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Jackie Dewe Mathews

Tasmania encompasses some of the last great wilderness on Earth, a place of spectacular mountains, untamed rivers, and towering forests, unadulterated by human habitation. With roughly the same area as the Republic of Ireland, it has only a 10th as many people—and nearly half those 500,000 souls live in a single city: the capital, Hobart. The island’s rural areas are populated largely by people who seem attached to bygone ways, pursuing simpler, more sustainable lives. Nevertheless, there are locals—youngsters especially—who feel trapped in a lonely place with too little to do. And for all those who seek to preserve its natural splendor for generations to come, there are many others who regard the island’s untapped resources as their birthright. See it while you can. Photo: Jagged cliffs overlook Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Jackie Dewe Mathews is based in London. You can see more of her work at jackiedewemathews.com.

Jackie Dewe Mathews

Junior champion axeman Jesse Bakes participates in tree felling, a competitive sport in Tasmania.

Jackie Dewe Mathews

A stuffed pheasant casts a shadow onto the wall of a Tasmanian home.

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Even by Australia’s standards, it’s a world apart. Images from one of the planet’s last frontiers.

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Summer’s dog days are just begging for a road trip. Kristen Bell, who goes on the lam with boyfriend Dax Shepard in the new comedy Hit & Run (in theaters Aug. 22) recommends the bare necessities—and then some.

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Grab Bag

“These keep everything cool while simultaneously keeping everything cute.” $45; loverusablebags.com

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Snack Attack

“Ginger candies soothe an upset stomach in case anyone feels carsick.” $16.99 for pack of six; gingerpeople.com

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Truffles, Ramen and Pork Belly, Oh My!

Our chefs take us on an in-depth tour of their favorite places to dine, from the alleys of Old Hong Kong to the Swedish tundra. Check out the full list of 101.

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Daniel, New York, NY “My fine dining days are just about over, I fear. I can never sit through the 28-course tasting menu with the confusion and disorientation of so many, many tastes and flavors one after the other after the other. That said, I had such an incredible dinner at Daniel that he may have single-handedly salvaged my opinion of fine dining. The food was expert, delicious, exciting and very, very beautiful. No palate fatigue whatsoever! We asked to have wine paired and it was the best pairing I’ve ever had—the complement or counterpoint, depending, of each wine with each dish was so carefully and precisely calibrated and it built beautifully.” Gabrielle Hamilton, chef/owner of New York’s Prune and author of Blood, Bones & Butter.

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Momofuku Noodle Bar, New York, New York “It's truly a New York restaurant par excellence with all of David Chang’s identity. It rocks, it's noisy, it really fits into its urban milieu par excellence. That's what I find great about it. There are the buns, as they call them, Chinese brioches. They're wonderful. And there are his spicy noodles with spinach and peanuts, which are served icy cold. I really, really like that. It's really intense.” Inaki Aizpitarte, chef at Paris’ Le Châteaubriand

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Our chefs take us on an in-depth tour of their favorite places to dine, from the alleys of Old Hong Kong to the Swedish tundra.

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Fashion guru Chris Bosh just helped the Miami Heat nab the NBA title. Here’s how he’s celebrating.

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Passport Cover

“Make sure you get a stamp with classic style.” $295; louisvuitton.com

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Tumi All-in-One Charger

“This works in 150 countries and can charge two appliances at a time.” $95; tumi.com

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Fashion guru Chris Bosh just helped the Miami Heat nab the NBA title. Here’s how he’s celebrating.

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The Balearic Islands’ Best Beaches

Cala Mastella, Ibiza This secluded cove is one of Ibiza’s smallest and most unspoiled beaches, offering a rich intimacy and bohemian vibe. Cala Mastella boasts fantastic snorkelling and is home to renowned fish restaurant, El Bigotes. Planning ahead is essential: even the King of Spain was refused a table without a reservation. In partnership with Beach Tomato

The Balearic Islands’ Best Beaches

Playa S'Espalmador, Cabrera Once popular with pirates, Cabrera is now a serene island paradise and a protected nature reserve. Exclusivity reigns at Playa S’Espalmador where only 200 tourists are permitted entry per day. Head out to the designated diving spots Cala Galiota and Es Dimoni for a truly amazing scuba experience. In partnership with Beach Tomato

Beach Tomato

British Beach Picks

North Berwick, Scotland The perfect antidote to city living, Scotland’s North Berwick is the fishing village that time forgot. A little too chilly for a dip in the sea, the beach is perfect for crisp day out. Think picnic hamper and a leisurely walk along the shore, and you’ve got yourself a quintessential Scottish scenic day out. In partnership with Beach Tomato

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Visit Ibiza’s Cala Mastella for pristine beaches and the chance to eat at the legendary El Bigotes. Read more here.

