M’Hamid El Ghizlane sits deep in southeastern Morocco’s Sahara, where the paved road ends and endless sands begin. Travelers often arrive from Zagora, taking in the wide palm groves fed by ancient irrigation channels that show how people have sustained life here for centuries. At sunrise and sunset, the dunes glow with waves of gold and copper, offering unforgettable views few places on earth can match.

Tongariro National Park, on New Zealand’s North Island, holds deep cultural meaning as well as striking geological presence. It was the country’s first national park, gifted to the nation by Ngāti Tūwharetoa chiefs in the 19th century, establishing a model that tied conservation to Māori guardianship. The volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu are considered ancestors, giving the landscape a living cultural identity rather than a purely scenic one.

Selcuk, a small town in western Turkey’s İzmir Province, is one of the country’s richest destinations for history lovers. It sits at the foot of the ancient city of Ephesus, once one of the great cities of the classical world and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

No airport, a single unnamed village, clear waters and white-sand beaches make Mayreau a quiet, rustic getaway.

Lihue, the main town on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, blends administrative importance with island charm. As the county seat, it’s the hub of government and commerce, but it also serves as the welcoming gateway for travelers arriving at Lihue Airport or through its nearby harbor.