ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

The Orkney Islands sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. This group of around seventy islands offers wide horizons, quiet roads, and coastlines shaped by wind and waves where visitors often arrive expecting rugged scenery and leave talking about the sense of space from the long beaches to the steep cliffs and sea stacks rising straight from the water. One striking example is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack that draws photographers and climbers alike.

Scenic grandeur and fascinating wildlife are the main attraction in Sabah. Inland, Mt. Kinabalu is one of the main attractions as the highest point in Malaysia. It's also one of the easiest mountains in the world to climb and views are breathtaking.

Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, also known as South Ari Atoll, lies southwest of Malé in the central Maldives and includes a mixture of inhabited islands, uninhabited islets, sandbanks, and resort islands. The atoll is surrounded by coral reefs and clear lagoon waters, while many of its inhabited islands retain compact communities shaped by fishing and maritime traditions. Mahibadhoo serves as the administrative capital, with Dhangethi, Dhigurah, Omadhoo, and Mandhoo among the better-known local islands.

Komodo National Park is a natural wonder, home to the world’s largest lizards, breathtaking pink sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs. Trek through rugged landscapes to spot Komodo dragons in the wild or dive alongside graceful manta rays and colorful fish. With jagged hills rising from turquoise waters, the park offers an unforgettable adventure that feels truly otherworldly.