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For many, trying out local cuisines is a major highlight of any trip. But why stop at just eating the food? Make a pit stop at these recreational cooking schools in some of the world’s most exciting food destinations so you can continue to chow down on foreign fare in the comfort of your own kitchen whenever you want.

Paris, France

Cook’n With Class Eric Fraudeau, who’s cooked at the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, heads a team of international chefs at this Montmartre cooking school, where guests are invited to learn everything about French cuisine, including making super-trendy macarons, identifying local wines, and baking the country’s most celebrated carbohydrate, the baguette. The daily market classes—there’s one in the morning and in the evening—offer an opportunity to tour the Paris neighborhood’s many outdoor markets, which can include visits to famed cheese stores, fresh produce dealers, and even horse-meat butchers. And for the adventurous: sign up for Molecular Gastronomy, where you’ll get a lesson in emulsification.

New York, USA

Haven’s Kitchen This four-month-old, two-floor Chelsea cooking spot was founded by Alison Schneider, who along with in-house chef and kitchen director Julia Sullivan, a Per Se veteran, head some of the rotating schedule of classes, which focus on sustainable and local approaches to cooking. For the rest, Haven’s Kitchen looks to The Wren’s Dave Mawhinney to administer a rosé and grilling course and, on May 26, to Craig Thompson of Shandaken Bake for a thorough look at pies. In addition to doling out technical knowledge on how to make the perfect pasta or just how long it should take to prep that risotto, the school also has classes on how to put together the city’s most sought-after meal, the weekend brunch.

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Want to recreate that perfect feijoada you had in Rio? Why not take a class during the vacation—and take home some Brazilian cooking skills? From Paris to Singapore, Chadner Navarro rounds up seven worthy lessons.

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Throughout Asia, historical marvels are being imperiled by threats both natural—floods, earthquakes—and human, as the populations of developing countries expand at an exponential rate. Now the Global Heritage Fund has highlighted 10 archeological sites at imminent risk of disappearing. While the following sites are at serious risk, they possess considerable economic potential; if managed properly, they could provide much-needed jobs to local communities as tourist destinations. by Kristian Jebsen

Mes Aynak, Afghanistan

Mes Aynak lies on the Silk Road, 40 kilometers south of Kabul. In its 1,400-year history it has served as both a Buddhist monastery and an al Qaeda training camp. In an effort to extract copper and other minerals from the land, a Chinese company plans to destroy the site within two years. A team of French and Afghan archaeologists have been scrambling since 2009 to excavate the area, but time is running out.

Peter Langer / Newscom

Mahasthangarh, Bangladesh

Dating from the 3rd century B.C., Mahasthangarh is the oldest archeological site in Bangladesh. Although a legal framework to protect the ancient city was set up in 1920, the law only covers government-owned land. As a result, the lack of residential infrastructure is pressuring the site as Bangladesh's population continues to rise.

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From China’s frozen Islamic city to Manila’s oldest quarter, these landmarks are facing extinction.

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Feel like playing light keeper? What about a vacation in a Cape Cod lighthouse on untouched beaches, or another on a private island in Croatia? The Daily Beast hunts down the best places to escape from it all—available by the day or week.

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Savudrija, Croatia

Nestled at the borders of Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy is the lighthouse of Savudrija, the oldest in the Adriatic. According to local stories, it was built in 1818 by a count for a beautiful woman he met at a ball. As the tale goes, the woman died the day it was completed and the count never set foot in it. Luckily, it still stands, and guests can rent the four-bed living quarters, surrounded by lush gardens and restaurants known for traditional Istrian dishes, for around $415 a week.

Wing’s Neck Lighthouse, Pocasset, Massachusetts

Originally a U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse, this tower was auctioned off in 1947 to a couple who called it home for 50 years. The 1849 lighthouse and attached three-bedroom home sits inches from the water and is just an hour from Boston and near all the attractions of Cape Cod. The renovated rental is available year-round, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 per week.

