Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh, set along a steep Himalayan ridge surrounded by cedar and pine forests. Its hillside streets, mountain views, and dense collection of colonial-era buildings give the city a distinctive character, while The Ridge and Mall Road form the main pedestrian and civic areas. Shimla also developed as a major hill station during British rule and later became the state capital.

Mafia Island is a coastal island in Tanzania’s Pwani Region, lying in the Indian Ocean opposite the Rufiji River Delta. It forms part of the Mafia Archipelago, which includes smaller islands such as Chole, Juani, Jibondo, and Bwejuu. Kilindoni is the main town and port, while Utende provides access to Mafia Island Marine Park.

Wadi Rum, often called the “Valley of the Moon,” is a desert landscape in southern Jordan renowned for its dramatic sandstone mountains, sweeping red sand dunes, and ancient history carved into the rock. Its vast, otherworldly scenery has made it both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a backdrop for films set on distant planets.

Beyond its historical sites, Jordan's natural landscapes offer a diverse range of experiences. The Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth's surface, is renowned for its buoyant waters and therapeutic mud, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and wellness. To the south, Wadi Rum's dramatic desert scenery, with its towering sandstone mountains and vast red dunes, provides a backdrop for adventure activities like jeep tours, camel rides, and stargazing.

Originating as a tiny fishing village in 1038, modern Kehl has become an important link between Germany and France. Rhine River cruises most often use Kehl as their gateway to the much larger and better-known Strasbourg. The savvy traveler, though, might choose to skip the jaunt across the river and enjoy many similar sights, shopping and cuisine as those offered in the teeming French city.