Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has long served as a cultural and trade crossroads in the Andaman Sea. Centuries ago, it was a stopover for merchants trading tin, spices, and textiles, with influences from Chinese, Portuguese, Indian, and Malay travelers still reflected in the island’s architecture and cuisine. Inland, the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary protects rainforest habitat home to gibbons, civets, and exotic birds.

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.

A visit to Como is like looking through a manual on the history of architecture. Its ancient walls, the Duomo with its rich Gothic-Renaissance façade, the Broletto, the Castel Baradello, the Romanesque basilicas of Sant'Abbondio and S. Fedele, the myriad of monuments created by the Comacini Masters, and the modern architectural lines, all represent foundations of the urban and tourist fabric, interwoven with unforgettable splendor.

Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, offers an exquisite blend of historical grandeur and contemporary chic. As you wander through this vibrant city, you’re greeted by architectural masterpieces like the Milan Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic design and the largest church in Italy. Its intricate façade and the panoramic views from the rooftop provide a breathtaking experience.

Nestled in the dramatic landscape of the Basilicata region in southern Italy, Castelmezzano is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and medieval charm. The town, perched on the edge of the Lucanian Dolomites, is renowned for its unique architecture, with houses clinging to the steep rock faces, creating a picturesque and almost otherworldly scene. The dramatic peaks surrounding the town offer breathtaking views and a range of outdoor activities.