Buenos Aires, Argentina

San Telmo

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, San Telmo is considered the home of the tango. Its streets are currently being repaved in a more traditional style, but the neighborhood still boasts many live dance shows and antique stores.

Location: between Avenue San Juan, Avenue Paseo Colon, Bolivar and Avenue Belgrano

Jakarta, Indonesia

The Island of Bali

With miles of sandy beach (and great surfing), active volcanoes and tropical forests full of exotic wildlife, this island is well worth the trip. On the cultural side, tourists can visit 20,000 temples and palaces and check out colorful festivals and ceremonies featuring drama, music and dance.

Website: www.bali.com

Johannesburg, South Africa

The Lion Park

Established as a lion breeding center in 1967, the park is now home to four prides of lions, offering animal lovers many opportunities to observe the adult felines in their natural environment, plus the chance to cuddle with a lion cub.

Admission: US$20 per vehicle

Location: Hans Strijdom (R512) & Muldersdrift Road

Telephone: 27-11-460-1814

Website: www.lion-park.com

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lake Garden (Taman Tasik Perdana)

This botanical garden in the heart of the city is an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. It features more than 104 hectares of gardens, playgrounds, boats and other attractions.

Location: Jalan Perdana

Telephone: 60-3-2691-6011

Mumbai, India

Elephanta Caves

Dating back to 600 AD, the caves are a collection of shrines, courtyards, halls and porticos filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Located on a small island, the caves can be reached by ferries that leave regularly from Mumbai’s Gateway of India harbor, except during the monsoon season from June to September.

Location: Gharapuri Island in Mumbai’s harbor

Reykjavik, Iceland

Blue Lagoon

A beautiful geothermal spa (37-39°C) surrounded by a lava field and black sandy beaches, the Lagoon is famous for its relaxing mineral salts, blue-green algae to soften the skin and exfoliating white silica mud. There is also a waterfall, sauna and lava cave steam bath.

Admission: US$17.50

Location: A coach service is available from the Main Bus Station in Reykjavik for US$12.50

Telephone: 354-420-8800

Website: www.bluelagoon.is/english

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Instituto Butantan

Sao Paulo is home to some of South America’s most exotic species of animals, and this snake farm houses hundreds of varieties of reptiles and insects, along with live demonstrations of venom extraction.

Location: 1500 Ave. Vital Brazil

Telephone: 55-11-3726-7222

Website: www.butantan.gov.br/english

Taipei, Taiwan

Shihlin Night Market

One of Taipei’s largest markets, Shihlin is a hub of cultural activity, featuring nightly carnival games, shops and restaurants that are open very late.

Location: 111 Chung Shan North Road, Section 4, Shihlin

Telephone: 886-2-2349-1635