Only six and a half hours by jet from New York, Morocco nevertheless seems worlds and worlds away. Even the Moroccans think of their country, which lies on Africa's broad western shoulder, as a place apart: They refer to it as El Maghreb al Aqsa, the Farthest West, as indeed it is, of all the countries making up the Arab world.

The second largest city in Peru, Arequipa is called the "white city" because of the white volcano stone with which much of the city was built. Here you'll see charming colonial buildings, a 400 year old convent and gilded churches.

St. Lucia is an island of verdant landscapes in every direction: A dense rain forest rises up and covers The Pitons' twin peaks, and in the valleys, the sun's rays dance upon the large yellow-green leaves of banana plants. Beyond all the greenery, you'll find isolated coves, stunning beaches, colonial towns, quiet fishing villages and first-class yachting facilities.

The region of Lapland, Finland, is a dream come true for travelers in search of a real winter wonderland. The area has long been associated with Father Christmas, reindeer and a dense, snow-covered wilderness.

Sri Lanka is an island republic in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India. Sri Lanka is separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. The capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayavardhanapura (Kotte); and Colombo is the largest city. Sri Lanka's coast is indented by lagoons and inlets.