Framed by an array of tropical flowers, "miniature" houses painted in a pastel palette will enchant you. But, a splash of watercolors is all you'll see as you zip by on a moped. It won't be long before you find the perfect spot for a beach picnic and afternoon of snorkeling.

Chinchero is a highland town in Peru’s Cusco Region, northwest of the city of Cusco and above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Set at more than 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, it is surrounded by cultivated fields, puna grasslands, and views of the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba.

Ocean City, Maryland, is a barrier-island resort along the Atlantic coast of Worcester County, known for its broad beaches, long boardwalk, and connection to the coastal bays. The town stretches for about 10 miles between the Ocean City Inlet and the Delaware state line, with distinct neighborhoods ranging from the historic downtown to quieter northern sections. Its roots as a fishing community remain visible alongside its role as a major seaside destination.

Set among Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, Malolo Island combines a lush, hilly interior with palm-fringed beaches, clear lagoons, and coral-rich waters. Visitors can spend their days swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, or sailing before settling into the island’s unhurried pace.

Tongariro National Park, on New Zealand’s North Island, holds deep cultural meaning as well as striking geological presence. It was the country’s first national park, gifted to the nation by Ngāti Tūwharetoa chiefs in the 19th century, establishing a model that tied conservation to Māori guardianship. The volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe, and Ruapehu are considered ancestors, giving the landscape a living cultural identity rather than a purely scenic one.