Ever since Under the Tuscan Sun burst into the spotlight, the sleepy towns of Central Italy have come to life with tourists, all wanting a taste of the delicious wine and the serenity of driving on the cypress lined roads of the countryside. But, one would be surprised to learn that the roads connecting the hilltop villages are winding and getting from one place to the next needs a bit of planning and savvy driving skills. Here, we’ve put together some do’s and don’ts of road tripping for your Tuscan getaway.

Victoria’s coastal capital, Melbourne, shines brightly with its stately 19th century buildings and tree-lined boulevards. Along the Yarra River lies Federation Square, bursting with bars, restaurants, and plazas for cultural events. Pristine beaches are just a train ride away. But there’s more to explore in the surrounding areas, and it’s easy to catch a day tour that takes you to stunning vistas, towering trees, and adorable animals. Here, we offer you five amazing outdoor activities you can’t miss on your adventure Down Under.

On a recent trip to San Jose, Costa Rica, travel writer Lavanya Sunkara stayed at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose. Here’s her take on the experience.

Imagine encountering a humpback whale, feeding an orphaned joey, bathing an elephant, or meeting an ancient tortoise. These amazing endeavors can be had first hand courtesy of eco-tourism and organizations trying to protect the precious species with which we share our planet. Here, we put together five opportunities to get up close to animals. You’re sure to come away with an exuberant feeling of having been a part of the solution to help wildlife in need.

On a recent trip to Cupertino, travel writer Lavanya Sunkara stayed at the Juniper Hotel. Here’s her take on the experience.

Acadia was at the top of my bucket list for many years, and I was finally able to experience the rugged beauty of Maine’s most visited attraction. This National Park is celebrating its centennial and my husband and I were eager to hit the trails and soak up the New England charm on our long-weekend getaway. As soon as we got off the plane, we headed straight to Hertz and, within a matter of minutes, we were in a brand new Volkswagen Jetta. Thanks to my husband’s Hertz Gold Plus Rewards status, we didn’t have to wait in line or spend time getting the car. We zoomed past the airport exit and off we were on our adventure!

The vast, sandy stretches of the Great South Bay, the rocky beaches of the North Shore, and the cool wines of the North Fork await you this summer on Long Island. When the temperatures rise and you feel the need to escape from the crowds of Time Square, take comfort that respite is just a train ride away. The Hamptons are lovely, but so are a dozen other destinations where you can discover serenity. Here are 10 outdoor activities to help you beat the heat.

The shining capital of New South Wales is the largest and most diverse city in Australia. From the spectacular beaches to the stunning Opera House, there’s natural and manmade beauty all around. But there’s so much more to this urban paradise: happening nightlife, eclectic cuisine, and friendly people that make your trip worthwhile. The best part is you can travel everywhere by public transportation. Here’s a weekend guide to Sydney to help you plan your next getaway.