Destinations

As swish but not as tourist-centric as Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the UAE's government and financial capital. For North American travelers, however, the city is equally as well-known as the major international hub for Etihad airlines, which is a preferred route for many to not only the Middle East but also Africa and parts of Asia.

These seven UNESCO-protected islands, rising from the vivid blues of the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, are each completely different in character and style. But all share an uncontested spot on our list of some of the Mediterranean’s best summer destinations.

Agra is synonymous with the Taj Mahal, a sight as beautiful as it is imposing. We recommend arriving in the evening and staying overnight (Agra is a 3-1/2 hour drive from Delhi), so you can visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise when temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller.

Alaska is a mind-blowing ecological wonderland, encompassing three distinct vegetation zones and bordering the Arctic Circle and three bodies of ocean. Though not a pampering destination, Alaska wows with spectacularly wild landscapes and diverse marine and wildlife, making it one of the world’s great adventure destinations. In short, a trip to Alaska is the adventure of a lifetime.

The Algarve is rustic Portugal at its best, complete with whitewashed towns flanked by giant plateaus tumbling into azure sea. And while the southwestern coast has its drawbacks—the backpacker scene takes over many of the beaches—the legendary region still has the charm of one of the world’s undiscovered gems.

The dramatic Amalfi Coast is a place where land, sea and sky strike a note of otherworldly perfection. Here, a sense of la dolce vita is manifest and days include island-hopping by private boat, lunching at beach clubs, shopping in hilltop towns and touring historic sites. In short, it's seaside Italy at its best.

The state of Bahia runs along the southeastern coast of Brazil, encompassing close to 600 miles of oceanfront land and a unique rainforest known as the Mata Atlantica. Brazilians refer to Bahia as the “land of happiness,” and anyone who has visited its gorgeous beaches and laid-back towns will agree.

“Life, religion and art all converge in Bali. They have no word in their language for ‘artist’ or ‘art.’ Everyone is an artist,” Anais Nin once wrote about Bali. Rich with cultural traditions—music, dance, craftsmen, art, temples—it is no surprise a vibrant community of artists and designers have also taken up residence here. Add gorgeous mountain landscapes, crystal clear waterfalls and lakes and and world-class resorts with a focus on wellness and you are truly in another world here. Eat, pray, love, repeat.

Bangkok is chaotic and complex, but if you become acquainted with it, this capital is also one of the most rewarding in Asia, with incredible historic sights, a diverse food scene, great shopping and heartfelt hospitality.