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Ali Baba and his 40 thieves would have thought they’d gone straight to paradise if they’d stepped into this mall dedicated to that most precious of metals—gold. As a local bride’s dowry is still paid out in gold jewelry, this souq plays an integral role in the continuation of marital rites in Bahraini culture. As a bonus, in the gold souq, where the gram is king, the craftsmanship is belash (free).

Situated on 32 acres of land on the outskirts of Jaipur—but still a quick drive from the city’s historic forts and palaces—this massive hotel mixes traditional Rajasthani style with modern amenities. Although there are a number of lovely garden rooms with four-poster beds and deep soaking tubs, many travelers opt for the property’s tent-style accommodations, with campaign-style furnishings and block-printed fabrics, or splurge on one of the villas, which come with private pools. Restaurants are just as romantic, serving Indian specialties against a backdrop of gold-leaf details, cane-backed pieces, and intricately carved architecture. While The Oberoi Rajvilas makes a great base for exploring Jaipur, it also offers plenty to do right on the property, including a luxury spa, gigantic swimming pool, cooking classes, and meditation sessions with the resident Hindu priest.

Inakaya East is a high-end Japanese restaurant specializing in robatayaki (“fireside cooking”), which is a form of traditional Japanese barbeque that originated in Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan hundreds of years ago. At Inakaya (which also has sister establishments in another location in Roppongi (Inakaya West) and Manhattan (Robataya New York)), two chefs are sat upon a raised platform surrounded by a veritable cornucopia of the freshest seasonal vegetables, meat and seafood and the customer simply points to what they want. The chefs then pick up the desired ingredient or ingredients using a giant wooden paddle, grill it on a charcoal grill in full view of everyone, and then slide the prepared dish off of the paddle directly in front of the ordering diner. The end result is a very festive and boisterous atmosphere (the staff and chefs constantly welcome customers with a customary “Irasshaimase!” and shout orders to each other) with absolutely stunning food—the simplicity of the presentation belies the unparalleled quality and flavor of the ingredients. Such delicacies do not come cheap, however—expect to pay from 15 to 20,000 yen per head for dinner and drinks (they have lots of excellent sake as well).

Built in the style of a desert fortress near an endurance horseracing center 45 minutes from the city of Dubai, the family-friendly Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa wraps around an oasis and looks out over gently rolling sand dunes that guests explore by 4x4, horse, camel, and mountain bike. Rooms with private balconies or garden patios cluster in double-story buildings that surround courtyards, shaded corridors, and infinity pools. Stone bathtubs, wood furniture, chests, kelims, colorful textiles, and a reproduction spice souk create a Disney-meets-Bedouin lifestyle setting. For peace and quiet, stay during the week, since the main restaurant fills on weekends with locals and bus tours.

One of Mumbai’s most famous seafood restaurants, Trishna specializes in South Indian coastal cuisine, serving up dishes like prawn koliwada (batter-fried prawns) and rawas Hyderabadi (barbecued Indian salmon with freshly ground pepper). There’s also a great range of Indian classics and vegetarian options. The décor is low-key and the place is tiny, but the authentic dishes speak volumes.

World-famous pastry chef Sal De Riso is from the small Amalfi Coast town of Minori, which makes a stop in the quiet village for something sweet a great idea. His flagship pastry shop, across from the seaside promenade, was recently renovated and expanded to include a bistro and pizzeria. Glass display cases are filled with classic offering such as torta ricotta e pere and sfogliatelle. Don’t miss the baba au rhum–flavored gelato. A jar of Cilento figs preserved with walnuts and wild fennel would make a sweet remembrance of your trip.

Some Americans may think of Montréal’s anglophone, francophone, and Indigenous communities when they think about the city’s diversity, but it is also remarkably international. Case in point, almost 20,000 Syrians live in Québec, and more than 90 percent of them are in Montréal—a number that will likely increase in coming years given the province’s commitment to resettling refugees from the country. Fuad Alnirabie, the chef and owner of Damas in Outremont, is a Syrian-Canadian who is introducing Montréal to his native country’s cuisine. The best strategy is to order an abundance of hot and cold mezes—hummus, baba ghanoush, octopus salad, fried dumplings—or leave the work of choosing to the kitchen and opt for the five- or six-course tasting menu.

The longest lines in the city form every day at Café Medina, a haven of Mediterranean-inspired breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch dishes in the Library District. The decor here feels like a minimalist version of 1920s Paris, with aged walls, mismatched light fixtures, and a mosaic entranceway. Equally charming, the eclectic bistro fare ranges from pistachio-rosewater Belgian waffles to halloumi couscous and a harissa burger, spiked with preserved lemon and tucked into a pita with baba ghanoush and two fried eggs. Don’t miss the blistered flatbread, ideally paired with the honey-black-pepper mascarpone side. And finish with a lavender latte, a house-made turmeric soda, or a superb craft cocktail. If you don’t want to wait, skirt the crowds by visiting Tuesdays or Wednesdays for lunch, or arriving at 2 p.m. (an hour before last call).

Chez Georges is perfect for traditional French food in an old fashioned setting. If you’re in the mood for herring and potatoes, beef bourguignon, and baba au rhum, this is the place.

The andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only permanent lodge in the Lake Manyara park. This tree house hotel emphasizes the mahogany forest where it is located in Lake Manyara National Park. The original nine suites of the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge are all built on stilts with large decks suspended above the forest floor crafted from local timber and makuti palm fronds. A family suite takes that model and supersizes it, creating a second bedroom for the kids.

While here, arrange a tour with Deeper Africa to Lake Manyara National Park. Guides will take you to see birds and primates in their natural habitat, including silvery-cheeked hornbills and vervet monkeys, as well as black mamba snakes, wild orchids, and countless butterfly species.

Bring the kids and explore art galleries, vintage shops, and the city’s literary side through the eyes of author and illustrator Hope Larson.