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There may be nothing more delicious to start your trip to Nashville than a tall stack of biscuits from the Loveless Cafe.
Kick back and enjoy some local wine from Arrington Vineyards, which is owned by country-music star Kix Brooks and lies 30 miles from Nashville.
Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co. has been making delicious chocolates since 2009 and has quickly become a Nashville institution.
Robert’s Western World is your home for some good old honky-tonk and traditional country music.
The Hatch Show Print shop has been turning out colorful and informative show posters since the late 19th century and is a landmark of Nashville.
The Barista Parlor makes up for its stripped-down décor with its top-shelf coffee and teas.
Nashville’s City House restaurant puts a Southern spin on traditional Italian cuisine.
Cumberland Park provides a great venue for both tourists and locals to get out and enjoy the outdoors, as well as amazing views of downtown Nashville.
Pinewood Social is one of the more unusual spots in Nashville. Billed as “a place to meet,” the venue has a bistro, a dining room, a full bar and, of course, a bowling alley.
Some of the city's top attractions share space with fantastic shopping and dining options in Old Montreal, all set within an easily walkable and supremely central location. The cobblestoned Rue St-Paul overflows with upscale boutiques and galleries, while the café-lined Place Jacques-Cartier is one of Montreal's liveliest squares. Pointe-à-Callière Museum and Notre-Dame Basilica, 2 of the city’s must-see’s are located here, too.
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Drawing some 3 quarters of a million visitors each year Montreal's largest museum is also one of Canada's most popular. Spread over 4 pavilions Montreal Museum of Fine Arts features a broad collection of art decorative art and design and since 2011 has also included its own chamber music performance space Bourgie Hall inside a restored church.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Built in the 1820s on an original site from 1657 Notre-Dame Basilica the grand Gothic Revival church features a massive century-old pipe organ with 4 keyboards and 7000 individual pipes as well as gorgeous stained glass depicting scenes from Montreal's long religious history. The next-door Old Sulpician Seminary dating from 1685 is the city's oldest building.
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Few cities do festivals as well as Montreal where -- especially in summer -- there's almost always a major festival of some kind happening in town. Among the most popular are the lively Montreal International Jazz Festival (the largest jazz fest in the world) in late June and early July and the Just for Laughs comedy festival from mid-to-late July.
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One of the world's top botanical gardens, this 190-acre jewel includes 10 exhibition greenhouses, more than 20 themed gardens and some 22,000 plant species. There's also an on-site Insectarium -- the largest of its kind in North America, with some 250,000 specimens, both living and mounted.
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Opened on the very spot where Montreal got its start (as Ville-Marie) in 1642 the vast Pointe-à-Callière Museum traces centuries of the city's history from Amerindian days to the present and houses more than a million artifacts many displayed in their original locations. The 18-minute large-screen multimedia show Yours Truly Montréal offers a great overview of the city's heritage.
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Okay, so it's not all actually underground, but this downtown indoor web of interconnected shopping malls, hotels, museums, metro stations and more is linked by a sprawling network of tunnels—some 20 miles in all—and makes Montreal's often chilly winters much more manageable for locals and visitors alike.
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With a striking new performance space (Montreal Symphony House) since 2011 the Montreal Symphony Orchestra is one of North America's leading classical music ensembles. Musical director Kent Nagano oversees the orchestra's annual calendar which features a number of popular concert series.
© Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Jean Buithieu
At 764 feet it's really much more of a hill than a mountain, but Mount Royal proudly watches over the city, and indeed even gave it its name. It's also home to Mount Royal Park, one of the city's biggest green spaces and a very popular outdoor recreation spot throughout the year.
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A haven for artistic types since the 1980s, the Mile End neighborhood, located just west of downtown, is now home to a thriving creative scene, including musicians, writers, artists and filmmakers. Accordingly, it's also where you'll find some of the city's best galleries, boutiques, cafés and quirky nightlife, as well as locally famous bagel shops St-Viateur and Fairmont.
Coyolicatzin, flickr
Centrally located right at the edge of Old Montreal the city's former commercial harbor is now a revitalized waterfront destination unto itself. Recreation options abound year-round at Old Port from boating and beach bathing in summer to ice skating and ice fishing in winter. A host of dining and entertainment options are here too including an IMAX theater.
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Just north of downtown, and centered along Saint Catherine Street East, this is Montreal's lively gay neighborhood filled with scores of shops, restaurants and bars catering to the city's very out and proud LGBT community. The Village is active year-round but most colorful in summer, when Saint Catherine Street is closed to auto traffic and some 200,000 little pink balls are strung overhead.
ProfRyall, flickr
One of Montreal's oldest public markets and one of North America's largest, Marche Jean-Talon is open year-round in the city's Little Italy neighborhood. In peak summer months, some 300 vendors sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats and other fine products from across Quebec.
stillwellmike, flickr
Quebec's oldest private history museum Old Montreal's Château Ramezay is set in the 1705 residence of a former governor of New France. Exhibits throughout the grand old mansion reveal 5 centuries of history from Montreal and the entire region in addition to a beautiful French colonial style garden out back.
