Khiva, located in western Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, is one of Central Asia’s most evocative Silk Road cities.

Lifou Island, the most populous of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia, is a flat, former coral atoll with abundant vegetation and surrounded by secluded coral reefs which many say offer some of the best snorkeling in the world.

Bulgaria is a republic in southeastern Europe. The capital and largest city is Sofiya. Bulgarian culture has been influenced successively by Byzantine, Greek, Russian, and Western cultures.

Saskatoon, set along the South Saskatchewan River in central Canada, is a city where prairie heritage meets a growing cultural scene. Known as the “City of Bridges” for the many spans that cross its winding river, Saskatoon combines natural charm with urban vibrancy.

The Gobi Desert, spanning across northern China and southern Mongolia, is one of the world’s most iconic and mysterious landscapes. Known for its vast stretches of arid plains, towering sand dunes, and rugged mountains, the Gobi offers a stark, breathtaking beauty that has captivated explorers and travelers for centuries.