Lake Maggiore, straddling the border of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, is the second-largest lake in Italy and one of the most scenically diverse. Surrounded by Alpine peaks and dotted with elegant towns, the lake has attracted visitors for centuries, including literary figures like Stendhal and Ernest Hemingway. The western shore is home to the Borromean Islands, a group of three small islands known for palaces, terraced gardens, and white peacocks that roam freely across the lawns.

Sokcho-si is a coastal city in northeastern South Korea where the East Sea meets rugged mountains, giving it a maritime and outdoor character.

Paracas, a small coastal town in southern Peru, offers a mix of desert landscapes, marine wildlife, and ancient history. Just three hours from Lima, it’s the gateway to the Paracas National Reserve, one of the country’s most important protected areas. This reserve includes both land and sea, making it home to dramatic cliffs, wind-carved rock formations, and waters where dolphins, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins are frequently seen.

Ishasha, a hidden gem in southwestern Uganda, offers travelers a serene yet thrilling experience within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known for its famous tree-climbing lions, this remote section of the park attracts wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness these majestic creatures lounging in the branches of fig and acacia trees. The landscape of Ishasha is stunning, with vast savannahs stretching out towards the horizon, dotted with rivers that attract herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelopes.

Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, sits along the banks of the Caledon River near the border with South Africa. As the political and economic center of the country, it offers a mix of modern amenities, government offices, and bustling markets.