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Got swimming on the brain with summer around the corner? From the underwater caves of Belgium’s Nemo 33 to Singapore’s sky-high Skypark, The Daily Beast rounds up the biggest, deepest, highest, and most excellent pools in the world.

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Neptune Pool, San Simeon, CA

The original plans for Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Calif., called for a garden with a temple structure and an ornamental pool. But in 1934, owner William Randolph Hearst wrote to his architect, saying, “I am sending back the plan of the temple garden with the suggestion that we make the pool longer than it is, as long as a swimming pool. Mrs. Hearst and the children are extremely anxious to have a swimming pool!” And a swimming pool they got. Twelve years later, the finished Neptune Pool was 104 feet long, 95 feet wide, and held 345,000 gallons of water, covered in marble, and flanked by 17th-century Italian bas-reliefs. Desperate for a dip in the water? You’d better know someone who knows someone. Sadly, ordinary visitors are not allowed to take a swim. But guests of the castle’s employees are allowed to swim on certain nights in July and August.

Courtesy of Viceroy Miami

Viceroy Pool, Miami, FL

The pool deck at the Viceroy Hotel in Miami spans 2 acres on the property’s 15th floor. In addition to the blueberry trees and views of Biscayne Bay, the deck boasts a wading pool, an 80-person hot tub, and a swimming pool the size of a football field.

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Gucci’s creative director traveled to China last week to hold the house’s first-ever fashion show there. From bargaining with locals to partying with Bryan Ferry, she writes about her adventure exclusively for The Daily Beast.

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Giannini scours the streets of the French Concession for great finds.

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Shopping for jade at in the French Concession.

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Photograph of Sensoji Temple in Tokyo by Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP-Getty Images

Forget “Off the Beaten Track”

From San Francisco to Tokyo, Newsweek takes you to 10 classic attractions in 10 world-class cities. 10 × 10 = 100! Edited by Robert Verger

Photograph of the Golden Gate Bridge by Design Pics-Corbis

San Francisco

By Susan MacTavish Best Golden Gate Bridge Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is a vivid reminder that San Francisco is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. Walk across the bridge early in the morning before the tourists throngs arrive, or run across it and take the ferry back to the city from Sausalito. Sail under the bridge and feel its awesome size above you. Imperial Spa Visit this traditional Korean bath house on an early morning midweek, and scrub down with Korean octogenarians. It offers a steam room, red-clay mud room, acupressure massages (backwalking included) and body scrubs you won’t forget. Not frou-frou. Men and women spa separately. 1875 Geary Boulevard; imperialdayspa.com Polarica Need some smoked pheasant, rack of boar, alligator sausages, truffles, or wild mushrooms for a dinner party? You can visit this taxidermy-filled store, or order online. Be warned, you will need to buy in impressive quantities as most of their customers are restaurants. 105 Quint Street; polaricausa.com Gumps Fine wares for the home have been on sale here for over 150 years. Exquisite jade jewelry is on hand, and a plethora of choices for wedding presents and hostess gifts. Home to some of the city’s most delectable eye candy, Gumps is synonymous with San Francisco. And the store’s lovely, unforgettable smell wraps around you like a blanket. 135 Post Street; gumps.com Woodhouse Fish Company Following in their father’s footsteps, the MacNiven brothers run a family of unpretentious seafood restaurants, where good food and recession-friendly prices go hand in hand. On the menu are oysters, Dungeness crab, clam, and lobster sandwiches, and San Francico’s distinctive cioppino (fish stew). Walk-ins only. It’s always hopping, and the line out the door moves swiftly. 2073 Market Street & 1914 Fillmore Street; woodhousefish.com West Coast Live This public radio show broadcasts nationally, and has been recorded live in various spots in the city for the past 20 years. Unscripted, and hosted by Sedge Thomson, this show features well-known comedians, authors, musicians, and bon vivants. Go to the recording, always on a weekend morning, and hear the guests up close. wcl.org Edinburgh Castle Pub Have a pint at this Scottish bar smack in the middle of Polk Gulch. It’s been an institution among the local literati since the mid 1990s, when writers such as Irvine Welsh, Alan Black, John Mulligan, and Po Bronson would host readings and literary smackdowns. Frequent lit events and spoken word evenings are on tap. The drinks are affordable, and there’s a great selection of whiskey. Auch aye! 950 Geary Street; castlenews.com Cable Car Clothiers This men’s clothing store, full of traditional British clothing, has been located in the financial district since 1939. There’s a dizzying selection of sportcoats, dress shirts, bow ties, walking sticks, hats, caps, and grooming accessories. Whether you’re going on safari, down to the club, or just looking for some weekend duds, you’ll find what you need here. 200 Bush Street; cablecarclothiers.com Mechanics Institute Library and Chess Room Chess has been played here since the 19th century, and today this spot is a timeless, peaceful refuge where retired men gently snooze over their newspapers, and keen young brainiacs work to stay on top of their chess game. There are frequent literary and film events, and Wi-Fi is available, as is a day membership for $12. 57 Post Street; milibrary.org Cartoon Art Museum Often overlooked by locals and visitors due to the bigger museums nearby (such as SFMoMA), this has one of the country’s largest collections of cartoons. There are more than 6,000 pieces of art here, as well as ongoing shows, workshops, and lectures for the cartoon-artist community. 655 Mission Street; cartoonart.org Susan MacTavish Best is a longtime resident of San Francisco, and editor of the lifestyle site LivingMacTavish.com

