León, in northwest Spain, is a city where Roman, medieval, and modern layers coexist. Its historical heart features the León Cathedral with its remarkable stained glass, the Basilica of San Isidoro, and winding streets that hint at centuries of trade and culture.

A dynamic island escape, Penang, Malaysia, is chock-full of exciting attractions, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. Head to the George Town neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the island's best colonial architecture and historical landmarks, including the Penang Town Hall, Fort Cornwallis, and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower.

Selcuk, a small town in western Turkey’s İzmir Province, is one of the country’s richest destinations for history lovers. It sits at the foot of the ancient city of Ephesus, once one of the great cities of the classical world and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Riyadh blends stories from centuries with modern splendor. At its core stands Al Masmak Fortress, built of clay and mud-brick in the 19th century. It was the site that set the stage for the unification of Saudi Arabia. Today, it’s a museum that preserves weapons, historical displays, and accounts of that pivotal moment. Adjacent to the fortress, the Souq Al-Zal offers spices, traditional jewelry, and handmade crafts, connecting visitors to the city’s past through its alleyways.

Vanuatu, a chain of 83 islands in the South Pacific, offers travelers an experience that’s both bold and deeply rooted in custom. Once known as the New Hebrides, Vanuatu blends ancient Melanesian traditions with dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. On Tanna Island, visitors can stand at the rim of Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, and watch fiery eruptions light up the night sky.