Italy’s port city of Brindisi, tucked along the Adriatic coast in the Puglia region, has been a gateway to the East for over two thousand years. Once the Roman Empire’s main departure point for the Via Appia, the road to Greece and beyond, Brindisi still bears traces of its ancient past, from Roman columns to remnants of old harbors that once welcomed traders, pilgrims, and soldiers.

Perth is pleasantly sited on the Swan and Canning rivers, with the cerulean Indian Ocean to the west and the ancient Darling Ranges to the east. It claims to be the sunniest state capital in Australia and the most isolated capital city in the world.

Paro, Bhutan, is a serene valley town that offers a gateway to the mystical charm of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Nestled amidst verdant hills and bisected by the glistening Paro Chhu river, Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. At the heart of this picturesque valley stands the majestic Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with a history dating back to the 17th century.

The capital of Utah, Salt Lake City is a spectacular destination set amid the Wasatch Mountains. Ski resorts and a wealth of outdoor activities can be found here, along with performing arts, breweries and fine dining.

Namche Bazaar, perched at 3,440 meters in the Khumbu region of Nepal, is often called the gateway to Everest, but it’s far more than a rest stop on the way to Base Camp. Once a trading post between Tibetan and Nepali merchants, Namche has developed into a small mountain town where yak caravans and Wi-Fi cafes exist side by side. Despite its remote location, it has a Saturday market that continues to bring traders and trekkers together, just as it did centuries ago.