Merzouga, a small village located in southeastern Morocco, is the gateway to the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, one of the most iconic desert landscapes in the world. These towering sand dunes, which can reach heights of up to 150 meters (492 feet), offer an unparalleled opportunity for adventure and exploration. The contrast between the golden sands and the clear blue sky creates a breathtaking panorama that is perfect for photography and desert excursions.
Sharing a common lagoon with Raiatean and accessible only by boat, Taha'a produces about 80% of all vanilla in French Polynesia. Taha'a is the only island in the Society Islands that can be completely circled by boat inside the protected lagoon.
Paro, Bhutan, is a serene valley town that offers a gateway to the mystical charm of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Nestled amidst verdant hills and bisected by the glistening Paro Chhu river, Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. At the heart of this picturesque valley stands the majestic Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with a history dating back to the 17th century.
Off the coast of Ecuador, the iconic and biodiverse Galápagos Islands, made famous by Charles Darwin’s nineteenth-century research expeditions on HMS Beagle, beckon you. This glittering archipelago, surrounded by vivid turquoise waves, abounds with stunning beaches and spectacular wildlife, perfect for the adventurous traveler.
Turks and Caicos Islands are located southeast of the Bahamas. The mean annual temperature is 85° F. Despite frequent hurricanes, the rainfall averages only 28 inches annually. Total area, 166 sq. miles.