Brazil’s Carnaval is one of the world’s greatest celebrations, and nowhere is the party larger than in Rio, where several million people take to the streets every year to let loose before Lent, the Christian period of abstinence that runs for forty days from Ash Wednesday to the Thursday before Easter. With rich traditions of music, dance, and spirituality, Carnaval is the single most important cultural event in Brazil and is beloved by locals and tourists alike.

While foreign tourists flock to the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca, the province of Almería remains a relatively untouched gem of southern Spain. Located in the far southeastern corner of Andalucía, the province is home to areas of outstanding natural beauty as well as a number of picturesque, whitewashed hillside villages and fantastic beaches.

Located in the center of the Canary Islands archipelago off the northwestern coast of Africa, Gran Canaria offers the perfect mix of stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and relaxing beaches to appeal to any traveler. Read on for a guide to the island that will help you get the most out of your stay no matter what you are looking for.

Tenerife, the most visited of Spain’s Canary Islands, is home to a dazzling array of landscapes, from volcanic beaches to a snow-capped peak in its center. This guide will help you explore just a couple of the different habitats contained within this small island off the northwestern coast of Africa.

Plenty of tourists flock to Andalucía’s Costa del Sol, but most opt for the mundane beach resorts of Marbella or Fuengirola, neglecting the province’s capital. Founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC, Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, with plenty of monuments around from its various rulers over the centuries. The city offers a healthy dose of history alongside active nightlife, delicious food and drink, and plenty of beaches to relax at, too.

Porto, Portugal’s second city, has an excellent culinary scene, offering a great blend of modern takes on traditional food.

There are a few ways to visit the incredible Incan ruins. We recommend simplest option, which is a day trip. Many tour agencies will arrange the whole process for you, but booking everything yourself isn’t too complicated if you plan ahead—and it’s more affordable.

Famous as the birthplace of paella, the iconic Spanish rice dish, Valencia takes full advantage of its idyllic location on Spain’s eastern coast, sourcing high quality ingredients from nearby farms, rice paddies, and the waters of the Mediterranean.

Often overlooked in favor of the country’s scenic Adriatic coast, Croatia’s capital and largest city offers fascinating history and rich cuisine to those who explore its medieval Upper Town as well as its leafy surrounding areas. It’s easy to get lost in the Old-World charm of the historic center while you wander, but here are a few points of interest to guide you while you walk around.

The best way to experience the culture of Madrid is by eating and drinking. After all, that is the main social activity of madrileños, who relish an opportunity to enjoy a meal out with friends and family. The bars and restaurants on this list are true staples of the city, and a visit to any or all of them offers a perfect window into the way of life of the Spanish capital.

Madrid’s Parque del Retiro is more than just a park—it is a true urban oasis, a ‘retreat’ from the hustle and bustle of the Spanish capital conveniently located right in the heart of the city. Originally a private garden reserved for members of the royal court, the large green space was converted to a public park in the mid-19th century and has since become a favorite spot of madrileños and tourists alike. The park holds many of the city’s most recognizable landmarks as well

Madrid is chock full of charming cafes with great coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. From historic establishments to chic, modern spots with specialty blends, this guide will help you find the best cafes in the Spanish capital.

The small city of Modena has left a large mark on Italian culture, with its two most notable products being the luxury sports car maker Ferrari and the ubiquitous condiment balsamic vinegar. The city is home to a well-preserved historic center whose crown jewel is its fabulous 12th-century cathedral, with its iconic bell tower rising high above the city. Located just half an hour northwest of Bologna by train, Modena makes for a great day trip into the heartland of Emilia-Rom

Milan is often overlooked on tourist itineraries in Italy, but the city has plenty to offer, including a vibrant food scene. From the early-evening tradition of aperitivo to the hearty flavors of traditional milanese cuisine, this guide will help you eat and drink your way through Milan.

São Paulo is filled with classic, old-school restaurants that really capture the timeless charm of South America’s great metropolis. Ranging from international flavors that reflect the city’s immigrant heritage to bars and restaurants with a distinctly Brazilian vibe, a visit to these spots is a great way to experience the culture of São Paulo.

Birthplace of pesto sauce and focaccia bread, Genoa is a fantastic place to experience the wonders of Ligurian cuisine, with strong culinary traditions and fresh ingredients from both land and sea.

São Paulo is home to the world’s largest Japanese diaspora, with most nikkei descended from immigrants who arrived in the city at the beginning of the 20th century. Japanese immigration had a significant influence on Brazilian cuisine, and nowhere more so than in the country’s metropolis, which boasts a dazzling array of top quality sushi restaurants.

As the nation’s capital, Brasília is full of people from all over Brazil, and the food scene offers a whirlwind tour of the country just by eating.

The upscale district of Boa Viagem is the best place to stay during your visit to Recife, and the area boasts a variety of great restaurants to enjoy.

From white-tablecloth establishments to bustling neighborhood botecos, Rio is home to a dazzling array of classic restaurants, many of which date from the mid-20th century, when the city jumped onto the international scene with its sandy beaches and bossa nova rhythms gaining fame far beyond its borders. Besides their delicious food, these restaurants contain decades of history as well, and a meal at any of them is a great way to experience the fabric of the city.