St. Kitts and Nevis, a twin-island nation in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, offers a rare combination of lush landscapes, colonial history, and vibrant local culture.

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, Lourdes is best known for the Marian apparitions reported by 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. These events transformed the small market town into one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which includes the Grotto of Massabielle, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X, draws millions each year.

The Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is one of the planet’s most remarkable landforms, stretching across vast terrain in the Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. It is one of Africa’s largest canyons, carved over millions of years by the Fish River as it etched a deep, twisting gorge into the desert plateau. From high viewpoints like Hell’s Bend, visitors can see layers of rock dropping away to reveal ridges and ravines that seem to go on forever, all under wide, open skies.

Merzouga, a small village located in southeastern Morocco, is the gateway to the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, one of the most iconic desert landscapes in the world. These towering sand dunes, which can reach heights of up to 150 meters (492 feet), offer an unparalleled opportunity for adventure and exploration. The contrast between the golden sands and the clear blue sky creates a breathtaking panorama that is perfect for photography and desert excursions.

Lac Abbe, straddling the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia, is one of East Africa’s most otherworldly landscapes.