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Though it’s not quite as bustling as cosmopolitan Bogota or as picturesque as Medellin, Colombia’s third-largest city is the country’s economic and industrial hub.

Sugar and Spice in Colombia’s Alluring Cali

Candied treats and salsa music go hand in hand in this South American city high above the Cauca Valley

People at an asteroid: What will they do there?

Destination: Moon or Asteroid? Part II: Scientific Considerations

The Great Pyramid: Built for the Pharaoh Khufu in about 2570 B.C., sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and arguably the most mysterious structure on the planet

Inside the Great Pyramid

No structure in the world is more mysterious than the Great Pyramid. But who first broke into its well-guarded interior? When? And what did they find?

The Arab Spring uprisings tell only part of the story.

The Struggle Within Islam

Terrorists get the headlines, but most Muslims want to reclaim their religion from extremists

Impromptu jam sessions, including a gathering at Floyd, Virginia's Country Store, attract musicians and dancers raised on the raw and keening power of mountain music.

A Musical Tour Along the Crooked Road

Grab a partner. Bluegrass and country tunes that tell America’s story are all the rage in hilly southern Virginia

Randy Fertel takes friends on an insider tour that highlights New Orleans' "funky" soulfulness.

New Orleans Beyond Bourbon Street

From out-of-the-way jazz joints to po’ boy shacks, a native son shares his favorite haunts in the Big Easy

Mooney M20C (not the one we flew)

It Was a Dark and Stormy Night…

Lockheed-Martin's Plymouth Rock mission concept

Destination: Moon or Asteroid? Part I: Operational Considerations

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Marvels of the Mughals

You have traveled all the way to see the Taj Mahal—now what? Fortunately, the city of Agra is dotted with spellbinding architecture

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What Is on Your Life List?

Now that you’ve seen our list, tell us the places that you think everyone should visit at least once in their lifetimes

Many of the West's outdoor towns lie farther south, and closer to larger population centers. Missoula, Montana still has space around it.

Missoula: A Perfect Mix of Town and Country

Author Rick Bass trades wilderness for city life, Montana style

Santorini’s villages cling to red-and-black cliffs, looking out on a nearly enclosed 400-foot-deep lagoon; this deep harbor was formed when a catastrophic volcanic eruption occurred some 3,600 years, creating a massive crater.

The Smithsonian Life List: 43 Places to See Before You Die

From wonders of the world to thrills for adventure seekers, we’ve compiled a list of sites that any true world traveler cannot miss

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Lose Yourself in the White Sands

The New Mexico national monument is a barren and desolate place with an otherworldly appeal

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Ski the Vasaloppet in Sweden

For the thrill-seeking sports enthusiasts, few races can compete with this exhilarating Swedish ski race

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Ride a Stage of the Tour de France

You may not be wearing the yellow jersey, but taking a bicycle on the world’s most famous race is still thrilling

Table Mountain is a flat-topped granite and sandstone massif that rises 3,562 feet above Cape Town, South Africa.

Take in South Africa From Table Mountain National Park

High above Cape Town, this craggy wildlife preserve provides sprawling views and thrilling hikes

Santorini’s villages cling to red-and-black cliffs, looking out on a nearly enclosed 400-foot-deep lagoon; this deep harbor was formed when a catastrophic volcanic eruption occurred some 3,600 years, creating a massive crater.

Archaeology and Relaxation in Santorini

The Greek isle, a remnant of a long ago volcanic eruption, has most everything a traveler would want: great food and awe-inspiring scenery

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Drive the Road to Hana

The zigzagging road may take long to traverse for only being 52 miles long, but the eye candy alone makes it worthwhile

A sperm whale dives deep in Trinity Bay off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada

Canada

Whale Watching in Newfoundland

Once a home base for commercial whalers, the Canadian province is now a popular locale for spotting the massive creatures

The earth is splitting apart in the middle of Iceland along a ridge that runs north to south through the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Iceland’s Volcanoes

Set atop a tectonic hotspot, the small island is home to breathtaking eruptions and other geologic sites

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