9 Things to Do for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

Chicago knows how to party.

From New Year’s Eve to July 4^th, Chicago regularly turns into a block party. From private parties at rooftop bars to street parades that snake through the city, there are dozens of ways to join the seasonal calendar of festivities.

But there’s something about St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago that stands out.

Though cities like Boston and New York City also have substantial Irish-American populations that have shaped massive St. Patty’s Day celebrations, Chicago is arguably the top spot to ring in the holiday in the US.

Is it all down to the green river dye that plumbers dump into the Chicago River? Is it owed to Chicago’s rowdy party culture? Or is it a callback to the city’s well-known and well-preserved Irish heritage?

Probably all three—but I’ll let you decide. I’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, including my own top pick. (Special thanks to my brother who lives in Chicago and knows how to drink.)

If you want to keep digging into St. Patty’s Day fare, stick with Choose Chicago.

Top 9 activities in Chicago for St. Patty’s Day

#1: Watch the river run green

It’s been happening for almost half a century for a reason—and you can watch as local plumbers spew a harmless, green dye into the Chicago River. The event happens between State and Columbus streets each year. You can watch live from Upper Wacker as the dying starts at 10 am. Just make sure to get there early to nab your spot.

#2: Take a river cruise to party at a safe distance from the mayhem

I’m not one for crowds, so piling onto one of the parades isn’t my idea of a great St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. If you’re like me, book a river cruise that’s offering a St. Patty’s Day route.

You can choose from a handful of options, many of which include events like live bagpipe music, Irish dishes, and plenty of beer and cocktail options. All while cruising down an electric-green river. (Head to the Choose Chicago page linked above to find more St. Patrick’s Day river cruise offers.)

#3 Or kayak through the currents

If you’re a fitness buff or simply like to get out on the water, you can book a kayak tour that cuts through the Chicago River. Don’t worry—you won’t get in the way of those cruises. The Chicago River is wide, and tour guides are adept at helping you navigate the channel safely and happily.

#4 Join a parade—but choose wisely

You have three main options when it comes to choosing a St. Patrick’s Day parade. Your three options are the South Side Irish Parade, North Side Irish Parade, and the main St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Grant Park.

The South Side has the strongest Irish associations, as neighborhoods like Beverly, Bridgeport, and Morgan Park still have strong Irish Catholic demographics. In fact, you might see them called the South Side Irish. This is the most homegrown St. Patty’s Day parade in town.

That being said, you can also join the North Side Irish Parade, which has been going strong for over two decades. This smaller celebration heads through the Norwood Park neighborhood.

The largest event is this year’s 70^th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is the largest in the city and one of the most prestigious in the country. You can expect live performances, step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and more over three hours.

#5 Keep it old school at Shamrock’n: A Family-Friendly Irish Celebration

Old St. Patrick’s Church is a Catholic assembly that has been hosting a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the past few years. This warm pop-up includes an a la carte menu, alcoholic beverages, a pot’o gold-themed raffle, and live entertainment that’s fit for all ages.

#6 Or at the Irish American Heritage Center

Similar to Old St. Patrick’s, you can find a more family-friendly party at the Irish American Heritage Center. In fact, if you’ll be out of town on the actual holiday, you can still join the festivities at the center. They host a range of celebratory events leading up to March 15^th, from Celtic art classes to Irish singing workshops.

#7 Reserve your spot at an Irish pub—I vote you go to Replay Lincoln Park

Like I said before: Chicago knows how to party. You won’t be shorthanded looking for bars and cocktail lounges that are rolling out specialized St. Patty’s Day menus, drinks, and more.

I actually got to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago a few years back at Replay Lincoln Park. This pop-up, high-décor bar did not disappoint—and I’m sure it’s hardly the only option out there.

(Replay Lincoln Park is one of my favorite bars of all time—so check it out even if you’re not in Chicago over St. Patrick’s Day!)

#8 Or go on a bar crawl

If committing to a single bar experience is a little underwhelming, avoid FOMO with a bar crawl. I’d hate to repeat myself, but here I go again: Chicago has some of the best bars, lounges, and watering holes in the US. You can explore them at full speed over St. Patrick’s Day.

#9 Enjoy themed menus at restaurants celebrating St. Patty’s Day

If Guinness and lime-green cocktails aren’t your thing, then look for a menu that sparks joy. From casual eateries like Pizzeria Portofino to more refined private parties like Raised, An Urban Rooftop, you can find restaurants celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in style.

