Approach Chicago from any direction, and marvel at the incomparable skyline, home to several of the tallest buildings in the country.  Explore nearly thirty miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and check out Navy Pier and its boardwalk for its shopping, restaurants, exhibitions, entertainment, cruises, and boat tours.  If you are in need of some fresh air, head to the 24.5-acre Millennium Park for art, music, landscape design, and architecture; admission is free. For the best in shopping head to the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue), considered one of the top ten hospitality, fine dining and retail districts in the world.  Here you can find major commercial fashion retailers, home décor, high-end boutiques, jewelry, electronics, and more. And don’t miss the music scene of Rush Street.

In the bustling capital city of Japan, you will run out of time, not things to do.  Central Tokyo is a photographers dream with both The Imperial Palace and the exciting Tsukiji Market, the world's largest fish market featuring hundreds of small stalls packed with buyers and sellers whizzing around on scooters.  For shopping, entertainment and nightlife, visit Shibuya in Western Tokyo and particularly Center Gai, a busy pedestrian zone and birthplace to Japanese fashion trends.  Asakusa, once the cultural center in Northern Tokyo, now offers a taste of old Japan, with temples and traditional tourist souvenirs.  Immediately south and less than one hour from Tokyo is Kamakura, a coastal town and one time political center of Japan, featuring numerous shrines, temples and historical sites.  If you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands, head north to the town of Nikko, home to Toshogu, a lavish shrine, and Nikko National Park, brimming with scenic landscapes, waterfalls, lakes , hot springs and those photogenic wild monkeys.

Situated along the banks of the Colorado River, Austin is located in the heart of Texas and is also the capital of the state. Austin used to be known as a university town, housing the impressive University of Texas but has still kept its small-town vibe. For a nice stroll, walk around the university campus and check out the Blanton Museum of Art, the Harry Ransom Center, and the Texas Memorial Museum of Science and History. Being the capitol of Texas, the Governor’s Mansion is worth checking out as well as the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. There are plenty of recreational activities available in Austin, with many biking and walking trails as well as many beautiful golf courses. Restaurants, shopping and nightlife attract people to this growing city, all with a down-home Texas feel.