The trip takes travelers through the streets of Comunas 1 and 3—rarely seen by outsiders—with KGP’s artists as their guides. The tour spotlights the neighborhood’s graffiti and murals, and the guides share their own stories of growing up in Medellín amid its changing social fabric—and how art is playing a pivotal role in redefining their city, and their own futures. As Medellín designs a new identity, in large part thanks to the bold take of today’s youth on art and design, the geographically diverse and culturally rich nation of Colombia continues to evolve as a destination ripe for discovery.

Despite these culinary and scenic landmines, North Beach still possesses a deep-rooted neighborhood scene, where locals know each other by name and people still slow down to get to know one another over a round of afternoon cocktails. Full disclosure: North Beach will always have a special place in my heart; it's where I stumbled into adulthood and met my husband along the way. I'm sharing a few of my neighborhood gems, but know that there are many more to explore.

Hurricane Maria may have devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, but the island has come back with a vengeance—with a foodie twist. Granted, the dining scene already was starting to boom even before the deadly storm, but from the ruins is arising what locals call an “effervescence.” It’s as if the devastation gave chefs permission to scratch the past and start completely anew. Local ingredients are being reinvented to create culinary wonders far surpassing traditional Puerto Rican fare (as good as Puerto Rican fare is), and chefs are gaining national and international accolades for their creativity.

Now one of the most family-friendly and well-known zoos in the country, the land the Lincoln Park Zoo was built on was originally home to the City Cemetery. During the nearly 20-year transition from burial grounds to park, the city disinterred the bodies buried there and began to transform the landscape into what it is today. The land was a cemetery for decades before the civil war, and bodies are still dug up in the surrounding area to this day.

The rapid change in the city’s makeup was soon recognized as disastrous. Relocating workers and their families to new towns was described in mid-1960s parliamentary discussions as “skimming the cream”. In an internal review in 1971, the Scottish Office noted that the manner of population reduction was “destined within a decade or so to produce a seriously unbalanced population with a very high proportion [in central Glasgow] of the old, the very poor and the almost unemployable….”

Why are travelers so loud? Yes, there's the joy of discovery. You can't help but gasp the first time you stand at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and stare into the abyss. Or when you catch a glimpse of the Alps, the Egyptian pyramids, the Taj Mahal. But there's more going on here. It feels almost as if everyone's hearing aid has a low battery, and they're yelling at each other. It's a uniquely touristy behavior, for which there's no rational explanation.

Ireland is famous for its rugged coastline, majestic castles and emerald green hills. Be sure not to limit yourself to Dublin or Belfast, though. Don't miss Galway, considered Ireland's cultural heart and designated the European Cultural Capital 2020. Known for its traditional Irish music, Galway is rich in medieval history, street art and is the birthplace of the traditional Claddagh ring. . On the tour, you'll soak in the vibrant energy of this eclectic city, including a walking tour of the harbor city of Galway, where fisherman have lived and worked for centuries.

Look for hotels that boast green efforts, such as the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis, Mass. From using green cleaning supplies to utilizing energy-efficient lighting, more hotels are taking eco-friendly steps and will typically advertise these to guests on the website. If not, simply call to inquire. Not finding any options? One easy way to live greener at any hotel is to skip the daily maid service. By not having your towels and sheets changed out daily, you help save water and energy.

The first “General Assembly,” composed of 22 representatives from 11 Virginia “boroughs,” was the first representative legislative assembly in the New World. The General Assembly met in Jamestown for six days, from July 30 to Aug. 4, 1619. The group developed and passed laws that evolved Virginia’s colonial settlement beyond just being a commercial enterprise. The actions of Gov. Yeardley and the General Assembly marked Jamestown as the site of the first representative democratic institution in America. 

Brighton Beach Park has a popular stone-covered beach, swing set, picnic area with tables and barbecue grills, carry-in canoe area and public fruit trees — plus stunning views of Lake Superior. Bayfront Festival Park is located along the Downtown Waterfront in Duluth, and hosts events and concerts throughout the year. The park features a large, all-ages playground, with free use of recreational equipment. Hartley Park is for true nature lovers.