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Devour HK’s best dim sum
Dim sum is a quintessential Hong Kong experience that should not be missed. Start with the best at three-Michelin-starred Lung King Heen, located inside the Four Seasons, which will spoil you with waterfront views and the city’s best char siu (barbecued pork). Another high-end option, Seventh Son , has a cult following among local chefs and gourmets, not to mention exceptional siu mai (prawn and pork dumplings) and har gow (prawn dumplings). Madame Fu at Tai Kwun does a glamorous free-flow dim sum menu, so you can sample all the best hits in an artsy environment. Meanwhile, Sun Hing Restaurant offers a taste of tradition. Crammed and charmingly chaotic, this tiny no-frills diner in Kennedy Town pumps out fresh shrimp dumplings, rice rolls, and oozy egg yolk custard buns at dizzying speeds. Sun Hing is walk-in only, but reservations are essential at the rest.

Shop for porcelain at Yuet Tung China Works
This is no ordinary ceramics shop. Established in 1928, Yuet Tung China Works was Hong Kong’s first and last hand-painted porcelain factory. Once you step into the warehouse, located on the third floor of the utilitarian Kowloon Bay Industrial Building, you’ll understand why it’s so special. In this treasure trove of fine china, you’ll ever so carefully tip-toe through the densely packed shelves stacked perilously high with vases, planters, lamp bases, tea sets, plates, and bowls in a range of styles from monochrome jade hues to intricate floral patterns. As a bonus, you can usually see the painters at work and order a bespoke creation (which ships in about three months) that will always remind you of Hong Kong.

Hike to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery
Hidden in the forested hills of Sha Tin, a residential neighborhood about 20 minutes northeast of Central by car, this quirky cultural site tallies more than 12,000 Buddha statues. But first, you’ll have to find it. Ask your driver to drop you off at the end of Sheung Wo Che Road by the rickety metal fence, where a cement path weaves through a bamboo grove. When you reach a steep staircase, head up, up, up to reach the temple grounds. Along the way, hundreds of laughing, thinking, and lounging gold arhats (individuals who have reached enlightenment) glimmer in the sun while mischievous monkeys scamper overhead and underfoot. At the top, a crimson columbarium is adorned with thousands of miniature gold Buddhas, each marking the final resting spot of cremated remains, plus temples, pavilions, a nine-story pagoda, and great views of the countryside.

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Go on a brewery crawl
When Alaskan Brewing Co. opened in 1986, it was one of the first craft breweries in the country. Today, it is also one of the largest by volume. And while you can likely buy its potables at home, it’s worth pulling up a bar stool at its Juneau tasting room, where there’s always a selection of beers found nowhere else, including pours from their Rough Drafts and Barrel-Aged series. Afterward, check out the rest of the home-grown libations scene including Barnaby Brewing Company, which tends to be more playful (they used edible glitter in one of their sours) and Amalga Distillery, whose Juneauper Gin is made from locally sourced ingredients including Devil's Club, Labrador Tea, and rhubarb. Insider tip: If Sitka spruce tips are listed as an ingredient, get it. They impart a mellow pine and raspberry flavor.

Dine on fresh seafood
Don’t let Tracy’s King Crab Shack proximity to the cruise ship terminal deter you—this dockside joint isn’t a tourist trap. In fact, it serves up some of the most reasonably priced (and unreasonably tasty) seafood in the 49th state, much of which was pulled from the surrounding waterways by local crabbers. The sweet and meaty king crab legs are the reason there’s typically a line out the door, but the snow and Dungeness crab are worth donning a bib for too. It’s also worth ordering the homemade crab bisque and an extra side of garlic rolls. If you want to do as the locals do, you can instead beeline for Shack 2 (which is literally a shack at 300 Whittier Street). The food is the same but it’s always less crowded and it’s served al fresco.

Learn about Indigenous culture
Indigenous people have lived in Alaska since time immemorial and one of the best places to learn about their history is the Alaska State Museum. It does an excellent job of explaining what Alaska has looked like through different groups' eyes over the last few thousand years, through traditional artwork, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. There’s also the Sealaska Heritage Institute, where it’s possible to see a full-scale replica of a clan house and a sprawling exhibit on tribal masks. Finally, there’s the one-mile-long Kooteeyaa Deiyi (totem trail), with 12 poles, each telling a different story, that line the seawalk.

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Chase waterfalls during a Hindu purification ceremony
Bali’s waterfalls are legendary, but then again so are its omnipresent temples. The best of both can be found at the otherworldly and little-known temple Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala (Abuan, Susut, Bangli Regency), a 90-minute drive north of Ubud open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Studded with more than a dozen unique shrines, intricately carved sculptures and water spouts, and misty natural falls, the holy Hindu site winds around the meeting point of two rivers and smells of persistently burning incense. Ringing bells and chanting add to the ambiance. For a small donation, a local guide from Sala village leads adventurous, sarong-clad visitors through a very wet and very beautiful melukat purification ceremony, which involves ritualistic washing, meditation, and wish making. Bliss is not guaranteed, but it’s likely.  