Kenn Chaplin, flickr
Escape the confines of the office in search of the big 5 (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos, oh my!) in South Africa’s majestic Kruger National Park. And we don’t suggest roughing it; put some of that hard-earned cash toward luxurious digs at the Lion Sands Game Reserve. Think grown-up tree houses with a view.
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You don’t need a romantic occasion to visit the Greek islands, but Santorini’s legendary sunsets are the stuff honeymoon (or anniversary) dreams are made of. Plan ahead to arrange a table at La Maison, a cliffside restaurant in the tiny village of Imerovigli, where you can soak in the watercolor sky reflecting off Oia’s gleaming white buildings over sips of local wine.
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How does a weekend of wine tastings, farm-fresh dinners, scenic sunsets and more wine sound? Relaxing, we hope. Spring for a romantic hot-air balloon ride or join friends on a guided bike tour through Napa Valley, whichever’s more your speed. But all first-timers should plan to visit one of chef Thomas Keller’s iconic French establishments, the refined French Laundry or nearby sister bistro Bouchon.
Visit California/Carol Highsmith
Becoming one with nature doesn’t mean you have to sleep in nature, per se. Moab Under Canvas offers luxe safari tents, complete with king-size beds and wood-burning stoves, located just minutes from the entrances to Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Where else could you wake up in the middle of the desert with a red-rock wonderland in the background and a rug beneath your feet?
Trent Bona
This Texas hub has a DNA all its own -- namely delicious food trucks, a killer music scene and a laid-back atmosphere. While it’s worth visiting on any old weekend to kayak on Lady Bird Lake and try the world’s best barbecue, the city really comes alive during festivals such as Austin City Limits and South by Southwest -- you might even be able to persuade your workplace to foot the bill for the latter.
Live Love Paddle
Why should Iceland be on your travel bucket list? Let us count the ways: the northern lights, its majestic fjords and geysers, and Reykjavik’s food scene, for starters. As if you still need convincing, the most breathtaking sight of all may be seeing the steam rise from the legendary Blue Lagoon, a naturally heated, 100-degree fountain of youth, thanks to its mineral-rich turquoise waters.
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We suggest accessing this mind-boggling, centuries-old structure — the longest ever built by man — at Mutianyu. While it’s not the closest stretch of the Great Wall to Beijing, it’s far less touristy and boasts a cable car that will give you a lift to the top, where you can marvel at the sheer ingenuity of the Chinese empire. Between Towers 5 and 6, you’ll find an unexpectedly speedy (and fun!) toboggan ride back to the entrance.
Honeymoon? Babymoon? Birthday celebration? If you’ve always dreamed of sleeping in an overwater hut, you shouldn’t need much coaxing to add this French Polynesian paradise to your bucket list. We suggest springing for a bungalow at the Four Seasons and a sunset dinner at Bloody Mary’s, both popular celeb haunts with unbeatable views.
Sometimes all you need to feel 30 years young is to marvel at an ancient wonder. Enter this “rose-red city half as old as time,” as it was described by poet John Burgon. Journey into another world on a candlelit tour of Petra with Black Tomato. Silenced crowds and cell phones give way to haunting stories told by local guides over soft Bedouin music and tea served among the sandstone.
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You don’t have to be an astronomy buff to appreciate the ethereal night sky from atop Mauna Kea. The going is slow and windy on your way to the summit -- best aided by a 4x4 and extra layers to stay warm -- but it’s a climb worth making in time for a spectacular sunset picnic. Head back down the hill to the visitors center, where volunteers are on hand to help you spot the Milky Way, the North Star and more with free telescopes.
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Philadelphia was already on the national radar as a foodie and cultural destination, but the Pope’s visit in Sept. 2015 launched the city into the global spotlight. Just 2 months later, it received the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage City designation—making it the first US city to nab the distinction. (The fact that Independence Hall was already deemed a World Heritage Site in 1979 was part of the clincher.) Expect Philly to remain in the spotlight since it will host the Democratic National Convention in July 2016.
Iceland has experienced a steady increase in tourists for the past 5 years, and 2016 should be no different. Chalk it up to a combination of new low-fare flights on WOW Air and Norwegian Air, more airlines offering direct routes (Delta), and Game of Thrones fans eager to visit film locations. Besides the must-see Blue Lagoon, don’t miss the recently opened Into the Glacier tour, which provides unprecedented access inside a glacier via a man-made ice cave.
Start planning now for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, which will be held from Aug. 5-21. Tickets are still available on Rio’s official site, and hotel package deals with tickets are also available through authorized reseller CoSport. This will be the city’s first time hosting the Olympics, and massive improvements to Rio’s infrastructure are underway. Can’t get into every Olympic event on your wish list? Visit our guide of other top things to do while in Rio.
Dubai has built a reputation on offering the latest and greatest. It already boasts the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, and Dubai Ski, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Now it can add a Hunger Games theme park to the list. Set to open in Oct. 2016, Motiongate Dubai will feature a fictional District 12 and a simulated hovercraft ride. (Unlike the movie portrayal, this version of Hunger Games will be family friendly.) Operated by Dubai Parks and Resorts, Motiongate Dubai will be joined by Legoland and a Bollywood theme park in 2016. Among the new hotel openings, The Langham, Palm Jumeirah, is the latest luxury property that will take up residence on Dubai’s man-made, palm-tree shaped archipelago.
