Encircled by a forest of fragrant pine trees, the mountain village of Pontresina is an idyllic alpine retreat. Hike to the mammoth Morteratsch glacier or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through pristine Roseg Valley. Learn about ancient cheesemaking practices (and sample the delicious results) at the nearby Alpine Dairy of Morteratsch. A guided village tour will expose you to local features you may have otherwise missed, like graffiti murals and holy frescoes.

“Must love winter sports” could be the slogan of this town at the base of Northern Italy’s Dolomite Mountains. Skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and every other way of gliding across the snow is the favourite topics here, even when summer is in full tilt and Nordic walking and other high-altitude activities get added to the agenda. Two gondolas and a funicular on the edges of town whisk you up to the nearby ski resorts, which connect to a dozen or so more nearby. That’s literally hundreds of miles of easily accessible ski trails with one lift ticket. Back down in the valley, the après-ski atmosphere takes over the cobblestone streets.

Corfu is studded with whitewashed houses, Byzantine churches, and the remains of Venetian fortresses and Greek temples. Wander the ancient streets of the Roman village of Kassiopi or explore the central Esplanade of the eponymous Corfu Town. For a DIY spa experience, lather yourself in mineral mud on the shore of the Canal D’Amour. Legend has it that the waterfalls of Nymphes used to attract the mythological beauties of the same name, who would flock to the village to bathe in the pristine waters.

Looking for a great beach destination? The Red Sea’s warm water is great for swimming, and there are miles of great beaches in Sharm El Sheikh for working on your tan, but if you’re a diver, look no further. We’re talking enormous schools of fish and tons of excellent dive sites. Sure, it’s easier to get here if you live in Europe, but even if you’re farther afield, it’s worth the trek. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)

Home to many diplomatic services and the largest population in the country, Cotonou is the de facto capital of Benin, although not the official one. Its location at the crossroads between numerous neighboring countries makes it a commercial hub, instrumental in opening trade to the African interior. From Cotonou travelers may depart for tours of the outlying regions. The nearby stilted village of Ganvie is a short day trip from the bustle of Boulevard St. Michel and the Dan Topka market.

Former palaces and Arab mansions along the twisting streets of Stone Town hint at a grander age for this port city on the western coast of Zanzibar. The Old Fort, built in the 1700s to fend off the Portuguese, now hosts local performances, a café and an art gallery. Overstuffed bazaars lend an air of nonstop bustle. Mafia Island Marine Park sits just offshore, a haven for snorkeling the local reefs. Day tours visit working plantations where the island's legendary spices are grown.