Experience the holistic work of a Balinese healer
Shaman, miracle worker, witch doctor, mystic, high priestess—there are many names attributed to Bali’s traditional healers, called balian. Historically they are holistic village doctors with a side of spirituality. In and around Ubud, many treat locals’ and foreigners’ ailments, both physical and emotional. Djik Dewa, a healer who uses Kundalini energy, is found at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Book at least one week in advance for his multi-sensory treatment, which might include chanting, light massage, and some intense eye contact all in the quest to reactivate and balance the chakras. Another option: Papa Nyoman, a compassionate yet painfully strong reflexologist who tends to walk-ins at his family’s Sandat Bali Ubud homestay, no appointment needed (WhatsApp +62 361 971 138). 

Cook with a Buddha-like Balinese teacher 
There are hundreds of local cooking classes in Bali but one, at a private family compound in the village of Keliki, feels like cooking with the Buddha himself. The halcyon demeanor and wisdom of Dewa Sudiasa—who leads private culinary experiences complete with tours of his vast home garden—elevates his well above the rest. While chopping, squeezing, and stirring alongside the sage cook at his open-air kitchen’s large round wood table, Dewa speaks quietly on topics ranging from philosophy and nature to family dynamics. This mindful process and environment somehow makes his healthful, seasonal Balinese feast with dishes such as tempe manis, corn fritters, and tum, a banana leaf–wrapped chicken dish, even more delicious or, in Indonesian, mantap—a word expressing the highest praise. 
 

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Leap from a floating sauna in the heart of town
You needn’t be above the Arctic Circle to try a polar plunge in Norway. The wellness trend of a hot soak followed by a cold dip is on full display in the middle of Ålesund at Svai Sauna, where locals and visitors stroll a gangway to reach a floating sauna heated to around 176 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s just the warm-up you might need to take a fjord leap after you’ve sweated out all those toxins. (During summer, the water temperature hovers in the 50s). The saunas can be booked for private use, but it’s more fun to rock up for a public session and follow the lead of the locals. (Everyone wears swimsuits, so there’s no need to be shy.)  

Spend a lazy day at Godøy Island
Subsea tunnels connecting mainland Norway to some of its many islands are among the country’s most impressive engineering marvels. You’ll travel through a 12,612-foot-long one to reach beautiful and sparsely populated Godøy Island, just four square miles in size and dominated by the 1,630-foot-high peak of Mount Storhornet. About 25 minutes west of Ålesund, it’s a favorite spot for locals to spend a mellow Sunday. The ride is particularly scenic, crossing bridges and passing charming villages and farms, and you can stop off at long sandy beaches on Giske Island for a swim (the water is in the mid- to upper-50s Fahrenheit in July; locals dive right in, but wading is always an option). Once on Godøy, climb to the top of the red-and-white striped Alnes Lighthouse, which dates to 1876. Then relax with a slice of the special fyrkake (”lighthouse cake”) at the cafe inside the lighthouse visitor center—found only here, it has a crunchy base made of a digestive-style biscuit and is topped with lingonberry mousse. 

Reward yourself with a Svele pancake at the top of Mount Aksla
Ålesund’s “town mountain,” Mount Aksla, can be reached via taxi, a sightseeing train, or a 418-step climb from Ålesund’s town park, Byparken —all of which reward you with incredible views overlooking the city center and surrounding fjord. Even if you manage to climb only halfway on foot, the views of the surrounding emerald-green mountains and islands dotting the horizon are still spectacular. But it’s worth making it to the observation deck on top to reward yourself with a local treat called sveler at Fjellstua Cafe. The pancakes are folded with either jam and sour cream or the beloved Norwegian brown cheese called brunost (the latter has a sweet taste and is caramel in color). Ordering something from the cafe gets you access to its terrace, where even more jaw-dropping views await. To mix up the return, ask a local to point the way to the easy Vannspringdalen hike that follows a valley back to the city center and takes about 30 minutes. 
 

