Ely, Minnesota, sits on the edge of the Superior National Forest in the state’s Northwoods, where boreal forest, rocky terrain, and interconnected lakes define the landscape. The community is best known as a major gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which contains more than one million acres of protected forest and waterways along the Canadian border. Ely itself has a compact downtown with independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and outfitters serving wilderness travelers.

Beverly Hills, California, is synonymous with luxury, glamour, and a unique blend of history and modern sophistication. Nestled within the heart of Los Angeles County, this iconic city is best known for its world-famous shopping district, Rodeo Drive, where upscale boutiques and designer stores, like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, line the palm-tree-fringed streets.

Quebec is a province where the old meets the new in the most exciting way, with each of its diverse cities offering a distinct experience for travelers. It is a melting pot of French and English heritage, and this duality can be seen in its art, music, and festivals.

Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador and is located on the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island. The town serves as a central base for travel throughout the archipelago, with ports, research centers, hotels, and tour operators concentrated around Academy Bay.

Shanghai is a city where contrasting timelines meet at every corner. Once a small fishing village along the Huangpu River, it grew rapidly during the 19th century into a major trading port. Today, its skyline tells a story of that transformation. On one side, the Bund’s colonial-era buildings stand tall in limestone and granite; on the other, the futuristic towers of Pudong, like the Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao, stretch into the clouds.