Queen Elizabeth National Park, in western Uganda, is one of East Africa’s most diverse and scenic protected areas. Stretching from the Rwenzori Mountains to the shores of Lake Edward, the park encompasses savannah, wetlands, and dense forests, making it a sanctuary for an incredible array of wildlife.

The South Pacific stretches across a vast expanse of ocean, dotted with thousands of islands that vary from remote atolls to vibrant cultural hubs.

Suriname’s forests cover more than nine‑tenths of the country and house an astounding array of wildlife. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve, one of the largest rainforest sanctuaries on Earth, shelters jaguars, giant river otters, and hundreds of bird species. Nearer the capital, Brownsberg Nature Park offers forest trails and waterfalls amid 1,450 plant and 350 bird species, just a short drive from Paramaribo.

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.

Jeddah sits along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast and has long served as a gateway between the Arabian Peninsula and the wider world. For centuries, merchants, pilgrims, and travelers passed through its port on the way to Mecca, shaping a city known for openness and exchange.