Libreville, the capital of Gabon, stretches along the Atlantic coast with a mix of modern streets, colonial-era buildings, and bustling markets.

Ol Doinyo Lengai, often called the "Mountain of God," is an active volcano located in northern Tanzania and is a must-visit for adventurous travelers. Towering over the Great Rift Valley, this majestic peak is unique due to its lava composition. Unlike most volcanoes that produce molten lava, Ol Doinyo Lengai emits natrocarbonatite lava, which is unusually cool and flows like water. This rare phenomenon makes it one of the most intriguing volcanic landscapes on Earth.

The United Arab Emirates rolls history and invention into a seamless experience. In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out with its reflective pools, marble columns inlaid with floral patterns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet beneath domes that glow by night. On Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi shelters art that spans civilizations, all beneath a dome designed to scatter sunlight like palm fronds.

Tonga is distinctly different to its neighboring island nations. This Polynesian kingdom, made up of 170 islands, carries a proud history that dates back over 3,000 years. On the main island of Tongatapu, travelers can explore ancient stone structures like the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui Trilithon—sometimes called the Stonehenge of the Pacific. Royal tombs in Lapaha offer a glimpse into the lineage of Tonga’s kings, while village life remains guided by customs that have changed little over centuries.

Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums.