Bariloche, tucked into the foothills of the Andes in Argentina’s Patagonia region, is a town that feels both alpine and uniquely Argentine. With its wooden chalets, Swiss-style architecture, and chocolate shops on every corner, many visitors are surprised to find a lakeside town that resembles parts of Europe. But Bariloche’s identity is all its own, shaped by deep indigenous roots, waves of immigration, and the striking presence of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

South Dakota, known for its striking contrasts, from sacred Indigenous landmarks to dramatic prairie landscapes, offers travelers a rare chance to experience stories etched in both stone and living tradition. Mount Rushmore may be the most photographed site, but just 17 miles away, the Crazy Horse Memorial tells a deeper story. In the west, the Black Hills are full of geological surprises and sacred sites. Custer State Park offers scenic drives where herds of bison often stop traffic.

Akita sits in the northern part of Japan’s Tōhoku region and offers travelers experiences rooted in long-held traditions, lively festivals, and scenic valleys. Its capital city blends seasonal appeal with cultural offerings, from Senshu Park, once the site of Kubota Castle, where cherry blossoms and lotuses draw locals and visitors alike, to the Akita Museum of Art, a striking building designed by famed architect Tadao Ando that displays works including pieces by Tsuguharu Foujita.

Columbus, city and seat of Muscogee County, western Georgia, a port at the head of the Chattahoochee River, opposite Phenix City, Alabama. Columbus is a regional transportation, trade, cultural, and manufacturing hub. Its many textile, food-processing, and metalworking industries are powered by hydroelectric plants on the Chattahoochee River.

Kunturiri is a high-altitude mountain area in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real, north of La Paz. The name comes from the Aymara word for condor, reflecting the region’s close connection with Andean landscapes and wildlife. Kunturiri is characterized by rugged peaks, glacial terrain, mountain lakes, and broad views across the high Andes. The area lies within a remote section of the Cordillera Real, where steep mountains rise above the surrounding Altiplano.