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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.

Of all the beaches that I have been fortunate to go to in India, I would say Vizag's mysterious coast has impressed me the most. Far from the maddening crowds, there are calm and scenic spots right in the heart of the city. Home to a shipbuilding yard, an oil refinery and a steel plant, Vishakhapatnam has always lived up to its reputation of an industrial city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. These days, this busy port and natural harbor is among the fastest-growing cities in Asia. The amazing coastline, verdant hilltops, breathtaking views of the harbor, Eastern Ghats on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other side, together conspire to make it the ‘Jewel of the East Coast.’

Nicknamed The World’s Most Famous Beach, the Floridian city of Daytona Beach is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the United States. At 165 kilometers long, Daytona boasts one of the largest beaches in America and is nicknamed The Spring Break Capital of the World. Once you get there, it’s easy to see why! Daytona is also home to NASCAR, and is well known for hosting motor sports and bike races. Locals and tourists alike can wander down the boardwalk or visit the nearby water park to get a true taste of the city.

We've all gone "Under the Tuscan Sun." Spent a "Year or Two in Provence." Hung out in the "Wild." Books are a wonderful way to become immersed in the world of travel, whether to get excited about an upcoming trip or to dream about a far flung destination you hope to visit one day. There are so many wonderful travel narratives out there, many eclipsed by those who have been made into Hollywood films, but that doesn't mean they're any less worthy or wonderful. Here are five books you've (probably) never heard of, but will undoubtedly inspire you to travel.

Compared to places like New York and Chicago, Pittsburgh is a fairly small city with a fraction of the number of tourist attractions and eateries. And if there’s one thing I’ve noticed since living here for the last decade, it’s that the same old venues and eateries always come up on the tourist “to do list” (Primanti sandwich, the Duquesne Incline). So whether you’ve never been to Pittsburgh before or are looking to change things up on your next trip here, here are five unique experiences you’ll only find in the ‘burgh!

Almost as a rite of passage, spending Oktoberfest in Germany is an unforgettable experience. This month-long celebration is much more than beer and sausage – it’s a nod to a centuries-old culture that thrives today with rich vibrancy. However, millions of people participate in the spectacle every year, so it’s well worth making plans in advance to have the ultimate Oktoberfest adventure.

If not for the bustling capital that is London, the UK is mostly known for it’s quaint and cute countryside towns. But it isn’t just fields, cottages and cows in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, each also have their adorable towns, worthy of a visit. Plan a trip to these cutest towns in Great Britain and you will be enchanted by its charm, the hospitality and the stories of the towns.

Most people think of Mykonos as a party island, but everyone should also think of it as a vacation destination where you can eat incredible food. The island is home to a plethora of great restaurants, beach clubs, bars and food stands where you can indulge in fresh seafood, grilled meats, delectable salads and much more. Find out where to enjoy the best squid, souvlaki and seafood pasta below.