How were you to know that in order to enter a Sri Lankan restaurant on a 31st floor-apartment of Hell’s Kitchen building in the 1990s, you had to walk through the porn video store downstairs?

The legend of this “secret” restaurant is just one representation of the restaurants that don’t open their doors to just anyone. With their invite-only rules and under-wraps locations, underground restaurants have long been the rage for culinary elitists and bohemian anti-establishmentarians alike.

But how can the average armchair foodie join the club?

We get it—a cubicle and a time card just aren’t doing it for you any more.

If you’re tempted by the idea of working abroad, but aren’t interested in slinging beers in a grimy pub or playing Mary Poppins, take a look at some more unusual ways that you can embark on a travel adventure … and get paid for it.

DON’T FOLLOW THE LEADER

Turquoise waters, crystal-clear skies and lush greenery?

All this, yet still you haven’t called your boss to say you’re finally taking that vacation you’ve been putting off for far too long?

The Eastern Caribbean island of Mustique is not your average island packed with tourists in fannypacks.

Here, homeowners not only have a say in the happenings of their environment, but a share of the island’s ownership.

Plenty of hotels these days claim to be welcoming to pets—and a growing number truly are.

Of course, at some hotels, their pet-friendly position is little more than a marketing gimmick.

But at other hotels, the staff and facilities are truly welcoming to canine companions. Some have even developed innovative programs, like “doggie high tea” or canine massages.

So find out which hotels are tops for pets—and watch some super-cute dogs enjoying them—after the jump.

Although I have visited Ireland more than any other country on the globe, my first stint there was not a pretty sight. I was traveling alone and trying to convince myself that this was a good thing.

But the truth was I was miserable. My sister and I had traveled through Scotland and Wales and England together and when we got to Ireland she announced that she wanted to go off on her own.

Which worked fine for her—my sister has always been infinitely braver and more adventurous than me. But I was pissed and terrified.

Luckily, I had also been an English major. Faced with no idea whatsoever what to do with …

When did you last have a sexy, sensual, romantic evening with your significant other? When was the last time you had a few of those evenings in a row?

These days, couples rarely make time for the essential, romantic and yes, even the sometimes fun and frisky side of love.

So this Valentine’s Day and beyond, take some time to rediscover romance.

And towards that end, here are some hotels ready to help you do that, and to even do it, in some of the most beautiful places in the world.