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Visit Önundarfjörður Pier on the way to Dynjandi
Dynjandi is one of those natural landmarks everyone should see when they’re in the area. Local lore tells a story of supernatural beings living in each of the falls (there are seven total) and it’s easy to believe once you set eyes on the hypnotizing free fall—the largest in the Westfjords. Located 50 minutes south of Ísafjörður, there’s one pit stop you’ll must make on your way to the waterfall: the white sand beach at Önundarfjörður Pier. Iceland may be known for its swaths of black sand, but this nook looks like it belongs in a much warmer climate. More often than not, you’ll have the pier and surrounding beach to yourself, offering a rare opportunity to gaze at the mountains and bay without any distractions. When you arrive at Dynjandi, make the most of the multiple viewing platforms (it’s a 30-minute journey from the parking lot to the top at a stroller’s pace) and be sure to wear a water-resistant layer if it’s windy; more often than not, a fine mist will find its way to you. 

Try cod tongue at Tjöruhúsið
You’ll hear locals and visitors alike make one recommendation when it comes to dinnertime—the fresh fish at Tjöruhúsið—but their lunch buffet is not to be missed. Atlantic Wolffish topped with capers and mushrooms, cod tongue in garlic butter, pan-fried plaice with cayenne and cherry tomato, and more fill the serving station alongside a variety of salads and potato dishes. The food checks a major box but the booming, podcast-ready voice of the owner, Haukur Magnusson, guiding you through the meal is an excellent ice breaker, fostering conversation among seatmates. Email tjoruhusid@gmail.com to reserve a spot at one of the communal tables at least a week in advance during the summer months; the energy is infectious and the waiting list is proof.

Go ‘bird watching’ in Flateyri
If you fancy yourself an ornithologist, you’ll love flaneuring through the nearby town of Flateyri. Since a tragic avalanche in 1995, the area—which has a population of fewer than 300 compared to Ísafjörður’s 2,700—has become a beacon for creatives. One of them is Jean Larson, an American-born artist who has painted 13 regional birds in murals on buildings and homes throughout the village. There is a physical map you can pick up in any of the restaurants or shops, but you could just as easily wander the streets searching for Arctic tern and eider duck on your own. While you’re out and about, check out The Old Bookstore, a family-run purveyor of new and secondhand books since 1914. The back half of the building is the original apartment of Jón Eyjólfsson, the founder, and his wife, Guðrún Arnbjarnardóttir. Ask the current owner, Eythor Jóvonsson, about the vintage comic books his mom used to thumb through growing up here.  
 

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Come up short(s)
Apart from the mysterious Triangle, Bermuda is arguably most famous for its shorts. Dating from the early 1900s (when they were worn by the British military), today they’re a staple of Bermudian men’s attire, worn for business with long socks, a button-down shirt and jacket, or, more casually, with loafers sans socks. You can find them in many stores but stylish locals favor styles from TABS in Hamilton, where they’re available in a spectrum of pastel and primary colors. Take your pick but make sure to try before you buy: a 1950 law mandates they be worn no more than three inches above the knee. 

Travel through time
It takes discipline to forgo the siren call of a rum swizzle in favor of a walking tour. But trust us, seeing St. George’s with Bermudian entrepreneur Kristin White, whose lively lunchtime rambles offer a glimpse into the fascinating 400-year history of Bermuda’s first capital, is worth the effort. In 90 minutes you’ll explore the centuries-old stone cottages and narrow streets of this charming village, as Kristin reveals the largely unknown stories of enslaved and immigrant Black Bermudians and their contributions to the island’s culture and commerce. By the end of the stroll, Kristin just might share her favorite places to enjoy a well-earned rum swizzle. (Tours are offered twice-weekly on varying days; lock in your spot at least two weeks ahead at longstoryshort.life.)

Sip a spot of tea
Nowhere is Bermuda’s British heritage more evident than in the custom of afternoon tea, which is still very much a thing on the Atlantic island. While most teas are served on weekdays, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club offers what is arguably the island’s best known afternoon tea service service each Saturday afternoon, so consider slipping into something “smart casual” and stopping by. Finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and preserves accompany the impressive lineup of teas, which includes one the resort says was Princess Diana’s favorite, a blend of Indian and Chinese black tea and rose petals called Rose Congou.  
 

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Grab lunch at Restaurant Pandeli inside the Spice Bazaar
Istanbul’s 500-year-old Grand Bazaar is such a bountiful shopping experience you could spend an entire port day there and barely scratch the surface. After combing the stores of local artisans, or “usta,” for hand-woven kilims and delicate gold jewelry, make your way to the iconic blue-tiled Pandeli inside the nearby Egyptian Bazaar, known for its spices, which has been serving classic Turkish cuisine (think succulent roast lamb with rice, smoky grilled eggplant, and oven-baked quince) for more than a century. What began as a humble köfte stand is now a culinary icon, and its legacy remains unwavering—in fact, Michelin awarded it Bib Gourmand in 2022. Make sure to book a table a few weeks ahead of time. 

