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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.

Easily one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Philly, Spruce Street Harbor Park was originally created as a pop-up park and quickly became a blockbuster hit with locals and visitors alike. Situated along the Delaware River waterfront just steps from Penns Landing, the park offers activities for all ages and is a fabulous place to relax (hammocks included!). In no particular order, visitors can enjoy the beer garden, food truck outposts of the renowned Franklin Fountain ice cream parlor, Federal Donuts and Garces restaurants, a bocce court, shuffle ball, kayaks, paddleboats, an arcade, and an urban beach. With so many fun activities, the park is truly fun for all, and is prettiest at night when the multi-colored lights illuminate the park and reflect on the water. Spruce Street Harbor Park is a seasonal attraction, open summer through fall (May through September, exact dates vary).

Iceland’s largest and most famous geothermal spa lies around an hour outside Reykjavik, quite close to Keflavik Airport. With a dramatic setting amidst large black lava boulders, the steam-filled, creamy-blue pool area is a striking and surreal sight. The Blue Lagoon has been open since the 1980s and today draws some 700,000 visitors a year. The pools are actually created by heated seawater that flows from the adjacent geothermal power station. The waters allegedly cure all manner of skin-related ailments (eczema, psoriasis), but whether these claims are true or not, it’s certainly an atmospheric place to unwind, with very comfortable (99 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures. The complex includes a small bar that dispenses healthy juices and beer, as well as a spa area for massages andbeauty treatments, and a very good restaurant; there’s also an upscale hotel if you wish to stay overnight.

Eat your way through D.C. with a four-day itinerary of top restaurants, food museums, markets, and unique stops like a zoo and a cookbook shop.

Before Salsa Shop opened in 2014, searching for a good taco in Amsterdam could be a doomed, Quixote-like quest. Despite ruling the spice trade in the 17th century, Dutchies apparently never developed a taste for fare with a bite, as traditional Dutch dishes are typically bland, with none of the piquant flavors found in Mexican favorites. That may change with Amsterdam’s Salsa Shop off Rembrandtplein, where Mexican street food is served in surroundings no more glamorous than a neighborhood stall in Guadalajara. Borrowing Subway’s build-it-yourself concept, customers select their dish (taco, burrito, burrito bowl, tacos or salad), then choose what meats, veggies and toppings to stuff into it. Carnivores can opt for Barbacoa or Carnitas (spicy shredded beef or pork), or grilled, marinated chicken or steak. Top it off with corn, grated cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and/or creamy guacamole. Salsas range from mild cucumber and yogurt to fresh peach habanero and zingy salsa verde. For more adventurous palates, the smoky pineapple chipotle salsa has heat, while those with a real tolerance will savor the aptly named fiery yellow habanero. Wash it all down with beer or a slushy margarita. Whatever you order, it’s a good feed for under €9, but don’t expect more than zingy fare made with fresh ingredients and naturally-raised meats, served in a bright, fast food-style joint—great for a late-night snack after catching a flick at the nearby Art Deco Tuschinski Theater.

On this episode of View From Afar, host Billie Cohen talks with Louisiana Office of Tourism assistant secretary Doug Bourgeois about why the Pelican State—from Cajun country to the Mississippi Delta—is one of America’s great culinary and cultural destinations.

Take in million-dollar views of Auckland’s skyline on the 15-minute ferry ride to Devonport, a seaside village on the North Shore of Auckland. Window-shop at the boutiques and art galleries along the main street before settling in at a café for a coffee or something more substantial. Admire the Victorian and Art Deco buildings along Victoria Road and King Edward Parade on foot or by Clydesdale-drawn carriage. For those with more energy, a short hike up North Head rewards you with military tunnels, historic cannons and panoramic views.

Like many other Philly institutions, the Philadelphia Zoo is America’s first. It opened in 1874 and encompasses over 40 acres of gardens and exhibits, featuring more than 1,300 animals, including many rare and endangered species. Visitors may need a full day to explore the many exhibits and attractions, and should consider reserving a guided tour to get the most out of their visit. One of the most popular and unique activities is the Zoo Balloon, a tethered hot air balloon that soars 400 feet over the zoo grounds, with spectacular views of the nearby Schuylkill River, Fairmount Park and the Philly skyline. The balloon flies from May through October, weather permitting; check the home page of the zoo’s website on the morning of your visit to see the balloon’s status. The kids can get up close and personal with a variety of creatures at KidZooU, the new children’s zoo and wildlife education center which offers both indoor and outdoor learning experiences. American history and architecture buffs should look for the Frank Furness designed Victorian gates and gatehouses, as well as a very historic home located on the zoo grounds, known as The Solitude. Built in 1784 by John Penn, grandson of William Penn, the Solitude house is a lovely neoclassical manor house and is the only original Penn home remaining in the US. The zoo is open daily from 9:30 to 4.

Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and this itinerary takes you to the best of the best.

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.

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

Try everything under the Southwestern sun, from fry bread to squid-ink tortillas and omakase sushi, with this six-day travel itinerary.

In this week’s episode of Unpacked by AFAR, we meet the tour company that’s uniting travel and homelessness.

This three-day itinerary caters to different travelers’ tastes with a smorgasbord of fun, from beach time and golf to water sports and tours—on land and in the island’s dazzling blue waters.

From local seafood to Dutch-Caribbean fusion, this four-day travel itinerary covers it all.