Turkmenistan is a land of striking contrasts, where vast deserts meet ancient Silk Road history. The country is dominated by the Karakum Desert, an expanse of sand and scrub that covers most of its territory, yet it is also home to oases where cities flourished as trading posts for caravans journeying between Persia, China, and beyond.

Though it's San Diego County's smallest city in both size and population, Del Mar is one of its most widely known due to prominence of its Del Mar Race Track & Fairgrounds. The City of Del Mar with about 2 square miles of land for its 5,211 residents, the city gives up almost one quarter to the fairgrounds. But its beaches stretch from Del Mar Shores Beach Park in the north edge of Torrey Pine State Reserve and the La Jolla Underwater Park in the south.

Djerba, an island off the southern coast of Tunisia, is known for its unique blend of Mediterranean charm and North African traditions. With its whitewashed villages, sandy beaches, and palm groves, the island has long been a place where cultures and histories intersect.

Cat Island, one of the more unspoiled Out Islands of The Bahamas, is a destination that feels worlds away from the busier resort hubs. Stretching about 50 miles long, the island is lined with pink-sand beaches, rolling green hills, and quiet fishing villages where time seems to stand still.

Fuvahmulah, part of the Maldives, stands apart as the only island in the country that is both a single atoll and a single island. Unlike the ring-shaped atolls that define most of the Maldives, Fuvahmulah has freshwater lakes, fertile soil, and lush greenery.