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Anyone would think that a native Floridian would have spent significant time in The Keys. To be honest, I’ve only been a handful of times and mostly it was day trips to Key West. Although the southernmost key has its own charms, I was delighted to attend the opening of the Amara Cay Resort in Islamorada. The resort, boasting 110-spacious and bright rooms/suites, is a lovely combination of sexy South Florida and life on island time. My suite was spacious with clean designs and earthy tones complementing the constant view of the blue ocean from my balcony. Located directly on the water, travelers feel as though they have stepped out of the state and onto their own private island - perfect for residents of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Travelers are completely immersed in the modern rustic design the moment they entire the lobby, filled with reclaimed wood, and swinging papasan chairs. This is the perfect meeting point to wait for your friends and sip a cocktail or two. During my stay, I made sure to stop at Sparrows Rum Bar for oceanfront snack and beer. My friends and I danced into the night on the string-lit patio. Conveniently located next to the pool and beach, we were able to easily go back and forth. For dinner, we gorged on delicious seafood and Italian cuisine at Oltremare Ristorante. My biggest recommendation is the “Blood Lime” grapefruit cocktail, inspired by the popular Netflix show Bloodline. I’ll definitely be back the next time I need a quick escape.

Despite the fact that speakeasies of the prohibition age were illegal, their illicit nature created an allure that drew people in—never mind getting arrested. Nowadays, speakeasies are a sophisticated trend, and fortunately, visiting one doesn’t involve the possibility of jail time. Good thing, because it would be a pity to miss out on Charles H., the decadent, speakeasy themed cocktail bar on the lower level of the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Named after American cocktail writer Charles H. Baker, the menu features concoctions found by the cocktail connoisseur on his world travels, and showcases interiors meant to resemble the subterranean New York of a bygone era. Like a true speakeasy, there are no signs leading the way to the hidden door, but chances are an accommodating hotel employee may be able to provide a hint. 97 Saemunan-ro,Jongno-gu, Seoul

Vero Beach is somewhat off the tourism radar. (Those in the know may like to keep it so.) Vero attracts travelers with its golf courses, beaches and a luxury vibe, coupled with an Old Florida feel. Spend a few days at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, and its understated elegance and sense of community will begin to lull you in more deeply. The friendly staff—from the concierge to the desk, valet and housekeeping—offers professional service with genuine warmth. Their local tips and knowledge are gold. The hotel is luxurious yet cozy, from the refined pool to the beachfront fire pit to the comfy “living room,” where guests are invited to enjoy morning coffee or tea and a wine happy hour. Get social--chat with the staff, and share stories with other guests. This same character is found in the spacious suites, with details like robes with zebra stripping, a yoga mat, and Caribbean-style wooden sliders that open to large balconies overlooking the beach or pool. In the morning, wake up to a sunrise amidst a pink and periwinkle sky. At night, fall asleep to the rhythmic lapping of ocean waves on the shore. Hotel amenities include the well-appointed White Orchid Spa, Heaton’s Reef poolside bar, the stylish Cobalt restaurant, as well as a secluded hot tub, a gym, a boutique and a fountain-rimmed, azure pool. The hotel’s location on Ocean Drive is steps away from the beach, shops and restaurants. The hotel is perfect for travelers seeking a winter getaway, a weekend escape or a romantic destination.

Explore local customs and traditions during an eye-opening, culturally enriching stay at Turtle Bay Resort

Immerse yourself in natural and cultural wonders as you uncover an enchanting landscape of ancient rock formations and underground cities.

Much of Santa Fe’s architecture feels lifted from (or, at any rate, inspired by) historic pueblos, but the Inn on the Alameda takes the impression several steps further, set as it is on two lush, riverside acres just on the edge of downtown. Rooms are arranged around serene courtyards whose stucco walls feature flowering vines, and communal areas like the well-stocked library—with its roaring fireplace for those chilly desert nights—and romantically candlelit lounge patio make it feel more like an old (if, admittedly, luxurious) family compound than the intimate boutique hotel it is. All areas are outfitted with rustically refined Southwestern decor—Native American textiles, Mission-style wood furniture, and local artwork—that blend modern and traditional worlds, a philosophy also embodied in the inn’s dedication to understatedly superlative service, which includes free breakfast, wine and cheese each evening, and a free shuttle around town. Oh, and an extra perk that makes guests feel even more like locals? The inn is the closest hotel to the gallery-lined Canyon Road.

