The Orkney Islands sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. This group of around seventy islands offers wide horizons, quiet roads, and coastlines shaped by wind and waves where visitors often arrive expecting rugged scenery and leave talking about the sense of space from the long beaches to the steep cliffs and sea stacks rising straight from the water. One striking example is the Old Man of Hoy, a tall sea stack that draws photographers and climbers alike.

Glencoe lies in the western Highlands of Scotland, where a long, steep-sided valley cuts through mountains shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glaciation.

Okonjima Nature Reserve is a 22,000-hectare private conservation area in central Namibia, located between Windhoek and Etosha National Park at the base of the Omboroko Mountains. The reserve combines rolling savanna, mountain outcrops, riverine thickets, and areas of thornveld, creating varied habitat for wildlife.

Maroon Bells is a famous mountain landscape near Aspen, Colorado, centered on two distinctive bell-shaped peaks rising above the Maroon Creek Valley. Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak reach more than 14,000 feet, with their dark red mudstone slopes creating a strong contrast against the surrounding forests and alpine terrain.

Stellenbosch, a charming town in South Africa’s Western Cape, is a haven for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Established in 1679, Stellenbosch boasts well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. Its tree-lined streets are dotted with historical buildings, boutique shops, and artisanal cafes. A visit to the Stellenbosch Village Museum offers a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage, showcasing restored buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.