Sharing a common lagoon with Raiatean and accessible only by boat, Taha'a produces about 80% of all vanilla in French Polynesia. Taha'a is the only island in the Society Islands that can be completely circled by boat inside the protected lagoon.

A former trading port and now a fascinating itinerary stop for any Vietnam traveler, Hoi An's illuminated lanterns beckon you. Each lunar month on the 14th day, electric lights are turned off in favor of traditional lanterns. Must-sees in this well-preserved locale include Quan Cong Temple, the 1700s-era Japanese Covered Bridge, An Bang Beach with its white sands, and Hoi An Night Market, abuzz with local sellers offering food and unique wares.

The Atacama Desert in Chile, the driest non-polar desert on Earth, is a place of extraordinary beauty and otherworldly landscapes. Stretching over 600 miles along the Pacific coast, the Atacama's stark, lunar-like terrain is punctuated by salt flats, active geysers, and rugged canyons. One of the most striking sights is the Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, where wind-sculpted sand dunes and jagged rock formations create a surreal environment that appears as if it's straight from another

Page, Arizona, offers a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American Southwest. Nestled near the northern border of Arizona, this city is a perfect base for exploring natural wonders such as Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon renowned for its stunning light beams and swirling sandstone formations. Visitors can take guided tours to witness the canyon’s otherworldly beauty, which has been shaped by centuries of erosion and natural forces.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a city where centuries-old adobe architecture, desert landscapes, and modern innovation meet beneath some of the clearest skies in the country. Every October, Albuquerque becomes the site of one of the most photographed events in the world: the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For nine crisp mornings, hundreds of hot air balloons rise over the city, painting the sky in brilliant colors and wild shapes with everything from farm animals to space aliens.