The capital of French Polynesia, Papeete is a veritable island paradise with bright cerulean waters, iconic overwater bungalows, and palm trees galore.

The Darvaza Gas Crater, famously nicknamed the “Door to Hell,” is one of Turkmenistan’s most extraordinary landmarks. Located deep in the Karakum Desert, this fiery pit has been burning continuously since the early 1970s, when Soviet engineers reportedly set fire to a collapsed natural gas field to prevent the spread of methane.

Whether exploring ancient ruins or strolling through its modern city center, visitors will find plenty to discover in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands.

Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, is a city that blends the desert’s quiet rhythms with the daily life of a growing urban center. Its coastal setting, unique cultural traditions, and access to the desert make Nouakchott both an introduction to Mauritania and a gateway to exploring the country further.

Southeast Spain's seaport of Cartagena is a large naval base on the Mediterranean coast. The city was founded in 220 B.C. and boasts Roman ruins, mosaics and murals.