Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs, is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its stunning red rock formations and striking geological features. This public park is famous for its towering sandstone spires, some reaching heights of over 300 feet, which create a dramatic contrast against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pikes Peak.

Ao Nang is a coastal town in Thailand’s Krabi province, set against a backdrop of limestone cliffs that rise abruptly from the shoreline. Once a quiet fishing village, it has grown into a lively seaside hub while still retaining strong ties to the surrounding landscape.

Lucca, a Tuscan city surrounded by remarkably intact Renaissance walls, offers more than just postcard views. Known for its quiet streets and grand piazzas, Lucca stands apart with its circular street layout, still following the lines of a Roman amphitheater from centuries ago. The walls, now repurposed as a 4-kilometer tree-lined park, are a favorite route for locals and visitors who explore them on foot or by bike, passing old bastions and panoramic viewpoints along the way.

Cat Ba, the largest island in Vietnam’s Halong Bay, is a striking mix of rugged limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and vibrant jungle. Long home to fishing communities, the island has retained its local charm while also becoming a gateway to the natural wonders of the surrounding bay.

Bamberg, located in northern Bavaria, stands out for its remarkably preserved medieval layout, which earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Built on seven hills and often compared to Rome for that reason, the city’s architecture reflects over a thousand years of uninterrupted development. Bamberg is well known for its beer, and not just in the usual Bavarian sense. The city has more breweries per capita than any other town in Germany, and it’s the birthplace of rauchbier.