La Rioja, located in northern Spain, is best known for its wine, but the region offers much more than vineyard views. Its capital, Logroño, sits along the Camino de Santiago and has welcomed travelers for centuries. The city’s historic center is compact and lively, with narrow streets lined by centuries-old churches, pintxo bars, and quiet plazas.

Nuwara Eliya sits high in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, above the plains at nearly 1,900 meters, with a climate that remains refreshingly mild year-round, which is a sharp contrast to the tropical warmth found elsewhere on the island. For those looking to explore the outdoors, Lake Gregory has long been a place for boating, walking, and watching the mist drift across the water at dawn.

Playa del Carmen, located along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, offers more than just soft beaches and turquoise waters. Once a quiet fishing village, the town has grown into a lively hub where Mayan history meets a modern beachside lifestyle. Visitors walking along Quinta Avenida will find artisan shops, street performers, and cafes offering everything from espresso to tacos al pastor. This area becomes especially active in the evenings when live music spills out from local venues.

The capital of French Polynesia, Papeete is a veritable island paradise with bright cerulean waters, iconic overwater bungalows, and palm trees galore.

Sesriem, located in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, serves as the gateway to the world-famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, two of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes. The dramatic red dunes of the Namib Desert, some of the highest in the world, are an awe-inspiring sight, particularly at sunrise when the light casts long shadows, creating an otherworldly contrast of colors.