You can also find restaurants that offer a party-like atmosphere, which is a pretty solid compromise for anyone who wants to eat, drink, and stay warm over the holiday.

5 Perfect Day Trips from Rome To Escape the Jubilee Rush

The 2025 Jubilee is in full swing in Rome.

If you’ve been following updates and tips on how to navigate Rome during the Catholic jubilee (which is a time for added spiritual reflection), then you know that millions of pilgrims are converging in the city alongside tourists throughout the year.

The jubilee offers tourists another way to learn more about Catholic culture and history in the city, which is home to the Vatican. At the same time, the added number of visitors is sure to cause hectic scenes citywide.

While the city has been preparing with added public transportation and services (like public toilets), you’re still bound to be caught up in more crowds than usual.

One of the best ways to make sure your trip to Rome isn’t interrupted by the jubilee is to book a day trip outside the city. There are dozens of options at your fingertips, and they’re all accessible by public transportation.

But which towns are worth your time?

If you want to plan a day trip during your jaunt around Italy’s capital city, I suggest you head into one of the areas listed below. They’re five of the best day trips around Rome according to travelers, travel advisors, and locals.

Top 5 day trips around Rome

Orvieto

I’m drawn to Orvieto thanks to the sheer number of Etruscan sites, from tunnels, caves, and a vast necropolis. The Etruscans were pivotal in the formation of ancient Rome—and you’ll probably recognize their sophisticated alphabet, much of which we inherited.

The Etruscan caves are hardly the only historic appeal. You can also explore Orvieto Cathedral, San Giovenale church, and Albornoz Fortress.

But part of the magic is the view. Orvieto is situated on a towering hilltop. From the peak of Torre del Moro, a large tower in the center of town, you can gaze across the gorgeous Umbrian countryside. At sunset, the views are unreal.

Want to stay in Orvieto? Book a room and find something to do.

Assisi

Assisi is the hometown of a beloved Catholic saint: St. Francis of Assisi. I’d personally love to visit Assisi because I grew up in the Catholic church, where St. Francis is renowned as a protector of animals and the environment.

Regardless of what you know (or don’t know) about this saint, a visit to Assisi will let you gain a hands-on look at this saint and what makes him so special to millions around the world.

Assisi is a picturesque rural town that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The big attraction is the Basilica of St. Francis (that’s San Francesco in Italian), along with Cathedral of San Rufino, which is where St. Francis was baptized.

I’d also plan to visit the Rocca Maggiore, a magnificent stone fortress with panoramic country views.

Want to stay in Assisi? Book a room and find something to do.

Anzio

Don’t want to dig into history when you escape Rome for the day? No problem—you can soak up the coastal views in Anzio. If it’s warm enough, you can lay on the beach and enjoy the sunshine. Or if you’re looking for a more active adventure, try out windsurfing or diving.

But let’s not forget that just about every town, village, and city surrounding Rome has some type of major historical tie. In Anzio, that’s the palace of the cruel emperor Nero, known as the Villa Imperiale di Nerone.

This eroded site lines the beach, letting you soak up sea views while looking down on the remains of a two-thousand-year-old palace.

Want to stay in Anzio? Book a room and find something to do.

Tivoli

Tivoli is made up of two sites: Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este. Once again, there’s an ancient imperial tie; Tivoli’s Villa Adriana was a preferred escape for Emperor Hadrian in the 2^nd century CE.

That being said, I’d probably explore Villa d’Este, instead. Villa d’Este was established in the 1500s as the Renaissance took hold of Italy. It’s dotted with gorgeous fountains, pools, and basins. Sort of like Versailles’ gardens, only on a smaller scale.

But don’t forget about Cascata Grande, Italy’s second-tallest waterfall, which is located in a nearby park.

Want to stay in Tivoli? Book a room and find something to do.

Calcata

Tired of ancient villas? That’s too bad in Italy—but you will find a slightly more modern experience in Calcata (written as Il Borgo di Calcata). This tiny medieval village has those cobbled walkways and buildings that you expect in central Italy.

But there’s also plenty in the way of contemporary culture, which adds extra allure compared to other day trips from Rome.

Along with boutique shops selling clothes, notebooks, and more, you can find galleries showcasing local artists and photographers, museums that dig into the area’s history, and a handful of fine dining establishments.

It’s also a perfect place to sit at a café and people-watch or simply soak up the calming, historic atmosphere.

