Tucked between Jordan's sandstone cliffs in the southwestern desert, Petra was carved directly into rose-colored rock more than 2,000 years ago. Visitors approaching through the narrow gorge known as the Siq are rewarded with their first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, a towering facade that seems to appear from another world.

The Loire Valley stretches along the gentle curves of France’s longest river, a place where riverside towns, historic estates and vineyards have shaped daily life for centuries. This long stretch of landscape was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its remarkable cultural landscape, which includes towns like Tours, Blois, Amboise and Saumur and a tapestry of castles standing beside the river banks.

An essential passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Panama Canal is an extraordinary technological landmark and a testament to human innovation. Built in the early twentieth century by American engineers, the canal weaves through the Panamanian isthmus and allows easy access for commercial freighters and cruise ships alike.

Houston, Texas, the fourth-largest city in the United States, is a vibrant metropolis brimming with culture, diversity, and innovation. A hub for arts, science, and cuisine, Houston is a place where Southern charm meets cosmopolitan flair. Beyond its cultural and scientific draws, Houston’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors. From food trucks to fine dining, the city is celebrated for its diverse offerings that reflect its multicultural population.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches along more than 40 miles of Lake Superior shoreline in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, between Munising and Grand Marais. It is known for sandstone cliffs, forested hills, beaches, waterfalls, and clear freshwater coves. The shoreline takes its name from the bands of mineral-stained sandstone visible along the cliffs, where iron, copper, and other minerals create natural patterns in the rock.