Playa del Carmen, located along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, offers more than just soft beaches and turquoise waters. Once a quiet fishing village, the town has grown into a lively hub where Mayan history meets a modern beachside lifestyle. Visitors walking along Quinta Avenida will find artisan shops, street performers, and cafes offering everything from espresso to tacos al pastor. This area becomes especially active in the evenings when live music spills out from local venues.

Rarotonga, the vibrant heart of the Cook Islands, offers visitors a chance to experience island life with striking scenery and rich tradition. This volcanic island is only 32 kilometers around, making it easy to explore by scooter or bicycle in a single day. From the lush mountains of the interior to the lagoon that wraps around the coast, Rarotonga feels intimate but never short on discovery.

Coursing through 10 countries, the Danube is the second-longest river in Europe. This waterway, lined with fortresses and castles, rises in Germany's Black Forest and runs for 1,770 miles to the Black Sea. The Danube is an essential commercial thoroughfare for central and southeastern Europe, and several river cruise companies sail vessels on it year-round. Destinations along this river include Vienna, Budapest, Passau and Bratislava.

A frequent stop for Caribbean cruises, this Central American destination will delight you with local flea markets, museums, and delicious eats.

Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is often described as one of the world’s smallest capitals, yet it brims with color and character. Located on Mahé Island, the city is both a cultural hub and a gateway to the surrounding beaches and mountains.