South Central Asia offers travelers a journey through vivid contrasts, where centuries-old temples stand beside bustling modern cities, and tea-covered hills roll into dense tropical forests. In India, visitors can witness the grandeur of Mughal architecture at the Taj Mahal, then find serenity at the ghats of Varanasi, where rituals have continued for thousands of years.

One of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro in north-central Spain and Portugal just might be the world's most beautiful wine region. Most of the river on the Spanish side isn't navigable, so river cruises generally travel roundtrip from Porto, on the coast of the Atlantic.

Located northwest of Cairo on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is one of Egypt's most spectacular cities and an important historical, industrial, and economic center for the country.

Gili Indah is a village and administrative area in North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, encompassing the three well-known Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. The area lies off the northwest coast of Lombok and includes beaches, coral reefs, shallow lagoons, and small coastal communities.

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a city of striking contrasts where gilded temples stand beside sleek skyscrapers and centuries-old traditions thrive amid modern life. At its heart is the Grand Palace, a dazzling complex that once housed the Thai kings, along with Wat Phra Kaew, the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha.