Morocco's mystique can be found in medinas that brim with color, soaring mountains that give way to endless desert, oases thick with palms, and stunning Moorish architecture. Discover the enchanting cities of Marrakech and Fez, venture into rose-colored casbahs, and visit Berbers in their mountain villages. Listen to the strains of Berber music around a campfire in the Sahara, and stay at the glorious Palais Jamai in Fez.

In the rolling grasslands of southern Kenya, experience a fascinating and fragile ecosystem through the eyes of wildlife biologists dedicated to its conservation. Embark on game drives in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, and visit researchers who track elephant and lion populations and work to reduce local poaching. Then head to the legendary Masai Mara and enjoy four days on safari.

With its pharaohs, myths, and mysterious temples, Egypt is a wonderful destination for young explorers. Introduce your family to the rich culture of Egypt on an expedition to Cairo, Abu Simbel, Aswân, and Luxor. Experience the excitement of a lively bazaar, sail a traditional felucca, and come face-to-face with mummies as you delve into the history and mythology of ancient Egypt.

Venture to fabled lands crisscrossed for centuries by camel caravans making a brisk trade in salt, silk, ivory, gems, and precious metals. In Mali, explore legendary Timbuktu and drink tea with nomadic Tuaregs. In Egypt, encounter the monumental achievements of great pharaohs at Luxor, or fly deep into the Western Desert to experience an ancient way of life that still thrives at Sîwa Oasis. In Jordan, step through the sacred halls of the great city of Petra. In India, behold the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal. And in Bhutan, experience the spectacular sweep of this tiny Himalayan kingdom and uncover a fascinating Buddhist culture little changed by time.

Chihuahuan Desert vegetation—bunchgrasses, creosote bushes, cactuses, lechuguillas, yuccas, sotols, and more—covers most of the terrain. But the Rio Grande and its lush floodplains and steep, narrow canyons form almost a park of their own. So do the Chisos Mountains; up to 20 degrees cooler than the desert floor, they harbor pine, juniper, and oak, as well as deer, mountain lions, bears, and other wildlife. A heavy rain transforms the desert: Normally dry creek beds roar with water, and seeds long dormant burst into fields of wildflowers.