Yala National Park sprawls across Sri Lanka’s southeast, where dry plains meet lagoons and the Indian Ocean’s shoreline. It is one of the country’s oldest protected areas, first set aside as a wildlife reserve in 1900 and later declared a national park in 1938, and today invites travelers to see life thrive in a wide range of landscapes, from scrubland to sandy beaches.

Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia, offers a captivating blend of medieval charm and contemporary energy. Founded in 1201, Riga’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of stunning architecture and historical landmarks. Wander through its cobblestone streets to admire the intricately carved facades of buildings like the House of the Blackheads, a striking 14th-century guildhall that epitomizes Riga's rich merchant history.

Dakar, the lively capital of Senegal, stands at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Cape Verde Peninsula. As the westernmost city on the African mainland, it has long been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and ideas.

Astana, officially known as Nur-Sultan, is the modern capital of Kazakhstan and a striking example of contemporary urban design in Central Asia.

Banff, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is one of Canada’s most celebrated mountain towns and a gateway to Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.