For a small country, Ecuador has more varied climatic zones than anywhere in the world. From Salinas, a favorite beach resort on the southern coast, one can go in one day from tropical beaches to semi-arid desert to impenetrable Amazon basin rain forest to the spring-like high altiplano to the soaring snow-capped mountain peaks of the Andean Cordillera. The area around Salinas was once home to the ancient Mocha culture. Archeologists have discovered exquisite examples of pottery and jewelry i

Whether cruising along its waters, exploring historic towns, or simply soaking in the scenic views, the Rhine River offers an experience that is as diverse as the countries it passes through.

The capital, 450-year-old Asuncion ("Mother of Cities") merits a visit of unhurried nights - that way, you'll have time to sit in the main square and people-watch. The shopping in this grand city of 729,000 is the finest the country offers, and the cathedral and archaeological museum are both highlights. The governmental architecture is interesting; don't miss the Congressional Palace, Customs House and Government Palace (in the style of the Louvre).

Mont-Saint-Michel rises from tidal flats along the Normandy coast, its abbey and village shaped by centuries of pilgrimage, defense, and isolation.

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument stretches across southern Utah as a vast landscape of layered cliffs, winding canyons, and open desert plateaus. The land shifts in color from pale cream to deep red, depending on the angle of the sun, revealing rock layers that look like pages stacked over time. Much of the area feels remote, with long dirt roads like Hole-in-the-Rock Road leading travelers deep into quiet terrain where rock formations rise suddenly from flat ground.