Although 2015 opened the door for US citizens to legally travel to Cuba, the tourism industry, both here and in Cuba, is still catching up. Part of that is due to the fact that while restrictions have been lifted, visiting for the sake of tourism alone is still banned. Luckily there are 12 exemptions for Americans, and traveling for educational purposes through a tour operator is a popular workaround. Expect more options for 2016 as an increasing number of travel companies enter the market. So far the biggest buzz surrounds Carnival Corp., which plans on adding weeklong cruises out of Miami starting in May.
2016 is shaping up to be a big year for castles; for starters, it’s the last year that Downton Abbey fans will be able to enjoy new episodes. In travel news, Ashford Castle in Ireland -- a 13th-century castle cum 5-star hotel that could put the fictional Downton Abbey to shame -- has just completed a 2-year-long, $75 million renovation following new ownership. The entire interior received a complete refresh of everything from the carpets to the décor, and new additions include a 32-seat movie theater. However, perhaps the most impressive addition is the brand-new spa, an ornate, airy sanctuary with 5 treatment rooms, a hammam and indoor pool.
Every year the European Union appoints 2 different European cities with the prestigious European Capital of Culture title. The chosen cities already have a strong cultural scene, but for those under the radar, the distinction helps provide a huge tourism boost. Wrocław (pronounced Vrots-swaf) is Poland’s fourth-largest city, a picturesque place with a town square that dates back to the middle ages. Visitors can expect a jam-packed lineup for 2016, since the city promises more than 1,000 events. A sampling includes the Theatre Olympiad, an international theater festival, the European Film Awards and famed pianist Lang Lang performing with the Washington National Symphony Orchestra.
San Sebastian is the other European Capital of Culture for 2016, and while it’s better known than Wrocław, it’s no less of a 2016 hotspot. This resort town in the northern Basque region is heralded for its food scene -- although that’s really an understatement, considering it has not one, but 16 Michelin-starred restaurants. Besides the culinary options, visitors can look forward to a cultural schedule with a twist: the city chose “Waves of Energy” as the theme, so anticipate that all of the capital of culture events will possess this conceptual bent. Other major events include the annual Jazz Festival in July and the annual International Film Festival in Sept.
I, Krokodyl [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
Sri Lanka often gets overlooked in favor of its more popular neighbors, India and the Maldives, but this small island nation offers 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush landscapes and no shortage of beaches or elephants. Tourism has rebounded since the decades-long civil war ended in 2009, and luxury hotels are opening at a breakneck pace. Cape Weligama, Ani Villas and Anantara Tangalle Resort & Spa are among the 2015 standouts for unrivaled quality. Anticipated 2016 openings include Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa, a 300-room oasis on the southern coast offering a golf course, spa and Eco Centre, which will educate guests about the local environment. Anantara Kalutara Resort & Spa, a smaller property on the southwest coast, is set to open in January. Rooms will sport authentic Sri Lankan décor, and resort amenities include a yoga pavilion and two outdoor swimming pools. Or you can splurge on a pool villa and get your own private plunge pool.
MYQUA
There’s only one spot left on the most intrepid traveler’s bucket list: space. Virgin Galactic’s space flights are still light years away (or at least not happening in 2016). But thanks to the latest Nieman Marcus Christmas Book, those who have been nice have the chance to experience a modified version via a pressurized capsule attached to a giant high-altitude balloon that will carry passengers 100,000 feet above the Earth. The flight seats 6 passengers at a time and will take up to 6 hours, but luckily there’s a bar and bathroom on board. The trip isn’t scheduled until 2017, but the $90,000 gift starts in 2016 with a 3-night stay at Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ, a tour of Biosphere 2, a scientific research facility with seven contained ecosystems ranging from the desert to the rainforest, and a behind-the-scenes peek at a World View test flight. Better hurry, only 10 packages are up for sale.
Courtesy Neiman Marcus
Peek inside the bucket list of Jonathan and Drew Scott, hosts of HGTV’s hit series Property Brothers, Buying & Selling and Brother Vs. Brother.
“One of my goals is to see all the wonders of the world, both ancient and modern,” said Jonathan.
The Great Wall of China was added to the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
960 1280“One of my goals is to see all the wonders of the world, both ancient and modern,” said Jonathan.
The Great Wall of China was added to the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Michael McDonough, Flickr via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“High on my list are the pyramids and temples along the Nile,” said Jonathan. “Visiting them will let me achieve my main mission: riding a camel!”
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only structure on the original Seven Wonders list still standing.
960 1280“High on my list are the pyramids and temples along the Nile,” said Jonathan. “Visiting them will let me achieve my main mission: riding a camel!”
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only structure on the original Seven Wonders list still standing.
Darren, Flickr via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
Drew looks forward to recreating time spent with his family.
“Our father is originally from Scotland and we have fond memories of exploring castles there on family vacations,” said Drew.
960 1280Drew looks forward to recreating time spent with his family.
“Our father is originally from Scotland and we have fond memories of exploring castles there on family vacations,” said Drew.
