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One of the most beautiful natural lakes in Mendoza is hidden in San Carlos. The provincial reserve “Laguna del Diamante” is 10,600 feet above sea level with a view of the towering Maipo Volcano. Its name comes from the volcano’s diamond-shape reflection in the lake. It takes several hours to get to from downtown Mendoza with a four-wheel drive vehicle, but it’s worth the trip. Hike around the four-mile lake, where your only company will most likely be guanacos and foxes (neither are dangerous). You can also go fishing, which costs $20 pesos. The area is naturally windy all year round, so bring a warm coat and comfortable shoes. A shuttle from the main square in San Carlos departs early in the morning and the last one returns at around 8:00 PM or you can camp overnight, ($750 pesos for a round trip shuttle ticket). There’s a $300 peso discount if you stayed in Uco Valley the night before. Laguna del Diamante is only open from January to the first week of April.

Arts in Puerto Rico range from lavish recitals to paintings of humble local scenes. The Luis A. Ferré Fine Arts Center in San Juan puts on various performances, including theater, concerts, ballet, and opera. The center itself is a work of art, with a vibrantly-colored mural of the Muses, and a stained-glass window symbolizing the elements of nature. Meanwhile, the neoclassical Puerto Rico Museum of Art showcases visual art pieces from the 17th century onwards. Its collections feature a linoleum portrayal of a girl gathering food, and a collage in oil that depicts two faces of the famous Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos.

It was by accident that I found Al’s, while trying to find parking for an event in North Beach. It immediately stole my heart with their window display of vintage inspired, hand made shoes and clothing and I’m so glad that I went in. The fact that Al Ribaya named his first store ‘Taming of the Shoe’ is reason enough to swing by this location! At this store in North Beach he will style anyone that walks in hoping to own his bespoke suits, bags and shoes.

San Francisco is not only a beautiful city, but it is also home to some exquisite natural landscapes, such as Lands End. I will never forget the first time I hiked the main Coastal Trail: I couldn’t believe I was still in a city because of the gorgeous Torrey Pines surrounding me and the vast ocean below. It was so peaceful and quiet, except for the sounds of the wind rustling through the trees and the waves breaking gently below. And then I saw the iconic Golden Gate Bridge sitting in the Pacific Ocean just beyond the trail. The hike is approximately 3 miles out and back to the starting point. The site is easily accessible by MUNI using the 38 Geary line. (There is a parking lot, but it fills up quickly.) After the hike, I highly recommend relaxing and taking in the view at the Visitor’s Center just south of the trail, and then getting some food at Louis’ Restaurant next door. The trail is also great for trail running. Either way, wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. A light jacket wouldn’t hurt either.

Dedicated to St. Matthew, Lucca’s beautiful cathedral was built in typical Romanesque style in the 12th century and has a curious asymmetrical, tiered façade covered with fantastically complex carvings. The dim interior houses one of the town’s great artistic treasures, the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, carved by the Sienese master Jacopo del la Quercia in 1408 for the bride of bigwig Paolo Guinigi who died tragically young. A little dog lies bereft at his mistress’s feet…It’s a real tear-jerker.

What could make a spa with all the typical trappings of luxury even better? Wall-to-wall windows overlooking La Concha bay, that’s what. La Perla does not disappoint, and it’s a great way to spend those finicky winter days when visiting San Sebastián. They also offer massages, which I highly recommend.

Panama City is best known for its fish market, but a few blocks away on Avenue B near the Chinatown Gates lies the equally interesting Mercado Público. The market is divided into four main sections: meat, produce, dried goods, and a court full of fonda food stands. The market is a great place to get a sense of Panamanian cuisine and a cheap place to buy food. After exploring the market, I recommend cutting across Calle 15 to the bustling Avenida Central, a festive street full of cheap clothing shops, rowdy vendors, and food markets.

