Udawalawe National Park, located in southern Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s best places to see wild elephants in their natural environment. Established in 1972, the park protects an important watershed area around the Udawalawe Reservoir and provides a sanctuary for hundreds of elephants, which can often be seen roaming in herds across the open grasslands.

Nature is never far in Helsinki. Locals swim in the sea, walk forested trails, and gather mushrooms or berries all within city limits. One popular local habit is heading to the sauna, and the city offers several open-to-the-public options. Löyly, located on the waterfront, combines traditional wood-burning saunas with a sleek, modern design. In winter, visitors can even pair a sauna session with a quick dip through a hole cut in the ice for an experience both shocking and strangely calming.

Speyer, located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany, is a city rich in history and culture. One of its most notable landmarks is the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Romanesque churches in the world.

Located in the Indian state of Punjab, Amritsar is perhaps best known as the home of the Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib. It is one of the Sikhism religion's most significant and most-visited gurudwaras (place of worship). Tourists may also be interested in one of several museums, Urban Haat Food Street, Gobindgarh Fort and the Jallianwala Bagh memorial garden.

Branson, Missouri may be tucked into the Ozark Mountains, but there's nothing quiet about its entertainment scene. Since the 1960s, the town has built its reputation on live music, with more than 100 shows running at peak season. From country and gospel to comedy and magic, Branson’s theaters offer family-friendly entertainment nearly every night of the week. The Presleys' Country Jubilee, the first show on what is now 76 Country Boulevard, still packs the house after more than 50 years.