Belgium may be compact, but it offers a surprising variety of experiences shaped by centuries of shifting borders, artistic innovation, and culinary tradition. In Brussels, the Grand Place sets the stage for history and architecture in one square lined with ornate guild halls. The city is also home to the European Union’s headquarters, surrealist painter René Magritte’s former house, and a lively comic book trail that winds through murals of Tintin and other Belgian icons.

Wiencke Island lies off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, separated from Anvers Island by the narrow Gerlache Strait. The island is mountainous and heavily glaciated, with steep slopes rising from a rugged coastline of rocky shores, snowfields, and ice. Several sheltered coves provide access for expedition vessels, while the surrounding waters are often dotted with icebergs and sea ice.

Petersburg, Alaska sits on Mitkof Island in Southeast Alaska, where ocean channels and forested mountains shape everyday life. The town looks out over the Wrangell Narrows, a narrow water route so winding that boats often follow a carefully timed path to pass through. Wooden docks line the waterfront, and fishing boats are a constant sight, reflecting how closely the town is tied to the sea and seasonal harvests.

Heimaey, the largest island in Iceland’s Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, is a captivating destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes and volcanic history. A visit to Heimaey offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Sesriem, located in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, serves as the gateway to the world-famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, two of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes. The dramatic red dunes of the Namib Desert, some of the highest in the world, are an awe-inspiring sight, particularly at sunrise when the light casts long shadows, creating an otherworldly contrast of colors.