Want to stay in Calcata? Book a room and find something to do.

5 Mosaics in the United States Worth a Visit

I live in Barcelona, which means I’m surrounded by gorgeous mosaics.

In fact, millions of tourists from around the world flood into Barcelona each year to visit some of the world’s most famous mosaic landmarks. You can probably name a few off the top of your head if you know about famous artist Antoni Gaudí, from Sagrada Familia to Casa Batlló to Park Güell.

But Gaudí isn’t the end-all of mosaic genius in the city.

My favorite mosaic around is actually The Kiss or El Beso by Joan Fontcuberta. Located near the Barcelona Cathedral, it depicts an intimate kiss that’s made up of 4,000 rectangular tiles. Each tile includes a photograph that was submitted by local residents that showcase their favorite ‘moments of freedom’. From the methodology to the final product, it’s a very meaningful piece of public art to me.

I may be spoiled by art in Barcelona, but you don’t need to cross the Atlantic to enjoy a beautiful mosaic.

The US is home to dozens of sprawling, drool-worthy mosaics. Many are found in our most stunning basilicas and cathedrals—but not all. Some of the best works of mosaic art are designed for public enjoyment (and are even found in strange places), meaning you may have run into them without even realizing you were staring at a mosaic from a famous artist.

Ready to count down the best mosaics in the United States? Here are my top six picks, including a handful of options from the New York City subway.

6 of the best mosaics in the United States

New York City subways, New York City

From William Wegman’s ‘Stationary Figures’ (Courtesy of MTA)

I’m obsessed with the artworks commissioned for the New York City subway for one reason: the juxtaposition.

Seeing world-class art surrounded by things like urine, rats, dirty food, and impatient commuters is the daily reality of life in New York City. And there’s nothing like being gently caressed by a delightful mosaic before having to dodge a pile of vomit.

If you’ve used the MTA often, you’re already aware that many stations have their names carefully laid out in mosaics that make it easy to see which stop you’re at. But many also have ornate mosaics from acclaimed artists, including Chuck Close and Yoko Ono.

These are my favorite picks for the best mosaics giving hope to those cruising through the guts of the city:

14^th Street (Manhattan): Wild Things by Fred Tomaselli
23^rd Street (Manhattan): Stationary Figures by William Wegman
72^nd Street (Manhattan): SKY by Yoko Ono
86^th Street (Manhattan): Subway Portraits by Chuck Close
125^th Street (Manhattan): Flying Home by Faith Ringgold

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Philadelphia

Spanning three lots on Philadelphia’s South Street, the Magic Gardens are a large-scale folk art and gallery space. The project comes from mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar who has slowly built up the project since he purchased the lots in 1968.

Today, the Magic Gardens sprawl over 3,000 square feet and were designed to be explored on foot.

There’s also a gallery space that showcases works from artists from around the world. Beyond the grounds, you might also spot Zagar’s works dotting the city. His works are large-scale, creating a labyrinth for guests to wander through.

Venice Cafe, St. Louis

In Saint Louis, you can find a similar project at Venice Café. The bar is covered in eclectic mosaic designs, along with diverse works of art from the owner and other local artists. The result is a small-scale menagerie that serves up cold drinks and offers live music almost every night.

(Pro tip: the upstairs bathroom is the stuff of Saint Louis legends—but the downstairs might actually be cooler.)

Various mosaics by Primo Caredio, San Francisco

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Secret Mosaic Staircase (or heard of it before), so let me steer you in a new direction: a series of mosaics depicting life in San Francisco by Primo Caredio.

The mosaics are showcased alongside grand murals from Lucian Labaudt. You can see both art forms showcased inside Golden Gate Park’s Beach Chalet and Park Chalet in the visitor centers. Though not nearly as flashy as those mosaic staircases, they’re gorgeous, historic, and perfectly integrated with the murals.

The Map of the Grand Canyons of La Jolla, San Diego

Courtesy of the National Recreation and Park Association

One of the largest mosaics I’ve ever heard of in the United States, this San Diego project is a celebration of the ocean, marine life, and our relationship to the seas.

This absolutely massive project covers 2,200 square feet in Kellog Park, La Jolla. Using over 100,000 tiles, artists finished the project back in 2020 to celebrate the late oceanographer Walter Munk.

The interactive mosaic includes QR codes that let visitors learn more about the aquatic species depicted in murals, from orcas to sea snakes to jellyfish. If you’ve seen a mosaic in the city dubbed ‘THE MAP’, this is what they’re talking about.

