Texas is a state where size meets story from high plains to coastal shores, every region brings something distinct to the table. In San Antonio, visitors can walk through centuries of layered history starting at the Alamo, a site of one of the most famous battles in the state’s fight for independence. The nearby San Antonio Missions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a deeper look into the Spanish colonial influence that shaped the region.

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a city where tradition and modern life meet in unexpected ways. Streets are lined with traditional Bhutanese architecture, colorful prayer flags, and shops selling handicrafts, while government offices and modern facilities operate alongside centuries-old temples.

Carlsbad, California, a coastal gem located between San Diego and Los Angeles, offers visitors a unique mix of stunning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and natural beauty. The city is best known for its beautiful Carlsbad State Beach, where surfers, sunbathers, and swimmers flock year-round to enjoy Southern California’s idyllic weather and shimmering Pacific waters.

Originating as a tiny fishing village in 1038, modern Kehl has become an important link between Germany and France. Rhine River cruises most often use Kehl as their gateway to the much larger and better-known Strasbourg. The savvy traveler, though, might choose to skip the jaunt across the river and enjoy many similar sights, shopping and cuisine as those offered in the teeming French city.

Cancún sits on the northeastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, where the Caribbean Sea meets a narrow stretch of sand shaped by ancient Maya trade routes and modern development. While widely known as a resort destination, Cancún’s roots trace back to a quiet fishing area near important pre-Hispanic sites, with nearby Isla Mujeres and the mainland serving as part of a broader coastal network connected to inland Maya cities.