Brasília may be a World Heritage Site, but it is only of interest to town planning and architecture students, and those keen to witness the folly of man on a metropolitan scale. It must have looked good on paper, and still looks good in photos, but in the flesh, forget it. Designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, urban planner Lucio Costa, and landscape architect Burle Marx, the city was built in an incredible three years between 1957 and 1960.

Huaraz is an Andean city in Peru’s Áncash Region, situated in the Callejón de Huaylas between the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Negra. At more than 3,000 meters above sea level, it is an important regional center and a principal base for exploring the mountains, lakes, and valleys of the surrounding highlands. The city combines a busy central area with traditional neighborhoods, markets, restaurants, and views toward the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Blanca.

Rockland is a coastal city in Maine on the western shore of Penobscot Bay, known for its working harbor, maritime industries, and connection to the surrounding Midcoast landscape. The city developed around shipbuilding, fishing, lime production, and coastal trade, and its waterfront remains an important part of daily life. Rockland Harbor is sheltered by islands and peninsulas, with commercial fishing boats, pleasure craft, and passenger vessels using its waters.

Cabo Rojo, located on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, is a region of striking natural contrasts where salt flats, mangroves, and limestone cliffs meet the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Its most iconic feature is the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean, offering panoramic views of turquoise waters and nearby beaches.

East and Southeast Asia encompass a vast and diverse region, stretching from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the turquoise waters of the South China Sea. This area is home to some of the world’s most vibrant cities, tranquil rural landscapes, and a rich blend of traditions.