Mosaic Tile House, Los Angeles

This indie project from artists Cheri Pan and Gonzalo Duran is reminiscent of the folk mosaics that you’ll see in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and the Venice Café in Saint Louis. But Mosaic Tile House isn’t quite an art installation – it’s a lifestyle.

You can also purchase works from both artists—or wander through their menagerie of a home on Saturdays between 12-3 pm. Except for the roof, every single inch is covered in colorful tiles.

5 Places to See Wildflowers in Texas This Spring

When I think about Texas, I think about thick cuts of red meat and big belt buckles.

I see flashes of rodeo shows and hear crooning country music. I think about the bats that haunt the city of Austin, then the Dallas Cowboys football team.

I have never once thought of wildflowers when imagining the Lone Star State.

But Texas’s sprawling size isn’t just for longhorn cattle and their drivers—it’s also one of the US’s best places to watch wildflower blooms in spring.

And with so many scenic highways, byways, and roadside attractions crisscrossing the state, it’s not hard to see them. So long as you know where to find bluebonnets, winecups, wild petunias, paper flowers, tulips, and more, you can string together a spring road trip for the ages.

These are my top five picks for enjoying wildflowers in Texas. If you want to dive even deeper, I suggest looking at the Texas Highways’ Wildflower Drives selections. (Along with in-depth information on road names and byways, it also has adorable hand-drawn maps!)

Top 5 places to see wildflowers in Texas

Bluebonnets around Highland Lakes and Blackland Prairie

Texas bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush wildflowers at sunset (Getty)

I’ve heard more and more tales of Texas’s gorgeous bluebonnets over the last few years, which is what inspired me to write this article. If you’re also into elegant, tall stalks of indigo flowers, you can find them statewide. I suggest focusing your bluebonnet hunting in the Highland Lakes area, along with Blackland Prairie.

You’ll see stretches of bluebonnets in and around these Highland Lakes spots:

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park
Longhorn Cavern
Inks Lake State Park (includes other flowers like Hudson flax)

But don’t forget about the Blackland Prairie region in Washington County. You can see a sea of bluebonnets in these areas each spring:

Around the city of Independence (State Highway 105 is ideal)
Around Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Around Chappell Hill Historic District
Between Corsicana and Athens

Winecups in Hill Country

“Purple Poppy Mallow”, also known as winecups (Getty)

Delicate, violet winecups are another favorite for natualists in the Lone Star State. Like bluebonnets, you’ll notice these dotting Texas’s grasslands and savannahs. But you can find scores of winecups in Western Hill Country.

The best place to see winecups is between Llano and Cherokee, which lies west of Inks Lake State Park. Or you’ll be in Western Hill Country, instead, you’ll notice fields of winecups just south of Vanderpool.

Neches River rosemallow and trailing phlox in East Texas

The famous pinelands of East Texas are home to famous state-specific flowers: the Texas trailing phlox and the Neches River mallow. I haven’t heard of either of these small flowers before, but you can find scores of each in the Pinewoods Native Plant Center, an Austin State University project.

This 42-acre area was created to preserve and propagate endangered native species, including the Neches River rosemallow and Texas trailing phlox.

Blackfoot daisy and paper flower in the Panhandle

A Blackfoot Daisy, Melampodium leucanthum, in bloom in Texas (Getty)

Did you know that Texas’s panhandle includes plateaus that rise as high as 4,500 feet? Unsurprisingly, you’ll find unique flowers in Texas’s panhandle compared to other regions. I’d personally love to see the blankets of black-and-yellow blackfoot daisies, along with those delicate paper flowers. Both are easy to find in and around the Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

The whole shebang in and around Lyndon B. Johnson State Park

Can’t decide which wildflower road trip tickles your fancy? You can find interspersed flowers in and around Lyndon B. Johnson State Park between Luckenbach and Johnson City. The grasslands are home to more than 400 wildflower species, including those famous bluebonnets, scarlet sage, and primrose.

GetYourGuide Just Launched a (Very Sexy) Solo Tour in Paris

I have very strong opinions on Paris.

I’ve personally avoided the City of Love like a plague for two reasons.

One, I don’t want to spoil my perfect image of Paris; I’m happy enough with the highly imagined worlds presented in shows like Emily in Paris.

