Koh Phi Phi, a stunning archipelago in the Andaman Sea, is a jewel in Thailand’s tourism crown. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, lush tropical landscapes, and dramatic limestone cliffs, this destination is a haven for both adventure seekers and those looking for a serene escape.

Visitors to the state of Colima will experience mountains, volcanoes, rivers and alluring beaches. Jalisco sits to the north, and to the south lies Michoacán.

Important both historically and economically, the beachside city of La Serena is one of Chile's oldest post-Columbian cities. The region's silver, copper and agriculture were so important that the city had its own mint. Today, La Serena maintains a colonial air, although it is threatening Viña del Mar's supremacy as premier beach resort. Apart from a string of beautiful beaches, attractions include a handful of museums and a number of nearby quaint villages and vineyards.

This is the most Moorish part of Portugal, the rich plain south of the Serra do Caldeirao, scalloped by the beaches and headlands of the Algarve. It is where, in early spring, blossoming almond trees carpet the still-brown hillsides with drifts of snow-like flowers, and the plain white facades of little houses are topped by intricately pierced chimneys that look like ice-cream cones.

Lesotho, known as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” is a landlocked nation entirely surrounded by South Africa, famed for its dramatic mountain landscapes and rich cultural traditions.