Khiva, located in western Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, is one of Central Asia’s most evocative Silk Road cities.

Évora, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, feels like stepping into a story that spans more than two thousand years. Its Historic Centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason with its ancient walls, homes with wrought-iron balconies, and narrow streets quietly preserve traces of Roman, Moorish, and medieval life. Beyond architecture and monuments, Évora reveals lesser-known treasures that reward exploration.

The Great Barrier Reef stretches along Australia’s northeast coast, forming the largest coral reef system on Earth and one of the planet’s most complex living ecosystems.

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.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town boasts narrow, winding streets lined with towering stone buildings adorned with beautifully carved wooden doors, reflecting its rich history as a major trading hub.