Photograph of Central Park by Tetra Images / Corbis

New York

By Charles Dubow Tiffany & Co. Tiffany is still the place where the 1 percent—in the old days we just called them the rich—comes to commemorate their special days. You can get just about everything here, from engagement rings and wedding china, to silver baby rattles and Champagne flutes. But they still don’t serve breakfast. 727 Fifth Avenue; tiffany.com Central Park Olmsted and Vaux’s landscaping masterpiece encompasses 843 acres of winding paths, grand vistas, playing fields and statues of, among others, Columbus, Shakespeare, and Alice in Wonderland. From ice-skating to biking to watching the Delacorte clock chime the hour, regardless of the season, this is Manhattan’s not-so-secret garden. centralparknyc.org P.J. Clarke’s Sooner or later everyone winds up at Clarke’s. There are more expensive burgers in New York but none are better than the ones served at this Third Avenue saloon, which stays open every night until 4 a.m. The main dining room doesn’t take reservations, so if you don’t like to wait, book a table upstairs at Sidecar. 915 Third Avenue; pjclarkes.com Peter Luger Steak House For years, luger’s was the only reason why most Manhattanites would ever visit Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood—the steak is that good. Now that Williamsburg is hip, there are plenty of other decent places to eat, but people still come to Luger’s, despite the fact that it still doesn’t take credit cards and the waiters are as grumpy as ever. 178 Broadway, Brooklyn; peterluger.com Carnegie Hall When you see a dancer or singer on the stage at Carnegie Hall, you know they’ve made it. This is where generations of performers, from the Beatles and Basie to Evgeny Kissin, have dreamed of coming—and nearly every night those dreams come true. 881 Seventh Avenue; carnegiehall.org Rao’s Here’s the thing about Rao’s—it’s almost impossible to get a table, unless you’re a regular or a celebrity. That’s because the dining room in this East Harlem neighborhood has only 10 tables and one seating per night, but if you’re feeling lucky, dress to impress and try to grab a seat at the bar. You may get to sample classics like baked ziti or lemon chicken. 455 East 114th Street; raos.com The Frick Collection This bijou museum offers works of art comparable in magnificence to anything found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but on a more manageable scale. The former personal collection of steel baron Henry Clay Frick contains masterpieces by Rembrandt, Holbein, Goya, Turner, and more in one of the city’s last remaining grand Fifth Avenue mansions. 1 East 70th Street; frick.org Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant Under its vaulted tile roof located in the bowels of Grand Central Station, diners have been happily feeding on the city’s freshest seafood since before World War I. For a special treat, belly up to the marble lunch counter and order a steaming oyster pan roast and wash it down with a cold beer. 89 East 42nd Street; oysterbarny.com 21 Club Like a gallant older gentleman who can still make the young ladies swoon, 21 positively reeks of bygone class and style. Ordering martinis in this former speakeasy seems as natural as wearing a sharp suit. Dig into the oysters or the Dover sole, the best in New York. 21 West 52nd Street; 21club.com The Carlyle Hotel It’s not the city’s oldest or biggest hotel, it’s simply the most sophisticated, and it’s where the rich and famous stay when they want unparalleled discretion and service. At night there’s no need to go anywhere except downstairs to Bemelmans Bar for live music, charming murals, and excellent cocktails. 35 East 76th Street; rosewoodhotels.com/carlyle Charles Dubow’s first novel, Indiscretion, will be published in spring 2013 by William Morrow.

