Often mislabelled and maligned by a sometimes ruthless and distorted media as the granddaddy of hazardous African cities, Nairobi, Kenya, is to many travellers simply a no-go zone. This is their loss, for, in reality, Nairobi is one of region’s biggest draws, catering to all types of interests. To help you make the most of your time there, here is a list of six unforgettable and essential, but slightly off-the-beaten-track Nairobi experiences.

The town of Hveragerði, Iceland, just 45 minutes outside the capital city of Reykjavik, was built over a volcanic magma chamber, capitalising on the abundance of steam and hot water rising from the ground. Here, superheated groundwater can reach temperatures of 392°F. Resourcefully, Hveragerði residents have put their thermal endowments to use in a number of creative ways.

“They hang from the bars like monkeys,” says a Nicaraguan colleague. He’s describing his fellow riders as we discuss the exhausting 1.5-hour one-way trip of about 50 kilometres we undertook daily for two months on a local bus from Granada to the capital city of Managua, Nicaragua, and return.

Tak Bat or morning alms is a living Buddhist tradition in Laos that has become a tourist attraction on the must-see/do list of Luang Prabang. It is indeed a beautiful sight. But over the years, as more and more travellers discover Laos, the Buddhist tradition has turned into a spectacle of disruptive, disrespectful tourists who act like they’re on the It’s a Small World Disneyland ride full of animatronic dolls in bright ethnic costumes.

One of the many hotspots in India is Goa, the famous former Portuguese colony on the country’s west coast. Goa has a bit of something for everyone. Its incredible beaches and natural beauty are certain to impress, but its long and storied history and full menu of activities will interest everyone from history buffs to sports enthusiasts. Even its local cuisine is sure to satisfy the fussiest eaters. Here are five of the best things to do in Goa.