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From a lakeside view, Afar writer reviews the first five-star hotel to open on Lake Como in a century.

Passionate Mexico City foodies are rediscovering and reviving Mexico’s rural culinary delights.

AFAR chose a destination at random—by literally spinning a globe—and sent Frank Viviano on a spontaneous journey to Venezuela.

Writer David Thompson shares his favorite parts of living in Bangkok’s Dusit neighborhood.

Featured in countless films, novels, and TV shows, Venice can evoke a sense of deja vu in travelers who have never previously experienced the Grand Canal, Bridge of Sighs, and gondola rides. Those are worthy experiences, yet Venice also rewards those who seek out its small islands and give in to getting lost down quaint neighborhood side streets. Museums and a local’s cooking class round out the mix of must-do activities.

French Polynesia has so much to experience, it is hard to decide what is a must-do. You can swim, snorkel, and watch expert surfers in the azure waters; doze on a white-sand beach and wake for fresh-caught tuna and a Tahitian sunset; or sleep in blissful French Polynesian bungalows overlooking blue lagoons. These jaw dropping beautiful islands in the South Pacific offer endless possibilities—why not try them all?

For a different stay in Cape Town, seek out boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts with exceptional hospitality. Along the coastline, you’ll find boutique lodges that feature uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can be sure that by the end of your stay at these hotels, the staff will know you on a first name basis.

Home to a vibrant music scene, innovative restaurants, incredible green spaces, and events like SXSW, Austin also boasts a number of great hotels, from boutique gems with swimming pools to upscale chains overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Choose something on trendy South Congress Avenue, in the hipster haven of East Austin, or within walking distance of infamous Sixth Street and get ready to experience Texas’s capital of cool.

Most travelers kick off their Thai adventure in the country’s capital, Bangkok, an exhilarating place where tradition and modernity collide. Away from the big city, Thailand supplies the whole spectrum of travel experiences. The country’s north offers mist-shrouded mountains, its south some of the world’s best beaches. With beautiful landscapes, amazing food and friendly people, the “Land of Smiles” continues to capture the hearts of visitors.

Mendoza is all about great food and great wine. To experience the best the region has to offer, base yourself at a hotel surrounded by vineyards such as the romantic Cavas Wine Lodge or Algodon Wine Estates or where you can channel your inner winemaker. Foodies should visit the Vines Resort and Spa, which is home to a restaurant from South America’s star chef Francis Mallmann.

From the cool cafés on Bree Street to the refined dining rooms along the V&A Waterfront, you’ll find Cape Town’s food scene almost as thrilling as its dramatic setting. The freshest ingredients—harvested from surrounding farms and wine estates and from the Atlantic itself—give every tasting menu or just-baked croissant an almost unfair advantage. With every bite, you’re tasting South Africa.

Wandering Sommelier: Jean K. Reilly in Greece

With just 24 hours’ notice, AFAR sent the award-winning author to Andorra, a tiny country with seriously massive mountains. Here’s what happened when she arrived and was told by locals that it’d be dangerous for her to hike.

Seeking the wonderfully disorienting effect of travel, writer Taras Grescoe ventures to Budapest, where bewilderment ensues.

São Paulo is one of the world’s largest cities and the largest city in South America. It’s also home to huge Japanese and Italian populations (a result of immigration in the early 20th century as São Paulo was an important part of the coffee industry). The city is known for its variety of food, nightlife, and culture, including art and museums. It’s also a great place to experience Brazil’s indoor and outdoor markets and see some very cool architecture thanks to Oscar Niemeyer’s work here.