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The Taj Mahal is considered the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, but some find it to be nothing less than the most beautiful building in the world. If you've never seen it with your own eyes, it might be worth planning a trip to Agra, India to experience the ultimate expression of love and loss. The Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1653 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. Its white domed mausoleum, gardens, and integrated complex of mosques and other buildings are especially striking due to a combination of Islamic, Indian, and Persian architectural styles, and visitors can easily spend hours scrutinizing the detailed artwork and wandering the landscaped paths. Guided tours are available that point out the most notable features while relaying the story of its creation, which employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen who created one of the most inspiring building ever created. The Taj Mahal is just minutes from the ITC Mughal, Agra, a Luxury Collection property.

When it comes to art and design, few countries can boast a grander legacy than Italy. There's no denying the genius of those renaissance masters, but frankly, they're starting to feel a bit, well... ancient. On my next trip to Rome, I'd like to see something new. That's why I'll be heading to MAXXI, the recently established national museum of 21st century art.

Designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the angular, concrete structure is devoted to "contemporary creativity." Cultural events and a rich educational program compliment the museum's array of exhibitions devoted to art and architecture. Exciting works by the likes of Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Gerhard Richter, Sol LeWitt, and Fabio Mauri comprise the museum's collection, and are on view in the exhibition "Spazio," which runs through January 23, 2011. Other current exhibitions feature the video installations of Kutlug Ataman, the works of Italian artist Gino De Dominicis, and Luigi Moretti's architectural masterpieces. The art is spectacular and inspiring, but the building itself is reason alone to visit this marvelous new museum. A gargantuan space defined by geometric shapes, curving ramps, even planes, and long straight lines, Hadid's building is already one of Rome's most extraordinary landmarks. There's the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and now there's MAXXI.

Stay at the elegant Hotel Eden. Set among Rome's verdant parklands and historic villas it's a stroll away from the Spanish Steps. Because after spending the day at such a modern, innovative museum, you know you'll be craving a little bit of Ancient Rome now won't you?

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a great place to survey a wide variety of animals in various habitats. The world's largest dedicated area for polar bears is now open here. The Polar Frontier is more than just a space for local and visitors to Ohio to enjoy; it is a new center for polar bear wellness research, conservation activism, and general species education, an institution needed now more than ever as the future of the polar bear must be protected now in the face of global warming. Most importantly, it is a place where you can say hi to and make googly-eyes at Aurora and Anana, two impossibly lovely polar bear twin sisters who have recently arrived to Columbus from the Arctic. For a change of pace, you can gaze at reptiles and amphibians, or explore the aquarium's sealife, including the irresistibly cute otters. It's all a fairly rare opportunity to enjoy so much variety in one spot.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is conveniently located to a stay at The Westin Hotel Columbus, your home away from home and central point of command for your adventures in the city. What's your favorite zoo or aquarium, one really worth visiting when you're an out-of-towner?

Snorkeling and scuba diving are just so...typical. On your next trip to the Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos, take the time to explore the depths of Cabo San Lucas in a whole new way - on a Cabo Submarine night tour.

Jacques Cousteau called the Baja waters the "Aquarium of the World," and you'll soon see why. The 55-minute tour departs from the Cabo Marina at 8 p.m. You'll ride in a climate-controlled semi-submersible sub - one of only a few tourist submarines in all of Mexico - that takes you about eight feet below the surface. The 60-foot sub holds 49 guests, with a lower viewing level that has seats with their own viewing port. But when you're cruising down below, how to see? Cabo Submarine's state-of-the-art lighting system's 24 high-powered bulbs shine a light on the nighttime activity. You'll get to watch an illuminated fish feeding along the Pelican's Rock and Neptune's Finger rock structures. Cabo's waters house a great number of brightly colored species of fish, from the Cortez Angelfish to the Bluespotted Jawfish, which your guide will point out to you. How better to see the life that comes out after dark, in a way that's great for families and kids of any ages? Sunset tours available upon request.