Dakar, the lively capital of Senegal, stands at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Cape Verde Peninsula. As the westernmost city on the African mainland, it has long been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and ideas.

Mammoth Lakes, tucked into California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is a year-round destination that combines alpine scenery with outdoor adventure. Known for its crisp mountain air and dramatic landscapes, the town sits near the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, is a city that wears its history in stone. Built in the 16th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center is filled with over 200 colonial-era buildings made from pink cantera, a soft volcanic stone that gives the city its distinct look. The centerpiece is the Morelia Cathedral, a massive baroque structure that features twin towers that light up every Saturday night with a fireworks and music display.

Bryce Canyon, tucked into the high plateaus of southern Utah, offers one of the most unusual landscapes in the American Southwest. It’s not actually a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. What makes Bryce unique is its dense collection of hoodoos which are tall, thin spires of rock formed over millions of years by frost-wedging and erosion.

The Sacred Valley, located in the Andes and divided by Urubamba River, was part of the larger Inca Empire, along with Machu Picchu and the closeby town of Cusco. Tourists will see green agricultural landscapes and Spanish hamlets like Ollantaytambo and Pisac, the latter featuring a Sunday market.