In January, North Korean officials announced that Americans now may visit at any time of year for up to seven days. Previously, Americans could visit only during the Arirang Mass Performances, August-October, on five-day tours.

Travelers (even a party of one) still must have a guide. Currently, 16 companies can arrange tours to North Korea; visit http://wikitravel.org/en/North_Korea. The only US company currently offering tours is Asia Pacific Travel (Kenilworth, IL; 800/262-6420)....

More than 60 of Berlin’s museums and galleries stay open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the Long Night of the Museums, which takes place on the last Saturday each January and August.

One ticket gives unlimited access to all venues and use of a special shuttle. €15 (near $20) adult, €10 senior, child under 12 free. Tickets at Berlin Infostores, S-Bahn/BVG ticket machines and in front of city hall (by the shuttles) or at www.museumsportal-berlin.de.

A 38-page PDF program listing events...

The province of Bocas del Toro, Panama, boasts protected cloud forest with monkeys, toucans and sloths; Caribbean beaches reached by boat or trek; breakers for surfers; snorkeling and scuba diving at coral sites with dolphins and tropical fish; sites with manatees, and indigenous communities to which visits can be arranged.

Newly opened in Bocas Town, the Bocas Sustainable Tourism Alliance Tourist Information Center (Calle 3, Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro; www.discoverbocasdeltoro.com)...