Staten Island might be the city’s quietest borough, but it’s full of character and history. The free Staten Island Ferry runs all day and night, offering great views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan before docking in St. George, where 19th-century architecture meets local culture. Stop by the restored St. George Theatre, the National Lighthouse Museum, or the Staten Island Museum, which mixes natural history, art, and local exhibits. Green space is everywhere here. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers miles of trails and woodlands, and in summer, the island’s beaches are popular for kayaking and relaxing by the water. For a closer look at local history, visit the Alice Austen House, once home to one of America’s first female photographers, or explore Historic Richmond Town, a preserved village with buildings and artifacts that trace island life back to the 1600s. Staten Island also has a growing food scene, especially around St. George and Stapleton, where you’ll find local breweries and waterfront restaurants worth discovering.

Just outside Kathmandu, in the village of Kapan, lies this Buddhist monastery. It is the perfect destination for a day-trip, or even a few nights in one of the guest rooms. The monastery is famed for its beautiful setting and peaceful, relaxing surroundings. Many visitors come here to attend courses in search of a spiritual experience.

This red-brick building is the home of the Kumari — a young girl chosen as the city's 'living goddess', a charge she occupies until reaching puberty. Inside is a wonderful courtyard (considered by some to be the most beautiful in all of Nepal) where the Kumari herself may be seen from 9 am to 11 am, though photographing her is forbidden.