Greenwich Village's recently renovated Washington Square Park is home to the famous Washington Arch and central fountain where students, locals, and tourists all seem to find their way for a break from the fast-paced city. Sit on the steps of the fountain to people watch as students rush off to class, children float boats in the water, residents and their faithful friends head toward the dog run, and street performers fill the air with music of all cultures. Arrive at the park in the evening and you may encounter a group of Star Wars fanatics in the midst of light saber battles donning t-shirts that say, “I am your father.” Being one of the oldest and most famous squares in NYC, Washington Square Park is worth a visit if only just to rest on one of the plentiful park benches and enjoy a peaceful pause from the city.

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For just $1.50, hop on a hand-carved, hand-painted pony at Salem's Riverfront Carousel. It's hard to pick your favorite steed, because each finely-detailed, brilliantly colored horse seems more appealing than the last. For a bright and sunny ride, mount Tropical Breeze, the horse with sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen tucked behind its saddle. Or, if you're up for a flamboyant strut, giddy-up with the rhinestone-studded Razzle Dazzle. If non-domesticated equids are more your style, have a wild ride on Jazz the zebra. But for those who'd rather not gallop, the Carousel has two covered wagons for an Oregon Trail experience. Stop by the gift shop afterwards to support this unique and local work of art.

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Lounging poolside in the Caribbean is a bit underrated when clear, blue, idyllic ocean water beckons nearby. Nonetheless, knowing the best-kept pools to escape to when necessary is an added bonus in the sometimes over touristed city of Castries, St. Lucia. Quiet, calm, cool, and serene best describe the rooftop jewel-like pool located in the Glencastle Resort. Bask in the early afternoon island sunshine while stretching out in your secluded hideaway. Have a cocktail or two when flipping through your most current vacation read. Given its size, you won’t be swimming laps; so when ready, just slip into the pool and relax.

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Steeped in ancient history and located in an incredibly scenic valley, this complicated and rich city bears the heavy scars of empires, conflict, and culture. The main river crossing through Sarajevo, the Miljacka, makes for a nice path to follow on a sunny day and showcases everything that gives the city its soul, from lovely riverside cafes and parks to incredibly ancient and varied architecture to any number of quaint scenes of locals going about their daily business. Enjoy some Turkish food (don’t miss the burek pastry) and a coffee while checking out Muslim mosques and shopping for souvenirs in the old Turkish area. Feed the pigeons near the old monuments or go deeper and imagine the darker times this city has seen, just barely a decade ago, with the scars of bullet holes and grenade craters peppering the city everywhere you turn.

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Serbia is a country that loves its meat dishes, and pljeskavica (Serbian hamburger) is a local specialty. The debate rages hard about which place in the city serves the very *best*, but few knowledgeable locals will argue with Loki as a contender. Located off the main pedestrian strip of Knez Mihailova (just ask a local), the run-down and non-descript locale does little to stimulate the appetite, but do not be fooled. The crowd of locals praying to the altar of Loki’s grill at absolutely any hour of the day (it is a favorite 4 a.m. after-party meeting point on the weekends) is a testament to the quality goods they deliver. Try a plain ol’ pljeskavica, or get adventurous and try the spicier and more flavorful variations of gurmanska (with all kinds of yummy, fatty stuff in the meat) or a leskovacka (regional recipe). The ambitious or foolhardy can get the “maxi” version, an eye popping monster slab of burger that will require both hands and serious dedication to devour. Unless you’re vegetarian, you owe it to yourself to see what all the hype is about.

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If you could take just one photo: Waikiki Beach

A city built on an ocean?! The Hawaiian island of Oahu is truly a treat. The beautiful waters that surround the city automatically make you feel like you have reached paradise. Turns out, it is surprisingly easy to experience. Besides the attitude of people in Hawaii, it is very easy to relax just listening and looking at the waves surrounding the beauty you will find yourself encompassed by.

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7700 years ago a volcano exploded and ripped off the top of Mount Mazama, leaving a huge crater that filled with rainwater and is the purest, crystal-clear blue you'll ever see. Hike the path down to the water—almost straight down—and take the boat across the water to Wizard Island, a cinder cone that grew in the middle, after the crater had already formed. If you think you've seen the amazing things nature can do, you haven't seen anything until you stand at the edge of Crater Lake and look out across a horizon so far you can't even see the other side.

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Cobalt, azure, sapphire, indigo—there simply aren’t enough shades of blue to describe the intense color of 1,932-foot Crater Lake, the country’s deepest. Uniquely situated in the 6-mile wide caldera of a dormant volcano, Crater Lake formed some 7,700 years ago following Mount Mazama’s cataclysmic eruption. Encircling the lake is Rim Drive—33 miles of pure scenery. Take advantage of the many pull-offs and picnic areas; each offers an opportunity to photograph Wizard Island and other geologic formations that protrude from the deep blue. Crater Lake National Park offers much more than an indescribable hue—camping, hiking, and boat tours keep visitors plenty busy. Take a break on the back porch of the historic lodge—the view is legendary. Read more about Southern Oregon.

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Nestled on the side of a hill and surrounded by palm trees, elephant ears and lush, tropical vegetation, Up Hill Cottage offers visitors a respite from the din of Phi Phi's village center. Opting for a fan-only room will make your stay as affordable as possible on this island without having to share a room with a stranger. If you want a little bit of exercise and beatific views after a day of lounging on the beach, then pick a room higher up. In the mornings, gangs of wild monkeys sometimes clamber over the tin roofs and onto the porches. If they see you, they'll retreat and show only their upside-down faces and tails from above. But if they come when you aren't around, then your cigarettes and beer bottles better be inside because the monkeys can throw—and they throw very well.

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