Think of it as a beach a day even on Leap Year. That's right, 366 beautiful beaches encircle this tropical island paradise, the focus of centuries of battles between Spain, France, Great Britain and Denmark. The Dane's influence has been the strongest.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a city where tradition and modernity meet in striking ways. Towering over the skyline are the Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world, while at street level you’ll find lively markets, ornate temples, and colonial-era architecture.

Niigata sits along the Sea of Japan on Honshu’s west coast, a place where long winters and bright summers shape its traditions and flavors. For centuries this region has produced some of Japan’s finest rice, especially the Uonuma Koshihikari variety known for its rich taste and texture. That quality rice helps make Niigata sake famous across the country, and visitors can sample more than 90 local brews at tasting spots such as Ponshukan inside Niigata Station.

This beautiful holy city is a spiritual lightning rod and sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians all over the world. Although Jerusalem is known primarily for its religious history, the city is also home to many artistic and cultural venues.

The capital of French Polynesia, Papeete is a veritable island paradise with bright cerulean waters, iconic overwater bungalows, and palm trees galore.