In Southern California, surfing isn’t just a subculture; it’s a way of life. Schools field surf teams, specially-designed parks foster practice, and even ‘sharks’ in suits catch waves before and after work.

When I have friends in town…an early morning game drive in Nairobi National Park, watching giraffes, zebras, and rhinos silhouetted against skyscrapers, is definitely top of the itinerary. Moreover, I enjoy taking them on a little tour of Karen, including the adorable elephant orphanage at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and a stop at the Giraffe Centre. A hearty lunch at Talisman is a must, followed by an attempt to walk it off in the tranquil Karura Forest. If you’re seeking a glimpse of Nairobi’s nightlife, I’d usually take friends toJ’s Fresh Bar and Kitchenfor some live music (every Thursday) or, if the timing is right, to theWasp & Sproutfor an entertaining pub quiz.

Increasingly, we travel for restorative reasons: not just to tick off the big-name sights but to recharge from busy urban lives. Few places offer more serenity than Oualidia, a soulful small town and beautiful lagoon halfway along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, two hours south of Casablanca and three hours northwest – but a million metaphorical miles – from Marrakesh’s easily overwhelming cocktail of hurly-burly, haggling, dust, and dubious guides.

Pop quiz: does peering through a telescope at distant stars sound like a fun night out? Would you rather examine giant sloth fossils than relax on the beach? And when you’re at the beach, would you prefer to follow hermit crabs and peer in tide pools instead of working on a tan? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you might just be a science geek traveler.

While many travelers venture to Peru for its rainforests and majestic mountain ranges, the country’s dramatic northern coast is a unique treasure waiting to be discovered. Merging surf and sunshine with pristine beaches, chic accommodations, and delicious seafood sets the stage for a perfect beach getaway. Moreover, if you can pry yourself away from the inviting beach lounges, a wealth of ancient archaeology is ripe for exploration.