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You don’t need to go halfway around the world to escape from the stress of daily life.

On a trip through the less-visited corners of Yunnan, China, writer Peggy Orenstein searches for the bliss and grace of the unexpected.

“Congratulations Kamala Harris. Pride of our village.”

AFAR Ambassador Ryan Cordwell reflects on an unforgettable trip with the USTOA

The Taj Mahal is a breathtaking site. It’s beauty and scale can not be depicted in photographs. It’s majestic - and can only be fully realized in person. I, like many other tourists of India, spent hours wandering around the grounds of the Taj Mahal. Upon leaving the grounds, I happened to meet a very determined rickshaw driver who promised he could show me an amazing view of the Taj Mahal. So, he took my friends and I to the Mehtab Bagh. Nicknamed the Moonlight Gardens, it is right across the Yumana River that the Taj Mahal sits on. It truly was an amazing view, but also a unique perspective. The hour that we spent there, we only came across one other tourist couple. It was fascinating to watch local women and men working so hard in the garden, while a short distance away, tourists wandered around one of the Wonders of the World. Every time I look at this photo, I offer a silent thank you to that cab driver!

The Taj Mahal is referred to as “the jewel of Muslim art in India,” by UNESCO in its listing on the World Heritage Site registry. The Mughal ruler Shah Jahan had the truly magnificent white marble mausoleum built in 1632–1648, in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. For its construction, artisans from all over the empire, Central Asia, Iran, were summoned and the final result of their stonework, calligraphy, carvings, gardening, woodwork, and soaring domes remains one of the universally admired masterpieces of world heritage. Allot ample time to tour the site—besides the mausoleum, there is a mosque, a guest house, cloisters, courtyards, gates, and vast gardens. In addition to being stunningly beautiful from afar, the iconic site is evocatively romantic and up-close, the intricate details in its architecture, ornamentation, and history, are revealed.

Even if you’re not on the market for some hip, street-style duds, it’s an experience to visit this store in Selatan that’s wildly popular with Jakarta’s creative set. The shoe selection, with styles for men and women, is particularly of the moment, and you’re sure to happen upon something you’d never find back home. The shop dubs itself a concept store and has an on-site noodle shop and barbershop too.

This elegant mansion overlooking Viharamahadevi Park is a top spot for picking up stylish Sri Lankan souvenirs. Stock up on housewares, handmade glass, bath products, candles, books and colorful wooden toys.