Two, Paris is expensive—a little too expensive for what I imagine I’ll get out of the experience. At least, at this point in my life. I have a specific vision for how I’d like to visit Paris, and I’m nowhere near the point of bringing that vision to fruition.

So, I’ve stayed away from Paris. Not permanently, but just until the right moment presents itself.

And that ‘right moment’ might be now thanks to a shiny new offer from GetYourGuide, especially for solo travelers with a specific vision of what a trip to Paris should be like.

GetYourGuide is taking a new approach to the City of Love, taking the charge in a new direction to rename Paris the ‘City of Self-Love’.

That’s exactly what it sounds like; GetYourGuide is offering the chance for a few solo travelers who are comfortable in their skin to take their relationship with themselves to the next level. Plus, the platform is also offering a few cool opportunities for solo travelers in and around Paris.

(Full disclosure: the self-love course is only for women, but the rest of the solo tours are open to any traveler.)

A self-love course in Paris, you say?

No need to beat around the bush: the self-love course available from GetYourGuide is a masterclass in the art of self-pleasure. Don’t worry—it’s being hosted by one of France’s premier authorities on sex positivity, Marie Morice.

Morice is a sexologist and life coach. She has hands-on experience (forgive the pun) teaching the average person how to foster a healthy relationship with themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.

From what I can tell, this class is about self-expression and confidence just as much as it is about the arts of pleasure—so don’t worry about broaching any heavier, more intimate topics in front of a group of strangers.

Here’s what Morice says, “As a Clinical Sexologist and Sex Coach, I created ‘The Pleasure Atelier: A Parisian Guide to Self-Love’ to help women reconnect with their bodies and feminine energy, overcome limiting beliefs, and embrace self-pleasure with confidence.”

Again, her class is only open to female solo travelers—sorry boys! And you must sign up alone; no bringing friends along, as this journey is designed to be entirely personal.

It starts with a coffee and pastry meet-and-greet, followed by a discussion, group activities, journaling, lunch, and private shopping that’s designed to encourage self-expression.

The course is called ‘The Pleasure Atelier: A Parisian Guide with Marie Morice’. It will last four hours with limited availability between April and July. You can apply for this masterclass starting in late April; you enter by submitting your email address.

What about other solo tours in Paris?

Private cruises on the Seine (GetYourGuide)

I hope I haven’t alienated any male readers—especially if you’re planning to explore Paris solo. While the masterclass above is intended for women, GetYourGuide is rolling out an extensive solos-only list of tours around the City of Love.

The idea is to empower solo travelers to invest in their personal journey, meet others, and maybe even fall in love.

For a limited time, you can nab a 15% discount on these solo-only GetYourGuide tours in Paris:

Guided walking tour of Montmartre
Private cruise on the Seine
Making macarons (another masterclass option)
Pastry-making class
Guided tour of the Louvre
Versailles palace and garden tour (with transportation)

Top 6 Cities for Solo Travel in Asia

Many Americans are skipping out on European adventures to head to Asia.

Asia is an increasingly popular continent for solo travelers who want to drop off the map for a more mind-blowing and cultural experience.

Though you’re probably thinking about the tropical beaches of Thailand or the bustling markets in India, Asia is the world’s most populous continent—which means wonders really do abound.

Unlike a solo trip to Europe, you won’t have nearly as many options to hop on a train and land in a different country within a few hours. That means you need to be more selective when looking for a suitable solo travel destination.

With 49 countries to sift through, it’s a lot of work to find the perfect landing spot for solo travel in Asia.

That’s probably a good thing if you like to study up on potential new adventures—but it might be daunting if you’re looking for an easy adventure as a green solo traveler.

This massive continent has dozens of distinct cultural experiences waiting for you. If you’re heading out on your first solo trip around Asia, try out these destinations. They’re gorgeous, safe, and have well-trodden tourist tracks for you to hop on.

Best cities for solo travel in Asia at a glance

Best budget stop: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Splurge-worthy destination: Singapore
Best eats: Taipei, Taiwan
Most unexpected culture: Varanasi, India
Chillest vibes: Kyoto, Japan
Big-city wonders: Chongqing, China

Best cities for solo travel in Asia

Best budget stop: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Phra Singh Waramahavihan Temple in Chiang Mai (Getty)

Thailand is one of the most accessible destinations for solo travel in Asia thanks to its well-rounded tourist infrastructure.

