Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, is one of the country’s most renowned private game reserves. Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, it offers visitors a chance to see Africa’s iconic wildlife in an environment that feels both wild and exclusive. The reserve is particularly famous for its sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) often spotted during guided game drives at dawn and dusk.

Argostoli sits on the west coast of Kefalonia, Greece’s largest Ionian Island, where a natural harbor meets the Koutavos Lagoon and a waterfront lined with cafés, tavernas, and shops. As the island’s capital, Argostoli blends everyday island life with moments of surprise, from sea turtles surfacing by fishing boats at dawn to historic sites hidden among palm trees and pedestrian streets.

Les Andelys, a picturesque town on the banks of the Seine in Normandy, France, is best known for its dramatic setting beneath the ruins of Château Gaillard. This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, stands high on a chalk cliff overlooking the river, a reminder of the region’s turbulent past during the wars between England and France.

Aberdare National Park is a 311 square mile sanctuary on an isolated volcanic massif which forms part of the eastern wall of the Rift Valley. Part of the larger forest reserve, the Aberdares are covered with a dense rainforest and provide spectacular views over the Rift Valley. Bird life is abundant with more than 200 species.

Abha, the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Asir Province, is a scenic mountain city set nearly 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level in the Sarawat Mountains. Known for its mild climate, lush green hills, and misty peaks, it stands in striking contrast to the country’s desert landscapes.