Stretching over 4,200 kilometers along the southwestern coast of South America, Chile is a country of dramatic contrasts and hidden surprises. From the world’s driest desert in the north to the icy fjords of Patagonia in the south, Chile offers a landscape that constantly reinvents itself. Visitors can walk through the Atacama Desert, where NASA tests Mars rovers, or gaze at the clearest night skies on Earth from the high-altitude observatories near San Pedro de Atacama.

Jūrmala, Latvia’s famed seaside resort, stretches along 33 kilometers of white sandy beaches kissed by the Baltic Sea. Its wooden architecture, featuring colorful villas from the early 20th century, tells the story of its history as a retreat for the well-to-do during the Russian Empire. Visitors strolling the Jomas Street promenade will find a lively atmosphere filled with cafes, boutiques, and galleries, alongside peaceful spots where the sea breeze encourages relaxation.

Vanuatu, a chain of 83 islands in the South Pacific, offers travelers an experience that’s both bold and deeply rooted in custom. Once known as the New Hebrides, Vanuatu blends ancient Melanesian traditions with dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. On Tanna Island, visitors can stand at the rim of Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, and watch fiery eruptions light up the night sky.

Kasane sits at Botswana’s northeastern edge, where the Chobe River meets the borders of Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its development is closely tied to river transport, regional trade, and wildlife management.

Halong Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. This natural wonder offers a variety of activities for visitors, including cruising, kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring extraordinary caves like the Sung Sot.