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).

Santa Cruz Island is the beating heart of the Galápagos and is home to the largest town in the archipelago, Puerto Ayora, and a key access point for travelers exploring this unique region. But beyond its small port and shops, the island reveals a surprising range of ecosystems, from black lava shores to lush highlands where giant tortoises roam freely.

Lanzarote, the northernmost of the Canary Islands, is a striking destination characterized by its volcanic landscapes and unique architectural heritage. Known for its otherworldly scenery, the island boasts a remarkable volcanic terrain shaped by eruptions in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Timanfaya National Park is a highlight, where visitors can witness geothermal demonstrations and explore the dramatic lava fields on a guided tour.

San Giovanni Rotondo, placed on the peak of Gargano, is an ideal place to spend, in spiritual serenity, a healthy vacation, far away from the frenetic daily life.

Located in Australia's Northern Territory, Uluru is an iconic sandstone formation and UNESCO World Heritage site. This red rock monolith, believed to be over 500 million years old, has been considered sacred by Australia's indigenous peoples for thousands of years and is one of the country's most well-known natural landmarks. This spiritual destination will astound you at sunrise and sunset, when the warm sunlight turns Uluru to deep hues of red and orange.