Soak at a hammam
Cleansing oneself at a hammam is a requisite part of Istanbul life, and while there are plenty to choose from there are certain spots that are worth bookmarking above others. One such place is Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Karakoy, just a stone’s throw from Galataport. Built between 1578 and 1580 by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the bathhouse was originally designed to serve the mariners who dwelled in this seafront district. The painstakingly renovated space is magnificent, featuring massive curved domes, smooth marble, and original mosaics. Steam yourself or indulge in a traditional hammam treatment (a steam bath plus scrub), just as generations of Istanbulites have done for centuries. Note: The hammam is open to women between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and men from 4.45 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Explore the charming Çukurcuma neighborhood
Çukurcuma, within the district of Beyoğlu, is beloved for its winding cobblestone streets, early 20th-century architecture, and rows of antique shops. If you're interested in shopping for kilims, the classic woven carpets ubiquitous in Turkey, make your way to A La Turca House, a four-story, late-19th-century home piled high with them. Browse hundreds of rugs in myriad patterns and colors—all of which have been personally sourced and painstakingly restored by owner Erkal Aksoy. (Even better: Prices are fixed so you won’t have to navigate as much haggling as you would in the Grand Bazaar.) Afterwards, head to the Museum of Innocence, the literary haunt founded by Nobel Prize-winning Turkish author Orhan Pamuk. The eccentric space was created in coordination with his novel of the same name, but you needn’t have read one to understand the other. An ode to Istanbul, it’s filled with glass cases displaying black and white photos, old movie posters, and all sorts of knick knacks gathered from across the city. Use the audio guide to get lost in Pamuk’s semi-fictional world, and don’t leave without stopping by the bookshop, which sells both his novels and other writings inspired by the city. 
 

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Skip the restaurant and go trucking
Head to the food trucks, or roulottes as they’re called here, for a cheap and cheerful alfresco dinner. They’re scattered around the island but one popular spot to scout them is Place Vai'ete (Vai’ete Square) by the Papeete waterfront, where the grills fire up at 6 p.m. daily. Pizza and burgers are always options, but the Tahitian-Chinese roulettes tell a fuller story of the island’s unique cultural cuisine — influenced by French colonization and Chinese immigration in the 1800s. Chez Foung Yune and Roulotte Kim serve fusion dishes such as poisson cru à la Chinoise (a Chinese variation of the classic poisson cru with rice vinegar and ginger) and ma’a tinito, a combination of pork, beans, and macaroni. 

Visit the Notre Dame of Papeete
A stroll around downtown Papeete reveals a long, storied history via its colorful colonial architecture — from Spanish explorers in the 16th century to British and French missionaries in the 1800s, which coincided with French colonization and Chinese immigration. See landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, town hall, and the bustling 155-year-old Papeete Market, where you can pick up affordable souvenirs, all manner of street food, and fresh tropical fruits. If visiting on Sunday, peek inside the peach-hued Protestant Church of Paofai on the waterfront to observe the Sunday service; churchgoers dress their best and sing in acapella harmony. For a wonderful self-guided walking tour, download the GPS My City app to your smartphone before setting out.

Swim with reef sharks
Take an easy 45-minute ferry to the verdant island of Moorea, a naturalist’s paradise with lush mountains, jagged peaks, and a spectacular lagoon ringed with a teeming coral reef. Opt for an intimate boat tour with Voila Moorea, a family-run tour operator with a small sailing catamaran, Taboo. With just eight guests, expect to sail the lagoon, snorkel with reef sharks and stingrays (of which there are many), and explore the underwater volcanic stone tiki sculptures by local artist Tihoti Guy. Easily done in a day, you’ll be back in Papeete in time for dinner. Book online in advance, and if possible, call or text a day before to confirm pick-up and drop off from the ferry terminals.  
 

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Tour Villa Medici, the French Academy in Rome
High up on the Pincio Hill, just a few minutes’ walk from the Spanish Steps, Villa Medici is one of the most spectacular Renaissance villas in Rome. Originally built in the 16th century, it gets its name from its erstwhile owner Cardinal Fernando de’ Medici, grand duke of Tuscany, but was transformed into the French Academy in Rome by Napoleon in 1803. It hosts exhibitions and cultural events, but the only surefire way to see it is to join a guided tour of the historic rooms and gardens. Tours cost €14 and are offered in English at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. every day except Tuesday.

Eat the Best Carbonara in Rome
If the Eternal City had a signature dish it would be carbonara—the creamy pasta sauce made with silky beaten eggs, salty pecorino romano, and crunchy bits of guanciale (pork jowl). And in a city with fierce competition for the best carbonara, there are three restaurants that vie for the title. If you’re keen to venture to San Giovanni to see what the young, rising star chef Sarah Cicolini is cooking up, book a table at Santo Palato, where she serves a superlative carbonara and other classic Roman dishes with a twist. For the quintessential Roman trattoria experience, line up for a table at the family-run Da Enzo al 29 on the edge of Trastevere, which adheres strictly to the traditional recipe. Or book well in advance to try the unctuous spaghetti carbonara at beloved classic Roscioli Salumeria Con Cucina by Campo de’ Fiori.

