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Many of French Polynesia’s 100 islands are actually coral atolls that lack beaches entirely, meaning that if you want a classic beach holiday you will have to know where to look. Luckily, there are pristine stretches of white-sand beach in French Polynesia, both on the main islands and on the surrounding motus, where you can fulfill your visions of paradise. This guide gives the lowdown on the best islands to find these classic beaches.

Historical Tainan is the former capital of Taiwan, the island’s oldest city, and the heart of traditional Taiwanese culture. The city is home to several of the island’s oldest and most famous temples—most notably the Confucius Temple—and is the destination of frequent pilgrimages. Tainan is also known for its deep-rooted food culture. There visitors will find some of the most traditional Taiwanese dishes, which can’t be found anywhere else.

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent Sloane Crosley on a spontaneous journey to Ecuador.

The picturesque beaches along Aruba’s west coast lend the island an air of escapism unmatched in the Caribbean. Amid the white sands and sparkling waters, there are a wide range of accommodations, from supersize resorts to more boutique offerings.

While Aruba is home to a number of shopping centers and malls, it’s the small shops and boutiques you’ll really want to explore. Scattered around the island, they sell local artisan products that make for unique souvenirs, from aloe vera cosmetics and upcycled accessories to mosaics and hand-carved wood masks.

What sets Pizzeria Biga apart from other Italian restaurants and pizza parlors is the care that goes into their menu and the daily creation of the dishes and pizzas that exit their kitchen. Yet that same care starts long before the wood fired ovens are even lit. Head chef Luciano Del Signore developed a type of yeast with which to make his dough that allows for the absence of sugar, the inclusion of a probiotic, and results a perfectly charred Napoletana pizza pie. Many who struggle with gluten and wheat sensitivities will likely find that his pizza doesn’t bother them. Small plates and an excellent craft beer menu are also tempting but the pizza is the real star of the simple yet extensive menu. I also enjoyed their arugula salad, meatballs, and risotto balls. The large selection of toppings really pleased me as well. However, it’s the basil ice cream and the house-made pistachio gelato that I am still craving days later.

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

Big-city luxury meets Southern hospitality in Atlanta’s heritage hotels and five-star chain properties. Expect world-class service and amenities, restaurants serving modern takes on regional cuisine, and stylish rooms that reflect the city’s welcoming vibe.

Vancouver boasts its fair share of big name brands and department stores along Robson Street, but the city also has popular shopping areas loaded with independent stores, clothing boutiques, and art galleries, especially around Gastown, Main Street, and West 4th.

Hoi An’s iconic noodle dish was tangled in mystery for decades. Then writer David Farley came to town.

While Park City is known for glitz and glamour, its accommodations are decidedly more diverse. One can certainly find the big-name resorts with all their amenities, but those seeking a more laid-back stay can choose from several cozy B&Bs and inns.

Its pubs are the stuff of legends—with traditional music, frothy pints of Guinness, stained glass, and taxidermy—but there’s plenty to do in Dublin before that first pint. Fascinating museums, big and small, lush parks, and historical sites add to Dublin’s deep charms.

Though big-box stores from the U.S. have popped up all over the city, local markets remain strong, and supporting them helps ensure their survival. From crafts and fresh produce to kitchen goods and spices, from furniture to magic spells, here are a few AFAR favorite markets.

Scottsdale has been a resort destination since the 1920s when painter Jessie Benton Evans turned her adobe home into a tearoom and guesthouse known as the Jokake Inn. You’ll find many of the world’s big-name brands here, along with a collection of smaller, independently owned properties.

The majority of Kyoto’s lodgings tend toward the traditional, ranging from ryokans offering kaiseki dinners to zen-like inns on the river. Of course, there are also more modern options, including big-name brands that still offer a dose of local culture.