The Americas & Caribbean

Rio de Janeiro is a large Brazilian city situated on the South Atlantic Coast of South America. It is perhaps best known for its carnivals and the largest art deco statue in existence, the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While there absorb the magnificent views and you will feel as though you are taking a walk in the clouds. Read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Buzios in Brazil is situated 169 km NE of Rio de Janeiro, a small and sophisticated paradise that was popularised by legendary movie star Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, and her statue still graces the main street. Today it is the haunt of the rich and famous of the world who flock to the city to enjoy the more than 20 stunning beaches in the vicinity. The peninsula is a sophisticated beach resort with a very active night life and fine restaurants. Read more about Buzios, Brazil

Salvador, Brazil's former capital and fifth largest city in the country, is situated on a high bluff that circles around the eastern side of the magnificent All Saints Bay. This intriguing city with a population of over two million has a strong African influence that derives from the slaves brought here to work in the sugar cane fields more than 400 years ago. Their rich cultural heritage is evident in their music, dance, cuisine and religion. Read more about Salvador, Brazil

Maceio is the capital city of the northern Brazilian state of Alagoas. Its principal attraction would have to be its 20km of urban beaches, as well as the delightful sandy beaches to the north and south. Of particular interest are the northern beaches of Ponta Verde with the boardwalk lined with beach bars, and Pajucara Beach that hosts a nightly craft market. Read more about Maceio, Brazil

Recife is one of the largest and most important cities on the NE coast of Brazil. This lively capital, originally founded by the Dutch, is brimming with a vibrant culture. The many rivers, small islands and over fifty bridges found in the city centre gives it the title of ‘Brazilian Venice’. Read more about Recife, Brazil

Santarem in Brazil, some 800 km up the Amazon, is located on the southern bank of the clear emerald blue waters of the Tapajos River, a tributary of the Amazon. Not far from here these waters encounter the muddy waters of the magnificent Amazon River. A natural phenomenon, the two rivers flow side by side and are known as the ‘meeting of the waters’. Read more about Santarem, Brazil

Located at the confluence of the Amazon and the Valeria rivers in Brazil, Boca da Valeria is a small remote Indian village consisting of a wharf, wooden homes on stilts, a school, a church and a bar that doubles as the village meeting place. It is hidden amid jungle lake lands where the screeches of colorful parrots fill the air and trees stand waist-high in water. Be sure to take your camera on the tender ride, because there is a very distinct line where the waters of the Valeria River meet the Amazon. Read more about Boca da Valeria, Brazil

Manaus is a main port on the banks of the Negro River 1450 km inland in the heart of the Amazon rain forest, and is the main transport hub for the entire upper Amazon Basin. It also attracts crowds of tourists who find a variety of land and boat trips into the jungle. Wildlife is plentiful, even within the city, and it is home to the Pied Tamarin, one of Brazil's most endangered primates. Read more about Manaus, Brazil

Manaus is a main port on the banks of the Negro River 1450 km inland in the heart of the Amazon rain forest, and is the main transport hub for the entire upper Amazon Basin. It also attracts crowds of tourists who find a variety of land and boat trips into the jungle. Wildlife is plentiful, even within the city, and it is home to the Pied Tamarin, one of Brazil's most endangered primates. Read more about Manaus, Brazil

Parintins is a major river port with a population of 114,000, situated on Tupinambarana Island amid the largest archipelago of the mid-Amazon. It is one of the most isolated medium-sized cities in the world, and is accessible only by air or boat. The community can trace its history back through two centuries and still proudly celebrates its traditional Indian culture. Read more about Parintins, Brazil

Santarem in Brazil, some 800 km up the Amazon, is located on the southern bank of the clear emerald blue waters of the Tapajos River, a tributary of the Amazon. Not far from here these waters encounter the muddy waters of the magnificent Amazon River. A natural phenomenon, the two rivers flow side by side and are known as the ‘meeting of the waters’. Read more about Santarem, Brazil

