Vigo is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Galicia, Spain, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty with origins dating back to Roman times and a fascinating evolution that has transpired through the centuries.

Negombo, located just north of Colombo and minutes from Sri Lanka’s main international airport, offers a coastal town experience steeped in layered history and local life. Once a vital trading post for cinnamon during the colonial era, Negombo has seen Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence with each leaving a mark on its architecture and culture. The Dutch-era canal system, still used by fishermen and local vendors today, runs through parts of the town and can be explored by boat or bicycle.

San Pedro de Atacama, a small town in northern Chile, sits at over 2,400 meters above sea level in one of the most geologically diverse areas on Earth. Surrounded by volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, and ancient lava flows, it has long served as a gateway to the Atacama Desert. This desert is the driest non-polar place in the world, where some weather stations have never recorded rainfall.

Saudi Arabia is revealing chapters long unseen by tourists. Al-Ula is home to Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the kingdom and hosts to ancient Nabatean tombs carved in sandstone cliffs. Nearby, the mirrored Maraya Concert Hall reflects the desert sky, its design both unexpected and elegant amid the sands. Visitors can wander through narrow canyons, step inside rock-hewn facades, and feel the weight of ancient civilizations still echoing across the dunes.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island of La Palma, one of the seven Canary Islands. Although often forgotten in favor of the similarly named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a compact and colorful colonial town well worth a visit. Swimming, paragliding, and hiking and some of the most popular daytime activities, while stargazing is a favorite pastime after the sun goes down.