Tonto National Forest covers a large area of central Arizona, stretching across desert lowlands, rugged mountains, pine forests, and river corridors north and east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its varied elevation creates several distinct landscapes within one forest, from saguaro-filled Sonoran Desert to ponderosa pine country around the Mogollon Rim.
Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world where a 700-year-old fishing village sits minutes away from the headquarters of international banks. Once a British colony and now a Special Administrative Region of China, the city carries traces of Cantonese, colonial, and global influences in its streets, rituals, and food. The city has more than 300 hiking trails, including the well-known Lion Rock hike, which ends at a dramatic cliff overlooking Kowloon’s dense skyline.
Launceston is a city in northern Tasmania, Australia, positioned where the Tamar, North Esk, and South Esk rivers meet. It serves as one of the island’s main urban centers and is known for its well-preserved streetscapes, public parks, and proximity to agricultural regions.
Thanks to the implementation of a coastal highway in the 1980s and the government's subsequent infrastructure investments, Natal is now the largest city in Brazil's Rio Grande do Norte. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful beaches, white sand dunes and a diverse cultural experience. The city also lays claim to having some of the cleanest air on the continent as well as the world's largest cashew tree, the Cajueiro de Pirangi, which produces roughly 70,000 nuts annually.
Nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Hluhluwe is a gateway to one of the country’s most remarkable conservation areas, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. This park, renowned for its successful rhino conservation efforts, offers visitors an unparalleled wildlife experience. As the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a haven for both the critically endangered white rhino and the more elusive black rhino.
Carlsbad is the gateway to the famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Carlsbad offers a variety of outdoor recreation, and its location on the Pecos River opens the door to great fun on the water. This friendly small city is a wonderful place to visit.
Other Popular Destinations in New Mexico
Albuquerque
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a city where centuries-old adobe architecture, desert landscapes, and modern innovation meet beneath some of the clearest skies in the country. Every October, Albuquerque becomes the site of one of the most photographed events in the world: the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For nine crisp mornings, hundreds of hot air balloons rise over the city, painting the sky in brilliant colors and wild shapes with everything from farm animals to space aliens.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico, with its adobe-style architecture, vibrant arts scene, and unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences, is a destination like no other. Known as "The City Different," Santa Fe stands apart with its rich history and cultural diversity. A fun fact about Santa Fe is that it is the highest state capital in the United States, sitting at an elevation of 7,199 feet.