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Crowds may swarm upon it daily from sunrise onwards, but exposure hasn’t dulled the impact of the largest religious monument in the world. Commissioned by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century as the centerpiece of the mighty Khmer empire, the structure is inspired by Hindu sacred design and is estimated to have taken around 30 years to build. The biggest surprise upon visiting might be learning that the vast complex of spires, moats, frescoes, cloisters, and balustrades was constructed in such speedy fashion. You won’t be alone while witnessing it, but sunrise over the iconic temple remains one of the essential experiences in Southeast Asia. A return in the afternoon when the camera-toting hordes have dispersed is also advisable.

One of the most popular day trips from Reykjavík, this dramatic and scenic rift valley is both the historical site of Iceland’s Viking parliament and a geological wonder in its own right. Among the highlights are the Almannagjá cliffs, where the island’s chieftains and most of the Icelandic population traditionally congregated for an annual Alþing (general assembly), the last of which was held as recently as 1798. Wooden walkways around the park lead to other sites of interest like the black-roofed Þingvellir Church and Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. There are also waterfalls, flower-filled valleys, and abundant wildlife. It is possible to organize a diving trip to explore the tectonic rift that divides the Eurasian and North American plates, and there’s a visitor center with great views and decent coffee as well as exhibitions and a gift shop.

Weekend mornings are typically sleepy in Amsterdam. The town barely wakes up by noon, and many stores and restaurants are closed Sunday morning. Which leaves few options beyond local bakeries and venues serving touristy “English Breakfasts” to satisfy the urge for hearty morning fare. Enter G’s West, possibly the coziest spot in Amsterdam West for weekend brunch. Open Friday–Sunday, the former “bruin café” sits on a quiet street in Amsterdam’s Jordaan. Self-described as “an eclectic hot mess of love, lust, hunger & thirst,” the interior features whitewashed wood, funky furnishings, tablecloths printed with old comic strips, and a bar stocked with antique apothecary bottles and Bloody Mary fixin’s. Order from a sassy menu shaped like an old LP, featuring Foreplay, The Main Act, Happy Endings and Tipsy. Start with oysters on the half-shell or G’s Brunch Dip on Crack, washed down with a Bloody Bacon, Passion in the Morning or Morning Wood cocktail. The Main Act stars classic Eggs Benedict, Challah French Toast and other breakfast dishes, as well as a Chicken Waffle Burger featuring fried chicken sandwiched between sugar waffles. The same fare is offered on a Brunch Cruise that sails every Saturday and Sunday, with pick-up and drop-off at the Homomonument on Keizersgracht. As one of the only spots that serves weekend brunch in Amsterdam, G’s lives up to its URL: http://reallyniceplace.com/. Both the Jordaan venue are available for private parties and corporate events.

You’ll leave this mountain town more rested and more balanced than when you arrived.

Travel off the beaten path through Caguas, Cayey, and Aguas Buenas for a trip immersed in the outdoors that helps protect and preserve this Caribbean Island.

In this editorial series by Afar, we highlight the most exciting new hotels, restaurants, events, and things to do in some of our favorite cities around the world—giving travelers a new reason to travel and see some of these iconic destinations.

From crab claws and amberjack to classic Italian, eat your way through Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with these restaurant recommendations and food experiences.

Unwind in Myrtle Beach with coastal trails, spa days, and fresh sea air.

On this episode of Unpacked, Five Questions, food writer Lisa Abend road trips through northern Spain to discover how Michelin-starred chefs are breathing new life into the country’s emptying villages.

Explore Michelin-starred restaurants, local and seasonal delicacies, and more in Reykjavik, Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen.

Chef Silver Iocovozzi, of James Beard Award-nominated Asheville restaurant Neng Jr.’s, recommends delights on and off the table during this 48-hour itinerary filled with the best of the city.

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

With accessible beaches, theaters, and restaurants, Myrtle Beach is for every traveler.

Myrtle Beach is more than a beach getaway—it’s a rising star for seafood and local brews.