Framed by an array of tropical flowers, "miniature" houses painted in a pastel palette will enchant you. But, a splash of watercolors is all you'll see as you zip by on a moped. It won't be long before you find the perfect spot for a beach picnic and afternoon of snorkeling.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has long served as a cultural and trade crossroads in the Andaman Sea. Centuries ago, it was a stopover for merchants trading tin, spices, and textiles, with influences from Chinese, Portuguese, Indian, and Malay travelers still reflected in the island’s architecture and cuisine. Inland, the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary protects rainforest habitat home to gibbons, civets, and exotic birds.

Madang, perched on the edge of Astrolabe Bay, feels like a well-kept secret of Papua New Guinea that’s framed by lush jungles and dotted with volcanic isles. Every June, Madang pulses with energy at the annual Madang Festival. Villages from across the province gather for ceremonies where dancers don feathered costumes, shells, and body paint. The beat of kundu drums rises through the air and stories woven in movement.

Puerto Madryn is a seaside city on the eastern coast of Argentina. Facing Golfo Nuevo and the South Atlantic Ocean, this coastal destination is popular for its beaches, marine life, nature preserves, and Patagonian museums.

Muizenberg, a picturesque suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, is renowned for its stunning coastline and vibrant atmosphere. Located along the False Bay, Muizenberg is celebrated for its expansive sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, making it a haven for surfers and sun-seekers alike. The beach is not only popular for its surf but also for its colorful Victorian-style beach huts, which have become iconic symbols of the area. These charming structures, with their bright hues and retro charm, pro