Travelers come to this small island north of mainland Cuba to bask in the sun, swim in sparkling blue water, and be pampered at an all-inclusive resort. To explore Cuban culture, you’ll need to go farther afield (this is a planned resort development; employees are bused in), but if you’re simply looking for a stress-free tropical break, Cayo Santa Maria might be perfect for you.

Cape Town glistens at the southern toe of the African continent. Tourist brochure-views at Blaauwberg Beach and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are within easy driving distance of "The Mother City." The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve provides sweeping sea vistas, hiking trails and wildlife encounters. On a more somber note, travellers can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years.

Toluca is famous for Los Portales, a monumental set of arches completed in the 19th century. It is also known for its cathedral, which is an excellent architectural representation of the Neo-Classical style.

High in the cool hills, this colonial gem of cobblestone streets and picturesque churches inspires artists with its colour, character and light. Baroque, neoclassical and neogothic mix in the city's buildings, notably at the pink stone 18th-century church on the Plaza Principal. Founded in 1542, the city is a mix of Hispanic and Mesoamerican influences.

Sitting on the Gulf of Guinea, the port city of Lome serves as the capital of Togo, a sliver of a country in West Africa. Famous for the friendliness of its people and the beauty of its countryside, Lome is the perfect place to relax after exploring Togo's hills and forests. White beaches are lined with hotels, while the interior of the city offers a series of markets for avid shoppers.