Stroll Rome’s best (semi-secret) shopping street
The area around the Spanish Steps is Rome’s most upscale shopping district, famously stuffed with designer stores from all the biggest names in fashion. For Rome’s best independent boutiques, head instead to Via di Monserrato near Campo de’ Fiori. This cobblestoned street is a hub for artists and artisans like Gilbert Halaby, a Lebanese painter and designer who sells boldly colored leather bags at Maison Halaby and paints at a studio across the street; Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla, the husband-and-wife team behind cult concept shop Chez Dédé, which sells stylish bags of their own design, T-shirts featuring Ferolla’s illustrations, books, and vintage jewelry; and Soledad Twombly, who curates an eclectic collection of clothes, jewelry, and home décor at L’Archivio di Monserrato. Finish it all off with wine at the bar in the Pierluigi and fabulous seafood al fresco at private culinary experiences.
 

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Drink local at the island’s oldest bar
St. Barts has no shortage of upscale cocktail bars and celebrity chef-helmed restaurants, but one spot that hasn’t lost its luster over the past 75 years is Le Select, in the heart of Gustavia. A popular place for locals to catch up after work or a day at the beach, the no-frills bar embodies the Caribbean’s laid-back feel. The menu is pure pub fare (think chicken wings and fried calamari), but the cheeseburgers are a crowd favorite — especially paired with an ice-cold Carib Lager or rum punch at one of the picnic tables on the shaded terrace.

Take a plunge in les piscines naturelles
The Instagram-famous shots of swimmers casually floating in jade-colored coves have glamorized one of the island’s most elusive features: les piscines naturelles. Shielded behind rocks and filled as each wave rolls in, the natural pools aren’t the easiest to reach — or find. You’ll want to enlist the help of Carole Pernelle, a hiking guide who can navigate the 30-minute coastal trek at Petit Cul-de-Sac on the eastern edge of the island (these pools are just for admiring from afar, though) or Grand Fond’s swimmable series of pools dubbed the “Washing Machine.” Since the path isn’t clearly defined, and urchins abound, sneakers or water shoes are a must.

Savor fresh lobster at La Langouste
Flamands Bay’s most talked-about resident may be Cheval Blanc St–Barth, and, with Michelin-starred French chef Jean Imbert behind the menu at fine-dining restaurant La Case, we certainly understand why. But it’s worth slipping off your sandals and walking further down the shore to the more tucked-away La Langouste, whose name should give you a hint at the house specialty. The Creole-accented menu is dominated by local spiny lobster, grilled fresh from the tank and served alongside a trio of Chef Michel Lefèvre’s signature sauces. Deemed the best lobster on the island by locals, the casual beachside restaurant is a go-to for lunch — and a welcome break from the haute hotspots.

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Enjoy an art-fueled lunch in Retiro
La Carnicería steakhouse in Palermo has long championed the traceability of grass-fed beef; its sister restaurant, Los Jardines de las Barquín, shares that philosophy but with grains. Just a short walk from the port, the recently opened eatery is tucked into the Andalusian gardens at the Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernández Blanco — which means your al fresco lunch will be accompanied by towering palms and birdsong. The museum’s impressive collection spans neo-viceregal silver and cusqueño works; after getting your fill of Hispanic art, load up on green barley risotto with fresh spinach, fava beans, and peas paired with a glass of skin-contact orange wine from Uco Valley, Mendoza.

Share a great yarn in San Telmo
To browse contemporary knitwear with a conscience, head to Ursa Textiles, an Argentine project that was inspired by women hand-spinning Merino wool at an annual sheep shearing contest in Patagonia. Designer and U.S. transplant Elizabeth Gleeson vowed to start working her way through this wool, yard by yard, but casting and purling eluded her. A fortuitous meeting with an all-women knitting collective from Barrio Mujica, the former shantytown, proved fruitful for everyone. A decade later, the group continues to stitch vibrant bespoke items such as bubblegum-pink cardigans and pastel midi dresses, putting a fresh spin on winter woolies available at the Ursa showroom. Email hola@ursatextiles.com to make an appointment.

Tango for two in Almagro
Tango is like oxygen in this city, but it can be hard to know where to start breathing it. The Almagro neighborhood is the place. Take inspiration from the Carlos Gardel mural on the corner of Anchorena and Zelaya streets before popping into his former home turned museum. Get your footwork fancy down in a group class at La Catedral milonga, a dance hall with a live DJ. Traveling solo? Book a tango taxi, or dance partner paid by the hour, with whom to try a few rounds on the dancefloor, then wind down at El Boliche de Roberto, a bar notable frequented by musicians whose mournful melodies always pack out this tiny, authentic spot.

