Ankara, the capital of Turkey, sits on the Anatolian plateau and reflects the country’s layered history more quietly than Istanbul, yet with equal depth.

Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, is a city that wears its history in stone. Built in the 16th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center is filled with over 200 colonial-era buildings made from pink cantera, a soft volcanic stone that gives the city its distinct look. The centerpiece is the Morelia Cathedral, a massive baroque structure that features twin towers that light up every Saturday night with a fireworks and music display.

What sets Kaikōura apart are the extraordinary marine encounters that begin just off the shoreline. The Kaikōura Canyon, an underwater gorge that plunges to great depths close to land, creates currents rich with nutrients that attract a remarkable array of sea life year-round. Sperm whales are a common sight here and are frequently spotted on local boat tours. Dusky dolphins twist and leap in large pods, and colonies of New Zealand fur seals laze on rocky outcrops along the coast.

Terre-de-Haut is an island off the coast of Guadeloupe and replete with a variety of stunning viewpoints to gaze out at the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Connemara, on Ireland’s rugged west coast in County Galway, is a region defined by its untamed landscapes, Gaelic traditions, and tranquil pace of life.