The Great Wall of China stretches across mountains, deserts, and grasslands, forming one of the most striking man-made landmarks in the world. Rather than a single continuous wall, it is a network of sections built with stone, brick, and packed earth, each shaped by the landscape it crosses. In areas near Beijing, such as Mutianyu, the wall winds along forested ridges, offering sweeping views that change with the seasons.

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it offers an outsized variety of experiences, from colonial history to coastline escapes. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams as a haven for religious freedom, the state still reflects its independent spirit. In Providence, travelers can visit the John Brown House Museum to explore the city’s role in early American commerce, or walk Benefit Street, lined with preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes.

Surrounded by Passamaquoddy Bay, St. Andrews' relaxed pace can be linked to the rhythm of powerful tides that can rise over 28 feet. The intertidal zone is an ever-changing landscape that nourishes a rich diversity of marine creatures. A guided walk over the tidal flats will prepare you to explore the area's many coves and islands.

Ziguinchor is the regional capital of Casamance in southern Senegal, situated along the Casamance River in a landscape of waterways, mangroves, palm groves, rice fields, and wooded areas. Its riverfront setting gives the city a character that differs from the drier regions farther north. Ziguinchor is an important commercial and transport center for Casamance, with connections by road and river to communities throughout the region.

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, rises on the shores of the Caspian Sea as a city of striking contrasts. Its futuristic skyline, defined by the Flame Towers, glows each evening in waves of light, while the UNESCO-listed Old City preserves centuries of history within its fortified walls.