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.

South Beach, or SoBe, is Miami Beach's buzziest bit. The vibrant area, with its pastel-hued buildings, hip nightclubs, trendy shops and see-and-be-seen restaurants, attracts socialites and their satellites year-round.

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

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.