Visit Al Ain

Ancient desert city of windcatchers.

Visit Dubai, a futuristic city in the United Arab Emirates. Ascend the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building at 828m with observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors), shop at the Dubai Mall (one of the largest malls globally with an aquarium and ice rink), experience desert safaris in the Arabian Desert (dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin camps), and admire the Palm Jumeirah (artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree with luxury hotels).

Visit Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE. Explore the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (housing over 5,000 artifacts in a former souq building), stroll through the Al Noor Island (butterfly house and contemporary art installations), and discover the Sharjah Art Museum (largest art museum in the Gulf with Arab and international collections).

The longest zipline in the world off Jebel Jais, mountains and quieter beaches than Dubai.

A city built on water with no cars — gondolas, Byzantine mosaics, and getting happily lost in the back canals

Visit Krakow, the historic former capital of Poland, known for its medieval Old Town, Wawel Castle, and vibrant cultural scene.

The Renaissance in one walkable city: Michelangelo's David, Brunelleschi's dome, and the Uffizi

Acclimatize in Cusco, the Inca capital where colonial churches stand on six-hundred-year-old stone foundations