Taupō, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is built along the shores of Lake Taupō, which is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, formed nearly two thousand years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. That eruption was so powerful, it was recorded in ancient Chinese and Roman texts, even though it occurred halfway across the world. Today, the lake is calm, clear, and central to life in the region, offering everything from trout fishing to kayaking and lakeside cycling.

The snorkeling is extraordinary in the reefs of Cano Island. Cano has its roots in pre-Columbian trading and is also a former burial ground for coastal Indians.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a vast protected wilderness in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, rather than South Africa. It covers a large area of semi-arid grassland, scrub, dry river valleys, and sandy plains, with Deception Valley and the northern section around Passarge Valley among its best-known areas. The reserve is remote and sparsely developed, with wildlife viewing focused on natural water sources and seasonal changes in vegetation

The Temple of Horus at Edfu has a massive entrance pylon covered with sunk relief carvings. This Ptolemaic temple was constructed between 237 and 57 B.C.E.

Bar, a coastal town in Montenegro, is known for its scenic beaches and centuries-old landmarks. One of the town’s most significant historical sites is Stari Bar, an ancient fortress settlement set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Rumija.