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After visiting 24 national parks in the U.S., contributing writer Latria Graham meditates on their complex legacy—and considers how we can enjoy them in a more responsible way.

Sometimes the hardest part of a hike is obtaining the permit, but the crowd-free experience in these pristine destinations is worth the effort.

For some travelers, what comes to mind first when they think of Japan is tales of samurai and shoguns, centuries-old temples, and the tea ceremony and kabuki. For others, however, what makes the country most exciting is its contemporary art, fashion, and architecture. The National Art Center should be at the top of the list for anyone with an affinity for the latter. Designed by one of Japan‘s most interesting contemporary architects, Kisho Kurokawa, it is among the country’s largest exhibition spaces. There’s no permanent collection, but temporary exhibitions cover a variety of mediums and topics—photography, manga and anime, architecture, and fashion, among others. The exhibitions aren’t always limited to works by Japanese creators, with international museums lending pieces as well. If you are looking for gifts to take back home, the Souvenir from Tokyo shop in the basement has a delightful selection of Japanese products, both whimsical and elegant.

With so many soakable springs, Wyoming is a site for sore limbs—and some scorchers too hot for bathing are worth visiting for the surreal views alone.

Jamaica’s primary public art museum, the largest of its kind in the Caribbean, is a key part of the island’s history. Established in 1979, it houses more than 2,000 pieces ranging from pre-Columbian works to those of contemporary Jamaican artists and also mounts temporary exhibitions on various aspects of Jamaica’s history and culture. The collection continues to expand and now includes videos, graphic designs, and street art. Guided tours are available, and there’s an on-site coffee shop and gift store.

The National Park Service unveiled a revamped calendar for when Americans can enter the national parks for free in 2026, dropping Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth for Flag Day (also President Trump’s birthday) and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.

Earlier this year, Marble Canyon Lodge reopened after an extensive transformation, putting the Navajo Nation community at the center of the new guest and destination experience in a remote corner of Grand Canyon National Park.

Set in City Hall, now part of the National Gallery Singapore, this lovely dark-wood-paneled restaurant reflects the country’s rich Peranakan Chinese heritage in both design and fare. Traditional tile floors, marble-topped tables, nostalgic bentwood chairs, and vintage photos set the scene for a feast of rich dishes that mingle Chinese and Malay flavors. if you’ve never had this combination of cuisines before, prepare to be forever changed. Dive in headfirst and try the spicy chicken stew (buah keluak ayam), the zesty beef rendang, the chili crab, or the fish-head curry. If you’re with a group, order a spread of plates to share, like the fried eggplant with sambal sauce and the deep-fried tangy prawn, crab, and chicken dumplings.

For some autumnal adventure of the colorful kind, head to these places across the United States.

The second, and smaller, inhabited island of Îles des Saintes is Terre-de-Bas, reached by boat shuttles from Terre-de-Haut. There’s not much to do here other than explore nature in its wildest state, but one of the sights that makes it worthwhile is the only beach on the island: Grande Anse. It’s mostly undeveloped and rarely crowded, and offers nearly a mile of golden sand and blue bay water. You’ll find a local restaurant there for a plate of fresh seafood and rice, at cheaper prices than on Terre-de-Haut.

From Voyageurs National Park to the North Shore of Lake Superior, get off the beaten path with this guide to Minnesota’s most stunning parks and scenic drives.

To escape the crowds and get to the essence of the United States’ magnificent natural treasures, embark on one of these special outdoor expeditions.

The National Museum of American Jewish History, a Smithsonian affiliate, features permanent and special collections that celebrate the story of Jews in America. Centrally located on Independence Mall at the corner of Fifth and Market streets, the modern and spacious building is home to a vast and well-organized collection of artifacts; the displays include a variety of multimedia exhibits that will appeal to all ages. Recent temporary shows have focused on topics ranging from baseball to photography to rock music. For visitors with time constraints, a free highlights tour takes about an hour and is offered on most days. Admission is free on the first Friday of each month from April through July.

These are the country’s best parks to see the night sky.

As the federal shutdown continues into its fourth week, travelers may be wondering whether the country’s national parks are open and if visiting puts undue strain on the treasured public lands. Here’s what to know.