South Dakota, known for its striking contrasts, from sacred Indigenous landmarks to dramatic prairie landscapes, offers travelers a rare chance to experience stories etched in both stone and living tradition. Mount Rushmore may be the most photographed site, but just 17 miles away, the Crazy Horse Memorial tells a deeper story. In the west, the Black Hills are full of geological surprises and sacred sites. Custer State Park offers scenic drives where herds of bison often stop traffic.

The Cayman Islands, a trio of tropical gems in the western Caribbean, are renowned for their crystalline waters, coral reefs, and relaxed island lifestyle. Grand Cayman, the largest, is home to the famous Seven Mile Beach, a stretch of soft white sand fringed by turquoise seas.

Guaymas, located on the Sea of Cortez in the state of Sonora, is a coastal city with a rich maritime history and strong fishing traditions. One of Guaymas’s standout attractions is its proximity to San Carlos, just 15 minutes away by car. Known for its dramatic landscapes, San Carlos is backed by the Tetakawi mountain, a double-peaked formation that draws hikers and photographers.

Polonnaruwa, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, served as the island’s capital nearly a thousand years ago. Today, it offers one of the most extensive and well-preserved archaeological sites in South Asia. Visitors can walk among the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist monasteries, and intricately carved stone temples. One of the highlights of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, a group of colossal Buddha statues carved directly into granite.

St. Helena is a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, known for its dramatic cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and rich history. It is most famous as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile, and visitors can explore Longwood House and other historic sites that tell the story of this period.