Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens offers much more than a traditional zoo experience. Feed towering giraffes by hand, watch professional staff feed alligators, and learn fascinating facts during engaging keeper talks and wildlife shows. Don’t miss the chance to see rare animals like honey badgers—Naples Zoo is one of only four zoos in the country to showcase these fierce creatures. You’ll also enjoy a guided boat cruise through lush islands inhabited by playful monkeys and apes. Nestled in a historic botanical garden, this nationally accredited zoo is home to favorites like lions, tigers, and zebras, making it the perfect destination for a full day of family-friendly fun.

Xiamen Botanical Garden is a lush escape from the city’s hustle. Home to over 5,000 species of tropical plants, the garden weaves together picturesque winding paths, ponds, and rock formations in a setting that feels both serene and expansive. There are also themed areas such as the Bamboo Forest, Bonsai Garden, and Rose Garden. The Xiamen Botanical Garden is the kind of place where you can wander aimlessly, discovering hidden corners and marvelling at the diversity of plant life. If the city buzz is starting to wear on you, an afternoon here offers a refreshing reset.

Psyrri is a gentrified neighbourhood known for its bohemian cafe-bars, live music taverns, artisanal boutiques, exotic spice bazaars and small number of hotels. It's one of the oldest quarters of Athens and used to be regarded as a dodgy place until the early 90s. In the late 19th century, Psyrri used to be the ‘Bronx’ of Athens. ‘Koutsavakides’, ‘hobbler dudes’ in Greek, would walk the streets in their jackets worn on one sleeve and bully locals. You'll see this archetypical character show up in street art all over the neighbourhood.

Big Cypress National Preserve, part of the Everglades ecosystem, is a vast, protected area of swampland and wetlands teeming with diverse tropical flora and fauna. It offers a range of outdoor activities, from camping in scenic backcountry areas to guided ranger-led tours through its swamps, prairies, and dense cypress forests. Visitors can explore the preserve on foot, by boat, or via scenic drives, spotting wildlife like alligators, panthers, and rare bird species. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or seeking solitude in the wild, Big Cypress provides a unique glimpse into one of the most ecologically rich regions in the U.S.