Arts

The wordbreathtakingcan be overused — unless you are talking about the natural beauty of South America. It’s impossible not to gasp at the first sight of wild Patagonia, the Andes rising far above the clouds, or the wonder that is Machu Picchu. Fortunately, these breathtaking places are also home to some of the most spectacular resorts in the world.

With a new year looming, the question on many travellers’ lips is: where shall I go… and when? Moreover, what better way to kick off the year than with a healthy dose of adventure? From bargain ski breaks in some of the world’s best powder to surfing under the new year’s sun and road-tripping through some of Mother Nature’s finest – here are our recommendations for travel in January.

Sure, your friends will listen politely as you describe your trip to the Art Institute to see paint on the walls. However, you’ll captivate them with stories of visiting the Red Spanking Bench and the world’s largest jug collection. Here are 10 beyond-the-norm museums in Chicago that give new meaning to niche experiences. Most of these are free, making them great for budget-conscious explorers.

Portland’s weather is notorious: rain, lots of it, all winter long (and by ‘winter’ we mean October through June). Grown-ups cope with the gloom by holing up in pubs or coffee shops, but how do you keep the rest of the family entertained? When the clouds gather, try gathering your own family at these destinations for indoor fun.

This past month, Paris Hilton had the surprise of a lifetime when her boyfriend, actor Chris Zylka, bent down on one knee and popped the question while the two were skiing in Aspen, Colorado. Photos of the proposal show the happy couple kissing atop a snow-capped mountain, with the famous ski resort in the distance. And while not everyone can expect a $2 million ring the next time they’re in Aspen with their lover, they can expect a fair share of romance according toGoTravelDailyreaders, who voted the Rocky Mountain town one of the world’s most romantic cities.