Oslo, Norway’s capital, stands at the crossroads of Nordic history and forward-thinking design. Originally founded over a thousand years ago by Viking King Harald Hardrada, the city has evolved from a medieval trading hub into one of Europe’s most modern capitals. Visitors can explore its layered past at the Akershus Fortress, a 13th-century stronghold still standing guard over Oslofjord, or walk through the preserved wooden homes of Damstredet.

Cape Peninsula is the mountainous, coastal region extending south from Cape Town into the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay. Its landscape combines Table Mountain, rocky headlands, sandy beaches, forests, and open fynbos-covered slopes. Table Mountain National Park runs along much of the peninsula, protecting the mountain chain and coastline from Signal Hill to Cape Point.

Fairbanks is the largest city in Alaska’s Interior and a major center for the region’s communities, education, transportation, and commerce. Located along the Chena River, it lies north of Denali National Park and south of the Arctic Circle. The city is known for dramatic seasonal changes, including long summer days and extended winter darkness.

Bandelier National Monument lies in northern New Mexico near Los Alamos, protecting a rugged landscape of canyons, volcanic cliffs, mesas, and forested slopes. The monument is especially known for its ancestral Pueblo dwellings carved into soft volcanic tuff, including rooms, cavates, and ceremonial structures that remain visible along the canyon walls. Frijoles Canyon forms the main visitor area, with trails leading through archaeological sites and wooded terrain.

Highest mountain in New Zealand, located on the South Island, it stands 12,349 ft