Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a city of striking contrasts where gilded temples stand beside sleek skyscrapers and centuries-old traditions thrive amid modern life. At its heart is the Grand Palace, a dazzling complex that once housed the Thai kings, along with Wat Phra Kaew, the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Turkmenistan is a land of striking contrasts, where vast deserts meet ancient Silk Road history. The country is dominated by the Karakum Desert, an expanse of sand and scrub that covers most of its territory, yet it is also home to oases where cities flourished as trading posts for caravans journeying between Persia, China, and beyond.

Porvoo, Finland, is a charming and picturesque town that transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved medieval atmosphere. Located just 50 kilometers east of Helsinki, it is one of Finland’s oldest cities, founded in the 14th century. Its most iconic feature is the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, wooden houses painted in vibrant reds and yellows, and the majestic Porvoo Cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century.

A city in perpetual forward motion, Abu Dhabi greets visitors with gleaming skyscrapers and opulent Islamic architecture. There is much to see here, from the recently opened Louvre Abu Dhabi to the gigantic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its white marble splendor. Beach life and turquoise waters can be found on Saadiyat Island, Al Bateen and Corniche Beach.

Algiers, Algeria’s capital, is a city where centuries of history unfold along the shores of the Mediterranean. Known as “El Bahdja,” or “The Joyful,” Algiers blends striking buildings, seaside breezes, and layered stories. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site with maze-like alleyways, Ottoman-era palaces, and hidden terraces overlooking the bay. The Grand Post Office, with its striking facade and intricate neo-Moorish details, anchors the city’s downtown.