Bordeaux is ready for its close-up! After years of improvements, modern public transportation is in place and the city is gleaming after a wave of restorations. When visiting this lovely destination, be sure to walk across the Garonne River-spanning Stone Bridge (17 arches in all!) and see Place des Quinconces, France's grandest public square.

Saint-Émilion, nestled in the heart of southwest France, is a living monument to centuries of craftsmanship, faith, and wine-making. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, this medieval town sits on a limestone plateau surrounded by vineyards that date back to Roman times. Visitors can explore cobbled streets that wind past centuries-old stone houses, descend into underground catacombs carved by monks, and visit the astonishing Monolithic Church.

Boracay, a small island in the central Philippines, is famous for its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Despite its size, the island offers a wide range of activities, from swimming and snorkeling to paddleboarding and sailing.

The Namib Desert, one of the world’s oldest deserts, stretches along the western coast of Namibia, offering a landscape of stunning, otherworldly beauty. The name “Namib” means "vast place," and fittingly so, as this desert spans over 2,000 kilometers and includes some of the tallest sand dunes on Earth, such as those found in Sossusvlei.

Bran, a small village nestled in the Carpathian Mountains of central Romania, is best known for its medieval fortress commonly referred to as “Dracula’s Castle.” While the connection to Bram Stoker’s fictional character is loose at best, Bran Castle continues to draw travelers with its striking towers, stone walls, and position on a rocky cliff. Originally built in the 14th century to defend against invading forces, the castle has passed through royal hands, most notably Queen Marie of Romania.