Traditional attitudes prevail in the historic Sinai region on Egypt's border with Israel. The triangular peninsula is divided from the rest of Egypt by the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. Craggy mountains, including 7500-foot Mount Sinai, plunge down to the waters of the Red Sea. Spectacular snorkeling and diving sites beckon from the Gulf of Aqaba to the east of the peninsula, particularly along the dramatic coastline of Na'ama Bay in Sharm el Sheikh. Camelback safaris offer distinctive desert excursions.

The historic center of Sibiu is still partially enclosed by its original 12th-century medieval walls. Begin your visit in the Piata Mare, home to the Brukenthal Palace, containing the main halls of the Brukenthal National Museum. Descend the Passage of the Stairs down into lower Sibiu, and make sure to be on your best behavior as you cross the Bridge of Lies. A trek in the nearby Făgăraș Mountains will lead you past breathtaking ridges and serene glacial lakes.

A baroque jewel in Italy’s southeastern heel, Lecce flourishes with the carved sandstone of its cathedrals and piazzas. Atmosphere and cuisine are the main attractions here, with rustic Apulian cuisine on offer at the countless wine bars and cafes spilling onto the city's cobblestone lanes.

Perched on the banks of the wide Swan River, between the Indian Ocean and the sands of the Nullarbour Desert, Perth is one of the world's most isolated cities, yet still boasts an active beach scene and smokin’ nightlife. Family-friendly Cottesloe is brimming with swimmers, surfers and snorkelers. Head north to Scarbourough for a spirited beachside club scene. Coo at cute marsupials on ferry-accessible Rottnest Island, and don’t miss the views from King's Park and Botanic Gardens.

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.