Paro, Bhutan, is a serene valley town that offers a gateway to the mystical charm of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Nestled amidst verdant hills and bisected by the glistening Paro Chhu river, Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. At the heart of this picturesque valley stands the majestic Paro Dzong, or Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with a history dating back to the 17th century.

Jellyfish Lake is a shadowed oasis hidden among the mushroom-like Rock Islands of Palau. This forest‑fringed saltwater lake invites visitors to float with millions of gentle, stingless jellyfish that glow like drifting amber clouds under emerald light. The lake formed about 12,000 years ago, when rising seas flooded an ancient reef basin that was gradually cut off from the ocean. Over centuries, its jellyfish evolved in isolation, shedding their stings and multiplying without predators in sight.

Culture, dining and nightlife are just a few of the reasons to find yourself in sunny Brisbane. This sprawling, constantly-evolving river city is for the young and the young at heart. Shop at the outdoor markets, where you'll find fashion, crafts and produce. Beaches are the order of the day here, too, with North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island attracting hordes of sunbathers.

Ayutthaya, located about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, Thailand, was the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th century. Its ruins, set among rivers and canals, reveal a once-thriving city that was a hub of trade, politics, and culture, linking Southeast Asia with China, India, and Europe.

Florence (Firenze) is a compact city, but densely packed with spectacular art and architecture everywhere you look. The city center itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.