If you’re one of those travelers who like to take home a bit of knowledge, chances are you’re always seeking out the museums wherever you go. While many cities are famous as museum hotspots—Montreal and New York are among the best—other cities have just as much to offer, minus the crowds. Here are some of Frommer’s top picks for museum-hopping around the world.

Mexico City: It’s not the first place you’d go for a Caribbean adventure—that honour belongs to Cancún—but it beats the rest of Mexico when it comes to museums. It’s home to over 150, enough so that the typical local would probably not have seen them all. Start off with the Museo Nacional de Antropología, thought to be one of the best archeological museums in the world, with endless displays of Mayan and Aztec artefacts. Those with more specific interests can check out the National Shoe Museum and the Comic Museum, as well as Caza Azul, or Frida Kahlo’s home.

Cairo: Of course, you’d expect one of the world’s oldest civilizations to pay homage to its place in history. Egypt’s capital houses the Egyptian Museum, the place to go for a good dose of local culture and history; feast your eyes on over 120,000 historic artefacts including King Tut’s golden mask. Also worth checking out are the Geological Museum, the Children’s Museum, and the Coptic Museum. Many of the museums are artefacts in themselves, being housed in ancient, beautifully restored buildings.

Berlin: Not only is it one of the most museum-packed cities in the world; its museums are also considered world-class. The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin boasts a huge collection of natural historic artefacts, and the Deutsches Historisches Museum showcases German history with pictures, artwork, and well-preserved objects. There’s also the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection and the Jewish Museum, offering a look into foreign influences in German culture.

Beijing: China’s capital arguably tops the list when it comes to variety. From bees to coin-collecting to outer space, there’s a museum for virtually every interest under the sun. You can start with a more general themes such as the Beijing Museum of Natural History, where you’ll find dinosaur exhibits and interactive children’s displays. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum offers a look into Chinese medicinal practices from the past and present, and the Beijing Folklore Museum takes you to the world of Chinese tales that have been told through generations.

If you’re looking to spend summer off the beaten path, this may just be the year for you. Whether it’s the recession in the developed world or a newfound interest in the environment, countries that were previously off travel lists are now making a name for themselves. Paris, Rome, Athens, and the Caribbean are still worth a visit, but far-off places hold a lot more appeal for experienced travelers. Here are some that are worth checking out.

Muscat—Beaches off the beaten path

Crowds ruin the beach experience for even the most avid beach bums, so the 1,700-km coastline of relatively unknown Oman is a real treat. In Muscat, the capital, one can hit the beach without the hassle of parking or traffic. Although there’s none of the glam of Miami Beach or the laid-back charm of Mexico, you get your peace and quiet, stunning scenery, and a good selection of world-class resorts.

Kerala—A new way of cruising

India may be one of the world’s most populous nations, but the quiet seaside town of Kerala is a welcome break from the rush. Located in the country’s southwest, it makes much of its livelihood from trading rice and other agricultural products on traditional Kettuvallam houseboats. Today, these vessels double as cruise boats for tourists who want to explore the region’s unspoiled natural beauty. You can opt for a quick day-long tour or a luxury three-day cruise in a glammed-up version of the boats.

Iceland’s Golden Circle—A cool retreat

Icelandic summers offer a welcome respite from the scorching heat of more popular destinations, while still being comfortable. The Golden Circle comprises the old parliament of Thingvellir, Geysir, a giant hot spring, and Gullfoss, a scenic waterfall. The highlight, however, is the iceberg formation at Jökulsarlon, and the nearby Westmann Islands where puffins come to nest. Following a series of volcanic eruptions and near bankruptcy, tourism has become key to Iceland’s survival—and it has risen to the challenge by becoming one of this year’s top destinations.

Sidi Bou Said—Greece on a budget

To the untrained eye, Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia can pass for a slice of Santorini. Just an hour’s drive from Tunis, the capital, this town boasts stunning architecture composed largely of traditional guesthouses called riads. At Sidi Bou Said, riads offer breathtaking views of the city and its predominantly blue-and-white buildings. It’s an especially attractive haunt for artists, with a large population of artists and previous occupants including Paul Klee, August Macke, and Louis Moillet.

Travel season is just around the corner, and in some places is already in full swing. The tried-and-tested places—Paris, Rome, the Caribbean—are already reeling in throngs of tourists. But travel experts are urging this year’s travelers to take the less trodden paths, not just because they’re less expensive but because they have a lot to show. While European and South American hotspots still make the list, there are more than a few surprises in Financial Times’ top destinations for 2012. Here are some of the most interesting.

