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Crowds may swarm upon it daily from sunrise onwards, but exposure hasn’t dulled the impact of the largest religious monument in the world. Commissioned by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century as the centerpiece of the mighty Khmer empire, the structure is inspired by Hindu sacred design and is estimated to have taken around 30 years to build. The biggest surprise upon visiting might be learning that the vast complex of spires, moats, frescoes, cloisters, and balustrades was constructed in such speedy fashion. You won’t be alone while witnessing it, but sunrise over the iconic temple remains one of the essential experiences in Southeast Asia. A return in the afternoon when the camera-toting hordes have dispersed is also advisable.

On this episode of Unpacked: America 250, host Aislyn Greene discovers the surprisingly deep history of Hawaii’s most joyful instrument and learns to play it herself.

Go beyond Kerala’s typical sightseeing destinations with characterful stays, private meetings with artisans, and meals in local homes.

Built in 1927, the neo-Gothic structure of the Windsor Arms was intended to resemble the buildings of the University of Toronto. (The hotel is near Victoria College at the university.) The entrance feels like stepping into a castle, the Windsor Arms logo perched neatly beside the portico, doorman at the ready. The hotel was purchased by developer George Friedmann in 1995 and resurrected with modern touches for a fresh debut in 1999. The hotel is birthplace to the idea of the now-famous Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). It continues to attract celebrities who want a boutique feel, and though TIFF has shifted its headquarters south, the Windsor Arms will always be a refuge for those who want Old World charm and exclusive service. The streetside patio is perfect for people watching during the lively month of September. And in the hotel’s hallways, you can “stargaze” at the portraits of celebrities, from Robert Redford to Barbra Streisand.

On this Unpacked Mini, we peek into the colorful, immersive, and luxurious innovations coming soon to a cruise ship near you.

On this episode of Unpacked, we dive into why staying at Hotel the Mitsui feels like an intimate journey through time.

Visit the Smithsonian museums, kayak in Georgetown, see pandas in one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., and play mini golf on this family-friendly itinerary.

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Travel with Quark Expeditions on an Antarctica itinerary for a rare and up-close cruise experience and quality time with emperor penguins

From pad Thai to khao soi and everything in between, eat your way through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui with this itinerary.

On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene sits down with soccer historian Jonathan Wilson to unpack a century of World Cup drama — and what makes 2026 the most complicated tournament yet.