Laos, often called the "Land of a Million Elephants," is a hidden gem in Southeast Asia that beckons travelers with its serene landscapes, vibrant culture, and spiritual heritage. Nestled between more prominent neighbors, Laos offers an unspoiled, off-the-beaten-path experience. The charming city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit destination where colonial architecture meets traditional Laotian temples.

Once the commercial center of the ancient world, Ephesus is an archaeological splendor and an essential stop on any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage support its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis.

Portland, Oregon, is a city where natural beauty and urban innovation coexist harmoniously. Nestled between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and framed by volcanic mountains, Portland offers an array of outdoor adventures alongside its renowned cultural scene. Visitors can explore the lush expanses of Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., or take a leisurely stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden, which showcases exquisite traditional Japanese landscape design.

Kobe, Japan is a beautiful port city renowned for its historic shrines, botanical gardens, hot springs, and marbled Kobe beef. Highlights of this Japanese retreat include Ikuta Shrine, thought to be one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Botanical Gardens, Mount Rokkō, and Arima Onsen, a popular hot springs resort surrounded by Japanese maple trees.

The capital of Ontario and Canada's largest city, Toronto is a vibrant destination on the banks of Lake Ontario. Highlights of this striking cultural capital include the looming CN Tower (featuring a revolving restaurant), Casa Loma, Toronto Island Park, Royal Ontario Museum, and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.

Terre-de-Haut is an island off the coast of Guadeloupe and replete with a variety of stunning viewpoints to gaze out at the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea.