Tonga is distinctly different to its neighboring island nations. This Polynesian kingdom, made up of 170 islands, carries a proud history that dates back over 3,000 years. On the main island of Tongatapu, travelers can explore ancient stone structures like the Haʻamonga ʻa Maui Trilithon—sometimes called the Stonehenge of the Pacific. Royal tombs in Lapaha offer a glimpse into the lineage of Tonga’s kings, while village life remains guided by customs that have changed little over centuries.

Wadi Rum, often called the “Valley of the Moon,” is a desert landscape in southern Jordan renowned for its dramatic sandstone mountains, sweeping red sand dunes, and ancient history carved into the rock. Its vast, otherworldly scenery has made it both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a backdrop for films set on distant planets.

Located east of Boise and due north of Salt Lake City, it is one of the larger towns in the state of Idaho.

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is one of the country’s oldest protected areas and holds deep historical importance in conservation.

Portoroz lies on Slovenia’s short Adriatic coast, where its identity has been shaped by the sea and by centuries of salt production in the nearby Sečovlje pans.