Cape Verde's unique geographic location, tumultuous history of slavery and invasion, and fascinating mix of transatlantic cultures have given rise to a place unlike any other on the globe. A place as joyful as it is full of longing, a fact perhaps best reflected in Cape Verdean music and the hauntingly beautiful 'morna'. The sometimes harsh, drought-prone conditions of this mid-Atlantic scattering of islands have seen the flourishing of a fascinating Creole culture and the most stable democracy in Africa.

Jerusalem, where history and spirituality converge, contains sacred sites central to world religions. The kaleidoscope of cultures results from the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian communities. Experience a vibrant music scene and diverse cuisine, while the Light Festival and Jerusalem Film Festival provide cultural events. The city's spiritual aura and beauty are evident in its mosaics, architecture, and views from the Mount of Olives. A trip to Jerusalem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Nicknamed 'Village by the Sea,' Carlsbad enjoys seven miles of tidy, serene beaches along the Pacific coastline. This makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing and surfing, all paired with a mild climate. Furthermore, Carlsbad has three lagoons, a lake, an aquarium, museums and shopping districts. As if that was not enough, the town's proximity to San Diego and Los Angeles provides a multitude of additional options within a short drive.

Pampas grass lines the dunes that border the small town of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The tufts of their leaves, fluffy and swaying with the breezes sweeping from the Atlantic Ocean, seem to mimic the fluffy clouds that sweep overhead in the blue skies. Since the 1920s, vacationers have penciled in Atlantic Beach for weekend getaways and summer trips. Perhaps, this is because of the town’s pristine sands and seaside activities, or maybe it’s because nothing beats dinner and an ocean-view sunset. Either way, the beach is calling.

Beirut is the perfect destination for seasoned travellers: here, East and West intertwine in intricate ways, creating a city so magnetic that few are able to resist its powerful draw. Much has changed over the latter half of the twentieth century, with Beirut rising to become glitterati central in the 60s, but falling from grace during the bloody Civil War. However, the city is alive and kicking, enticing travellers with superb gastronomy, the Middle East's most vibrant nightlife and close proximity to the ancient towns of Byblos and Baalbek.