DSLRManu, Flickr via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“I’m a golfer, so I’d love to go back to Scotland and play the famous Old Course at St. Andrews,” said Drew. “Even if you don’t golf, St. Andrews is a charming seaside town well worth a visit.”
Visit Britain
In helping clients and viewers see the potential in their real estate dreams, Jonathan Scott hopes to fulfill his dream of traveling to Peru. Located in Peru is Machu Picchu, an Incan city and World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most photographed places in the world.
“Definitely on my bucket list is the ancient Incan stronghold, Machu Picchu, along with the colonial city of Cusco, both high in the Peruvian Andes, so I plan to do some trekking,” said Jonathan.
Geraint Rowland via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
Jonathan is eager to take a trek through Cusco, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire. The coastal city is a great place to see archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture.
Camila Pastorelli via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“Also -- given Peru’s long coastline -- I am ready for some epic feasting in Lima’s seafood restaurants,” said a hungry Jonathan.
David Almeida via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
Like his brother and business partner, Drew Scott turns real estate dreams into reality. It won't be long before Drew's dream of traveling to the Great Barrier Reef is realized.
“I’ve always wanted to explore the Great Barrier Reef,” said Drew. “Like other coral reefs, this vast formation off Australia’s coast is threatened by global warming so it’s moved up on my list.”
Tchami via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“I’m eager to snorkel [or scuba dive, if you do that] there to see the abundant marine life,” said Drew. “Except for sharks; I’d rather avoid them!”
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders.
960 1280“I’m eager to snorkel [or scuba dive, if you do that] there to see the abundant marine life,” said Drew. “Except for sharks; I’d rather avoid them!”
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders.
Paul Toogood via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“Trains are a terrific way to travel and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is hard to beat for its echoes of romance and mystery,” said Jonathan. “The restored vintage cars, deluxe dining and old-school service are elegant throwbacks.”
We’re definitely on board with this.
960 1280“I’d do the classic Paris-to-Venice route,” Jonathan said. “After enjoying the famous canals and landmarks, I’d hop back on the Orient Express and travel on to another lovely city, Prague. A first-class adventure!”
We assume he won’t be taking Drew.
960 1280“I’d do the classic Paris-to-Venice route,” Jonathan said. “After enjoying the famous canals and landmarks, I’d hop back on the Orient Express and travel on to another lovely city, Prague. A first-class adventure!”
We assume he won’t be taking Drew.
Kosala Bandara via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“Angkor Wat belongs on everyone’s bucket list,” said Drew. “It takes some doing to get to this ancient lost city in the Cambodian jungle. The reward: fantastic ruins worthy of Indiana Jones.”
Image Catalog via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
Drew doesn’t want people to get the wrong impression of Cambodia.
“You don’t have to rough it,” he explained. “Nearby (and all over Cambodia) are posh hotels where you can stay in style.”
We recommend Song Saa Private Island.
960 1280Drew doesn’t want people to get the wrong impression of Cambodia.
“You don’t have to rough it,” he explained. “Nearby (and all over Cambodia) are posh hotels where you can stay in style.”
We recommend Song Saa Private Island.
Song Saa Hotels & Resorts
“I love festivals where an entire city turns out to celebrate, said Jonathan. “This year I got to take part in the huge party that is Oktoberfest in Munich.“
“One day I want to experience Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, with all its pulsating parades, exotic costumes, wonderful music and dancing to that great samba beat.”
960 1280“I love festivals where an entire city turns out to celebrate, said Jonathan. “This year I got to take part in the huge party that is Oktoberfest in Munich.“
“One day I want to experience Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, with all its pulsating parades, exotic costumes, wonderful music and dancing to that great samba beat.”
Ronald Woan via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“Going on a cruise is a great way to de-stress. A cruise ship is a floating resort with ever-changing scenery. You unpack at the start and then just enjoy the sights and each other,” said Drew.
“On my list is a small-ship cruise from Vancouver to Alaska, the best way to see remote coastal towns and spectacular sights, including glaciers and wildlife. My only requirement? Warm weather.”
960 1280“Going on a cruise is a great way to de-stress. A cruise ship is a floating resort with ever-changing scenery. You unpack at the start and then just enjoy the sights and each other,” said Drew.
“On my list is a small-ship cruise from Vancouver to Alaska, the best way to see remote coastal towns and spectacular sights, including glaciers and wildlife. My only requirement? Warm weather.”
Ian D. Fleming via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“With Cuba opening up to travel from the US, I’d like to visit Havana while it’s still full of crumbling colonial architecture,” said Jonathan. “Drew has been and brags about how amazing the trip was. I’m a big fan of old buildings, especially when I don’t have to renovate them!”
Franck Vervial via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“Bali is an island paradise with amazing temples and festivals. I have been once before but didn't get a chance to explore. A must-do while there: whitewater rafting on the Ayung River,” said Drew.
Sarah Ackerman via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
“Bali is also known for mischievous monkeys, which will remind me of Jonathan,” said Drew.
