One of Hawaii's most interesting historic towns, the former Hawaiian capital also has a rich Yankee whaling history. In the 1800s, Lahaina was the center of the global whaling trade and its beautiful Historic District is a National Historical Landmark.

Strongly influenced by the tribal culture of the Guanches (the original inhabitants), Tenerife was conquered by the Spanish 500 years ago.

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.

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.