Just 30 minutes from Anchorage, the trail to Thunderbird Falls winds through a quiet forest before ending at a 200-foot waterfall. It’s an easy walk—about a mile each way—with a wooden viewing deck overlooking the falls. There’s also a steep little detour if you want to get down to the base and see it up close. Once the temperature drops, Thunderbird Falls becomes something else entirely—still, sharp, and frozen in place like glass.

The Natural History Museum is striking even before you step inside, with an architectural design inspired by geological forms that makes it one of Abu Dhabi’s most remarkable buildings. It’s an excellent choice for families, as children will be captivated by the exhibits. Inside, you’ll find meteorites, fossils, dinosaurs and other ancient species, all presented through educational guided tours. The museum leads you through different eras of natural history, emphasising the importance of protecting the planet, one of its core messages. If you need a break during your visit, Nayzak Café is conveniently located within the museum complex.

Indian Canyons is a true desert gem—an oasis tucked right in the rocky hills just outside Palm Springs. This land, home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, is rich with history and natural beauty, offering trails lined with California fan palms, trickling streams, and seasonal waterfalls that reach their peak flow in the cooler months. A can’t-miss here is the easy-going 1-mile hike along Palm Canyon, a scenic trail that winds through one of North America's largest palm oases. Walk at your own pace under the towering palms, where sunlight streams through the leaves and creates a natural canopy—miles away from the desert heat and noise. At the trail’s end, you’ll find a small trading post where you can rest, grab a cold drink or hot coffee, and take in the views from under the palms.

The annual Blues Festival is Chicago's biggest music festival, and the largest one in the entire world to not charge an admission fee. Attendees number in the hundreds of thousands.