Tomar sits on the Nabão River in central Portugal as a place where medieval history and everyday life meet in welcoming streets and grand monuments. Just outside the convent walls lies the Pegões Aqueduct, an impressive feat of engineering more than 6 kilometers long that once carried water from distant springs to the hilltop site. Some sections of its arches rise more than 30 meters above the valley floor, making it a striking backdrop for photos.

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo, is a vibrant city where modern life meets wild landscapes. Overlooking the South China Sea and backed by lush rainforests and mountains, it serves as both a cultural hub and a gateway to Borneo’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, is a lively seaside town where Afro-Caribbean culture, indigenous traditions, and tropical landscapes come together. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now known for its reggae rhythms, colorful wooden houses, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Paro, Bhutan, is a serene valley town that offers a gateway to the mystical charm of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Nestled amidst verdant hills and bisected by the glistening Paro Chhu river, Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. At the heart of this picturesque valley stands the majestic Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with a history dating back to the 17th century.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, in southwestern Rwanda, is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a sanctuary of biodiversity. Spanning more than 1,000 square kilometers, the park shelters a wealth of wildlife, including over 300 bird species, 1,000 plant species, and an impressive 13 primate species.