With its iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre and its unique charm, France's City of Light attracts tourists year after year. Paris' attractiveness comes from charming cafes, chic retail districts, and Haussmann buildings. The city's best feature is that each trip or season reveals something new (Paris is always a smart idea).
Tropical beauty compensates for this 12-square-mile French Polynesian island's small size. Beautiful beaches, rich jungles, and magnificent resorts on adjacent islets await you. The island's extinct volcano, Mount Otemanu, is a spectacular photo op or tough walk, and the friendly Bora Bora residents can assist you see the greatest sites during an off-road adventure.
Glacier National Park is one of America's most beautiful parks due to its snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and blue lakes. The Montana crown jewel has almost 700 miles of hiking trails and 13 camping spots. Winter sports include snowshoeing and skiing, while summer activities include swimming in Lake McDonald and Flathead River whitewater rafting. For gorgeous driving, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must.
In Rome, you can check off the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon on your bucket list. In Vatican City, visitors may see Italy's finest treasures, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Walk around Trastevere's cobblestone alleyways at dusk or have pistachio gelato at Mercato Centrale Roma to avoid the crowds.
Snow-covered mountains, attractive villages, and flower-strewn meadows make the Swiss Alps a year-round fairy tale. In winter, St. Moritz and Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn, provide world-class skiing and après-ski fondue and beverages. Choose warmer months to hike through Swiss National Park's lush valleys or attend Montreux's bustling festivals.
Maui is unlike any other tropical location, whether you're driving down the Road to Hana, flying over the beautiful coastline, swimming with sea turtles, or sunbathing on white or black sand beaches. Haleakala National Park has one of the world's largest dormant volcanic craters and stunning sunrises. A classic luau offers local culture and Hawaiian foods including poi, poke, and i'a fish.
London is unique. Eclectic districts with historical landmarks and modern attractions can keep you busy for days. If it's your first time in London, take a tour of the Tate Modern, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Borough Market, and the British Museum before enjoying afternoon tea or a Sunday roast at a nearby pub. After seeing the sights, meander through Mayfair or Chelsea or explore London's 3,000 parks and gardens.
This group of 100 islands and cays north of the Dominican Republic attracts honeymooners for good reason. The Turks and Caicos Islands are stunning with white sand, clean sea, and 350 miles of beautiful coral reef. It would be foolish to visit Providenciales without resting on Grace Bay Beach, but more adventurous travelers may swim, scuba dive, and ride horses along the coast.
Just entering Japan's chaotic capital is an adventure. Tokyo offers a vibrant energy and several top attractions with its busy streets and neon signs. Tokyo's sushi, ramen, and more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city will satisfy foodies. Ginza has must-have designer goods, while Shinjuku Gyoen and Yoyogi Park offer nature escapes.
Phuket, in southern Thailand, has something for everyone, especially budget travelers. Spa treatments, boat trips, and accommodations are affordable, making this a cheap tropical holiday. Explore Phang Nga Bay's limestone cliffs and Phuket's white-sand beaches (Freedom Beach and Bang Tao Beach are popular). Another popular sight is Wat Chalong Temple and the Big Buddha. After sunset, take a tuk-tuk and enjoy the island's nightlife.