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Such is the thundering grandeur of Shoshone Falls that despite its remote location, and before the invention of cars and interstate highways, myriad 19th-century sightseers made their way here to southern Idaho . They set their wagon wheels rolling to witness the sheer spectacle of the place: Shoshone Falls is known as 'The Niagara of the West' due to its nearly 1,000 foot rim and drop of 212 feet, some 45 feet higher than New York's Niagara . The Snake River feeds Shoshone Falls, and in 1905 a dam was built upstream of this cascade to divert some of the river's flow to nearby arid lands. The irrigation project gave rise to the aptly named Magic Valley , and with it, southern Idaho's economic boom. Just two years later a hydroelectric plant began harnessing the awesome power of Shoshone Falls.

A towering trio looks on as a watercolor sunset washes the vast veld they call home. The world giraffe population is estimated at a little over 100,000, and several thousand of them live here in Kruger National Park. Founded in 1926 as South Africa's first national park, Kruger is one of Africa's biggest game reserves at more than 7,500 square miles. In addition to South African giraffes (one of nine giraffe subspecies), the huge park protects robust populations of rhinos, elephants, lions, and more.

The most romantic city in the world, Paris is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. Paris returns to tranquillity in the autumn and when winter and the holidays arrive, Paris' streets are illuminated, revealing the city's magic. On a beautiful day, a stroll along the Seine's banks is a sight to behold: grand historical buildings reflected in its waters, classic Parisian roofs, and the Seine's bridges, each with its distinct style. Pei's pyramid surrounded by the Louvre's classic courtyard or the Musée du Quai Branly at the foot of the Eiffel Tower is just a few examples of architectural contrasts that only add to the city's splendor.

Completed in 1914, the Langwieser Viaduct stretches across a beautiful gap between Alpine slopes in eastern Switzerland. The bridge was the first of its kind to be built of reinforced concrete. At over 900 feet long, the viaduct was also the world's longest railway bridge at the time of its construction. It connects the Rhaetian Railway line between the village of Chur and Arosa, a resort town where skiing is king every winter, and idyllic swimming and hiking opportunities reign in summer. 

Sure, you could just enjoy the abundant natural charms of Phnom Kulen National Park, a mountain retreat in northern Cambodia. But the park sits atop a number of historic wonders, with numerous Hindu artifacts scattered throughout—including the amazing carved riverbed of the Stung Kbal Spean River. In 2012, excavation of the 1,200-year-old city of Mahendraparvata began. Though the city from the Khmer Empire was known to be hidden in the jungle here, it wasn’t known just how hidden: Buried under earth and vegetation, it was finally revealed using high-tech LIDAR laser surveys.

Alexandria is a Mediterranean port city in Egypt, founded by Alexander. Alexandria is well known for its rich history, sandy beaches, cafes, and Greco-Roman landmarks. The Lighthouse of Alexandria is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the library is the largest in the ancient world. Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an eleven-story building that houses eight million books with rotating art exhibitions and permanent Egyptian folk art. Montazah Gardens is the royal garden of King Faruk. The Citadel of Qaitbay is a fortress located on the Mediterranean seacoast and is worth a visit.