Tucked between Jordan's sandstone cliffs in the southwestern desert, Petra was carved directly into rose-colored rock more than 2,000 years ago. Visitors approaching through the narrow gorge known as the Siq are rewarded with their first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, a towering facade that seems to appear from another world.

Warsaw stands as one of Europe’s most resilient cities, having rebuilt itself almost entirely after World War II. The Old Town, meticulously reconstructed using paintings by Italian artist Bernardo Bellotto, feels centuries old but is, in fact, less than a hundred years in its current form. Behind the medieval facades lie stories of uprisings, resistance, and quiet defiance. Visitors walking through Castle Square can enter the Royal Castle, where Poland’s Constitution of May 3, 1791 was adopted.

Alice Springs, located in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, is a town deeply connected to the desert landscapes and Aboriginal culture that define the region. Long an important meeting place for the Arrernte people, it remains a center of Indigenous art and traditions, with galleries and cultural institutions showcasing some of the world’s most renowned Aboriginal artworks and stories.

The Bahamas, an archipelago of more than 700 islands and cays, is known for its dazzling turquoise waters, powdery white and pink sand beaches, and vibrant culture rooted in African, British, and Caribbean influences.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island of La Palma, one of the seven Canary Islands. Although often forgotten in favor of the similarly named Santa Cruz de Tenerife, it is a compact and colorful colonial town well worth a visit. Swimming, paragliding, and hiking and some of the most popular daytime activities, while stargazing is a favorite pastime after the sun goes down.