Colca Canyon, located in southern Peru’s Arequipa region, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in some areas. What makes it stand out even more is how human settlements have coexisted with the landscape for centuries. Along its walls, pre-Inca agricultural terraces still hold crops like corn and quinoa. One of the main draws of the canyon is the opportunity to see Andean condors in flight.

Jūrmala, Latvia’s famed seaside resort, stretches along 33 kilometers of white sandy beaches kissed by the Baltic Sea. Its wooden architecture, featuring colorful villas from the early 20th century, tells the story of its history as a retreat for the well-to-do during the Russian Empire. Visitors strolling the Jomas Street promenade will find a lively atmosphere filled with cafes, boutiques, and galleries, alongside peaceful spots where the sea breeze encourages relaxation.

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

The capital of picturesque St. Barthélemy, Gustavia is a veritable island paradise in the Caribbean. A former French colony, this small city on St. Barths’s west coast offers a variety of fine dining, designer shopping, and spectacular beachside activities to ensure a relaxing tropical getaway. Be sure to visit the historic site of Fort Karl for a panoramic view of Gustavia’s glittering harbor, then walk to Shell Beach to take a dip in warm, turquoise waters.

Sintra, located just 40 minutes from Lisbon, feels like a world apart. Tucked into the hills of the Serra de Sintra, this town has drawn kings, poets, and explorers for centuries. It was once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, who left behind palaces and gardens that seem pulled from a storybook. The most famous, Palácio da Pena, is perched high above the town with bold red and yellow towers that blend Romanticism with Moorish and Gothic styles.