Lesotho, known as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” is a landlocked nation entirely surrounded by South Africa, famed for its dramatic mountain landscapes and rich cultural traditions.

Stretching across central Oman, the Wahiba Sands offer a dramatic desert landscape of rolling dunes that shift in color with the changing light. This vast sea of sand is home to towering ridges and open plains, creating an otherworldly backdrop for exploration.

This southern Mexican state borders Guatemala. Its mountainous highlands and dense rainforest are dotted with several Mayan archaeological sites and Spanish colonial towns.

The Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands scattered across the South Pacific, offer a rare blend of Polynesian tradition and laid-back island charm. Rarotonga, the largest and most visited island, is ringed by a turquoise lagoon and backed by lush mountains. Visitors can circle the entire island in under an hour, stopping along the way for fresh coconut, beachside cafés, or a quick swim in the clear lagoon.

St. George, Utah, is a desert city in the state’s southwest corner, celebrated for its striking red rock landscapes, mild climate, and proximity to some of the American West’s most iconic natural wonders.