Alexis Gravel, via Flickr Creative Commons BY 2.0
Designed by architect Geoffrey Bawa, the Kachchan infinity pool (pictured) at the Heritance Kandalama Hotel blends into the view of Kandalama Lake. Take a swim or relax by the pool in the evenings while Siripala, a traditional flautist from a nearby village, plays soothing music. Located in Sri Lanka, this hotel also has 2 more pools: the Kaludiya Pool and the Rashmi Pool. The latter is the largest pool on the property and is equipped for sports such as water polo.
Adam Brill
At the InterContinental Hotel in Hong Kong, the infinity swimming pool with 3 hot tubs offers guests a relaxing dip overlooking Victoria Harbour. Here’s the bad news: The pool and hot tubs are open only to hotel guests. So you'd better book a stay.
InterContinental Hong Kong
The Grace Santorini on the Greek island of Santorini has a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea as far as the eye can see. On the terrace, where the hotel’s infinity pool is located, grab a refreshing cocktail made by renowned mixologist Salvatore Calabrese. Pair the signature Grace cocktail with your dinner, or just pass the time sipping a delicious drink while watching the sun set.
Grace Hotels
Escape to your own personal paradise at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Enjoy this Maldives resort’s 2 infinite-view swimming pools, as well as its other unique experiences, including the 180-degree views of reef and marine life while dining at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The infinity swimming pool at Ubud Hanging Gardens is perched over a rain forest in Bali. The pool stands on 2 levels surrounded by sun beds. In addition to the main pool, all rooms and suites have a pool for guests looking for a more private atmosphere.
Ubud Hanging Gardens
In addition to the 82-foot Verandah Pool, Jumby Bay also has an oceanfront infinity pool, located at the end of the Jumby Bay Beach in Antigua. Unwind by basking in the Caribbean sun or enjoying a bite to eat at the Pool Grille.
Jumby Bay
Located in a lush Thailand jungle, this pool offers guests at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort great panoramic views of Myanmar and Laos. After a dip in the pool, make friends with elephants on-site; master the art of Thai cuisine at the Lanna Cooking School; take a private tour to explore the hill tribe culture; and more.
Splendid – The Great Escape
The Fifty Miami Ultra Lounge at the Viceroy is one of the most exclusive lookout points in the city. Aside from being a hot nightspot, the Asian-inflected private pool offers guests amazing views of the city from atop the hotel tower. Enjoy the chic, sophisticated ambience and listen to some of Miami’s hottest DJs while lying by the pool or taking a quick dip to cool off.
Viceroy Hotels and Resorts
Welcome to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The hotel’s beautiful poolscape features small dipping pools for kids and cabanas equipped with wireless internet, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, butler service, mini-refrigerators and digital safes for personal items. Rent a poolside bed or a variety of different cabanas, including a luxurious island cabana, located in the center of the Round Pool.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Guests at the Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice, France, have a beautiful view of the Bay of Angels from the outdoor pool. The hotel also has an indoor pool, but outdoors is where you really want to be if you’re visiting this French coastal city in the summer.
Le Palais de la Mediterranee
It’s not a hotel or resort, but we had to include the famous Bondi Baths on our list of the best places to take a dip. Located at the Bondi Icebergs Club, this 164-foot-long, Olympic-size pool has been a landmark on Australia’s Bondi Beach for more than 100 years.
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The Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge uses its vanishing-horizon pool as its centerpiece, surrounding it with rooms and suites, a poolside bar, a rustic reception area, a dining room, a bar and a veranda, which overlooks the lake. Located in Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania, the lodge lets guests go on a morning bird walk, a mountain bike ride, a canoe adventure, a night game drive, or a culture tour to learn about the local Iraqw and Sukuma people in neighboring villages.
Roman Boed
Take a look at the stunning architecture and cityscape surrounding the outdoor infinity pool at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. This 82-foot-long pool overlooks the Singapore River in the heart of the city.
Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
Enjoy the stunning view of the Indian Ocean from the main infinity pool at the Banyan Tree Seychelles resort. Each villa has a private pool, but we think you may spend most of your time at the main pool, which has a bar that serves creative fruit cocktails and tasty snacks.
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
On Maui’s Wailea Beach, the Grand Wailea has 9 pools, including the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, which is equipped with waterslides, rapids and more. We like the Hibiscus Pool (pictured) for guests 18 and older. On the bottom of the pool, a mosaic hibiscus flower was designed with 630,000 pieces of Mexican glass. The 4,850-square-foot pool also has 2 Jacuzzis — perfect for a romantic retreat away from the kids.
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
The Hotel Villa Mahal has a 55-foot-long infinity pool with a Jacuzzi that allows guests to gaze at a stunning view of the Kalkan Bay. The Lycian coastline has become one of Turkey’s most popular vacation destinations, thanks to the area’s great beaches and several historical sites, including Xanthos, the ancient capital of Lycia.
Cloudzilla
On the 57th floor, get a phenomenal view of Singapore from the Marina Bay Sands’ Tower 1 pool. This massive, 500-foot-long infinity pool at the hotel's SkyPark is not for the faint of heart.
Timothy Hursley©
The SLS Hotel South Beach's pool deck is for travelers who are willing to splurge. Spanning more than 8,000 square feet, the pool deck features a pool, beach, garden and covered cabana area. Beyond the pool, Hyde Beach is where Miami's hip, chic crowd converges to hear the hottest DJs and where rich locals and guests throw private events and receptions.
