New Jersey often surprises first-time visitors. It’s not just the gateway to New York or Philadelphia but a destination in its own right with deep Revolutionary War history, beach towns full of character, and some of the most diverse food offerings on the East Coast. Cities like Trenton and Morristown still carry the echoes of pivotal battles, while monuments and preserved buildings tell stories of George Washington’s winter encampments and early American resilience.

The United Arab Emirates rolls history and invention into a seamless experience. In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out with its reflective pools, marble columns inlaid with floral patterns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet beneath domes that glow by night. On Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi shelters art that spans civilizations, all beneath a dome designed to scatter sunlight like palm fronds.

Virginia is a state where past and present share the same ground. In places like Colonial Williamsburg, costumed interpreters walk the same streets once frequented by American revolutionaries, while nearby Jamestown and Yorktown complete what's known as the Historic Triangle. Outside its historic corridors, Virginia surprises visitors with its changing landscapes, from the rolling horse farms of Middleburg to the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Located off the southwestern coast of Florida, Marco Island is a popular resort destination known for its boat-lined marinas and beautiful beaches, including Residents' Beach and Tigertail Beach. A variety of outdoor activities are at your disposal here, including paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking, hiking, and golfing.

If you find yourself in Rotterdam, there's a strong chance you've arrived by water. This popular port city (the second largest in the Netherlands) has gone through an architectural renaissance since World War II, with daring, innovative structures dotting the city (cube houses!) and defining its skyline. Café culture is on the rise here, so grab yourself a table and a cup.