Guest Senior Traveler PJMcN, Topeka KN: We have fond memories of our recent visit to the colorful nation at the bottom of South America. After a long journey of several connecting flights, we arrived exhausted at our Buenos Aires hotel in late afternoon.

We fell asleep and didn’t awake until midnight. Hungry, we asked the front desk clerk if there was an all-night cafe nearby. He laughed and told us midnight dining in the city is the norm. Near the hotel, we found many restaurants welcoming and very busy. Patrons at the outdoor tables resembled Parisians, as they dined and drank throughout the night.

For the next several days, we toured the city, including La Boca, where houses around the shopping area are all painted brilliant colors. We joined crowds at the Plaza de Mayo and, of course, dined on the famed Argentinian beef as we watched tango dancers.

January temperatures in Buenos Aires average 76º days and 68º nights. Just right for beach picnics, parasailing and lounging in the warm South American sunlight.

For window shopping and trendy clubs, we spent an evening in the Palermo area. Because it was on a Saturday, we were able to wander through the colorful displays of outdoor shops and gardens on the plaza.

Another great area for strolling is Puerto Madero, the waterfront. Modernized 20 years ago, it resembles Upper Manhattan with tall modern glass buildings and elegant shops and cafés.