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Scope the city from on high (but with fewer crowds)
Taking the foot trail at Morro da Urca, the gateway to Sugarloaf Mountain, not only bypasses the touristy cable car queues, it rewards you with one of Rio’s most picturesque strolls. Accessible via Praia Vermelha, the path features staircases crafted from tree trunks and plenty of native wildlife, including white-tufted-ear marmosets and Rufous-bellied thrush. Stretching more than 700 meters above sea level, it offers an unforgettable view of Botafogo Beach; in the distance, Christ the Redeemer appears like a miniature action figure on the horizon. As the afternoon winds down, the cable car descent is complimentary.

Embark on a boteco crawl in Tijuca
Praça da Bandeira, in the Tijuca region, is a stronghold for Rio de Janeiro's most authentic botecos — the Brazilian take on a dive bar, complete with delicious, affordable food and a lively atmosphere. An afternoon spent bar hopping is an afternoon well spent: Start at Aconchego Carioca, famous for chef Kátia Barbosa’s feijoada dumplings (fritters stuffed with beans, collard greens, and bacon), followed by Bar da Frente, where the standout dish is the porco de quimono, a Japanese-style spring roll filled with succulent pork rib. End your exploration at Noo Cachaçaria, a bar boasting hundreds of bottles of cachaça and an incredible cucuruqui, a crispy tapioca fritter blended with cheese and smoked sausage.

Browse one of the most beautiful libraries on earth
Amidst Rio’s many historic buildings, the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading on Rua de Camões stands out for its vibrant Manueline-style architecture, the only example of Portuguese late Gothic in the city. It’s even more beautiful on the inside, housing a staggering collection of 350,000 leather-bound books including rarities, manuscripts, and digitized periodicals. Established in 1837 by Portuguese immigrants, the sanctuary forms the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal. With dimly lit shelves, walls adorned with multicolored book spines, and narrow shafts of light beaming from vaulted ceilings, the library makes for a scene reminiscent of Hogwarts — or maybe an M.C. Escher drawing.

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Visit an offbeat cultural park
It’s off the usual tourist trail, but retro Haw Par Villa is worth a cab ride for its eye-opening take on Chinese culture and folklore. Part museum, part theme park, the sprawling 21-acre space is filled with more than 1,000 bizarre statues and dioramas that teach Confucius values through Chinese mythology. Opened in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw, a philanthropist better known as the founder of the herbal ointment Tiger Balm, the park has seen a revival in recent years due to a change in management and new offerings such as overnight camping. Don’t miss its centerpiece: The Hell’s Museum with its ‘10 Courts of Hell,’ a macabre exhibition that delivers a graphic look at sin and punishment. 

Go birding at an architectural marvel
Singapore is known as the Garden City, but it’s tough to grasp just how lush it is from street level. At Henderson Waves, the country’s highest pedestrian bridge at 120 feet above ground (and a 30-minute walk from Singapore Cruise Centre), you can observe wildlife like tropical songbirds and long-tailed macaques, and enjoy sweeping views of the island. In the evenings, the entire platform is illuminated in soft LED lighting, giving the area a romantic vibe. Panoramas aside, the bridge itself is an architectural stunner, with voluptuous curves made of native Balau wood that echo the natural environment, and plenty of shaded spots to rest and admire the landscape.

Taste flavors unique to the Lion City
For a fine-dining experience that truly represents Singapore and its surrounding region, book a table at Seroja or Restaurant Fiz —two young restaurants with passionate chefs who are dedicating themselves to elevating ingredients from the Malay Archipelago. Even if you’ve eaten all over the world, the food—like Seroja’s barbecued duck with crispy rice from a remote Borneo tribe or Fiz’s delicate blood clams swathed in peanut sambal—is sure to surprise and delight. At Seroja, you can also choose to pair your meal with non-alcoholic beverages made in-house with the restaurant’s fruit and vegetable scraps. Go for it, because every drink is a progressive adventure in flavor. Reservations at both restaurants, which can be made on their websites, are essential. 

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Break for lunch at a rustic hotspot
Chef Martin Louzao helped elevate San Juan’s dining scene in recent years with a duo of high-concept restaurants, Cocina Abierta and Oriundo. His latest venture, Café Caleta, a small tavern with countryside vibes, has an enticing international menu featuring French-style slow-cooked lamb, Japanese tamagoyaki eggs, and Argentinian beef empanadas. Local flavors shine as well: Don’t miss the Mallorca sandwich, made with a beloved Puerto Rican sweet bread (a recipe that was adapted from Spain’s ensaïmada pastry) filled with country ham, locally produced Ausubal cheese, tomato, and chives. The cafe spills into a charming cobblestoned street in Old San Juan, just steps away from the city’s main cathedral, the Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista.

