Pendleton, Oregon, sits in the heart of the high desert region, where wide open skies meet rolling wheat fields and the rugged Blue Mountains. The city is widely recognized for its rich history in ranching, railroads, and wool production, which visitors can explore through preserved buildings and museums. Downtown Pendleton features brick storefronts, murals, and sculptures that reflect the city’s connection to both the frontier and the railroad era.

Popular golf resort on the coast of northeast South Carolina.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park protects a remarkable volcanic landscape on Hawaii Island shaped by Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world's most active volcanoes. Visitors can explore lava fields, volcanic craters, native rainforest and dramatic terrain created by generations of eruptions.

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and a highland city set at the foot of the Entoto Mountains. Its elevated setting gives the city a relatively cool climate compared with much of the country, while broad avenues, busy neighborhoods, green hills, and expanding modern districts create a varied urban landscape. Addis Ababa is also the headquarters of the African Union and hosts numerous international organizations, giving it an important diplomatic role across the continent.

Sigiriya, in central Sri Lanka, is an ancient rock fortress and one of the country’s most iconic archaeological sites. Rising nearly 200 meters from the surrounding plains, the massive granite column is crowned by the ruins of a royal palace built in the 5th century CE by King Kasyapa.