ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

Saudi Arabia is revealing chapters long unseen by tourists. Al-Ula is home to Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the kingdom and hosts to ancient Nabatean tombs carved in sandstone cliffs. Nearby, the mirrored Maraya Concert Hall reflects the desert sky, its design both unexpected and elegant amid the sands. Visitors can wander through narrow canyons, step inside rock-hewn facades, and feel the weight of ancient civilizations still echoing across the dunes.

Zanzibar Island, off the coast of Tanzania, is a captivating destination where history and natural beauty converge. The island’s Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow alleys, vibrant markets, and historical buildings. Wander through the bustling Darajani Market, where local spices, textiles, and crafts create a sensory feast.

A visit to Angkor Ban offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness a Cambodia that remains untouched by modern development. Whether admiring the historic wooden houses, visiting the temple, or engaging with friendly locals, travelers will find this riverside village a rewarding cultural experience.

Koloa sits on Kauai’s south shore and holds a special place in Hawaiian history as the site of the islands’ first successful sugar plantation.