The emirate of Sharjah offers an inviting combination of culture, heritage, art and outdoor activities. Admire the rare artifacts at the Museum of Islamic Civilization, and visit the arts area for a taste of traditional and contemporary art. A walk through the Heart of Sharjah will reward visitors with a glimpse into history, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an exciting 4-wheel drive through the dunes before relaxing on the white beaches or snorkelling through the clear blue waters offshore.

The U.A.E.'s northernmost Emirate offers a wealth of diversions between its miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise sea, majestic Hajjar Mountains and magnificent desert sand dunes. Catch a camel race, try your hand at the shooting range or soar with a microlight aircraft at Jazirah Aviation Club. Taxis and car hire are available, and it's an easy 40-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Don't miss Ras Al Khaimah Museum, the 120-store Manar Mall or the area's amazing belly dancers.

Maybe your local zoo has lions, leopards, zebras or elephants. Maybe they even have wildebeest. But we bet they don't have 1.3 million wildebeest—never mind 1.3 million wildebeest in migration, with predators in hot pursuit. It's one of the most awesome sights in nature, and you can see it at Masai Mara in southwestern Kenya.

The largest game reserve in South Africa, Kruger National Park is basically a synonym for the word "safari." Home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, nearly 150 mammals, multiple archaeological sites, and a stunningly diversity of trees and flowers, Kruger is the country’s flagship national park. Adventurers can explore the park in a 4x4, take a bush walk or fly above in a hot-air balloon.