Puerto Natales sits at the head of the Ultima Esperanza Sound in southern Chile, serving as the gateway to Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes.

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.

The Port of Stavanger is a popular stop on the route to the Norwegian Fjords, and boasts a first-rate assortment of museums and cultural events. Old Stavanger has Europe’s best preserved wooden house settlement.

Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan in the Philippines, is often seen as the gateway to some of the country’s most remarkable natural landscapes.

Nosara, on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, is a laid-back coastal town known for its strong connection to wellness, nature, and surf culture. Unlike some of the country’s busier resorts, Nosara has kept development low-key, with no large beachfront hotels and a community that values sustainability.