Only six and a half hours by jet from New York, Morocco nevertheless seems worlds and worlds away. Even the Moroccans think of their country, which lies on Africa's broad western shoulder, as a place apart: They refer to it as El Maghreb al Aqsa, the Farthest West, as indeed it is, of all the countries making up the Arab world.

York, England, is a city where over 2,000 years of history comes to life. Originally founded by the Romans in 71 AD as Eboracum, York has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the Vikings to the Normans. Today, the city retains its medieval charm, with its historic York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, standing proudly as its centerpiece.

Lao Cai, a gateway city to the northern highlands of Vietnam, offers an alluring blend of cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of French colonial heritage. Situated along the Red River and bordering China, Lao Cai is the starting point for adventurers heading to the famous terraced rice fields of Sapa, but it has its own unique charms to discover.

Sossusvlei, located in the heart of the Namib Desert in Namibia, is a breathtaking destination that captivates travelers with its surreal landscapes and towering red sand dunes. The star attraction of Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is famous for its clay pans surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world, some reaching heights of over 300 meters.

This New England state is home to sandy beaches, Colonial villages, and Brown University, located in the city of Providence. Tourists to "The Ocean State" enjoy its abundant coastline, seafood, and pedestrian-friendly cities.