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.

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.

Bask on four miles of golden beaches, hit the Mediterranean Sea on water skis or stroll along Benidorm's promenade and revel in its seaside charms; it's a true Spanish beauty of the Costa Blanca.

Phuket offers a rainbow spectrum of spectacular vacation sights from blue lagoons and pink sunsets to orange-robed monks.