Val Gardena, nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a hidden gem for travelers seeking alpine beauty. This stunning valley is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolomites, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, lush meadows, and charming villages. Whether you're visiting in the summer for hiking and mountain biking or in the winter for world-class skiing, Val Gardena offers year-round adventure paired with breathtaking scenery.

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, Nelson Lakes National Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This breathtaking park is renowned for its stunning lakes, dense beech forests, and rugged mountains. The twin lakes, Rotoiti and Rotorua, are the park's crown jewels, offering crystal-clear waters framed by lush greenery. Visitors can explore these serene lakes by taking a scenic boat ride or embarking on a picturesque hike along their shores.

Bequia, the largest of the Grenadines, is a hidden gem in the Caribbean Sea that captivates visitors with its unspoiled beauty and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Often described as the "island in the clouds," Bequia (pronounced "Bek-way") offers a tranquil escape where turquoise waters meet lush green hills. The island's charm lies in its simplicity—no sprawling resorts or crowded beaches, just a peaceful haven where time seems to stand still.

ABERDEEN -- Scotland's third-largest city (pop. 187,000) is characterized by buildings of beautiful white granite. Set beside the North Sea, Aberdeen is both a university town and the capital of the Scottish oil boom. It is also one of Scotland's largest seaside resorts (though its appeal is confined to those who like their water well-chilled).

The Darvaza Gas Crater, famously nicknamed the “Door to Hell,” is one of Turkmenistan’s most extraordinary landmarks. Located deep in the Karakum Desert, this fiery pit has been burning continuously since the early 1970s, when Soviet engineers reportedly set fire to a collapsed natural gas field to prevent the spread of methane.