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On a trip with a young traveler in tow, a writer reflects on her first Venice adventure—and how it changed her life.

Tourism is down, prices are up, social services are disappearing, and the government is bankrupt. Which means it’s a good time to get to know Seychelles.

A journey into the ethnic neighborhoods redefining the City of Light

A land of contrasts, Baja California Sur has both lonesome desert landscapes dotted with date palms and deserted missions and the raucously popular beach resort towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, collectively known as “Los Cabos.” The variety of things to do is just as striking: whale watching, snorkeling with whale sharks, sailing, and discovering deserted coves and beaches are just a few of the adventures that await you in Baja California Sur.

The Redwood National and State Parks cover 139,000 acres, which can be a lot of ground to cover. Hit up these highlights to find the tallest trees, greenest groves, and best beaches.

Spending two weeks in eastern Jamaica? Start in Port Antonio, head to Boston Bay and Long Bay, and end in the majestic Blue Mountains. Eastern Jamaica offers wide-ranging natural beauty in which to play: Two weeks is plenty of time to swim in secluded coves and walk deserted beaches, hike to jade pools and waterfalls, surf the waves of Boston Bay, explore ruins and forts, raft across the Rio Grande, bike at 7,000 feet, and, of course, sample both original Jamaica jerk and reggae.

A journey into Morocco’s Berber territory, where tradition and modern life meet.

On the Caribbean island of Tobago, you’ll find sand, surf—and the fastest goats on the planet. Now if they’d just run in a straight line….

Jamaica’s best beaches are as varied as the island is beautiful. Many of these beaches are famous and grace the glossy pages of brochures, whereas others require more work, rewarding travelers willing to search for that quiet, postcard-perfect stretch of sand. Here are our favorites, popular ones as well as insider finds, spread all across Jamaica, from the white sand of the west coast to the tranquil black shores of the south and the secluded coves of the east.

Philadelphia is known for its markets, but you can also find books, music, art, antique treasures, Pennsylvania handicrafts, and Whirly Berley Bars in the City of Brotherly Love. Whether you’re looking for high-end boutiques or vintage funk, Philly’s got you covered.

When it comes to shopping, Buffalo has you covered with everything from quaint boutiques and high-end fashion retailers to consignment stores, vinyl shops, and a variety of small, family-run spots. A stroll through Allentown, Elmwood Village, the West Side, and Hertel reveals one-of-a-kind clothing, classic home decor, vintage records, and pretty much everything in between—no need to head out to the suburbs for a mega-mall experience here.

With 800 miles of coastline, the Dominican Republic boasts more than 200 beaches, from remote stretches of sand with limestone cliffs and no crowds, to soft shores with calm waters. On this varied island, you’ll also find populated beaches lined with all-inclusive resorts and restaurants; coves that are difficult to reach but worth it for the privacy; and shores backed by coconut palm groves and towering sand dunes. Whether you want to swim in tranquil water, surf major waves, or simply relax and do nothing, you’ll find a place for that here, along with standout beauty.

The first true boutique hotel on L.A.’s east side, the Hotel Covell fits into its trendy Los Feliz neighborhood so well that it feels like it should have been there for years. Created by a veteran of the Los Angeles bar and restaurant scene, the nine-room hotel takes its inspiration from a fictional character’s life: George Covell, an imaginary writer, started out in Oklahoma in the 1930s and ’40s before dividing his time between New York and Paris, where his daughter Isabel grew up. Each distinctively (and painstakingly) decorated suite is based on a place George or Isabel lived, from a rustic-chic Oklahoma house to a 1970s Parisian apartment.

From trinkets and tchotchkes to silver jewelry, high-quality hand blown glass, and the pottery of your dreams, the shops on the Baja Peninsula can cover your every spending whim. There are plenty of clothing shops too, if you forgot to pack enough bathing suits or some beach-to-dinner-perfect flip-flops. Between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, you can shop an art gallery or 12, open air markets, and shopping malls.

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent writer Ryan Knighton to Egypt’s sprawling capital with just 24 hours’ notice.