Aït Benhaddou, located in southern Morocco along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh, is one of the country’s most iconic historic sites. This fortified village, or ksar, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is admired for its striking earthen clay architecture that rises dramatically from the desert landscape.

St. Moritz, located in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley, has been attracting visitors for over 150 years, long before the term "alpine resort" became common. It was here in 1864 that winter tourism was born, when a hotelier made a wager with British guests that they would enjoy the snow just as much as the summer sun. They returned, and the rest is history. The town has since hosted the Winter Olympics twice (in 1928 and 1948) and remains a favorite for skiing, snowboarding, and ice sports.

Southeast Spain's seaport of Cartagena is a large naval base on the Mediterranean coast. The city was founded in 220 B.C. and boasts Roman ruins, mosaics and murals.

Jeonju-si, in South Korea’s North Jeolla Province, is widely associated with preservation rather than spectacle. The city’s identity is closely tied to its role as a former provincial capital during the Joseon Dynasty and as the birthplace of the royal Yi family.

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.