See the art, history, and neighborhoods most visitors miss.

See thought-provoking contemporary art, world-class performances, and more at Toronto’s most treasured cultural institutions on this three-day itinerary.

The Inca Trail is perhaps the most famous trek in Peru. This is the road to Machu Picchu, an ancient route that leads from the Sacred Valley into the heart of the Andes. You must obtain a permit and hire an official guide in order to hike the Inca Trail proper. There are plenty of tour operators in Cusco that offer trips up to Machu Picchu, so you should definitely look at reviews before you choose. For better or for worse, the tours are all-inclusive. The local tour operators employ porters to carry your packs and set up a camp. A team of local chefs will prepare three meals a day, and many hikers come back raving about the delicious meals. Keep in mind that the trek can be tough, especially in the first few days. The trail is often narrow, and it flirts with formidable heights. The mountains in this part of the Andes can rise well over 13,000 feet, and many hikers find themselves suffering from altitude sickness. Make sure to take a few days (in Cusco or the Sacred Valley) to acclimatize before you begin the journey. Finally: make sure to plan ahead! The Peruvian government limits trail access to 500 people per day, including porters. This regulation protects the local ecosystem and the delicate ruins, and it ensures that the trail won’t be too crowded. However, it also means that permits for the peak summer season sell out months in advance. If you aren’t able to get a permit for the classic Inca Trail, never fear: there are various other trails that lead to Machu Picchu.

Traveling with kids of all ages? You’ll love this itinerary, full of everything from playful museums to entertaining cultural events in Germany.

Right in the heart of the Flatiron District, this swanky cocktail joint evokes the bygone days of the Jazz Era—and has one of the most extensive bar menus around, too. You can almost see Frank Sinatra propped up in the corner of the Art Deco-style room, sipping his gentleman’s drink (that’s Jack Daniel’s with a splash of water). All ingredients are freshly muddled, minced, and made to order; the drink menu changes with the seasons. Try a martini if you lean toward the classics or dive into a specialty cocktail, like the Devil Went Down to Georgia (bourbon, lemon, peach, and Tabasco) or the aptly named Dying Bastard (gin, Cognac, bourbon, housemade lime cordial, ginger, and Angostura bitters). If you’ve got the whole evening ahead of you, go one step further and order the cocktail flight of the day so you can sample a little bit of everything.

Mazatlán is going through a renaissance. “The Pearl of the Pacific” saw its original heyday along with Acapulco during the glamorous 50s and 60s, when Hollywood stars mixed with Mexico’s elite for sun and fun and cocktails. By the 90s, however, Mazatlán was worn around the edges and run down, a forgotten tourist relic while the Caribbean coast’s Cancún rose to world fame. Well, Mazatlán is back, baby-- back to its former glory and more. If your hotel is in the touristy souvenir-filled “Zona Dorada” (Golden Zone), be sure to spend your days in the Pueblo Viejo (Old Town) and its charming, fully renovated historic center steps away from the beach. The cultural scene here is vibrant--live theater and dance performances, tasty eateries, unique boutiques, and several interesting museums. Of course, getting out in the sea and sun will also be a priority. Surfing, sportfishing and horseback riding are all popular here, but the real don’t-miss activity is a whale or dolphin-watching expedition. Onca Explorations (www.oncaexplorations.com) offers popular daily ecotours to observe marine mammals. At the end of the day, a drink at a beachside bar is in order. As you people watch and enjoy the dramatic Pacific sunset, you can ponder whether you’re in the mood for watching a concert at the Teatro Angela Peralta or dancing the night away at one of Mazatlán’s many Zona Dorada nightclubs.

Enjoy James Beard Award–winning restaurants and internationally renowned art without the crowds.

Sample sake, craft sushi, soak in hot springs, and meditate with a monk on this journey through Japan’s heart.