1 / 12Fabric gnomesOn a trip to Finland in November 2017, Prince William received not one but two fabric gnomes from a member of the public. You can find all the lists of gifts the family has received on royal visits since 2016 on the official royal website. Technically, the gifts belong to the United Kingdom and not the royals themselves, though they can eat any food gifts and donate perishable presents worth less than £150 ($212) can go to charity or staff. Next, check out how much the British

Andaz Mayakoba Resort, Riviera Maya, MexicoThis exotic resort town in the eastern portion of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula offers white-sand beaches and scenic ruins—but step one foot in the lobby of the Andaz Mayakoba and you’ll be in for a jaw-dropping sight. Designed by renowned architect and Costa Rican native Ronald Zürcher, the lobby is draped with striking sculptural beams and features an open plan with a large, circular lake-like feature and oculus (a circular opening in the cen

Santa Teresa, Costa RicaSet on the southern tip of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Santa Teresa has unspoiled beaches, surf breaks, consistent 80-degree temps, and laid-back vibe. Beyond riding the waves and soaking up some sun, vacationers can destress with ocean-view yoga classes and holistic spa treatments. Hungry? It’s all about eating clean, a philosophy that comes to life through the many local seafood joints and fresh juice shops.If wellness is a priority, check out these retreats

Warsaw, PolandBetween its diverse architecture, cultural institutions, and green spaces, Poland’s ever-resilient capital packs a sightseeing punch. Stare Miasto (Old Town) was all but destroyed at the end of World War II, but thanks to restoration efforts in the 1970s, visitors can experience the fabled churches, squares, and monuments in all their glory. There are also dozens of noteworthy museums, from Warsaw Rising Museum to Copernicus Science Center. Lazienki Park has a manicured garde

Iyakei ValleyIyakei Valley is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets, but don’t expect it to stay that way for long. This remote area in the western part of Tokushima is an unspoiled natural paradise. Not for the faint of heart, the rocky gorges were traditionally, and continue to be, crossed by way of vine-made bridges, such as Iya no Kazurabashi, a 148-foot long six-and-a-half-foot wide overpass, suspended 50 feet above the Iya River. If all that sounds more thrilling than terrifying, yo

Machu Picchu, PeruMachu Picchu is South America’s most iconic archaeological site. Situated high in the Andes, above the Sacred Valley, the sprawling mountaintop ruins of the ancient Inca civilization draw millions of visitors each year. Built in 1450 and abandoned a century later, the mysterious citadel continues to intrigue with its mortar-free construction—temples, towers, terraces, walls, and ceremonial stones. June through August is peak season, so plan accordingly. Looking for more t

Disney Magic, Western CaribbeanFive-night cruise from Miami: On select sailings in February, March, and April, Disney’s original ship will be offering their “Marvel Day at Sea,” with costume parades, superhero drawing lessons, video games, and a comic book library. The day culminates in a deck party with fireworks for everyone and, later, a “Guardians of the Galaxy” dance party for grown-ups. Prep for your trip with Walt Disney’s most inspiring quotes.ⓘ

Cape Town, South AfricaCape Town is a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, flavors, and landscapes. The magnificent, flat-topped Table Mountain may be the star—and one of the most stunning hiking trails in the world—but it’s far from the only scenic spot. Case in point: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Point Nature Reserve, and Green Point Urban Park. Of course, the Mother City is more than natural beauty, it’s also steeped in history. Bo-Kaap is dotted with colorful fac

1 / 10Málaga, SpainBarcelona and Madrid have long enjoyed time in the limelight, but now Malaga is finally having its moment. Bookings are up 164 percent over last year, according to American Express Travel data. This seaside city on Spain’s southern coast scores points for its diverse architecture—Baroque-style cathedrals, Roman monuments, and Moorish citadels—Mediterranean cuisine, and authentic Andalucian feel. Of course, you can’t talk about Málaga without mentioning its prodigal

High energy: Buenos Aires, ArgentinaYou’ve been called the energizer bunny. You have two speeds: On and off (and the latter is a rarity). Buenos Aires has the non-stop action you crave. With its splendid architecture, colorful street art, cultural attractions, delicious dining scene, and famously vibrant nightlife—from swanky lounges to milongas (tango halls)—there’s never a dull moment in this lively city. That’s why it’s on the list of increasingly popular travel destin

Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDubai welcomed a whopping 15.79 million tourists in 2017. While the “City of Gold” may be synonymous with grandeur, it goes beyond towering skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa, massive malls, and mega-resorts. This under-the-radar wellness mecca offers action-packed excursions in the Arabian Desert and Hatta Mountains, extensive bike paths, free yoga at Dubai Marina, and world-class spas to relax and rejuvenate. Health-conscious travelers will also love these

TokyoCosmopolitan, clean, and visually striking, Tokyo is an urban paradise—a confluence of past and present with a mix of gleaming skyscrapers, imperial palaces, and ancient shrines. Spend your days exploring world-class museums, heritage sites, and Japanese pop culture in Harajuku, and your nights belting out karaoke in Shibuya or slogging back soju at pint-sized pubs in Golden Gai. It’s no secret that Tokyo is a gastronomic powerhouse with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any othe

UbudUbud—made famous in the book Eat, Pray, Love—is downright blissful. The upland town is a haven of traditional arts, spirituality, and wellness with yoga centers, holistic spas (the perfect place to indulge in a Balinese massage), organic eateries, and galleries galore. It’s also a treasure trove of tranquil beauty, from terraced rice paddies and lush hillsides to Hindu temples and rock-cut shrines. Health-focused travelers will love these wellness retreats. Jakarta Indonesia’s ca

Not reading online reviewsBefore you book every last tour, excursion, and experience, Elizabeth Blasi, travel expert and blogger, recommends taking the extra time to comb through reviews on popular travel sites before you click “book.” She explains that while many sites like Expedia and Booking.com make it super-simple to carve out an itinerary, many charge up to three times more than others that offer the exact service. “Read the reviews on TripAdvisor or Yelp, call the tour c

Chincoteague Island’s Saltwater Cowboys These happy buckaroos are all members of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, on Virginia’s Atlantic Coast—where they work full time. But once each summer they participate in the famed Chincoteague Pony Swim, which is when these gorgeous wild horses are encouraged to swim from their natural habitat on Assateague Island to nearby Chincoteague Island. The horses are then very gently rounded up and auctioned off to happy horse lovers across th

SydneyThe “Harbour City” is a hub of creativity and striking sights. Carve out some time to explore the extraordinary, waterfront Sydney Opera House. Buy tickets for a live performance or book a backstage tour. On second thought, why not do both? Sydney’s speakeasies are perfect for a nightcap—that is if you can find ’em. The next day, lace up your sneaks for the Bondi to Coogee walk that stretches 3.7 miles along the coast. Animal lovers will go crazy for the cute koalas

How dry am I?According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), America is comprised of 3,141 counties and county-equivalents (such as parishes in Louisiana) and there are still a number of dry counties remaining, where selling alcohol is against the law. Ten states allow dry counties and an additional 15 allow for “partially dry” ones. So, as you tool along, it will make sense to check for local laws that might interfere with your buzz, as you responsibly tour the country. Ken

Leap of Faith in Atlantis Paradise Island—BahamasThe Leap of Faith at the ever-popular Atlantis Paradise Island is an architectural marvel that launches riders from the top of a Mayan Temple and down a 60-foot open-air slide. As if that wasn’t hair-raising enough, it culminates with a straight shot through a transparent tunnel in shark-infested waters. Before you pack your bags, find out the best time to visit the Bahamas. Insano in Beach Park—BrazilSet on the northeastern coast of Brazil,

Exuma, BahamasBeach bums should consider Exuma, a collection of 365 individual islands that are all part of the Bahamas. Great Exuma and Little Exuma are characterized by their laid-back allure, while The Exuma Cays are a favorite of jetsetters and A-listers. No matter where you are in this idyllic archipelago, sapphire waters and untouched coastlines are aplenty. Don’t miss an excursion to swim with pigs or a feed the iguanas! When it comes to lodging, you can do no better than Lumina Poi

The Wild Atlantic WayThere’s no better way to explore Ireland than by car. Hit the Wild Atlantic Way, which at 1,500 miles long from start to finish is world’s longest sign-posted coastal drive. You could try to do the entire drive on one trip, but many prefer to return time and time again to savor the sights in more bite-size travel chunks. In addition to some of Ireland’s most visited spots such as the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, you’ll also want to make time to stop of