Lukla, a mountain town perched at 2,860 meters in eastern Nepal, is best known as the gateway to the Everest region. The town is home to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the world’s most thrilling landing strips, named after the legendary climbers who first reached Everest’s summit in 1953. The short, sloped runway hugs the mountain, offering a once-in-a-lifetime arrival that travelers remember long after their journey ends.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a city where centuries-old adobe architecture, desert landscapes, and modern innovation meet beneath some of the clearest skies in the country. Every October, Albuquerque becomes the site of one of the most photographed events in the world: the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For nine crisp mornings, hundreds of hot air balloons rise over the city, painting the sky in brilliant colors and wild shapes with everything from farm animals to space aliens.

Steeped in history, Canterbury, England is a must-visit destination for lovers of medieval charm and religious significance. The centerpiece of this historic city is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a place of Christian worship since the 6th century. As the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, it is one of the most important religious buildings in England.

Basel is the global center of the pharmaceutical industry, but most travelers visit for the world-famous ART Basel festival, as well as the numerous art galleries, iconic architecture and museums.

Bhutan, often called the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is a Himalayan kingdom known for its dramatic landscapes and deeply rooted traditions. Towering peaks, forested valleys, and winding rivers set the stage for a country that has long prioritized harmony between nature and culture.