Beautiful World

Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is the world's largest salt flat, stretching more than 4,000 square miles. It is devoid of wildlife or vegetation and is known for its extreme flatness and clear skies. This creates a dreamy, mirror-like reflective surface in the wet season and a fascinating pattern of polygonal cracks in the dry season.

China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park resembles something straight from your favorite sci-fi movie. Towering stone pillars are the extraordinary signature feature of the park. Visitors can see the pillars from above by taking the world's tallest outdoor elevator or crossing the world's highest and longest glass-bottom bridge.

Ljubljana, Slovenia
Unlike other European cities, the capital of Slovenia offers spectacular scenery without hordes of tourists, making it a great vacation destination for those traveling alone. To get your bearings, join a two-hour tour of the historic city center and Ljubljana Castle from the Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre, which includes a funicular ride to the castle. You can also take a boat cruise down the Ljubljanica river to see the Dragon and Triple bridges, explore Tivoli Park, or wander among the ancient Roman ruins of a 2,000-year-old city.

The official Ljubljana card grants you access to more than 20 local attractions, plus unlimited rides on public transportation. Visitors can also access an hour of complimentary internet in the city center. If you tire of Ljubljana's many offerings, travel around 35 miles northwest to Bled to see its stunning lake and 11th-century castle.

Inglenook: Rutherford
Reservations required: Yes
Signature offerings: The property's signature red wine, Rubicon, is named after the river Julius Caesar crossed in 49 B.C.

Francis Ford Coppola and Eleanor Coppola are proprietors of this winery and chateau in Rutherford, which includes both the original Inglenook chateau (constructed in the 1880s) and the Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery. Inglenook is home to a European-style bistro, cave cellars and an open-air courtyard with a reflecting pool. Kids ages 12 and older are allowed at this winery, but pets are not. Inglenook produces varietals like syrah and sauvignon blanc, and wine tastings start at $75 per person.

Glacier National Park

Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and azure lakes are just a few reasons why Glacier National Park is one of America's most striking parks. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails in this Montana crown jewel, plus 13 designated areas for camping. In the winter, travelers can enjoy snowshoeing and skiing, while during the summer vacationers can go swimming in Lake McDonald and whitewater rafting on Flathead River, among other popular activities. For those who'd rather admire their surroundings from their car, a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road can't be missed

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China
It's not surprising the subtropical forests, deep ravines and towering sandstone buttes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park served as the inspiration for the film Avatar. The place most definitely resembles a lost world. This ethereal spot is part of the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area in central China’s Hunan Province, and is home to rare species such as the ginkgo tree as well as unusual primates and birds.