Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a city where centuries-old adobe architecture, desert landscapes, and modern innovation meet beneath some of the clearest skies in the country. Every October, Albuquerque becomes the site of one of the most photographed events in the world: the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For nine crisp mornings, hundreds of hot air balloons rise over the city, painting the sky in brilliant colors and wild shapes with everything from farm animals to space aliens.

This Sicily harbor city is divided from Italy proper by the Strait of Messina. Visitors marvel at the Gothic, bell-towered Norman Messina Cathedral.

The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, Egypt, are two of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. For over 500 years during the New Kingdom (16th–11th centuries BCE), these valleys served as the burial grounds for pharaohs, queens, and high-ranking nobles.

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a vibrant city where modern energy meets untamed nature. Known as the “Green City in the Sun,” it blends bustling urban life with remarkable wildlife experiences.

Regensburg, Germany’s medieval gem, will transport you to a bygone era. The site of both Celtic and Roman settlements, Regensburg flourished in the Middle Ages.