Set along the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Stresa is one of northern Italy’s most graceful lakeside towns. Its elegant promenade, framed by grandhotels and views of the Borromean Islands, has attracted travelers since the 19th century, from European nobility to writers like Ernest Hemingway.

Tonga is distinctly different to its neighboring island nations. This Polynesian kingdom, made up of 170 islands, carries a proud history that dates back over 3,000 years. On the main island of Tongatapu, travelers can explore ancient stone structures like the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui Trilithon—sometimes called the Stonehenge of the Pacific. Royal tombs in Lapaha offer a glimpse into the lineage of Tonga’s kings, while village life remains guided by customs that have changed little over centuries.

The Dead Sea lies at the lowest point on Earth, around 430 meters below sea level, and features water with nearly ten times the salinity of the ocean. That level of salinity makes floating on its surface effortless. Visitors can lie back without effort, with views opening across barren hills and reflective water. This shoreline also hosts a mix of minerals collected over millennia and known for their soothing effect on skin and joints.

Santos is a coastal city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, located on São Vicente Island along the Atlantic Ocean. It is best known as the home of the Port of Santos, the largest port in Latin America and one of the most important shipping centers in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, sits at the foot of the Ala-Too Mountains and serves as the country’s political, cultural, and economic center. The city is known for its wide tree-lined streets, Soviet-era architecture, and public squares.