If you find yourself in Rotterdam, there's a strong chance you've arrived by water. This popular port city (the second largest in the Netherlands) has gone through an architectural renaissance since World War II, with daring, innovative structures dotting the city (cube houses!) and defining its skyline. Café culture is on the rise here, so grab yourself a table and a cup.

Culture, dining and nightlife are just a few of the reasons to find yourself in sunny Brisbane. This sprawling, constantly-evolving river city is for the young and the young at heart. Shop at the outdoor markets, where you'll find fashion, crafts and produce. Beaches are the order of the day here, too, with North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island attracting hordes of sunbathers.

Agrigento, located on the southern coast of Sicily, is a city steeped in history and renowned for its ancient Greek ruins. The crown jewel of Agrigento is the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Visitors can marvel at the remarkably preserved Temple of Concordia, which dates back to the 5th century BC and is considered one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world.

Nestled along the Basque coast in southwestern France, St-Jean-de-Luz is a picturesque fishing town that exudes a unique blend of French elegance and Basque charm. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and its well-preserved old town, St-Jean-de-Luz is a gem of the French Basque Country.

Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972.