For years, I lived out of a suitcase, ever ready to get on a flight whenever I got a chance. Discovering the world through the eyes of a writer, I diligently added note to every experience, committing it to paper for when memory faded. I was always eager for the next destination.

However, the pandemic brought all my flights of fancy to a sudden halt, as it did for everyone else. With the world locked down for months, the desire for travel in me waned. What place was better than home? But what really was home?

I was born in the costal city of Mumbai. Having lived here for 15 years, there were parts I knew at length and loved, and others beyond my comfort zone, which I hadn’t explored. I decided to become a tourist, seeing the city anew through the eyes of a visitor, rather than my bored ones as a local. I went on a sunset cruise for the first time on a tiny sailboat on the magical Arabian Sea.

But most of the time we spent indoors. The United Nations World Tourism Organization said the biggest challenge of pandemic travel is the uncertainty and the different rules in different countries to obey.

I finally got on a plane to make it to the closest destination possible to us by flight—the sunshine state of Goa, less than an hour away from Mumbai. Putting my toe into soft powdery sand was precious, even after a lifetime or exotic travel. After a week of bliss on the beach, though, I was relieved to be back home.

Ever since, I have made a few short journeys but the travel bug seems to have been put down, at least for now. But even as tourists will be flocking all over as revenge travel takes over, I have realized that there is no place quite like home.

It’s getting close to midnight, and close to my destination—mile marker 133 on Alaska’s Glenn Highway, where I’m on the road to realize a lifelong dream. I’m going to see the northern lights.

I am Scott’s only customer tonight, but whether it’s one person or a bridal party from Japan, the professional photographer and videographer loves to come put here to witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows — and to share it with others. “I can’t tell you how much joy I get from seeing the smile on people’s faces. That’s worth it right there. That’s the reason why I do tours,” he says.

I emerge from the van into minus 6 degrees. A bazillion stars sparkle, and the Milky Way pours overhead. What looks like a gray stream of cloud arches low over the horizon. “That’s it!” says Scott. Really? That’s it? I spent 13 hours in planes and airports, and then drove 2.5 hours to see a gray belt? “Patience,” he says. “It will get better. Wait till 2 am. That’s usually the best time.”

Aurora (极光) tourism is combined with winter activities like ice fishing, snow machine rides, and hot springs. As aurora guides and scientists will tell you, there’s no guarantee of a sighting. But Fairbanks is a statistically good bet because of its northern location and freedom from coastal clouds, which can be a challenge for Anchorage. Travelers are recommended to put aside at least three nights to improve your chances of viewing, with the idea that you’ll be up much of the night each time.

Each time he wakes me and I step outside, it appears more glorious. At first, a fuzz the size of a honeydew floats along the horizon. Another time, a broad green line stretches across the sky, followed by a short tail. “Do you see the red?” Scott asks. He has me look through his camera. It can see more color than the naked eye. Finally, as if playing a visual symphonic tune, a giant line of phosphorous (发磷光的) green seems to swoop down to the treetops and dollop them with a curlicue swirl. I’m smiling inside and out. We can go now.

Temples have existed for thousands of years. They are the proof of cultures and civilization that existed many years ago.

Gobekli Tepe, Turkey

Located on a hilltop in southwestern Turkey where it snows a lot in winter, the Gobekli Tepe is considered the world’s oldest temple. It is nearly 11000 years old. There are carvings on the rock statues, mainly of lions, foxes, snakes, cranes and wild ducks, as well as scenes of people hunting. Because heavy snow makes it hard to get to the top of the hill, visitors are not recommended to go there in winters.

White Temple, Thailand

Immediately upon entering White Temple, you will realize this contemporary, unconventional temple stands out, even in a country dotted with temples. The White Temple is incredibly different and unique in its architecture, art and design. In fact, it is designed in a very modern way. This temple is all white. It is very hot in summer in Thailand, so going to White Temple in other three seasons is a wise choice.

Sagrada Familia, Spain

This symbolic Barcelona building is famously unfinished. It is said to be finished by 2026, but nobody believes it. However, visitors believe its incompleteness is part of its charm, which sets it apart from other temples in the world. You will have to wait in a long line if you visit Sagrada Familia in summer holiday. Visitors are not that many in spring and winter.

Kinkaku-ji, Japan

This temple is absolutely the most popular one in Japan. Whether you visit during the fall when there are red leaves against the golden wall, in winter when the gold is topped with pure white snow, in spring with cherry blossoms, or in summer allowing you to smell the earthy smell after rain—there is never a bad time to visit this beautiful temple.