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Newsweek takes you to 10 classic attractions in 10 world-class cities. 10 × 10 = 100!

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Loafing on the beach not your idea of the perfect vacation? No problem. From heliskiing in British Columbia to trekking the Namibian desert and the Amazon to diving in the Red Sea, here are seven incredible journeys bound to get your blood pumping. For more exciting destinations, check out our travel coverage.

Courtesy of O.A.R.S

Rafting the Grand Canyon

Major rapids rated class 5 or higher, hiking opportunities galore, and the sheer beauty of the cliffs and the river make a rafting trip through the belly of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, a journey that should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. Travel company O.A.R.S. has been operating guided, nonmotorized trips down the Colorado River since 1969. Guests can choose from two types of vessels: an inflatable raft that offers a bit more give over rapids and travels more quickly through the water, or hard-hulled dories, which make for a more up-and-down experience through whitewater and go at a more leisurely pace through the canyon. Trips range in length from 4 to 19 days, but on each trip visitors can expect to spend three to five hours a day aboard the boat and the rest of the time hiking around the canyon, eating, or hanging out at camp. For beginners we like the five-day Whitmore Wash to Lake Mead trip, which also includes an afternoon of horseback riding, skeet shooting, all-terrain-vehicle riding, or hiking at Bar 10 Ranch and a scenic helicopter ride into the Canyon. Want to stay longer? Investigate their Lees Ferry to Lake Mead trip, a 14- to 17-day adventure through 47 major rapids, and visits to Marble Canyon, Native American ruins, and more.

Courtesy of Bighorn

Heli-Skiing in Revelstoke

Between Revelstoke Mountain Resort, which boasts North America’s largest descent of 5,620 feet and half-a-million acres of heli-ski terrain in the Selkirk and Monashee mountains, it’s easy to see why this British Columbia town has become a must-visit for ski enthusiasts. Take off with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Ski, whose guides lead guests on thrilling deep, dry-powder runs down wide-open glaciers, alpine meadows, and old-growth forests. Gather a group and check into Bighorn ski chalet, a posh new eight-suite property and convenient home base thanks to its private helipad out back. After a hard day on the slopes, unwind with a soak in the property’s oversize hot tub overlooking the mountains, followed by a massage and a visit to the sauna. Evenings include multicourse dinners of delicious, locally sourced food and wine prepared by Bighorn’s private chef, followed by a movie in the private theater or a round of pool in the game room. Trips can be booked via adventure travel company Black Tomato.

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Rafting the Grand Canyon, swimming with Amazonian dolphins, trekking across the Namibian desert—for those seeking some excitement on vacation, Leigh Crandall rounds up seven trips on four continents to satisfy your craving for the wild.

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7 Romantic Hidden Gems

You don’t have to travel far for a couple-friendly vacation. There are plenty of romantic destinations under the radar right here in the U.S. We’ve uncovered seven spots offering amazing experiences that are bound to bring you closer. By Leigh Crandall

Travel Oregon, PRNewsFoto / AP Photo

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Food and wine lovers will feel right at home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley thanks to more than 200 wineries and award-winning restaurants that teem with local ingredients. Bonus: Top-notch accommodations here are generally less expensive than California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys, and tasting rooms are less crowded. Self-guided tastings are easy around this region, which is renowned for its Pinot Noir. But if tours appeal, there are plenty to choose from. Athletically inclined couples should sign up with Pedal Bike Tours, which offers a spin down the picturesque country roads and rolling hills of the valley and concludes with a wine tasting (and a lift back to town). For a romantic, birds-eye view of Yamhilll County, book a hot-air balloon ride and Champagne breakfast with Vista Balloon Adventures. Foodies should stop by Dayton’s Red Ridge Farms for a tasting of locally produced olive oils, followed by a picnic with gorgeous vistas of wine country. When you’re not out and about, relax at the Allison Inn & Spa, where rooms include romance-friendly details like fireplaces and private terraces. Indulge with a region-specific treatment at the spa (like their “Divine Wine” facial) or a flight wine tasting at its onsite restaurant, JORY.