SLS Hotel
Get a panoramic view of LA from the heated rooftop pool at the Standard. And after a dip in the pool, lounge around with friends on one of the canopy waterbeds nearby. Each bed holds up to 10 people.
The Standard Downtown LA
At Traders Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, snuggle up in a private booth or dance poolside at SkyBar, a rooftop pool with views of the Petronas Towers and the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Just a word to the wise: Don’t jump in — this pool is not for swimming.
Shangri-La
The ultra-luxe Shaw House in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a 3,068-square-foot waterfront residence with a lap pool on the roof of the house’s west side. The pool acts as the ceiling, filtering the sunlight into the central area of the house. It’s not open to the public, but we can still dream of plunging into this unique pool of pure bliss, can’t we?
Paul Warchol Photography Inc.
It’s the world deepest indoor swimming pool. Nemo 33 in Brussels, Belgium, showcases a unique design that includes several “underwater caves.” Take a 108-foot plunge to explore these submerged houses. And for the inexperienced diver, scuba lessons are offered on-site.
Nemo 33
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico, Habita Monterrey has 2 pools that are separated by a bar. Visitors can swim in the 90-degree hot pool during the winter months or cool off in the cold pool during the summer. Both are on the eighth floor of the hotel, where guests can see the city skyline surrounded by the Sierra Madre Oriental.
Hotel Habita Monterrey
Head to the Dead Sea in Jordan to experience the Celestial Pools at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar. Surrounded by gardens and lagoons, this hotel’s 9 swimming pools and waterfalls offer guests picturesque views of the Dead Sea. And don’t miss out on a visit to the 108-square-foot Anantara Spa — it’s the largest spa in the Middle East.
Moment Open / Getty Images
High above Bali’s Ayung River, this rectangular infinity pool at the Alila Ubud seems to fall off into the jungle. This eco-friendly resort on the Indonesian island encourages guests to get to know the local Balinese culture through countryside treks, visits to local farmers markets and more, while also supporting the local businesses and community.
Alila Hotels & Resorts
Take a refreshing swim in the London West Hollywood's rooftop pool, where panoramic views are only improved with pool concierge services, poolside cabanas and fitness facilities. Dine poolside at Rooftop by Gordon Ramsay, which features cuisine from the celebrity chef under the direction of chef Anthony Keene.
London West Hollywood
Travel to Udaipur, India, to see why this pool is making a big splash at Hotel Udai Kothi. One of the perks of this pool is the view overlooking the palaces in Old Town Udaipur.
Hotel Udai Kothi
This freshwater infinity pool at La Casa Que Canta overlooks Mexico’s Zihuatanejo Bay — and seems to flow directly into it. Guests can easily get lost in thought gazing ahead at the amazing panoramic views seen from the perimeter of the main pool.
La Casa Que Canta
“Throw caution to the wind and live life with reckless abandon by backpacking through Brazil. Traverse the thick Amazon rain forest in Manaus, immerse yourself in the Afro-centric culture of Salvador, go nude sunbathing on Praia Mole in Florianopolis, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Iguazu Falls, and stand at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. Go — you’ll be glad you did — and prepare to get a lifetime of great memories.” — Kwin Mosby, Managing Producer
Rick Neves/Moment Open/Getty Images
“What better way to kick off your first step into the real world than by getting away from the hustle and bustle that you have come to call normal? There may be no better place to do that than the Canadian wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. Spread out over nearly 3,000 square miles of pristine backcountry, Algonquin boasts more than 1,900 campsites set along the shores of more than 2,400 lakes, with plenty of different ways to enjoy them. Grab a canoe, a backpack and a few friends, and paddle off into a sunset-drenched backdrop of the open water and woods to jump-start your trip. After a few days of traveling through the natural highway of portages and lakes, you’ll be relaxed, refreshed and ready to take that next step.” — Matthew Dewhurst, Producer
Henry Georgi/All Canada Photos/Getty Images
“First time across the pond — you don’t say! There’s not a better way to christen a newly minted passport than with a classic Europe trip. London is the perfect place to wet your whistle with a pint between checking off bucket-list attractions such as Big Ben and the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Then, ride the Eurail to your heart’s content. Hip hostels make traveling to stylish cities such as Paris, Barcelona or Prague possible even before you earn your first ‘big kid’ paycheck.” — Sara Gilliam, Senior Producer
Sylvain Sonnet/The Image Bank/Getty Images
“As 4-plus years of studying comes to a close, celebrate with 1 last hurrah in Las Vegas! Be a high roller for the weekend and spend some graduation money on high-stakes gambling and bottle service. Enjoy the beginning of summer with crazy Vegas pool parties at the Venetian’s Tao Beach and Mandalay Bay’s Daylight.” — Michelle Tran, Ad Sales Producer
Sylvain Sonnet/Photolibrary/Getty Images
“Australia is a place on most people’s bucket lists, and it’s a fantastic destination to let go and have some fun after years of studying and exams. Make your way to Magnetic Island in the lower part of the Great Barrier Reef. Go snorkeling to see the colorful fish and coral, and take a free hike along the Forts Walk to catch the sunset while perched atop the historic World War II fortifications. Be sure to keep your eyes on the eucalyptus trees to spot koalas. If you don’t see any, go cuddle one at the Bungalow Bay Koala Village, which is also a backpackers’ hostel.” — Arthur Hsu, Video Project Manager