Buy a custom hat
Old San Juan is filled with unremarkable souvenir shops, yet hidden among them is the one-of-a-kind Olé, a highly regarded maker of Panama hats and woven fedoras. Its owners have been perfecting their craft since 1977, and you will often see the founder’s daughters, Ingrid and Christinne Jeffs, at work at the back of the narrow space, adjusting the circumference of a hat on a special mold, or adding one of dozens of fabric trims. The women are known to wax poetic about headwear, explaining that most of their models are woven by hand in Ecuador, a process that can take months, then finished on-site. Past customers include David Spade, Carlos Santana, and Mick Jagger.

See contemporary Caribbean art
Set in a handsome neoclassical building with doric columns and arched windows, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR) is the largest museum in the Caribbean — and arguably the most compelling. Its sleek white-walled galleries hold art dating back to the 17th century; standouts from the permanent collection include contemporary pieces by Puerto Rican artists such as Carlos Dávila-Rinaldi, whose pop-art paintings explore themes like violence and racism, and Rafael Trelles, who paints fantastical scenes to illustrate humanity’s fragmented sense of reality. After your visit, spend some time in the 2.5-acre garden in the back, dotted with sculptures and lush autochthonous trees.

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Explore native flora at the Botanic Gardens
With no time to properly lace up your boots and explore the Daintree Rainforest, which is about two hours from Cairns, the Botanic Gardens is the next best thing. Almost 90 acres, the sprawling outdoor green space is a microcosm of the world’s oldest living rainforest, with landscaped gardens displaying not just native Australian flora but plants from around the world that relish a similarly steamy climate (carnivorous venus fly traps, the Cooktown orchid from Queensland). Get there by 10 a.m. to join a free walking tour and make sure to visit the Tank Art Centre, a contemporary arts facility housed in three converted World War II naval oil storage tanks inside the commons.

Try a ’roo sandwich at Guyala
Founded by Oliver James, who kickstarted the local specialty coffee scene back in 2009 with his laneway joint Caffiend, Guyala is a spacious and breezy café at Cairns North. Located toward the end of the Esplanade, it’s an all-day cafe serving crowd-pleasing dishes with a tropical north spin. Try an Aussie ‘roo-ben’ sandwich made from kangaroo loin; the smashed avocado on toast served with indigenous finger limes, lemon myrtle, macadamia, and coconut dukkah; or the ever-popular chili crab omelets made with local banana flower and palm heart slaw. Excellent coffee goes without saying.

Sip some local spirits at Wolf Lane Distillery
Behind a set of heavy doors, in an unassuming laneway in the heart of the CBD, you’ll find Wolf Lane Distillery, a surprisingly bright and light micro-distillery. Pop in for a quick tasting and to learn how the gin is distilled, and see if you can identify the flavors of the region (sticky-sweet mango, Davidson plum and pepper-berry,) before leaving with some souvenir bottles. If time permits, head across the lane to the dimly lit Three Wolves cocktail joint for some boozy home-grown drinks shaken and stirred by dapper bartenders.

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Dine at India’s best restaurant
Call ahead for a table at the Mumbai chapter of Indian Accent — ranked the country’s no. 1 restaurant three times over in Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Restaurant Awards. Chef Rijul Gulati serves a modern take on India’s finest culinary traditions, playing with form and flavor to plate one surprise after another. From the spicy Kanyakumari crab to the dal moradabadi to the warm doda treacle tart (born of a wrestler’s diet), each dish comes with a backstory that gives you a peek into the country and its culture. We recommend the tasting menu for the best experience and to make sure there is no FOMO; email reservations.mum@indianaccent.com or call +91-2235251500 to book.

See the catch of the day come in
Wake up before the sun and head to the Sassoon Dock, about 15 minutes from the port, to soak up the sounds and smells of one of the city’s busiest fishing docks. By the time you get there, dozens of boats and trawlers will be emptying their bounty — giving you front-row access to the morning’s auctions. You will be jostling for elbow room with fishmongers, gulls, and cats—everyone trying to get their share of the catch before the market dissolves by 8 a.m. With Mumbai’s favorite pomfret, seerfish, mackerel, crabs, octopus, rays, and tuna rolling in, this is a photographer’s delight.

