It's the East Coast's answer to Las Vegas. Atlantic City's casinos draw tourists by the car- and bus-load, but even if your main objective is to play some blackjack, you'll want to save time for sightseeing.

The Algarve's sunny shores offer perfect escapes for all types, from those seeking the hot nightlife of flashy, energetic Lagos to those desiring secluded stays in rambling Sagres.

With its ultramodern skyline, it's easy to forget that Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, was once a small town of Bedouin traders.

The second-largest island in Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia serves up a lovely blend of sea, sand and history. Thousands of nuraghe (stone buildings) dot the landscape, proof that people have been enjoying the lovely climate here for millennia.