Sites & Sounds Tourism

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its preserved medieval Old Town, draws millions of tourists each year with its highly Instagrammable multicolored facades. If you can swing it, plan your visit for December, when the town transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-dusted rooftops, glowing storefronts, and cozy taverns. And don't forget about the Reiterlesmarkt, one of the best Christmas markets in the entire country.

Scale Half Dome at Yosemite National Park
The Half Dome trail through Yosemite may be one of the most intense hikes you'll ever take, stretching for 16 miles and ascending more than 5,500 feet. The final 400 feet are the trickiest—hikers must climb up the steep slope with two steel cables as their only support—but the breathtaking views from the top make the effort (and terror) worth it. Afterwards, stay at The Ahwahnee, one of the most beautiful national park hotels in the country.

Float in Darwin Lake, Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, are one of the world's most famous destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to their melange of unique wildlife and otherworldly landscapes. The chain of 19 islands offers many once-in-a-lifetime activities, from hiking on volcanos to relaxing in the saline Darwin Lake with nearby tortoises and iguanas. Cruising is one of the best ways to reach the islands; for an eco-friendly option (think solar power technology and reduced plastic waste), book with Quasar Expeditions.

Predjama Castle, Slovenia
The Gothic-style Predjama Castle is easily one of the world's most dramatic castles, built directly into the side of a 404-foot cliff that hides a network of cave passages. Tours of the castle—located in south-central Slovenia—are available year-round, although hibernating bats in the caves restrict underground tours to the months of May to September.

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
The Alcázar de Segovia was once a medieval fortress, but it was rebuilt in its current, castle-like style following a fire in 1862. Today, visitors can explore its many halls and secret passageways, museum, and towers overlooking Segovia's town square. Once inside, be prepared for some equally impressive interiors. They're marked by stained glass windows, polished suits of armor, lavish dining and dancing halls, and room after room with canopied beds.

Al Naslaa Rock Formation – Bewildering Natural Phenomena
There are many natural occurrences that can bewilder the traveler. This is one of them. This little slice of perfection. See the uniform slit between the flat faces of these two standing stones? Al Naslaa is one of the most photogenic petroglyphs in the area. Its natural shape is a big mystery that no one has been able to solve yet. Make sure you embark on a holiday to Saudi Arabia to catch a sight of this natural structure.

Mt. Kelimutu – Witness 3 Different Color Lakes
The result of a volcanic eruption, this wonder is home to three separate lakes, all of the different colors – black, blue, and turquoise. Weirdly, at the summit of Mount Kelimutu summit, there are three crater lakes in three different colors, and those colors change all the time. If this isn’t the most bizarre thing that you have read this week, we don’t know what is. It is often times blue. Make sure to stop by this lake and tell us in the comments section below which color it was when you saw it.

Mumbai
The commercial capital of India, the port city of Mumbai is one of the most populous metropolises in the world. As such, everyone and everything can be found within its sprawling confines.

Located on the west coast, Bombay, as it was once known, is a fast, frenetic, yet fun place to explore. In many ways, the city defies definition: it is not only home to the glitzy world of Bollywood but pervasive poverty in its endless slums.

While its crowded streets can be somewhat suffocating, Mumbai boasts some absolutely stunning colonial-era architecture, centuries-old temples, and marvelous monuments. With a fantastic culinary scene and pounding nightlife for you to delve into, Mumbai is well worth persevering with.

Bukhara
Steeped in history, Bukhara is a magical place to visit, with mausoleums, madrassas, mosques, and minarets wherever you look. Located on the old Silk Road, the city has long welcomed travelers and traders, scholars, and scientists to its ancient streets.

Set amid the dry and arid confines of the Kyzyl K*m desert, the ‘City of Museums’ is home to an astounding array of historic buildings that date back centuries. The architecture is magnificent, and losing yourself in the atmospheric old town is the best way to see its many sights.

The ancient city still hums with life, however, and while wandering around town, you’ll come across lots of market stalls selling amazing local handicrafts. With so much for you to see and do, Bukhara really is the highlight of any trip to Uzbekistan.

British Virgin Islands
Made up of more than 60 islands, the British Virgin Islands have no shortage of coastline to explore. To escape the crowds, seek out Sage Mountain, a notable landmark. Wandering among elephant ear vines and native trees, you’ll encounter tropical flora and fauna, while numerous lookouts offer views of sea and sky. Virgin Gorda is the third largest of the BVI, with natural beauty covering virtually all of its 8.5 square miles. The island offers quiet beaches and coves and flora-filled national parks. Perhaps the prettiest (and most popular) attraction, though, is the Baths, a seaside area where huge granite boulders form scenic saltwater pools and grottos.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas has long been the favorite landing spot of party-ready spring breakers, but you’re likely to find a more laidback crowd during Memorial Day Weekend. Charter a boat to see the famous El Arco rock formation and do some snorkeling, then head back to town for some seriously delicious Mexican food. We recommend Los Michoacanos, a small chain that has a recipe for pork carnitas dating back to 1899.

North Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
Ski season ends in Lake Tahoe after April, but the region still offers tons of great outdoor activities as the weather warms up. There really is something for everyone here, from hiking and biking to bird-watching and golf; or get on the water and explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail, a 72-mile water route connecting public beaches with landing sites. For something extra special, take a “Lit Up After Dark” tour with Wild Society Adventures to experience the lake after dark from a clear-bottom kayak.

Waikiki, Hawaii
With a large military population, Memorial Day is widely celebrated in Hawaii. Get a sampling of everything by staying near Waikiki Beach, a popular swim and surf destination that is only about 25 minutes away from Pearl Harbor by car. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, pay tribute at the Remembrance Circle, and learn about the events of December 7, 1941, at interactive exhibits, then head back to the vibrant Waikiki community to shop, sunbathe, and relax.

Puerto Rico
We’ve evangelized about Puerto Rico for many reasons in recent years, from the post-Hurricane Maria hotel renovations to the relatively low prices of round-trip airfares. While the island certainly warrants repeat visits, you can get a good taste of San Juan and its surrounding beaches in just three days. Walk around the capital city’s candy-colored historic district and sample classic Puerto Rican cuisine at Café Manolin, then rent a car and seek out some nature. It only takes about six hours to drive around the entire island, giving you ample time to visit sites like the idyllic Dorado Beach and El Yunque National Forest.