Despite the fact that Thai culture, language, and customs are very different than Western sensibilities, locals are renowned for their patience and hospitality. You’ll notice that Chiang Mai has a particularly welcoming atmosphere and highly affordable prices that younger travelers will appreciate.

Despite its low prices, you’ll be able to put together the trip of a lifetime. From its dozens of temples to its wildlife sanctuaries to its traditional sak yant tattoo artists, you can sample the very best of Southeast Asia in this jungle outpost.

Just be prepared to trade off those tropical beaches—Chiang Mai is squarely landlocked. Despite the lack of beaches, I had a great time during my two-month stint in Chiang Mai.

Here’s where to stay in Chiang Mai and what to do.

Splurge-worthy destination: Singapore

Singapore is high on my bucket list—but I can never seem to wrap my mind around the nation-state’s soaring price tags. If you’re a solo traveler with money burning a hole in your pocket, look no further.

Singapore isn’t just Asia’s top destination for solo travelers—I think it’s one of the best in the world.

First, because the city is walkable. Second, it’s dotted with wonders like oxygen-producing tree sculptures and canals so clean that otters crisscross through them. Third, it’s also home to larger-than-life establishments like the Sands, which is home to the world’s highest rooftop infinity pool. Fourth, it’s a cultural mishmash that includes traditions from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other groups. Five, it’s incredibly safe.

I could keep going with those highlights—just know that you’ll be paying a good amount to really dig into Singapore’s finest wonders.

Here’s where to stay in Singapore and what to do.

Best eats: Taipei, Taiwan

Just like in Singapore, you can expect a modern but traditional experience in Taipei. This city has a comprehensive public transportation system (which I was able to navigate despite not speaking or reading Mandarin), along with a safe and friendly atmosphere.

But you might be wondering how Taipei beats out other Asian cities in terms of food. That’s thanks to its extensive night markets, which offer products from cosmetics to bags. But the real star is street food galore.

While you can find delicious eats all around the island, Taipei’s night markets let you sample Chinese cuisine, Japanese delights, and indigenous favorites like smoked meats. Plus, all the best fusion foods you could dream of in East Asia.

Here’s where to stay in Taipei and what to do.

Most unexpected culture: Varanasi, India

Ancient Varanasi city architecture and Ganges river ghat at sunset (Getty)

I studied religion in India and didn’t make it to Varanasi—which is pretty criminal. I’ve always kicked myself for not making it up to Varanasi, which is located in Northeast India near Kolkata.

If you’re a solo traveler who wants to dive straight into the heart of Hinduism, head to Varanasi. As one of the world’s most popular spiritual destinations, you’ll be able to see the main sites easily, from the Ganges River to the Durga Temple.

Let me be clear: Varanasi isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a pilgrimage site for Hindus across the world—and there are just over one billion practicing Hindus out there, for context. It’s dirty and hectic, along with being highly sacred. As a student of culture, that’s a highly compelling combination for me.

Ready to unlearn everything the West taught you about faith? Varanasi has many hands-on lessons to teach you.

Here’s where to stay in Varanasi and what to do.

Chillest vibes: Kyoto, Japan

Did my description of Varanasi spook you? I hope not—along with Singapore, Varanasi is high on my bucket list. But if you’re not up for a paradigm shift, I understand.

If that’s the case, I suggest you head to Kyoto. Kyoto is considered Japan’s most traditional city. It’s home to over 2,000 temples, which curate a Zen-like atmosphere.

You can explore those temples at your own pace, along with actual Zen gardens and traditional experiences like tea ceremonies and lessons on kimonos. Nature lovers will also have plenty to enjoy, as Kyoto is known as the City of Flowers thanks to its irises, hydrangeas, and cherry trees.

Here’s where to stay in Kyoto and what to do.

Big-city wonders: Chongqing, China

Over the last year, I’ve seen more and more social media travel accounts covering the insane, Tron-like city of Chongqing. This massive city, located in the center of the country, is now the focal point of China’s largest municipality population with over 22 million inhabitants.

And how does the city manage such a massive population? Technology and gargantuan skyscrapers.

The city is basically a multi-level maze that I’ve seen described as a 3D city. There are mezzanine levels (or ‘ground floors’) that start at the ninth floor. Many skyscrapers have shops up until the 7^th floor, at which point they convert into residential buildings.

Though you’ll need to be comfortable getting around with some Mandarin (not many people speak English), you won’t forget this solo trip for the rest of your life. I guarantee it.

Here’s where to stay in Chongqing and what to do.