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If visiting a miniature version of a country the size of a postage stamp makes no sense to you, stay away from Madurodam, a top tourist attraction in Den Haag featuring historic Dutch towns, ports, canals, roads and monuments re-created on a 1/25 scale. On the other hand, if you fancy learning about the history of a nation that would be underwater were it not for Dutch ingenuity, by all means visit this interactive park that tells the story behind the battle against water, as well as many historic venues that still exist in Holland today.

Pier A has a long and storied history, but its life as a restaurant and bar is relatively new. Opened in 1886 as the headquarters for the Harbor Police and Department of Docks, it served numerous other official government functions before opening in late 2014 in its current iteration. The whispers of the past are hardly visible today, amid the din of happy drinkers quaffing a Pilsener or downing glasses of prosecco or cava while slurping oysters and chatting. Most stick around for sunset: the view of the harbor is stellar.

Turneffe Atoll’s sprawling central lagoon is a beautiful natural playground marked by thick mangrove islands and littoral forest, and hosts dozens of remarkable marine species – including crocodiles. Yes, the central lagoon is pretty to look at and one of the best places in Belize to watch the sun rise, but I wouldn’t recommend you go for a dip. Crocodiles spend their days escaping the heat in the thick mangroves, then swim out into the open ocean at dusk to feed. I saw two crocs during my time on the island; a very young juvenile whose curiosity had brought him right up to the sandy patch of beach behind the Blackbird Caye Resort, and a suspicious adult who kept his distance (thankfully). Still, the lagoon is a great place to spy on the aforementioned crocodiles, photograph marine birds, and more. Photo Finish: Nikon D800 | 24-70mm f/2.8 lens | Aperture f/6.3 | ISO-400 | Shutter 1/60 sec.

Walk, cycle or people-watch along the shores of Elliott Bay, a downtown stretch known for its circusy flair and spectacular vistas. You can ride the Great Wheel or visit the beloved Seattle Aquarium, home to wolf eels, sea otters, and the world’s largest octopuses. Refuel with chowder from local favorite Ivar’s Acres of Clams, then hit the market’s 200 owner-operated shops, ranging from a radical book collection to the Northwest’s oldest magic store. Just don’t turn your back on the famous salmon-slinging fishmongers: They’ve been known to wallop selfie-photographers with a plastic decoy for yucks!

Soon after conquering Constantinople and defeating the Byzantines in 1453, Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II commissioned the beginnings of the Grand Bazaar to reinvigorate trade with the city. More than 550 years later, the bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets in the world, with a labyrinth of 61 streets connecting over 4,000 shops selling all manner of treasures and souvenirs, from jewelry to silk carpets. Make a beeline for Sivasli Istanbul Yazmacisi, whose quality textiles are popular with interior decorators. Looking for currency exchange shops? You’ll find the best rates in Istanbul here.

A stroll up the lovely Rue des Grisons on a sunny day will lead you directly to the Citadelle du Quebec, complete with the ruins of the old military structure and sweeping views over the Old City. You can even seen all the cruise ships that have docked at the old port (at last count, my highest sighting was nine at one time).

You’ll hear no highway traffic at these twelve lakeside cabins and 3 bunkhouses, which sit beyond roads’ reach and are accessible only by boat. Supplies are delivered via barge, and even the accommodations float upon the water: Initially built to house logging crews, the resort’s wood-shingled cabins and docks sit right on Ross Lake, supported by massive red cedar float logs measuring more than 3 feet in diameter. Azure waters lap against your front porch, where deck chairs face a row of mighty mountains (the largest, Snowfield Peak, reaches 8,347 feet). You can spend your days gazing at those views, or you can use the resort as a base for exploring North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Rent one of the resort’s motorboats, canoes, and kayaks to access trailheads sprinkled along the lakeshore, or just hike from your cabin: The Big Beaver Trail winds past the resort. There’s no onsite restaurant, but all accommodations include kitchen facilities, so pack in all your own food and beverages. After the 2.5-hour drive from Sea-Tac, you have two options for reaching the resort: You can hike about a mile to Ross Lake, where the resort will pick you up by boat ($2 per person), or you can catch a ferry/truck combo from Diablo Dam ($14 per person, ferries run twice daily at 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.). Just don’t wait till the last minute to make your booking, since reservations typically fill a year in advance.

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.

From playing on pink-sand beaches to snorkeling with sea turtles, the coral island has something for everyone.

On this episode of Unpacked, host Aislyn Greene travels to Charleston to explore the city’s world-class venues—from America’s first dedicated theater to a stunning apricot-colored concert hall—and meets the people bringing opera, dance, jazz, and theater to life in the Lowcountry.

On this episode of Unpacked, we tune into the soul of modern music on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Explore houseboat stays, canoe trips, and lakeside towns.

Enjoy five days of golf, kayaking, and biking by the coast.

Enjoy global cuisines, explore Eastern Market, and visit renowned museums in this six-day itinerary.