South Dakota, known for its striking contrasts, from sacred Indigenous landmarks to dramatic prairie landscapes, offers travelers a rare chance to experience stories etched in both stone and living tradition. Mount Rushmore may be the most photographed site, but just 17 miles away, the Crazy Horse Memorial tells a deeper story. In the west, the Black Hills are full of geological surprises and sacred sites. Custer State Park offers scenic drives where herds of bison often stop traffic.

Barca d'Alva sits quietly along the Douro River, right at Portugal’s eastern border with Spain. Once the final stop on the historic Douro railway line, this riverside village remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. The surrounding landscape filled with terraced vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees form part of the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region.

Mali, located in West Africa, is a country with deep cultural roots and a history that stretches back to some of the most powerful empires in Africa.

Framed by an array of tropical flowers, "miniature" houses painted in a pastel palette will enchant you. But, a splash of watercolors is all you'll see as you zip by on a moped. It won't be long before you find the perfect spot for a beach picnic and afternoon of snorkeling.

Mirissa, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a seaside town that blends golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its crescent-shaped bay fringed with palm trees, it offers one of the island’s most inviting spots for swimming, surfing, and lounging by the sea.