Pulau Ubin, an island northeast of mainland Singapore, offers a glimpse into the country’s past with its preserved kampong (village) atmosphere and rustic landscapes. Unlike the modern cityscape of Singapore, Pulau Ubin retains its traditional charm, with wooden houses, coconut palms, and unpaved roads where bicycles are the main mode of transport.

Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, carries over 8,000 years of history layered into its streets. The Roman Theater, still in use today, was discovered by accident in the 1970s and now hosts operas and concerts overlooking the Rhodope Mountains. Nearby, visitors can walk the remains of a Roman stadium buried beneath the main pedestrian street, where modern shops and cafés stand above ancient foundations.

North Seymour Island, located just north of Baltra in Ecuador’s Galápagos archipelago, is a compact but biologically rich destination known for its wildlife encounters. Though small in size, this flat, arid island punches far above its weight when it comes to natural spectacle, offering a rare chance to observe iconic species in a remarkably close setting.

Bath is a city full of history and culture. Romans trekked many miles to bathe in the hot, soothing mineral waters of the Roman Bath. Majestic art collections were contributed to Bath from many different civilizations. The fan-vaulting at Bath Abbey has 614 memorial tablets that creates an extensive mural cenotaph to the people that contributed to the grandeur of Bath.

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it offers an outsized variety of experiences, from colonial history to coastline escapes. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams as a haven for religious freedom, the state still reflects its independent spirit. In Providence, travelers can visit the John Brown House Museum to explore the city’s role in early American commerce, or walk Benefit Street, lined with preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes.