Auckland feels like a compact world of its own — sparkling harbors, volcanic cones and a skyline punctuated by the Sky Tower. Its mix of Māori culture, Pacific Island warmth and cosmopolitan cafés makes exploring neighborhoods feel like a delightful surprise around every corner.

Imagine a place where wind-carved peaks meet crystalline icebergs and the horizon feels endless — that’s Southern Patagonia. Witness the dramatic spires of Torres del Paine, where copper towers pierce luminous skies, then sail among luminous blue icebergs calved from ancient glaciers. It’s raw, cinematic wilderness that invites slow, soulful travel and unforgettable stories.

Punta Arenas, the southern gateway to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, is famed for dramatic coastal views, colorful historic buildings and maritime and colonial history. Visitors enjoy Strait of Magellan vistas, wildlife (Magellanic penguins & whales), nearby glaciers and pampas and museums, cemeteries and former whaling sites that reflect its multicultural past.

Circumnavigating Antigua by boat unveils a coastline of striking contrasts — powdery white-sand coves giving way to sheer limestone cliffs that tumble into turquoise seas. Sailors glide alongside graceful stingrays, slip onto hidden beaches kissed only by the tide and snorkel amid coral gardens just off shore.

Think of London as a lively palate where centuries of history meet fearless flavor — from smoky pie-and-mash stalls and perfectly crisp fish and chips to cutting-edge restaurants reimagining Indian, Nigerian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Wander outdoor markets for fresh oysters, artisan cheeses, bao and inventive street food while picking up vintage finds, independent design and British-made ceramics.

Rugged cliffs, candy‑colored harbors and a delightful mix of cultures make the Isle of Jersey feel like a tiny country with a grand personality. Tucked between England and France, the island pairs British gentility with Gallic sparkle — windswept beaches, fragrant narrow lanes and sleepy villages where time takes a gentle breath.

Lush, volcanic and undisturbed, Dominica is the Caribbean’s ultimate off‑grid destination for those who crave raw nature over resorts. Hike through emerald rainforests, soak in natural hot springs and snorkel pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life. Dominica promises immersive adventure, wildlife encounters and restorative solitude. Pack sturdy boots, a sense of curiosity and leave your itinerary flexible — the island rewards exploration.

Though I'd already lived in Asia, some of Japan's rules were simply lost on me. And as predicted, it was a tough country to explore on my own. Tricky transportation, swarming tourists and wild weather were a challenge to navigate.

Pinnawala is a village near Sri Lanka's capital city of Colombo. The small village is special because of its elephant orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Pop over for a night and grab a room overlooking the elephant's watering hole.

Located on Bahía de Cienfuegos, a bay on Cuba’s southern coast, Cienfuegos is a peaceful town oozing charm. Known for colorful colonial-era buildings, the town is a chief seaport for sugarcane, coffee and tobacco.

At almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Set above the Urubamba River valley, the site was built in the 15th century and later abandoned. Even today, it carries an air of mystery with its exact purpose still debated.

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988 because of its historical importance as a center of the sugar trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, Trinidad is also one of the most well-preserved cities in the Caribbean.

Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, Havana has had many lives. The city is celebrated for its vibrant culture, rich history and mix of architecture, including Colonial, Baroque and Neoclassical. The tropical climate helps give way to beautiful parks and al fresco dining.

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is famed for its rich history, culture and architecture. Cobblestone streets lead visitors to Plaza de Armas, alongside archaeological remains like the Twelve-Angled Stone. It's also the spot for freshwater trout ceviche and the perfect jumping off point for Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain.

Sacred Valley is a region in Peru's Andean highlands known for fertile farmland and Spanish colonial villages, stretching from Pisac to Ollantaytambo. Together, with Machu Picchu and the nearby city of Cusco, they formed the heart of the Inca Empire in the late 1500's.

A two hour drive from Cusco, Vinicunca, also called Mountain of Seven Colors, is a mountain in the Andes of Peru with an altitude of 16,522 feet above sea level and extremely harsh conditions. The seven colors come from mineral composition but are only visible during Augusts’s dry season.

Colca Canyon is a river canyon in southern Peru famed as one of the deepest in the world. It’s a trekking and rafting destination with canyons, valleys and remote traditional villages honring terraced agriculture that predates the Incas. The giant Andean condor can often be spotted from viewpoints like Cruz del Condor.

Known as the “White City” because of its baroque style buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone, Arequipa, Peru feels warm and welcoming and is filled with live music, spicy food, antique stores and a vibrant historic center. The town is also surrounded by four imposing volcanoes.