Azerbaijan, often called the “Land of Fire,” sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia along the Caspian Sea. Its capital, Baku, blends futuristic architecture with centuries-old history.

Corpus Christi is a coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Texas, set along Corpus Christi Bay and separated from the open Gulf by Padre Island and Mustang Island. Its landscape includes broad beaches, tidal flats, coastal wetlands, and shallow bays that support a wide range of marine and bird life.

Lukla, a mountain town perched at 2,860 meters in eastern Nepal, is best known as the gateway to the Everest region. The town is home to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, one of the world’s most thrilling landing strips, named after the legendary climbers who first reached Everest’s summit in 1953. The short, sloped runway hugs the mountain, offering a once-in-a-lifetime arrival that travelers remember long after their journey ends.

Denarau Island is a small resort and residential precinct on the western coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, connected to the Nadi area by a short causeway.

Nelson is a small city in southeastern British Columbia, set along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake and surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains. Steep hills rise around the city, giving many streets views toward the lake and forested slopes. Nelson is known for its well-preserved historic downtown, heritage buildings, independent shops, galleries, and access to outdoor recreation.