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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.

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.

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.

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.

From the Smokies to Hot Springs, celebrate the season with snowman scavenger hunts, sailing or skiing with Santa, and snowball competitions.

American cities are ringing in the holiday season with unique local traditions, including country music concerts in Nashville and film-focused festivities in Los Angeles.

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.

The Mies van der Rohe–designed modern art museum is finally open to the public again after a six-year overhaul.

The Andean condor is Colombia’s national bird, and it’s one among more than 130 avian species on display at the National Aviary (Aviario Nacional de Colombia) outside Cartagena. But the condor is the least impressive of the birds here—at least in the looks department. Keep an eye out for a glimpse of some more-colorful tropical beauties, such as scarlet macaws, and the more diminutive but equally vivid and gorgeous tángara primavera (blue-winged mountain tanager) and carriquí verdiamarillo (green jay).

We asked travel experts what destinations are resonating with each generation this festive season (or where to go just after the holiday rush dies down). Here’s what they told us.

When considering Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving, travel advisors and experts offer their advice on how to plan crowd-free trips around key federal holidays.

The prairie is disappearing, but these seven parks and preserves are working to protect a biodiverse habitat filled with bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and plenty of homesteader history.

Night markets. Seafood galore. World-class hikes. Here’s how to get the most out of your next trip to Taipei.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to travel—if you have the intel you need to do so stress-free. Follow these expert tips, insights, and ideas to hold onto the joy of the season.

If you haven’t already purchased your holiday flights, we’ve got you. Here’s when you need to book holiday travel, plus a list of destinations that offer a crowd-free escape during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.