Brian Pidduck, Universal Images Group / Getty Images

CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

If your idea of a romantic destination involves a deserted island, look no further than Channel Islands National Park—despite its location just off the Southern California mainland, this national park remains one of America’s least-visited. Often called “North America’s Galapagos,” the five islands it encompasses—Anacapa, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Barbara—offer endless possibilities for nature lovers. Spend your days kayaking through the sea caves in the Scorpion Area of Eastern Santa Cruz Island, diving the giant kelp forests off Anacapa, or surfing the swells off Santa Rosa. Hikers can walk to Point Bennett on the western tip of San Miguel, where they’ll discover one of the largest gatherings of seals and sea lions in the world. Outdoorsy-types with the right gear and knowhow can take advantage of beach camping, while the less-adventurous can charter a crewed yacht with Sail Channel Islands, which includes overnight accommodations and the chance to spot whales and dolphins in the waters surrounding the islands.

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Float in a luminescent bay or soak in hot springs? For a great Valentine’s Day vacation, here are a few spots for couples looking to get away without going too far.

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Pont des Arts vs. Brooklyn Bridge

In his blog turned book Paris vs. New York: A Tally of Two Cities, Vahram Muratyan interprets the differences between his hometown of Paris and his residence in New York City. The graphic designer gives tribute to both cities in visually stimulating ways, using vibrant prints and bold illustrations. A venn diagram of sorts, Paris Versus New York highlights what makes Paris and New York two of the livliest cities in the world.

En Avril vs. In September

Butte vs. Brownstone

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In his blog turned book 'Paris vs. New York: A Tally of Two Cities,' Vahram Muratyan interprets the differences between his hometown of Paris and his residence in New York City. The graphic designer pays tribute to both cities in visually stimulating ways, using vibrant prints and bold illustrations. A Venn diagram of sorts, 'Paris vs. New York' highlights what makes Paris and New York two of the liveliest cities in the world.

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Hulton Archive / Getty Images

When Airplanes Had Legroom

Once upon a time, flying was fun, comfortable, and glamorous. This was before travelers suffered invasive pat-downs, folded their bodies into yoga positions to get comfortable, and paid for everything from in-flight beverages to carry-on bags. Just in time for the hellish experience that is Thanksgiving travel, we’ve put together a gallery of photographs that will make you long for the earlier days of flying. Travelers didn’t know how good they had it in the 1960s. Passengers aboard a Braniff International flight circa 1967 enjoy their personal space while drinking coffee and reading magazines in a lounge.

Bettmann / Corbis

Make Yourself at Home

Passengers got cozy aboard the short-lived Boeing Stratocruiser. Complete with spacious, bunk-bed-style cabins and a VIP lounge and bar, this double-decker plane made long, intercontinental trips a breeze.

Bettmann / Corbis

The Glamorous Crew

Flanked by two stewardesses, Captain L. L. Treece makes his way to the crew lounge after a quick flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C.

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Flying was once comfortable and glamorous; now it's a hassle. In honor of Thanksgiving, we look back at the golden age of airline travel and the celebrities who flew.

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Gnarly

When Waves Became Cool

Surfing’s Gnarly Golden Age

He’s a photographer who was lucky to grow up during Australia’s surf revolution. The pioneer talks to Josh Dzieza about his new book.

by Josh Dzieza

Island Time

Adventures in Puerto Rico

No Shirt, No Shoes ...

Kara Cutruzzula combs the beaches—and blackjack tables—of Puerto Rico for the meaning of ‘vacation.’

by Kara Cutruzzula

Directions

A Love Letter to New York

Maps of the Heart of Manhattan

In ‘Mapping Manhattan,’ explore the city via 75 New Yorkers’ personal geographies. By Allison McNearney.

by Allison McNearney

Around the World

Spotlight on the City

Bristol, Bridge to the Wide World

Travel writer Sara Wheeler, famous for her stories of polar expeditions, returns home to her city: Bristol.

by Sara Wheeler

In a Name

Please Call It Bombay

by Dilip D’Souza

Perth

Australia's Outpost at the Edge

by Barry Lopez

St. Petersburg

The Miracle on Marshland

by Josip Novakovich

Not for Amateurs

Tackling São Paulo

by Antônio Xerxenesky

Instagram Away!

Nine Hotels for Hipsters

AP (2); Corbis (1)

Everyone travels occasionally—even hipsters. But while the rest of us are stuck in crowded resorts, they live it up in cool, creative hotels and hostels. But no more!...

