If you’re searching for the true beauty of the Caribbean, the look no further than Jamaica. Many travelers venture from its Kingston capital, onto the country side of the scenic island, where they experience the warm culture of the people. If you’re looking for white sandy beaches, then a stop-over at Negril is a must. Its 7mile long beach has earned Jamaica international recognition. Most people who go there say the nightlife, after a day spent at the waterfront cliffs, is a perfect way to top off the Jamaica experience. Ocho Rios, Montego Bay – with its golf courses and beaches and nightclubs – and Port Antonio are all fun places you’d enjoy during a visit.

There is no better place to experience a carnival than down in sunny Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Interestingly, the carnival often seems to go on year round; so make sure you rest up and come prepared to have fun. One of the best ways to see the whole city is by traveling up the famed Sugar Loaf Mountain. From this vantage point, you can have a 360 degree view of the city and the famous Guanabara Bay. If that scenic viewpoint doesn’t intrigue you, then go up the Cristo Redentor, the mountaintop on which the world famous statue of Jesus Christ stands with arms wide open.  It’s also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.  Whatever your taste, Brazil provides ample fun for all

If you’re ever curious about imperial Japan, then the must-see destination is Edo Castle, in Tokyo. Once the home of the rulers who administered the Tokugawa Shogunate, it became the stronghold of the Japanese Emperor and his family in after the Shogunate was overthrown. The original castle was rebuilt in 1888, and then later bombed and partially wrecked during World War II. It has since been restored to its former grandeur and glory. It’s easy to picture stern samurai, armed with traditional swords, standing guard in front of the Emperor’s room, eager to do his slightest bidding. It is also still the home of the Imperial family, so parts of the castle are off-limits. But the areas that are open to the public are amazing and fun to see.

Just 18months after it was ravaged by the tsunami, Phuket has shown tremendous resilience and is well on its way to regain its former glory. The warm, tropical waters and an even warmer tropical sun provide every traveler with a beautiful escape. The little Thailand city, off the Andaman Sea suffered a tremendous blow during the Tsunami and has since not been able to attract as many guests as before. But, what’s certain is that there’s much to see and do in Phuket for children of ALL ages, providing a fun-filled vacation for the entire family.

How many people in North America ever stop to think a moment about traveling over to Durban, South Africa? As the third largest city, it has a reputation for its excellent reception of tourists from all walks of life, as well as breathtaking scenery. Durban has a fantastic surfing culture which has to be seen to be believed. The waves are so inviting and dare anyone with the will and skill to match, to ride them. Its no wonder most pro-surfing tours have included it in their world circuit. The Golden Mile has proven to be one of the best places in Durban for sightseers, due to the number and quality of attractions along that stretch. Durban provides a fun and adventurous environment for those that dare to live.

Even though frequently highlighted as a cliché, the timeless lure of Paris is unquestionable. Famous for its landmark, the Eiffel Tower, Paris promises more for those that visit the city. On the Left Bank of the Seine, one can catch a glimpse of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, which is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Sidewalk cafes and cool jazz persist as revelers enjoy well into the night.  And what admirer of art wouldn’t give up much to be able to spend a week wandering through the Louvre? Paris promises to be a fun destination for all.

If you are looking to experience a taste of Old European culture, wrapped in a brightly colored box of modernity, then you need to visit Palermo, Sicily. It’s a town both steeped in tradition and the kind of life that’s redolent of sweet Sicilian blood oranges, whose pulpy, dark flesh leaves an amazing aftertaste; much like living in Palermo does. There are numerous monasteries spread across the city; many of which are famous for the catacombs they have beneath. Tourists are often free to explore these man-made caverns and take note of many of the artifacts entombed there. The catacombs have been in the care of the monks, dating back as far as the 1500s

Many people are fascinated by the world’s largest island continent. Australia may be classified, geographically, with the continental land masses, but it’s more adventuresome and romantic to think of the vast outback and the Great Barrier Reef. Cities like Sidney provide breathtaking sceneries and a peak at everyday Australian life.  While Australia is commonly known for its Kangaroos and Koala bears, there are plenty more sights and sounds to take in. The world-famous Sidney Opera House provides an opportunity to interact with Australia’s history, present and future. One can also stop by the cities of Perth and Fremantle, in Western Australia for a delightful taste of the country side. All in all, Australia’s a truly wonderful place to see.

Sitting on the island of Oahu in the Hawaiian State, Honolulu is one of the few U.S. cities that are on the one hand a bustling metropolis but on the other a laid back tropical getaway. The Hawaiian lifestyle instantly relaxes any tourist that gets off a plane at Honolulu’s airport. You might not believe this but there is a magical urge to learn and speak the Hawaiian language. Surely, there must be a reason why you would want to say “humuhumunukunukuapua’a!” Maybe it is the sweet smell of flowers carried by the gentle ocean breeze. If you want to learn the language, start slow and easy and just say “Aloha!” to passers-by as you walk along the sandy beaches of Waikiki and Kapiolani Park.

If you are traveling through Europe and have the option of choosing the cities to see while there, make sure Brussels in Belgium is one of them.  As the headquarters of the European Union, Brussels is cosmopolitan and a rich blend of European language and lifestyle.  There are over 80 museums to tempt the art and history lover and a stop at the Grand Palace must be on your itinerary.  Originally designed as a market square in the 13th century, it is the host of many concerts and cultural festivals.  The nightlife is surreal. To top it all off, lolling at either one of the hundreds of outdoor cafes is refreshing.