with state history, with July of 2012 marking its 175th anniversary. Founded around the Lake Creek Settlement in 1837, Montgomery now finds itself surrounding Lake Conroe. The lake serves as a focal point for much of its attraction: visitors take advantage of the friendly waters for boating, fishing, swimming, and other fun activities year-round.

Kerala’s first city, with its knotty official name of Thiruvananthapuram (often substituted by the shorter, more manageable Trivandrum), is a rich introduction to southern India's urban and cultural life. Trivandrum tends to be unjustly overlooked en route to the state's beachside settlements but easily warrants a few days of its own.