Gulangyu Island, just a quick five-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, is a living museum of 19th-century trade and culture. Once a hub for merchants and diplomats, it became home to grand mansions built by Chinese and foreign traders taking advantage of Xiamen’s open port status. The island’s car-free streets are a joy to wander, weaving through colonial-style villas, leafy gardens, and striking architecture that blends European and Chinese influences. Ferries can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking your ticket two to three days in advance is a smart move. Once you’re there, take your time exploring the quieter corners, enjoying the local seafood, or visiting attractions like the Piano Museum or Sunlight Rock for panoramic views.

Home of Sporting Kansas City, a Major League Soccer team, Children's Mercy Park regularly hosts a variety of soccer matches, including MLS Cup games. Recent upgrades like the Skycam enhance the spectator experience, ensuring fans enjoy thrilling soccer action from every angle.

Bordeaux’s wine school, L'École du Vin, offers courses on wine and the Bordeaux vineyards, as well as on the topic of pairing wine with cheese and other foods. Of various durations and existing both in English and French, these short training classes will allow you to act like a true connoisseur. To perfect the practice, each course also features several wine tastings.