Nestled along the south bank of the Danube, this historical Austrian city bursts with charm. A favorite stop on European river cruises, the city's most famous attraction is Melk Abbey, which dates back to the 11th century. The original Benedictine structure was lost to fires and foreign invasion, then rebuilt during the 18th century in lavish Baroque style, including a library and inner church covered in magnificent frescoes and gilded fixtures.

Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, is where tradition, history, and the South Pacific’s natural world intersect in quiet and unexpected ways. As the political and cultural center of the Kingdom of Tonga, it is home to the capital city, Nukuʻalofa, as well as ancient royal burial grounds, dramatic coastal blowholes, and friendly villages where daily life unfolds slowly.

Bikini Atoll, a remote ring of islands in the Marshall Islands, is one of the most sought-after wreck diving locations in the world. These underwater sites are preserved in a time capsule-like state, providing a rare look at history submerged in a silent world of coral and marine life.

Oviedo, the capital of Asturias in northern Spain, offers a rare mix of medieval heritage and everyday life that feels rooted rather than staged. The city’s historic center is home to some of the oldest pre-Romanesque buildings in Europe, including the UNESCO-listed Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. Cider, not wine, defines the local table. Oviedo is surrounded by apple orchards, and the traditional drink, sidra natural, is poured from a height by skilled escanciadores.

Located on the north coast of Morocco near the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is a cultural capital replete with historic sites, colorful architecture, and splendid beaches. An essential stop is the Ancien Medina, a walled collection of winding streets and alleys filled with cafes and shops leading to the Kasbah, a former palace and mosque that also houses a museum.