Devil’s Island (14ha), along with Île Royale (28ha) and Saint-Joseph Island (20ha), form the Salvation’s Islands, lying 13km NE off the coast of French Guinana in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands were part of the penal colony of Cayenne from 1852 to 1953, that also included mainland sites. Most of the 80,000 prisoners never returned to metropolitan France, dying from tropical diseases and brutal conditions. Read more about Devil's Island, French Guiana

The city of Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the island country of Barbados, a major tourist destination in the West Indies. The city has numerous attractions, landmarks, monuments, museums, and art galleries of an international standard. It is also a starting point for visiting many other popular cities on the island. Read more about Bridgetown, Barbados

Roseau, a small, compact and most important urban settlement, is the capital and largest city of the island of Dominica, in the Caribbean. Dominica has been nicknamed the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean’ for its unspoiled natural beauty. Interestingly, it is built on the site of the ancient Kalinago Indian village of Sairi. Read more about Roseau, Dominica

Basseterre is located on the SW coast of St Kitts Island in the Leeward Islands group, and is one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Caribbean. Subsequently, it is very well known for its variety of architectural styles and fascinating buildings, set against dense tropical forests and a huge dormant volcano. The domed colonial Treasury Building, or customs house, is a reminder of the value of these islands as sugar colonies. Read more about Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

San Juan, the capital and most populous city of Puerto Rico, is the oldest city on US territory. It is the Caribbean commercial hub, best known for its beautifully restored historic district of Old San Juan. It is situated on a rocky peninsula girded by thick walls jutting into the crashing Atlantic surf. Read more about San Juan, Puerto Rico

Santo Domingo, the most bustling and diverse city in the Caribbean, is the capital of the Dominican Republic, and the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Wander down the cobblestone streets to check out the many examples of 15th and 16th century architecture in the Colonial Zone. These include: the Cathedral that was the first church built in the Americas, the Ozama Fort, and the Italian Renaissance style palace Alcazar de Colon, which were all built during the lifetime of Christopher Columbus. Read more about Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The British Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands lies SE of Florida. The capital, Cockburn (‘Co’burn’) Town, is located on the largest island in the Turks Islands archipelago, Grand Turk Island. It is known for tourism as well as being an offshore financial centre. Read more about Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands

Fort Lauderdale is a city on the Atlantic coast of the U.S. in the state of Florida. As well as being a major yachting centre, it has a large and intricate canal system that results in its also being known as the ‘Venice of America’. Read more about Fort Lauderdale, USA

King’s Wharf, located in Bermuda, consists of eight islands linked by causeways and bridges that are part of a self-governing British Territory, consisting of 150 islands in the western Atlantic Ocean. It is ideal for large cruise ships and is best known for its Georgian-style fort built by the British Navy using convicts, and which later served as a North Atlantic base during both World Wars. Today it is a popular tourist destination and a great place for water sports that include scuba diving, parasailing or riding a glass-bottomed boat to reflect on the wrecks of local history, as well as delightful coral reefs. Read more about King's Wharf, Bermuda

King’s Wharf, located in Bermuda, consists of eight islands linked by causeways and bridges that are part of a self-governing British Territory, consisting of 150 islands in the western Atlantic Ocean. It is ideal for large cruise ships and is best known for its Georgian-style fort built by the British Navy using convicts, and which later served as a North Atlantic base during both World Wars. Today it is a popular tourist destination and a great place for water sports that include scuba diving, parasailing or riding a glass-bottomed boat to reflect on the wrecks of local history, as well as delightful coral reefs. Read more about King's Wharf, Bermuda

New York is situated on the Atlantic coast of NE United States. With its world-class museums, big statues, even bigger buildings and being the most linguistically diverse city in the world, the Big Apple’s hyperactive rush keeps drawing more and more people to it. The City of New York is a densely packed mass of humanity and all this living on top of one another makes the New Yorker a special kind of person. Read more about New York, USA