Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, offers a refreshing take on Midwest travel with a blend of creativity, history, and community pride. Its downtown skyline is anchored by the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol, which offers free guided tours and a striking view from its hilltop perch. Just across the river, the East Village mixes old brick storefronts with indie shops, coffee houses, and vibrant murals. It's where old meets new, a theme that runs throughout the city’s evolving identity.

Blair Atholl, a village in the heart of Highland Perthshire, Scotland, is best known as the home of Blair Castle, a striking white-walled fortress that has stood for over seven centuries.

Ronda, perched high above the El Tajo gorge in southern Spain’s Málaga province, offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in Andalusia. The city is split in two by a 120-meter-deep canyon carved by the Guadalevín River, and connected by the iconic Puente Nuevo, an 18th-century stone bridge that took over 40 years to complete. Visitors crossing the bridge can stop at the viewpoint built into the stone itself, once used as a prison.

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail is a premier destination renowned for its world-class skiing and charming alpine ambiance. The town’s centerpiece is Vail Mountain, a sprawling 5,300-acre ski resort that offers an extensive network of trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, Vail’s slopes provide exhilarating experiences and breathtaking mountain views.

Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a charming village renowned for its exquisite vineyards and rich history. Founded by French Huguenots in the late 17th century, the village’s French heritage is palpable in its architecture, cuisine, and local culture.