Experience maximalist India at the country’s top atelier
Enter the dazzling world of India’s master couturier, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, at his opulent flagship store in Fort, the heritage district of Mumbai. The four-story atelier is decked out with Tanjore paintings, Venetian chairs, rare lithographs, and bronze and fine China — but it’s all a mere backdrop for Sabyasachi’s exquisite embroidered Indian wear. Not ready to splash out on a $10,000 zardozi outfit? The boutique also sells off-the-rack jewelry, bags, belts, and shawls, and anyone is welcome to stroll through and sip tea while soaking up this cultural extravaganza.

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Tuck into a fountain-side feast
Some of the priciest—and most overrated—restaurants in Dubai are those that promise a prime vantage point over the fountains at the base of the Burj Khalifa, where a dazzling illuminated show brings the plumes of water to life every half hour in the evenings. But there’s no need to resign yourself to a mediocre meal in pursuit of a good view. The city’s Time Out Market has assembled Dubai’s most beloved bites—the chicken katsu sando at Reif’s, Mattar’s brisket grilled cheese, behemoth slices of “Kelvin cake” at Little Juns, and Masti’s burrata butter chicken among them—on the third floor of Downtown Dubai’s Souk Al Bahar, with a balcony that promises the best view of the gyrating fountains below.

Glimpse the future
The Museum of the Future opened to much fanfare in early 2022, and tickets can still book out weeks in advance. But the best thing about this distinctive torus-shaped building is, frankly, the exterior, with its oval silhouette clad in Emirati artist Matar Bin Lahej’s calligraphy of poems by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In order to maximize your time, give the lines a miss and instead take in the striking façade from a sky-high perch at Monkey Bar, a lush rooftop aerie crowning the nearby 25Hours hotel. Settle into a domed rattan couch with playful drinks like a banana Old Fashioned or an espresso martini with pineapple rum, and take in a view of the Future from above.

Spend an evening amid the dunes
For all its man-made wonders, Dubai is still a city that rose from the desert—and the dunes are mere minutes from the skyscrapers. While there is no shortage of packaged tour options that take visitors dune bashing, we’re partial to the more sophisticated sunset experience at Nara Camp, 45 minutes from the port. Take a camel out for a spin, try your hand at archery and sandboarding, have a few puffs of a shisha, and watch a thrilling fire show before settling in for a three-course dinner with global flair—gazpacho on papad toast; baba ganoush with sumac-crusted croutons; grilled prawns with lemon, olives, and coriander; and black Angus tagliata with chimichurri.

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Treat yourself to the best pizza in Italy
You are in Campania, after all, the region known for making the finest pies in the Boot. Instead of heading into Naples, which can raise even the most seasoned traveler’s blood pressure, make the pilgrimage to Pepe in Grani in the town of Caiazzo. One of the most inspired of all the Campanian pizzerias for offering the classics but with specialties all its own — try the La Scarpetta, layered with grana, buffalo mozzarella, and sauce made from three different types of tomatoes — the restaurant has been on the list for the best pizza in the world for years. (Yes, such a list exists, and yes, locals treat it like the Bible.) If you don’t feel like making the drive, Sorrento’s own Da Franco (Corso Italia 265; 39-0818772066) is also a knockout, with tasty, well-priced Neapolitan-style pies, cold beer, and a cool local vibe.

Stretch those sea legs on a breathtaking hike
Most people think of the pleasures of the Mediterranean in this part of the world, but Sorrento is also blessed with one of the most beautiful national parks in Italy. Monti Lattari, which extends from Naples to Salerno and covers most of the Sorrento peninsula, includes the six-mile Sentiero degli Dei, or Trail of the Gods, which offers jaw-dropping views of the sea and villages lining the coast. The path starts at Bomerano, a hamlet of Agerola, or on the coast at Praiano, and ends in Positano, which can be hiked leisurely in about five to six hours including stops at places like the Convent of San Domenico with its spectacular bird’s eye view. Stellar local outfitter Scala and Trekking can show you the way.

Create your Italian look
While you may glimpse some of the bigger brand names in town, Sorrento’s still full of one-off shops and Italian labels with small edited collections. Among the musts: some sexy underpinnings from Intimissimi (Corso Italia 198A; 39-081-807-3457), sold at a fraction of the price as in the States; buttery soft cashmere from Falconeri (Corso Italia 124; 39-081-877-4812), perfect for cooler nights on board; chic overnight bags and linens at Casaross (Piazza San Antonino 7/8; 081-807-5684); and lotions and potions galore from Capri’s Carthusia (Corso Italia 117), which make great gifts for loved ones back home. For the truly retail obsessed, head to Positano’s Le Sirenuse Emporium (Via Cristoforo Colombo 103/105; 39-089-812-2026), the lovingly curated shop attached to the legendary hotel. Among the temptations: gorgeous tableware, handwoven caftans, and flowy silk dresses.