Yala National Park sprawls across Sri Lanka’s southeast, where dry plains meet lagoons and the Indian Ocean’s shoreline. It is one of the country’s oldest protected areas, first set aside as a wildlife reserve in 1900 and later declared a national park in 1938, and today invites travelers to see life thrive in a wide range of landscapes, from scrubland to sandy beaches.

Bakkagerði is a small village in Borgarfjörður Eystri on Iceland’s remote east coast, surrounded by steep mountains, narrow valleys, and the North Atlantic. The village serves as the main settlement and service center for the fjord, with a small harbor and colorful houses scattered beneath the surrounding peaks. Its isolated location gives Bakkagerði a strong connection to the landscape and to traditional rural life.

Dominica, known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” is a haven for eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Nestled between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, this lush island boasts a remarkable landscape of volcanic mountains, dense rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica’s most iconic natural wonder is the Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world.

Radium Hot Springs is a small community in southeastern British Columbia, located in the Columbia Valley at the entrance to Kootenay National Park. The village sits between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, with the Columbia River and wide valley landscapes nearby. It is best known for its mineral hot springs, where naturally heated water emerges from the mountains and is used in the Radium Hot Springs pools.

Arrecife, the vibrant capital of Lanzarote, Spain, offers a unique blend of modern allure and traditional charm. Situated on the eastern coast of Lanzarote, this picturesque city is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, including Playa del Reducto, which boasts golden sands and clear waters perfect for a relaxing day under the sun.