If you visit Honolulu simply for the wide Pacific beaches, the striking views of Ko'olau's pali (cliffs) and the laid-back "aloha" feeling, you'll be missing out on much this city has to offer.

Venice makes you a believer in fairy tales. Cars are banned, so the only way to get around the 1,500-year-old city is by foot or by water.

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.

Corfu refers to both the island and to its main town. Villages of whitewashed houses confetti the sunny isle, two to 15 miles off the Albanian coast.