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Courtesy of Huilo-Huilo

The Montana Magica Lodge

The Montana Magica Lodge, or the Magic Mountain Lodge, rests in the middle of the Chilean rainforest and is accessible only by a tiny, unsafe looking wooden bridge—making it the perfect spot for hipsters to play their guitars or...

130306-hipster-hotels-shakespeare-and-company

Shosan/Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

Opened in 1951 as a tribute to an earlier bookstore by the same name that closed during World War II, the English Literature bookstore in Paris has housed more than 40,000 people in its 13 beds over the years, according to the...

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From the Belgian shipping container to the Japanese sleeping capsules, see photos of the hipster hotspots.

After Dark

Seven South American Night Trips

Getty;AP;James Florio;Zuma Press

For most, the idea of South American nightlife conjures images of scantily clad tango dancers, strong caipirihnas, and clubbing until sunrise surrounded by beautiful bronzed people....

James Florio/elquidomos.cl

Elqui Domos, Pisco Elqui, Chile

Nearly 400 miles north of Santiago in an area of Chile known for its pristine skies, Elqui Domos is a hotel dedicated to all things cosmic....

Babek Tafreshi/Getty

Iguazu Falls Moonlight Walk, Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Stretching 1.7 miles across the Argentina-Brazil border and measuring 269 feet high, Iguazu Falls is a spectacular sight at any time of day....

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From stargazing in Chile to a moonlight walk to Iguazu Falls, here are seven excursions to take after the sun sets.

Bloom Time

Spring Has Sprung!

Brendan Hoffman/Getty

Around the world, cherry blossoms are reaching their peak, outdoor markets are opening for the season, and short shorts are being unpacked and dusted off—spring is finally upon us....

Philippe Wojazer/Reuters/Corbis

Paris

Vegetables and daffodils are seen on a 150-square-meter garden installed on the roof of the Palais de Tokyo museum near the Eiffel Tower in Paris....

Mario Tama/Getty

New York

People soak up the sun in Tompkins Square Park during warm weather on April 9. For the first time since October, temperatures rose above 70 degrees in New York and surrounding areas.

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After a long, cold winter, spring is finally here—and we couldn’t be happier. See gorgeous photos.

New Year, New You

Eight Top Relaxation Spots

Adam Woolfitt/Corbis

Steam in a Turkish Hamam

Depending on where you go, the Turkish hamam ranges from a luxurious tourist-centric respite to an integral part of daily life for locals....

China Photos/Getty

Get Your Back Cupped in China

Chinese traditional medicine comes in numerous forms and functions. Be warned: cupping is not the relaxing experience you may be seeking, but its benefits are said to be worthwhile....

Richard T. Nowitz/Corbis

Float in Israel’s Dead Sea

If it was good enough for Cleopatra, it’s good enough for you. The Dead Sea, 1,388 feet below sea level, is the saltiest body of water on earth. It’s also incredibly mineral-rich, in both water and mud....

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Start the year off right by restoring your body and soul in one of these top spots for relaxation.

Sites We Like!

Gettin' Buzzed

25 Drunkest U.S. Cities

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Burlington, Vt.

Avg. alcoholic drinks consumed by adults per month: 13.2 Percentage of population classified as binge drinkers: 19.4% Percentage of population classified as heavy drinkers: 7.5%

Mark Duncan/AP

Cleveland

Avg. alcoholic drinks consumed by adults per month: 13.1 Percentage of population classified as binge drinkers: 20.4% Percentage of population classified as heavy drinkers: 6.5%

Tom Gannam/AP

St. Louis

Avg. alcoholic drinks consumed by adults per month: 13.4 Percentage of population classified as binge drinkers: 18.0% Percentage of population classified as heavy drinkers: 6.1%

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With New Year’s toasts ahead, The Daily Beast calculates the cities with the highest alcohol tolerance.

Vintage Travel

When Flying Was Fun

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

When Airplanes Had Legroom

Once upon a time, flying was fun, comfortable, and glamorous....

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Make Yourself at Home

Bettmann / Corbis

The Glamorous Crew

Flanked by two stewardesses, Captain L. L. Treece makes his way to the crew lounge after a quick flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C.

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In honor of Thanksgiving, we look back at the golden age of airline travel and the celebrities who flew.

Globetrotting

Plan Your Next Trip!

12 Places to See in 2013

Need to plan your next grand adventure? From Burma to Cuba, 12 places to see this year. By Nina Strochlic.

by Nina Strochlic

Travel

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