Perched on the southern coast of Iceland, the quaint village of Vík í Mýrdal, or simply Vík, is a destination that defies expectations with its dramatic landscapes and unique charm. Known as Iceland’s southernmost village, Vík is famed for its striking black sand beach, Reynisfjara, consistently ranked among the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.
Aït Benhaddou, located in southern Morocco along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh, is one of the country’s most iconic historic sites. This fortified village, or ksar, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is admired for its striking earthen clay architecture that rises dramatically from the desert landscape.
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.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is a city where time seems to have paused in the mid-20th century. Known for its remarkably preserved Italian modernist architecture, the city has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most commonly reached via travel from Cusco, Ollantaytambo is an Incan archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of southern Peru. The town dates from the late 15th century and is home to some of the oldest continuously-occupied dwellings in South America. Its primary attraction is the fortress ruins, and it's also a favorite starting point for the famous Inca Trail, a four-day, three-night hike to Machu Picchu.