León, in northwest Spain, is a city where Roman, medieval, and modern layers coexist. Its historical heart features the León Cathedral with its remarkable stained glass, the Basilica of San Isidoro, and winding streets that hint at centuries of trade and culture.

Shanghai is a city where contrasting timelines meet at every corner. Once a small fishing village along the Huangpu River, it grew rapidly during the 19th century into a major trading port. Today, its skyline tells a story of that transformation. On one side, the Bund’s colonial-era buildings stand tall in limestone and granite; on the other, the futuristic towers of Pudong, like the Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao, stretch into the clouds.

Lukla, a mountain town perched at 2,860 meters in eastern Nepal, is best known as the gateway to the Everest region. The town is home to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the world’s most thrilling landing strips, named after the legendary climbers who first reached Everest’s summit in 1953. The short, sloped runway hugs the mountain, offering a once-in-a-lifetime arrival that travelers remember long after their journey ends.

Mozambique, stretching along the southeast coast of Africa, is a country celebrated for its long Indian Ocean shoreline, colorful traditions, and layered history. The country’s coastline is among its greatest treasures.

Eger sits in northern Hungary and is known for its well preserved Baroque center, historic castle and long tradition of wine and craft that draw visitors from across Europe. Just beyond the historic center, generations of winemakers have perfected local styles and offer tastings of local varieties. A casual afternoon here can feel like a gentle cellar crawl, with seasonal music or simple snacks adding to relaxed tastings under vine covered walkways.