Kosmos

Peace pipes, feather headdresses and war paint are still regarded as typically Native American to this day. To see how the indigenous peoples of the United States really live, visit their summer festivals.

Ethnic Extravaganza

The Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico, welcomes members of all tribes from August 3-12. Contests, dances and traditional handicrafts are the main attractions.

Crow centenary

With 1500 tents, Crow Agency, Montana, becomes a teepee city from August 15-20. The Absarokee, as the Crow call themselves, will be staging their cultural festival for the 100th time this year with ceremonies, music and show fights.

National holiday

The Navajo Nation governs an autonomous area the size of Bavaria, Germany. The capital, Window Rock in Arizona, is hosting the Navajo.

Sebastian Erras travels the world with his eyes on the ground, taking pictures of fanciful mosaic floors and snapping characteristic patterns in Paris, Barcelona and London (photo). The signature detail is the ­German photographer’s stylishly shod feet at the lower edge of every picture.

The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, India, was built in 1799 for the sole purpose of allowing the ladies of the royal household to watch processions unobserved. Hence the 953 intricately screened windows in its facade.

Summer and water sports are a perfect combination of fun and activity. But why not take it up a notch by building your own surfboard, sailing boat or raft? See you in the water!

Exploring Indonesia, Mexico or France can take years. If you’re strapped for time why not try a cultural theme park instead?

Island hopping

At the Taman Mini park near Jakarta, you’ll find Indonesia’s over 17 500 islands in miniature format plus architecture, dances, crafts and culinary specialties from across the archipelago.

tamanmini.com

Mexico Express

Enjoy dance and music shows, watch traditional potters and smiths at work, stroll the ruins of a real Maya settlement – all at Xcaret, the Mexican culture park near Cancún.

xcaret.com

Showtime

Puy du Fou in Vendée, France, has been named the world’s best theme park multiple times. Its spectacular shows spotlight French historical and ­mythol­ogical heroes.

puydufou.com