Ethiopia: More well-heeled travelers may be familiar with Lalibela, Ethiopia’s gathering of rock churches. And to be sure, they’re not to be missed if you’re visiting for the first time. This year, however, the East African country has far more to offer, from the Omo valley where it meets the Horn of Africa to the northern Simien mountains. The Danakil desert is a treat for landscape and photography enthusiasts—you can go for a day’s worth of exploring or shell out a bit more for a helicopter tour. Tourism in the country has been hampered by lack of infrastructure and services, but that’s all changing—there are more than a few good hotels in the area, and most are reasonably priced.

Mozambique: Here’s a different kind of treat for beach lovers. Mozambique boasts 2,500km of coastline reminiscent of the Caribbean, but with a distinctly African twist. If you’re up for a little luxury, consider staying in one of the villas up north, where you can get the best of the scenery coupled with impeccable service and unforgettable food. There are marine sanctuaries, national parks, game viewing, and camping grounds—enough to fill a week or two. The islands and archipelagos off the coast are a prime spot for beaches and resorts, but tend to be more expensive than the mainland.

Don’t like sharing a plane with crying babies and talkative toddlers? Britain shares your sentiment—and they’re calling for child-free flights.

More than half of British travellers would vote for an “adult-only” flight option, according to a survey by Jetcost, a flight comparison website based in the UK. The respondents cited loud children as their main reason for wanting to travel only with adults; this topped this list of in-flight pet peeves in the same survey.

The poll involved over 1,600 adults aged 18 and up who had traveled by plane in the last two years. The participants were asked what part of flying had annoyed them the most in recent trips, ticking off items from a list. “Loud children” was picked by 63% of travellers, with “other passengers reclining seats” coming in second at 61%. Other annoyances included non-allocated seats, poor airline food, and lack of legroom.

Those who had checked “loud children” were asked a follow-up question: would they be open to adult-only flights where no children were allowed on board? To this, 53% of travellers said yes, and over 60% said they would be happy to pay more for the option.

The idea of adults-only flights has been around for a while: more than a year ago, airlines were urged to consider child-free zones so that travellers could enjoy more quiet time. Many said it would be especially useful in long-haul flights, where children are more likely to get cranky. The segregation would be simple considering that most airlines use the Boeing 747 plane, which has two sizeable decks.

Business travellers are among the most supportive of the proposal. People who pay a premium to travel business class expect to be able to work or sleep in comfort, and having to share a seven-hour flight with noisy kids is counterproductive, according to travel experts. Others see it on a more logical note: considering that business class is designed for those travelling on business, what sort of business would a five-year-old be flying for?

Those on the other side of the argument fear that airlines also have an obligation to make sure families can fly comfortably. Some say the segregation concept could be taken too far. For example, according to them, banning children on certain flights could be followed by the banning of other types of passengers, such as overweight ones or those who have too much baggage.

Whether you’re escaping the winter chill or making the most of spring break, there’s never a bad time to pack up and take a few days off. For most people, however, the problem is more about logistics than timing: who has the patience to book flights, make itineraries, and make hotel reservations? Not many of us—and that’s where holiday packages come in.

You see them all year round, depending on the season. You’ve got sailing and scuba diving trips for those who like the water, and ski holidays complete with log cabin stays for cold-weather travelers. You can find cultural tours of Athens or museum hopping in Paris, surfing in Hawaii or Bali holiday packages. The best part is that everything’s taken care of for you; just write down your needs and budget, and all your reservations are made in a snap.

Of course, the tradeoff is that you don’t get as much flexibility as you’d probably like. Not everyone likes a 5am wake-up call, even if it’s for a scenic bike ride and a gourmet breakfast. But for many of us, that’s a small price to pay for not having to make every call and follow-up. Those who want the road less traveled may want to call the shots, but if you’re a first-time traveler and want to cover the must-sees, a holiday package is pretty much made for you.

As for budget concerns, holiday packages are as varied as they get. You can hop on a tour bus and visit a neighbouring town for as little as $100, or go all out and spend ten grand touring the castles of Europe. For the most part, a package deal saves you money, because all the players—tour companies, airlines, travel agencies—agree to lower their rates in exchange for getting together and attracting more business. Add to that the fact that you’re getting everything in one sitting, and you’ve got a pretty good deal.

That being said, it is still worth shopping around for the best deals. Cheap holiday packages are easy enough to find, especially in peak seasons. But looking into the details such as the type of hotel you get, the airline service, and pickup and wait times can tell you a lot more about what you’re getting for your money. When you’ve waited and saved to take that trip, you want to take your time and make sure it’s all worth it.