Townsville Enterprise Ltd/Tourism Australia
“Enjoy beautiful beaches, island-hopping and a warm but cooler 77 degrees during the month of June — the perfect time to go, just before the rush of summer tourists. Charter a catamaran through Blue Lagoon Cruises, whose boats come equipped with swimming platforms, bars, trampolines and much more! Enjoy hidden bays and hot springs on and around the islands of Santorini and Mykonos.” — Rani Robinson, Digital Director
Mbbirdy/E+/Getty Images
“Grab a few friends and book a cruise to the Caribbean. Even just a 3- or 4-night sailing is the perfect way to kick back, party till the wee hours, and see a few new places — all in 1 vacation. Not to mention it’s budget-friendly, with most meals and entertainment included. Try a 4-night Western Caribbean itinerary on Carnival, leaving from Miami and sailing to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. Or, if you have the time and money, spring for a 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean, leaving from San Juan with stops in places such as Aruba, Barbados, St. Thomas, Antigua and St. Lucia.” — Hannah Prince, Copy Editor
Royal Caribbean International
“If you’re searching for a great domestic post-graduation destination that blends both relaxation and excitement, then Newport Beach, CA, is the place for you. Post up on the expansive plots of sand with a good book or your headphones and relax in the sun, enjoying some of the country’s best weather. Looking for a thrill? Newport Beach also offers a wide variety of adventure and fun, from Jet Skiing and cruising the waves on a surf or boogie board to setting up your teammate for the perfect spike on one of the many public volleyball courts. And if you start to feel parched after a long day in the sun, stop by Sharkeez — a Newport staple — for a cold cocktail.” — Ben Breslerman, Producer
iStockphoto.com/Jessica Nugent
“Not everyone can afford a trip around the world to celebrate graduating, but you can take a budget shortcut and visit NYC instead! While it's still not the cheapest city in America, in 1 weekend, you can take the N/R train down to Chinatown for tasty soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai, walk up to Little Italy for some authentic Chianti from Parm, and then hop the A/C to Koreatown for homemade Miss Korea kimchi and barbecue. Not to mention the dozens of first-class museums, such as the Met and the Frick, that are also just a subway ride away. You'll leave having experienced the best of more than a dozen cultures without ever needing your passport!” — Liz Fraser, Photo Editor
iStockphoto.com/TriggerPhoto
"Something definitely on my bucket list is to go on an African safari. If we're faced with the apocalypse, hey, I might as well stare down a rhinoceroses or a lion. If it's the last thing I'll ever see, I'd love to watch the sun set and the stars come out over the African hillside. But in all honesty, if my days were really numbered, I'd probably be sipping wine in a Parisian pied-à-terre even though it's a lot less wild." -- Sara, Producer
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“I’d spend my end of days on this island paradise in French Polynesia. I’d be wearing next to nothing and enjoying unlimited tropical drinks and fresh seafood. I’d walk the beaches, said to be as white and soft as baby powder, and swim in the clear blue waters of the lagoon and surrounding barrier reef. In the evening, I’d retire to one of those over-the-water bungalows where I could watch the fish through the coffee table and fall asleep to the sound of the waves below. What a way to go!” -- Jodi, Site Director
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“It's no surprise that, being a travel editor, my bucket list is long ... it's an occupational hazard. Things have moved up and down on my list, but there is one trip that's always been set in ink: Hike the Inca Trail. While I know there is a comfortable train that goes directly from Cusco, Peru, to Machu Picchu, there is something very end-of-days about making the same arduous 4-day, 30-mile trek through the Sacred Valley that the ancient Incas once made. The most memorable travel moments are the ones that don’t come easy, right?” -- Kathleen, Producer
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“World coming to an end?! Hurry, sign me up with Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic space program fast! Oh, shoot! The first flight out isn’t until 2013? Guess that means Branson is betting the world won’t stop spinning come Dec. 21. A ticket aboard this flight will cost a cool quarter mil, but with a passenger list that reportedly includes Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie this is one trip I wouldn’t want to miss. Oh yeah, plus it would be pretty cool to see the Earth from outer space.” -- Lisa, Producer
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“Most people probably wouldn’t know where the Falkland Islands were if you asked them, which gives me all the more incentive to visit these isolated islands just off the southernmost tip of South America. The main reason I'd like to visit the Falklands is the chance to meet a penguin … or a few thousand. Five different species live on the tiny islands. And they're not afraid of humans; so I wouldn't have any problem getting a perfect photo op.” -- Amanda, Producer
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“When I find myself daydreaming, there is only one place I go -- to the secluded, white-sanded, clear-watered beaches in Fiji. For me it’s the perfect place to relax in the sun, far away from the rest of the world. The island nation in Melanesia, located in the middle of the South Pacific, spans more than 330 islands, making it an ideal place to escape with your loved ones or simply spend time alone far away from the rest of civilization.” -- Ben, Producer
