Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you.

Kapalua is a coastal resort community on the northwest side of Maui, Hawai‘i, set between the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Its landscape includes sheltered bays, volcanic slopes, former agricultural land, and coastal trails, with views toward neighboring islands on clear days.

Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, is a city that wears its history in stone. Built in the 16th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center is filled with over 200 colonial-era buildings made from pink cantera, a soft volcanic stone that gives the city its distinct look. The centerpiece is the Morelia Cathedral, a massive baroque structure that features twin towers that light up every Saturday night with a fireworks and music display.

Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska’s largest road-accessible glaciers, flowing through the Matanuska Valley northeast of Anchorage. The glacier stretches for roughly 27 miles and descends from the Chugach Mountains toward the valley floor, where its broad ice surface is bordered by steep mountain slopes and rocky terrain. The Glenn Highway follows the Matanuska River valley and provides access to viewpoints and guided glacier tours.

Vukovar, a city in eastern Croatia, stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and beauty. Its rich history is etched into its architecture and monuments, telling the story of its resilience during the Croatian War of Independence.