Travel is such a large industry that in most major cities, a travel agency is probably no more than a 15-minute drive away. And when it comes to insurance, most of us can get covered for about the price of a pair of shoes. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe to grab the first policy that comes along. True, you should compare the market travel insurance rates for the day, but it’s also worth asking what these rates get you. All it takes is a stroke of bad luck for a ho-hum policy to become an expensive, stressful nightmare. Here are some things you should never scrimp on in travel insurance.

Medical cover: Consumer groups suggest about $500,000 worth of coverage for trips within the continent, and up to $1 million elsewhere. This applies to U.S. and U.K. travelers, and will cover illnesses and accidents that occur during the trip. Pre-existing conditions may cost you more. You must also have access to emergency services 24/7, whether for medical or non-medical reasons. European residents travelling around Europe can fill out the European Health Insurance Card, which ensures free or discounted healthcare in the destination; however, this should only be taken as backup coverage.

Personal liability: You may be sued for damaging property or causing injury, whether intentionally or not. Some countries, like Singapore, have particularly stringent laws on this. Personal liability cover will ideally protect you for up to $2 million.

Lost and stolen possessions: This will depend largely on how much you are bringing. Ideally you’ll be travelling light—not only does it make for a more comfortable trip; it also makes it easier to keep track of your stuff. Make sure to check for lost luggage cover: airlines lost 42 million bags in 2010, so the risk isn’t that far-fetched.

Cancellations and interruptions: Trips can be disturbed or cut short for several reasons, ranging from a simple change of heart to natural disasters and family emergencies. For an average overseas trip, you’ll need at least $6,000 in cancellation cover.

Single vs. multiple trips: If you spend half the year or more out of town, you may benefit from the higher premiums of an annual cover, if only because you don’t have to do the paperwork every time you leave. Just don’t forget to look up the limitations of annual cover—there may be caps on the length of each trip, or you may have to pay fines if you stay out of the country longer than agreed.

In most ways, older travelers have it good: they get priority boarding on planes, senior-citizen discounts, and all sorts of special treatment on the road. But one thing that’s often overlooked—and usually hits them in the face come summertime—is the higher price of travel insurance.

Travel insurance over 65 is expensive, not to mention complicated. If they are covered at all (as some companies simply turn down anyone over that age), the premiums can double compared to travelers in their thirties. After that, the prices go up further in ten-year increments, sometimes five.

Insurers point to the higher risk entailed by older travelers, particularly medical claims, which cost them the most. In other words, older people are more prone to disease and accidents. The insurance industry is concerned with averages—even if you can outrun your twenty-something niece at 70, they simply count you among the thousands of frail 70-year-olds in your country.

But we’re only talking big-name companies, who tend to dictate market prices much like oil companies. If you look further, you can find smaller but equally comprehensive insurers willing to cover you for less. It may take a bit more research as small companies differ more widely in terms of conditions covered, but a few hundred dollars can go a long way.

Start by deciding how much cover you need. This can vary widely from one traveler to another; for instance, a hang-gliding enthusiast and a museum-hopper will need entirely different types of coverage. Prices also go up the further you go; generally, once you leave your continent, insurers put you on a higher risk bracket.

Senior travelers often have to choose between single-trip and multi-trip policies. The latter is usually handy only if you travel extensively, say more than five trips a year. It will cover all the trips you make in a given period, and doesn’t need to be renewed for new trips. The catch is that it’s hard to find this kind of travel insurance over 65; some companies cap their coverage at 75.

Existing conditions should be an older traveler’s biggest concern. When you take out insurance, make sure to note all medical conditions you are aware of. If you need treatment for an undeclared condition, you won’t get any compensation, even if the condition comes up while you’re under an annual policy. Declaring it will increase your premiums slightly, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Africa is seldom a traveler’s first choice, not least because of the health and poverty issues we hear so much about. But the continent is rich with its own natural and cultural treasures, from the pyramids of Egypt to the beaches of South Africa. Even if you’ve seen Europe, danced across South America, hopped around Asia and driven through North America, Africa may still hold more than a few surprises.

The first thing that comes to mind is probably an African safari, and for good reason. Kenya offers some of the best safari routes with its diverse wildlife, untouched surroundings, and warm weather. It is also home to the continent’s most popular safari destination, the Masai Mara National Reserve. If you go in the peak season from July to October, zebra and wildebeest sightings are pretty much guaranteed. Sign up for a tour with one of the tribesmen to learn more about the culture and sample some cuisine.

Down south in Botswana is the Chobe National Park in the famous Okavango Delta, home to some of the most well-preserved ecosystems in the world. If you’re pressed for time, start your visit with the Savuti Marsh, which has one of the highest wildlife populations in Africa. With an elephant population of about 120,000, it’s a wildlife lover’s haven. The winter months of May to September are the best time to go, as that’s when all the animals flock to the park: giraffes, zebras, buffalos, you name it.

