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AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent Vendela Vida on a spontaneous journey to St. Maarten.

The mecca of bodybuilding in the United States is Venice Beach, California. Venice Beach is the place where Gold’s Gym was founded, and the epicenter of it all is here at Muscle Beach. Between the boardwalk and the sand you will find an amazing outdoor gym full of bodybuilding equipment and larger than life, fitness-crazed men and women. On July 4th of each year, there’s a fierce competition—open to all amateur athletes—to crown Mr. and Mrs. Muscle Beach. Watch the fun festivities, spot some celebrities, and then stroll the world-famous Venice Beach boardwalk.

Volcanoes birthed Dominica’s rugged, vertiginous landscape and nine still simmer, creating mudpots and the famous Boiling Lake. Hike, climb, and bird-watch on steep tracks through the tropical rain forest, or challenge yourself on the Caribbean’s first long-distance route, the 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail.

Los Angeles is a beacon for people from around the country who want to revel in its sunny weather, mountainous coastal landscape, and boundless creativity, and visitors will find themselves well entertained.

There’s more to the Smoky Mountains than black bears and hiking trails: in this neck of the woods, you’ll also find genteel former mansions turned hotels and chic farm stays with world renowned food, surprising vineyards, and woodland diversions. Here’s your Appalachian getaway guide.

Interested in eco-adventure, but don’t want to sacrifice luxury? How about a romantic getaway? No worries! One of Belize’s best attributes is its lack of massive all-inclusive resorts where you battle for pool loungers and reservations at restaurants. Instead, the country offers a number of boutique and luxury resorts situated beachside on the Caribbean, or nestled in Central American rain forest.

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

The warm, sunny Mission District—with Dolores Park and Mission Dolores as its cultural and physical center—is historically a Latino neighborhood (and before that, Irish). Now bodegas and taquerias sit cheek by jowl with carefully crafted cuisine and locally designed fashion.

All of St. Lucia’s beaches are open to the public—from the rain forest–shrouded coves of the west that hug the tranquil waters of the Caribbean, to the stretches that line the rolling waves of the Atlantic, frequented by kite-surfers and horseback riders.

Arizona is “The Grand Canyon State,” and yes, nothing else in the world is quite like Arizona’s most famous natural wonder. But you’ll also find other types of spectacular natural beauty: alpine tundra, evergreen forests, riparian canyons, snow-capped peaks, and flower-carpeted flatlands. Just be sure to time your visit with the seasons, and your dreamscapes will forever after be infused with Arizona’s natural wonders.

Jamaica is much more than just the beach. The island’s great outdoors includes thick rain forest, numerous waterfalls, rivers on which the sport of rafting was born, swimming holes, and more. Jamaica’s natural beauty has been the set for more than one Hollywood movie, and if you really can’t drag yourself away from the beach, the bioluminescent bays offer a different form of outdoor adventure.

One of the largest craft museums in India, the National Handicrafts and Handloom Museum displays tribal and rural art and artifacts. With over 35,000 pieces ranging from textiles to clay, the space is a welcoming community of artisans and art lovers. The museum was created over a 30-year period to preserve the sacred and traditional artistry of the region. Each month, approximately 50 craftspeople from across the country are invited to reside on the property and demonstrate their talents. Don’t miss the Village Complex, an exhibition that displays village life from varying regions in India. Note: Closed on Mondays.

You may know Corona, Tecate, and Modelo, but there’s much more to Mexico City’s bar scene than exported beers. Try domestic craft brews, wine from Baja California that’s rarely exported, and local spirits like tequila, mezcal, and pulque. For something less spirited, visit the many cafes where you can drink coffee or chocolate at any time of day.

Dubai is home to over 180 nationalities, and lucky you—this futuristic city’s got restaurants where you can taste every single one! From Korean to Afghani, from burgers to sushi to shakshuka, here are some of our favorite places.

Germany’s oldest and most famous university town, Heidelberg is known for its striking Old Town, beautiful setting on the Neckar River, and evocative hilltop castle. Destroyed by French troops in the 1690s, rebuilt during the 18th century, and miraculously unscathed during World War II, it’s proved a source of inspiration for everyone from Goethe to William Turner to Mark Twain. Equally romantic is the surrounding valley, full of forests, fortresses, castles, and charming villages like Bad Wimpfen.