Rothenburg ob der Tauber rises above the Tauber River in Bavaria, where its medieval town center has stood largely unchanged for centuries, making it one of Germany’s most vivid windows into the past. This old walled city stretches along cobblestone streets where half-timbered houses, ancient towers, and narrow alleys invite visitors to wander and imagine life in the Middle Ages.

Situated on the eastern edge of Cape Breton Island, Sydney in Nova Scotia welcomes visitors with a strong connection to the sea and a deep-rooted cultural identity. The city’s waterfront is a natural gathering place, where boardwalks stretch along the harbor and offer views of fishing boats, cruise ships, and open water. One of its most recognizable landmarks is the world’s largest fiddle, a towering tribute to the region’s musical traditions.

Tayrona National Natural Park, located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, is where the Sierra Nevada mountains plunge into the sea, creating a landscape of wild beaches, dense rainforest, and ancient archaeological sites. Just an hour from Santa Marta, this protected area stretches over 150 square kilometers of land and marine territory. Its coastline is dotted with hidden coves, palm-fringed bays, and massive boulders sculpted by wind and time.

Bahrain, the only island nation in the Arabian Gulf, offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern flair. Away from the city, Bahrain’s landscape surprises many. The Tree of Life, a lone 400-year-old mesquite standing in the desert with no known water source, continues to puzzle scientists and inspire travelers.

Lac Abbe, straddling the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia, is one of East Africa’s most otherworldly landscapes.