Travel’s benefits are immense: seeing the world and meeting its people enriches and inspires every traveler.
So, whether your passion is hang gliding from mountaintops, surveying contemporary art, or peacing out on a beach — there’s somewhere in this great, wide world to embrace it.
Here’s a look at 10 places to experience a variety of interests.
Beaches: Miami
Most travelers to Miami assume the only stretch of sand on which they can wiggle their toes is the busy (but still stunning) shores of South Beach. Though the masses flock to SoBe, it’s far from Miami’s only — or even best — coastline. Dig a little deeper to discover Miami’s most stunning beaches.
Some flock to the sandy shores of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for sunbathing, kayaking, biking, and picnicking, while those in the know explore the plethora of ecosystems supporting the wildlife at Crandon Park, and take a swim to its famed sandbar. For a beach with open ocean surf, gorgeous coastal vegetation, as well as a clothing optional section and a dog beach section, Haulover Beach is your scene.
Literature: Boston
Hotels, theaters, churches: it seems every building in Boston has a rich history, and many claim a storied literary past, as well. Once home to acclaimed writers Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and Henry David Thoreau, the city offers bibliophiles a varied selection of libraries, bookstores, and literary hot spots to peruse.
Declared a National Historic Landmark, the Boston Public Library‘s McKim building is a spectacular example of classical Renaissance Revival and Beaux Arts architecture. Meanwhile, the underground MIT Press Bookstore in Cambridge, run by the university press, offers a meticulously organized selection of books that are perfect for the tech- or science-minded reader.
Craft Beer: Beijing
A string of sophisticated microbreweries with stylish pubs is encouraging citizens and visitors of the Chinese capital to drink local.
For starters, check out Jing A Brewing’s all-natural brews, which have legions of fans around town. Or pay a visit to Great Leap Brewing, which operates four breweries in the city and draws on Chinese traditions and ingredients, such as Tieguanyin oolong tea, to produce one-of-a-kind brews.
Whisky: Edinburgh
The Scottish Gaelic word for whisky is uisge beatha, or “water of life,” so a trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without takin’ a dram (having a glass of whisky). Prepare your senses to sample the world´s finest blends and malts, sourced from Scotland, such as Laphroaig, Talisker, and Glenmorangie, in the beautiful and historical city.
Pay a visit to The Bow Bar, a traditional, popular pub with a cozy, old-school vibe. Its grand wooden gantry (bar shelving) is stocked with more than 310 single malts from across the Scottish mainland and islands. Meanwhile, in the heart of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, close to the castle, the whiskey bar, tasting room, and restaurant Whiski Rooms offers clientele a chance to sample different whiskies in classic surroundings.
Barbecue: Buenos Aires
Argentine barbecue, or asado, is both a distinct part of Argentinian social life and a cuisine — synonymous with huge amounts of delicious grilled meat, great red wine, and time spent chatting long after dinner with friends and family. Buenos Aires‘ dining scene is no exception to this tradition.
Dig in at La Brigada in San Telmo, one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. The walls are covered with soccer memorabilia, and the sheer pleasure that comes from watching a server cut the meat with a spoon makes it an obligatory stop when visiting the neighborhood. Or try Parilla Don Julio, one of the most lauded restaurants in the world, for excellent steaks cooked on the parilla (both a grill and a name for a steakhouse with one).
Photography: Zion National Park
There may be more than 63 national parks spread across the United States, but Zion National Park offers special sites distinct to the Southwest, with undulating rock formations and bold red hues set against bluebird skies.
In this grand environment, photographers are apt to pay attention to the fine details and stunning light across cavernous slot canyons and concealed petroglyphs. For experiencing natural beauty and snapping shots of stunning scenery, sunset silhouettes, and adventure activities, Zion is a photographer’s dream.
Nature: Tanzania
When you commit to going on safari, don’t settle for anything less than the best. In Tanzania, the wildlife viewing is so extraordinary that you’ll feel immersed in the environment at every turn.
Visitors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Great Migration, a year-round cycle split into phases in which millions of ungulates (animals including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles) give birth (in the Southeast of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania) and travel more than 497 miles between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, crossing many obstacles along the way.
It’s the circle of life in action (cue the “Lion King” theme song), and it’s possible to witness wildlife compete for food, mate, and give birth — is there a bucket list item more majestic?
Art: Rome
The Eternal City’s 3,000-plus years of history are visible every time you walk its streets — turn any corner and it seems an ancient ruin rises before you. But Rome‘s sidewalks are also dotted with more contemporary interests.
Take a quick break from the city’s ancient wonders and lean in to new museum and gallery initiatives — you may discover contemporary art as Rome’s newest wonder. Rome maintains its eternal vibe with a dynamic modern and contemporary art scene.
Live Music: Austin
If you like a little reggae with your punk rock or honky-tonk saddled up with your samba, The Live Music Capital of the World is calling.
Austin is packed with live music venues for local and touring artists, and plenty of exploration in the local music scene, because, as you know, Austin is proudly weird. It always comes back to the music in this town. In fact, you can barely get out of the airport without hearing a local artist performing.
Adventure: Calgary
Though Calgary is a cosmopolitan city with enough amazing architecture, art, bars, and restaurants to keep you entertained for a whole trip, it also has many unique adventurous attractions in its backyard.
With plenty of outdoor adventures, including five of Alberta’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, located just a short road trip away from the city, Calgary is an excellent base for these excursions at any time of year. From the lake-dotted Banff and Jasper National Parks (in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks) to the diverse glacial and mountainous environments in the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures.
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