"Taking a dive in the Great Barrier Reef, climbing to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge or just people watching and relaxing au naturel on Lady Jane Beach are all fun things I imagine my trip Down Under would include. However, if my days were numbered, I’d go on a balls-to-the-wall adventure and backpack my way through Australia’s Outback. Exploring natural beauty like Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Kakadu National Park and the diverse wildlife would maintain my Zen state even though the Earth is about to fall off its axis, go hurling into space or just become a hot ball of sizzlin’ mess." -- Kwin, Managing Producer
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"Working at Travel Channel has opened up a Pandora’s box; my bucket list will now take a Mega Millions-sized fortune to realize. The top of my list are the Maldives. Sadly, this stunning collection of 1,190 tiny islands and atolls may become the first nation to disappear into the water if climate change persists. It’s only a matter of time before my dream of scuba diving in the islands’ reefs becomes a distant wish, so my lottery win better be imminent!" -- Allee, Producer
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“I made an afternoon trip to South Africa’s Rocklands a few years ago and the memory of those few hours there still hasn’t escaped my mind. The region is a massive collection of boulders in the country’s Cederberg Wilderness Area, just north of Cape Town. With the impending apocalypse upon us, I’ll spend my remaining moments climbing boulder after boulder with my trusty Nalgene flask filled with Talisker 18 for one final adventure in pebble wrestling.” -- Arthur, Video Project Manager
"Let me tell you, Dubai is no joke -- we’re talking luxury at its finest! Besides being home to Burj Khalifa, which currently holds the title of the world’s tallest building, the city is a stone’s throw from the Palm Islands, the world’s largest artificial islands now being called the eighth wonder of the world. The UAE city has been on my bucket list for about 10 years, and once I find reasonably priced direct flight, I’m packing my bags. Whatever else Dubai has up its sleeve, I’m already looking forward to running around Dubailand and the Mall of Arabia like a kid in a candy store." -- Vanessa, Photo Editor
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“Dinosaurs intrigue me. Maybe it’s because they ruled the Earth for such a friggin long time -- 160 million years. Granted, it may sound a bit odd to spend the end of days roaming the halls of Museo Carmen Funes, a small natural history museum in Patagonia, pondering the last days of a species that went extinct 65 million years ago. But looking up at the fossils of the biggest, most fantastical giants to have ever roamed the Earth would definitely transport my imagination to a place far, far away.” -- Lisa, Producer
Claudio Bustos, flickr
Hop aboard the Coastal Classic in Anchorage for a scenic four-hour ride to Kenai Fjords National Park. Along the coast you'll pass a stretch of Cook Inlet known as the Turnagain Arm, before greeting the snow-capped Kenai Mountains.
By Frank Kovalchek from Anchorage, Alaska, USA (Our Alaska Railroad train to Spencer Glacier) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
After a series of tunnels and a harrowing single-track switch, it's onward through the land of glassy lakes, waterfalls and glaciers to the end of the line in Seward.
By Nils Öberg (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Your 65-mile, two-hour journey to the Grand Canyon on this vintage steam train starts in Williams, Ariz.
By DXR (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Coach seats are bench style in Pullman cars from the roaring 1920s, the club car has a mahogany bar, first class enjoys captain-style seats, and a double-decker dome car offers passengers a bird's-eye view.
By Drew Jacksich [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
This first-class excursion to the Northwest Rockies begins in Seattle. Each of the 17 luxurious cars, dating to the 1940s and 1950s, cost up to $2 million to refurbish and maintain.
Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images
Two modern diesel engines pull the Pullman sleeper cars, gourmet kitchen, dining car, laundry and dome cars on tracks laid in the late 1800s. Glacier National Park in Montana is the first stop. The next destination is Idaho Falls and Yellowstone National Park. The final stop of this grand tour is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images
This giant diesel-engine locomotive begins its journey at Chicago's Union Station and runs west along the original route of the Great Northern Railway to Glacier National Park in Montana.
Douglas Rahden [Attribution], via Wikimedia Commons
During the next two days, you'll stop at the Glacier Park Lodge & Resort, the Historic Belton Chalet and the Izaak Walton Inn.
By Andrew Balet (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Coast Starlight travels the coast between Los Angeles' and Seattle. The first park on the route is the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area with over 153,000 acres of beaches, mountains and a working movie set, Paramount Ranch. Klamath Falls, Ore., is the jumping off point to visit Crater Lake National Park. The train stops at Portland's historic Union Station before ending in Seattle, an hour and 45-minute drive to Mt. Rainier National Park
First-class ticket holders can enjoy the luxurious Parlor Car, and there's also a car designated just for kids.
By donielle (Flickr: pacific parlour car) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Your 7 1/2-hour trip to Denali National Park on this refurbished blue-and-yellow train begins in Anchorage.
By Nils Öberg (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
By Len Turner from Lufkin, TX, USA (Alaska 02-013Uploaded by Arsenikk) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
While in the Philippines, Dominic gets up-close with an Atlas Moth.
The Poison Dart frog in Peru takes a break from hopping around just long enough for the "Wild Things" crew to snap a shot.
Fall of The Knights Templar, Resurrecting Sherlock, Weeping Stones Curse
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