Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, is a city that wears its history in stone. Built in the 16th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center is filled with over 200 colonial-era buildings made from pink cantera, a soft volcanic stone that gives the city its distinct look. The centerpiece is the Morelia Cathedral, a massive baroque structure that features twin towers that light up every Saturday night with a fireworks and music display.

Some of the most spectacular scenery is found on a trip to the San Juan Islands. No wonder. This 100-million-year-old mountain range turned archipelago, located a few miles northwest of Seattle, changes dramatically with the tide. There are 743 islands at low tide--and 428 at high tide.

Eden Islet is a small volcanic tuff cone rising from the clear waters off the northwest coast of Santa Cruz Island. Though visitors cannot set foot on the rocks, the islet’s dramatic shapes and steep cliffs offer striking views as boats circle its perimeter. Guides often point out coastal mangroves and lava formations that hint at the volcanic forces that shaped this part of the archipelago.

Cape Winelands is a wine-producing region in South Africa’s Western Cape, centered on towns such as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. Vineyards cover broad valleys beneath the Hottentots Holland, Simonsberg, and Drakenstein mountain ranges, creating a landscape where cultivated farmland meets rugged slopes. Stellenbosch is known for its historic town centre and concentration of wine estates, while Franschhoek has a strong connection to French Huguenot heritage.

Tucked away in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, Nauru is one of the world’s smallest and least visited countries being an island nation just 21 square kilometers in size, with a population under 10,000. But its compact size makes exploring simple and rewarding. Visitors can circle the entire island by car in under an hour, taking in stunning ocean views, remnants of World War II bunkers, and clusters of colorful homes that speak to Nauru's resilient spirit and layered past.