A Fort Worth Holding Down - Chittorgarh

Credit: Travlang.com

During my travels I’ve been to many a fort, and have found most of them to be stark, formidable and dusty. Chittorgarh Fort in India, however, is changing my whole outlook on these typically austere structures. As forts go, this one is pretty classy and even features a stunning moat. Sign me up for a fortnight! (Snicker.)

There’s some pretty impressive history here as well. Built by Maurya rulers in the 600s AD, the fort spans 700 acres and was the site of three major battles. It was occupied by the Rajputs, who protected Chittorgarh fiercely and never surrendered it to enemy invaders. I don’t blame them. If I were living in such a beautiful place, I’d fight to the death before giving it up, too. Or so I’d like to think. 

Room With a View - Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Credit: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Everyone's got the Northern Lights on their bucket list. But while I'd love to catch a glimpse of Aurora borealis, I'd hate to catch a cold while waiting for the light show. I know. I'm a wimp. But hey, who doesn't like being warm and toasty?

The good folks at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland, Finland, totally get that. They've built an entire village of "glass igloos," or small, private hotel rooms with a glass ceiling so that you can gaze up at the icy skies while tucked into your bed, chugging hot cocoa. For you masochists, there are also some traditional igloos at the resort that are made of real ice. But book those at your own discomfort.

Going Ape - Gorilla Trekking

Credit: JJ King2

If you find yourself in Rwanda with nothing to do and $750 to spare, maybe you should go on a gorilla trekking safari. You'll spend a few hours with a group of other primate enthusiasts, hiking through the rainforest and looking out for silverback gorillas in the wild.

Sounds right up your alley? Stalker. But I can't say I blame you - I'd go on a gorilla trek in a heartbeat. The only problem might be that gorilla troops tend to move around, and it may take your group several hours to find one. The trek may also involve hiking up steep slopes. So do your push-ups before you go. And maybe leave the bananas at home.

Beach in a Hole - Playa del Amor

Credit: Universal.org

Beaches are meant for relaxing, but if you've ever fought the early-morning lounge chair-claiming wars at a resort, you know that sometimes they're anything but. That's why for your next vacation you need to set up your umbrella at a secret beach, like the Playa del Amor at the Marieta Islands in Mexico.

Playa del Amor is a beach with clear, blue waters and pristine sand that just happens to be located in a huge hole in the ground. According to locals, the gaping hole is the result of government bombing tests from the early 1900s, and nature has since taken over and turned it into a tropical paradise, accessible only by a water tunnel. So there you have it - a beach that only you and I know about. Just don't go opening your big mouth and we'll keep it that way.