Padua, Italy is one of northern Italy’s most underrated cities, with Giotto frescoes, Galileo history, lively piazzas, great food, and lower prices than Venice. It is an ideal base for day trips and a wonderful destination in its own right.

Take a scenic train from New York City to Albany, stay overnight in Woodstock, and explore the Hudson Valley with stops at the Thomas Cole House, Vanderbilt Mansion, FDR’s home, and a guided tour of West Point.

A childhood friend got me into The Tonight Show (green room memories included—no, I couldn’t sit in Johnny Carson’s seat). Next: The Huntington’s Gutenberg Bible and Magna Carta, a Rose Bowl tour, and a Santa Anita “surf meets turf” daily double.

Spend a weekend in Cincinnati visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, catching a Reds game, riding the Bell Connector, touring the Freedom Center and Queen City Underground, enjoying Skyline Chili, and relaxing at stylish Hotel Covington just across the river.

Spend a beautiful weekend in Ålesund with sweeping views from Aksla, walks along Brosundet Canal, a visit to Atlantic Sea Park, and a spectacular ferry trip to Geiranger through some of Norway’s most dramatic fjord scenery.