Hillcrest is a quirky and vibrant neighborhood filled with boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, artists, bookstores, thrift stores and more. One of San Diego‘s oldest neighborhoods, Hillcrest borders the northern tip of Balboa Park, Park Blvd to the east, and the edge of the Mission Hills neighborhood to the west. The majority of shops are found on University and 5th Ave. On Sundays, there is a fabulous farmers’ market just off University. If you want to stay somewhere in San Diego besides Downtown or the Gaslamp, I recommend Hillcrest. You will have plenty of shops to check out and will be in walking distance of Balboa Park and the zoo. You can find B&Bs, or check out www.vrbo or www.airbandb.com for a place to stay. If you enjoy architecture, just stroll around the neighborhood to get an eyeful of Victorian, craftsman, Spanish, mid-century, and art deco style housing. Several great festivals happen in Hillcrest: the LGBT Pride parade, City Fest, and Hillcrest Mardi Gras.

The date-night dinner-and-a-movie standard has been taken to a new stylish height at this acclaimed restaurant in the Mission District. Grab a table on the patio under the strings of lights to dine on seasonal California cuisine while films flicker on the back wall. It’s romantic, and easily one of San Francisco’s most unique dining settings. But don’t think of Foreign Cinema as just a gimmick. The stellar cuisine is the real scene-stealer here, which is why Foreign Cinema is consistently ranked as one of the city’s best restaurants. Chef Gayle Pirie and her partner, chef John Clark, have transformed this into a destination restaurant. Reservations are still tough to get, especially for Saturday night and Sunday brunch, but plan ahead and you’ll be glad. From fresh local oysters on the half shell to caramel pecan sticky buns to a popular sesame curry fried chicken, the food is always as stellar as the setting, making date night or brunch with friends an event you won’t soon forget. The adjacent wine bar, Laszlo, is perfect for predinner drinks or nightcaps.

If you’ve never been to the Marin Headlands, you MUST go! The views are stellar, but make sure you get there early (well, early enough to get there before all the tourists!) Ht up the headlands for a nice hike and view and then drive to Bar Bocci in Sausalito for lunch or dinner. You won’t be disappointed.

While San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum dates back to 1994, it moved into its current location in 2008. The heart of the museum’s new home is a 1907 Pacific Gas & Electric power substation, with additions designed by one of architecture’s leading figures, Daniel Libeskind. The museum tends to take a thematic and often surprising approach to its subject with, for example, exhibitions of artists inspired by the biblical book of Genesis and others focused on the notable personalities of the Jewish life of California, America and beyond. If you are looking for some unexpected gifts, the museum’s store carries updated menorahs, humorous T-shirts and a large selection of books on Jewish culture and history.

Rolson’s Hotel and Restaurant is high on a hill, overlooking the town of San Ignacio, not too far from the ruins of Cahal Pech. The restaurant’s tables are mostly outdoors, and the view provides a wonderful backdrop to meals that showcase the best of Belizean and Mexican cuisine. My favorite was a chicken burrito drowning in cheese and salsa. I also thoroughly enjoyed the horchata, fresh-squeezed lemonade and michelada. At happy hour, Monday through Friday between 5 and 7 p.m., the michelada is a welcome refresher. Wireless Internet is available, making Rolson’s a great place to get some work done while enjoying wonderful food served with a smile. The longer you linger, the merrier the atmosphere becomes, as locals seem to favor enjoying a late dinner on Rolson’s breezy patio. Dinner is served from 6 to 10 p.m.

Once a month, entrepreneur and fashionista Ane Etxebeste makes her online store, Kiluka Miluka, a tangible reality. This e-shop pops up in stores across the city. To keep up with the whereabouts of their unique and original designs (everything from clothes and accessories for women) check out their website.

Letitare is a luxurious boutique and outlet for the creativity of young Basque designer Irati Guarretxena. She uses an interesting mix of fabrics and textures to bring her illustrations to life in fashions for both men and women. Located in the La Bretxa Shopping Center: C.C. La Bretxa, planta principal - local B24. 20003

Have you been here? Tell us about it below!End your day in Old San Juan with a pre-dinner stroll along the water, alongside the Old City Walls. It’s that time of day when everything seems to slow down, even the waters of the Caribbean Sea begin to ease into a glassy stillness - perfectly reflecting the midnight blue sky and the incandescent glow of the street lamps. Start from Paseo de la Princesa, at the Raices Fountain, and wind your way around the walls. Take in the views of the setting sun from the benches that line the walkway. Reminisce about the day and linger. There’s no need to rush into the night and tomorrow will come soon enough.