The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is an important collection of modern artwork, and a unique destination in a city otherwise known for its more traditional beauty. See some wonderful examples of extreme creativity that will push your ideas of what art means.

A family on holiday in Orlando, Florida, spends an exciting day enjoying the attractions at Universal Studios. Their afternoon becomes disrupted when a tropical storm hits the theme park. As the park visitors panic and flee, the family notices that there is no longer a wait for the Jaws ride…

Powell’s Bookstore – one of the world’s largest – has always been a communal place for Portlanders of all walks of life, down-and-out intellectuals in particular. In this story, as an impoverished young man struggles to find a way to bring a girl out on an inexpensive date, he decides that the art gallery at Powell’s – which is free – can play a key role in the evening. In the end, nothing goes according to his plans.

A young American couple traveling through Spain visits the Picasso Museum in Malaga, and they are disappointed by what they find. Later, once in Paris, they decide to give Picasso another chance, and the visit the local museum. There they find a number of his most impressive works, and find their faith in the painter restored.

Brush up on your Español to haggle for handmade goods and take a tour of the Mayan pyramids at Chichén Itzá. The site has some of the most complete ruins built by the Mayans, and people from all over the globe flock to Cancun to see the fruits of this ancient peoples’ labour and witness the archaeological wonders and history they left behind.

Where can simplicity still be a benefit to relaxation without having to conform to the dogma of a magazine cover? Where can you still let your hair down without feeling that you’re emulating a travel brochure? Where can you enjoy year-round balmy to hot weather; golden, sandy beaches that stretch for ever and ever and ever, lushly bristling with palm trees and coastal dunes unspoilt by consumer tourism? Try Mozambique!

Enjoy a form of entertainment unique to Vietnam as you watch large bright wooden puppets perform on water. Marvel at the skill of the puppeteers, who are secluded behind screens, as you take a peek into the marvellous traditions of Vietnamese culture. Listen to the wonderful traditional music, performed a live orchestra, and by captivated by the charming stories told through the puppets. See people, fish and dragons acting out various scenes. Pay a visit to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City for an enjoyable and memorable evening.

Sitting in the chilly waters of San Francisco Bay, 1.5 miles off the shore of San Francisco is one of the most infamous penitentiaries of all time. They said you couldn’t escape from the eerie confines of Alcatraz, though still men tried, and died trying. The prison has been closed since 1963 though today Alcatraz is a hugely popular tourist attraction. Visit the island, take the cellhouse tour, and see for yourself just how tough life was for the inmates.

Ever wondered how pineapples grow? Take a ride on the Pineapple Express at the Dole Plantation. Dole Pineapple’s original plantation on Oahu, Hawaii shows you how pineapples and other tropical plants grow. Get lost in a maze – and maybe even win a prize – as you explore exotic gardens with some of the most amazing plants you’ll see outside of a remote rain forest. When you get hungry, you can enjoy traditional Hawaiian foods and fresh pineapple frozen treats like you’ve never tasted before.

Las Vegas, often called Sin City, is one of America’s most-visited cities. You can visit New York, Paris, Italy and Egypt all within several blocks, eat 24 hours a day, gamble on anything and everything, learn the history of both pinball machines and the mob’s role in the city’s growth and visit a graveyard full of neon signs. If you can dream it up, you’ll probably find it in Las Vegas. There is something for every traveller on the famed Las Vegas Strip including lions, sharks and pirates!