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A visit to Okinawa, famous for its long-living people, will make you want to stay as long as you can, too.

Commonly referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial, the world’s tallest standing bronze statue honors the Marines who have defended the United States since November 10, 1775 with every major battle campaign inscribed at its base. The 32-foot-high sculpture was inspired by Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize–winning photo of five Marines and one Navy hospital corpsman raising the American flag on Mt. Suribachi during one of the most historic battles of World War II. From May to August, on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the memorial serves as the backdrop for the phenomenal Sunset Parade, which showcases the Marine Band, Silent Drill Team, and Drum and Bugle Corps. Come on the last Sunday of October to cheer on the thousands of runners who start and finish here for the Marine Corps Marathon.

This museum opened in November 2006 as “a lasting tribute to the United States Marines—past, present, future” on a 135-acre site next to the Marine Corps base at Quantico. It’s about a 45-minute drive south of D.C. on 1-95, and admission and parking are free. The dramatic design is inspired the image of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima in World War II. The galleries offer virtual experiences of World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam. You can also experience a marine’s first days: Step onto the yellow footprints outside the bus that represent a recruit’s first Marine Corps boot camp wake-up call as the DI yells his instructions. On-site restaurant Tun Tavern is named in honor of the original in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was the birthplace of the Marine Corps in 1775.

Takoba Austin is a great East Austin hangout spot for brunch, dinner or simply drinks. A covered outdoor patio is perfect on a cool afternoon. Try the Michelada, which comes in a salt and lime-rimmed frosty mug, filled with tomato juice, tabasco and Mexican beer. Perfect with combo with chips, salsa and tacos. The verde de aguacate salsa is also worth trying—a mix of creamy avocado, jalapeño, tomatillo, onion & cilantro.

The black basalt ruins of Umm al-Jimal have to be one of Jordan’s most intriguing historical sites. Hardly anyone ever makes it out here, which is a shame because this vast Roman and Byzantine town built uniformly out of volcanic basalt is packed with interesting half-toppled houses and churches to explore.