There are few destinations that offer as much diversity, both scenically and culturally, as the archipelago of 83 islands that form Vanuatu, named the Planet’s Happiest Country. You will be struck by its tropical playgrounds featuring deserted beaches, lush dense forests, pristine waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and traditional villages. Vanuatu is the only place on earth where you can officially post your mail from an underwater post office and from the ash plain on the summit of a volcano.

Long known for its old-world charm, from the historic Faneuil Hall to the Freedom Trail that celebrates Boston’s preeminent role in the American Revolution, Boston has come a long way towards staking its claim in the 21st century. With the completion of the “Big Dig” that buried Boston’s vast network of highways underground, Boston has hit the new century running. Attractions span beautiful public libraries, fascinating museums and plenty of sports. Boston is destined to grow ever more beautiful as more and more of the ungainly elevated highways are replaced with lush parks.

Birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte and home to some awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Southern Corsica (or Corse-du-Sud) entices with outdoor pursuits, remnants of prehistoric settlements and stunningly diverse scenery. From the dramatic white cliffs of Bonifacio to the whimsical rock formations of Piana to the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands and white-sand beaches, Southern Corsica has plenty to capture your imagination.

Called "the Flower of the East" by the Venetians, Zakynthos is still one of the lushest and most-loved Greek islands, with green hillsides covered with flowers in spring and early summer, steep cliffs dropping to dazzling turquoise waters, and some of the country's best beaches.