Bangkok is a city to overload the senses. Streets are crowded by tuk-tuks (motorized tri-shaws) and the occasional elephant weaving through congested traffic.

Luxury resorts rub elbows with backpacker accommodations on the Thai island of Ko Samui, a 15-mile-long palm-covered tropical oasis located off the country's east coast.

Mountain views, raucous nightlife and a C-shaped bay with a plethora of beaches make Acapulco a more upscale, yet reasonably priced, escape than its spring-break cousin, Cancun.

Grand Cayman's splashier side is the real draw. Offering a host of experiences, from petting attention- and food-seeking stingrays at Stingray City to exploring jaw-dropping drop-offs and dive sites, Grand Cayman is a watery wonderland.