Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its massive sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and unique desert ecosystems. Established in 1919, it was Utah’s first national park and continues to attract visitors with its dramatic elevation shifts and striking rock formations. The park’s most iconic feature, Zion Canyon, stretches for 15 miles and reaches depths of up to 2,640 feet, carved over time by the Virgin River.

Nestled in the mountains just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone has long been a retreat for travelers seeking both quiet and culture. Once a crucial checkpoint on the historic Tōkaidō road between Edo and Kyoto, Hakone is still shaped by centuries of history. The reconstructed Hakone Sekisho (Hakone Checkpoint) offers a glimpse into the Edo Period, when travelers were inspected by samurai guards before continuing on their journey.

Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is known for its wide sweep of white-sand beaches and warm Caribbean waters. Once a quiet stretch of coastline lined with coconut palms, it has grown into one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations while still offering plenty of spots that feel calm and remote.

Harare, the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, is a city that blends modern life with cultural depth. Set on a high plateau, it enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, with tree-lined avenues and blooming jacarandas that give it a distinctive character.

Ayutthaya, located about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, Thailand, was the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th century. Its ruins, set among rivers and canals, reveal a once-thriving city that was a hub of trade, politics, and culture, linking Southeast Asia with China, India, and Europe.