Socotra rises from the Arabian Sea like a world apart, its landscapes shaped over millennia. The Dragon’s Blood Trees, with their umbrella-shaped crowns and deep red sap, stand among the most iconic sights here. In places like Dixam Plateau and Homhil Forest, these trees gather in sparse formations, creating scenes that feel both ancient and alien. The resin remains valued for traditional dyes and remedies.

A shallow lake at over 3200 feet above sea level in central west Kenya, it is the home of the Kamasya and Njamus who raise cattle and crops and fish for tilapia. The lake covers about 50 square miles.

Lake Ōhau, nestled in the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand’s South Island, is a serene and striking alpine lake framed by the Southern Alps. Its clear, turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating vistas that captivate visitors at every turn. The lake’s remote location and relatively low visitor numbers make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat, with opportunities to fish, kayak, or simply take in the sweeping scenery along its shores.

Siesta Key is a barrier island off Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its broad beaches and unusually fine quartz-crystal sand. Siesta Beach is the island’s best-known public beach, with a wide shoreline, shallow Gulf waters and facilities that include concessions, parking and beach access. The island is more than a beach destination, with Siesta Key Village providing a compact center of restaurants, shops and casual entertainment.

Montbard is a small Burgundy town shaped by the legacy of naturalist Buffon, with terraced gardens, medieval remains, and the Canal de Bourgogne running through its landscape. Beyond Parc Buffon, it offers easy access to Fontenay Abbey and the Grande Forge de Buffon, while local specialties such as Saupiquet Montbardois give the town a distinct regional identity.