Takayama, located in Japan’s mountainous Gifu Prefecture, is a city where traditional culture and natural beauty are remarkably well preserved.

Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.

Trier, Germany’s oldest city, is a living museum nestled in the Moselle Valley, where Roman ruins rise beside medieval churches and bustling market squares. Founded by the Romans in 16 BCE, Trier was once known as “Roma Secunda,” the second Rome, and still boasts the largest collection of Roman architecture north of the Alps. The Trier Cathedral (Dom St. Peter), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest church in Germany and houses a relic said to be the Holy Robe of Christ.

Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska is a stunning showcase of glaciers, rugged coastlines, and pristine wilderness, making it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located near the town of Seward, this park is home to the Harding Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America, feeding over 40 glaciers that spill into the sea.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a city of striking contrasts where centuries-old traditions meet rapid modern growth. Known as the “City of Rickshaws,” it is famous for its vibrant street life, colorful cycle rickshaws, and markets that seem to run around the clock.