If you’re going to South Africa, there’s more than beaches, museums, and shopping malls. Although it’s one of the continent’s most developed countries, it also boasts its share of wildlife. The best place to go is Kruger National Park. Here you’ll find the “Big Five” of the animal kingdom: elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and the Cape buffalo. They’re not necessarily the biggest animals around, but they’re the hardest to catch—the term was first coined by hunters.

Zambia is a lesser-known but just as interesting destination. Safari enthusiasts will know it for offering the “walking safari” experience in South Luangwa National Park. Besides large packs of lions and rivers teeming with hippos, it’s also a birdwatcher’s dream. It’s home to more than 400 bird species, some of them endemic to the area and many already endangered. Come from April to October for the best chance of seeing the animals in their natural habitats, or gathering by the riverside to cool down.

Years ago, surround sound and La-Z Boys were the stuff of state-of-the-art cinema, not in-flight entertainment. These days, while you can expect to mull over your copy of SkyMall longer than you’d really like to, airlines are doing their best to catch up, and often with pretty good results.

In-flight movies and TV shows have greatly improved in the last few years, especially on major airlines. The difference is most noticeable in long-haul flights, where passengers naturally seek something to make the 15 or so hours pass more quickly. High-resolution screens, better sound, and more updated selections are among the more welcome changes.

Auditor David Taylor flies as many as 100,000 miles per year, mostly on the Air France and Delta airlines. He says that while it’s no home cinema and probably never will be, the movie experience has gotten considerably better. Overhead screens with VHS-quality video have been replaced with individual touch screens, complete with screen brightness and contrast adjustments. And although it’s a small perk, the ability to pause a movie is a great relief to travelers who’ve once or twice been torn between finishing the show and getting some shuteye before landing.

Delta’s premium cabins come with headsets designed to shut out ambient noise, Taylor added, so you don’t have to strain to hear over the buzz of the engine, snoring passengers, or the crying toddler two seats behind.

Things aren’t so sweet everywhere, however—some airlines still have those large central overhead screens with secondary drop-down screens for the side rows. But most major airlines have individual screens, at least for passenger flights. And the selections are wider, more varied, and more recent: one can find the latest Oscar winners alongside children’s classics and even a handful of foreign films.

Virgin America and JetBlue, although fairly new, consistently rank among the top airlines when it comes to in-flight entertainment. The former boasts 9-inch-wide touch screens with 25 on-demand films and live TV from 18 Dish Network channels—no wonder it topped Inc. Magazine’s list as the leader in airline entertainment.

Older airlines are also hard at work bringing their entertainment systems up to par. Delta, for example, expects to have individual screens in place on all its planes by 2013. One thing this can change is the editing of movies for in-flight use: since the movies are for individual consumption, there’s less of a need to cut scenes for general patronage.

Fresh from accepting a euro-zone bailout, Ireland is picking itself up in little ways, not least of which is a newly revived tourism industry. Hotels, attractions, and airfares are about 50% lower today than a few years ago, when the Emerald Isle was in its economic prime. And tourists have lost no time cashing in.

These days a shoestring traveler can fit a night at an Irish castle, fine dining by the sea, and a trek through the forest in one week for under $5,000—and bring the kids, too. This kind of purchasing power hasn’t been seen in Ireland for over twenty years.

Ireland has always fascinated Americans, who make up the biggest slice of its tourist population and many of whom share their heritage. In 2007, it welcomed 9 million visitors, twice its own population.

But getting there was always a complex affair, especially during the country’s economic boom from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s. And despite the general tumble in hotel rates, hotspots like Galway and Kilkenny are still rife with tourist traps, especially on the pub and restaurant side. A pint of Guinness can cost three times as much as in the U.S.

Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s new tourism minister, wants to shake off that image. Last month’s industry survey shows that Irish hotels are the most affordable in western Europe, thanks (or no thanks, depending on which side you’re on) to the scale of its property bust. Basically, too many hotels were built during the boom, and now they’re forced to lower prices to compete with each other. Some 350 have been seized by the government.

But it’s not just about prices, says Varadkar: the industry itself has given itself a facelift. Hotel quality is up, the staff is friendlier, and choices abound in price range, dining, accommodation, and itineraries. Savvy travelers have only to look around to get sweet deals, even in peak seasons.

Of course, some things are still too good to be true. Foreclosed hotels are usually poorly located and maintained, and since they’ve changed hands, service may be shaky at best. Those that survived the bubble intact usually offer the best bang for your buck.

The trick, say experts, is research and haggling. Look up your location and read traveler reviews online. Confirm prices and haggle by e-mail—some say it’s the best way to get a hefty discount. Plan ahead like any good traveler, and you can have your Guinness and drink it too.