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Nazare, a colorful fishing village, is about 1 hour north of Fatima in Portugal. It is famous for its fishing boats and traditional clothing of its men and women. The boats are gaily painted with upturned prows as they have been since the days of the Phoenicians. The men wear plaid shirts and long stocking caps in which they keep their cigarettes. The women wear the many colored skirts, shirts, vest, and 7 petticoats. The ladies sit outside their homes and entice you to rent their rooms, or they sit under umbrellas on the beach and chat as their salted fish stretched on wooden racks, dry in the sun. Some fishermen sit on the beach and mend their nets, others are out on the sea fishing. Before 1986, the fishing boats were hauled up on the beach by oxen. Today there is a large marina around the corner so you won’t get to see this ancient ritual. But Nazare is still old Portugal. It is charming . The beach and water are very clean and the waves can be a challenge. Surfers love this area with its huge waves. In January, 2013, a Hawaiian surfer rode a 100' wave off the coast of Nazare and broke a record. There are many shops and cafes in the town. Pick up a straw hat or a souvenir doll with her seven petticoats. Enjoy lunch at one of the great seafood restaurants. The choices are consistently fresh and well-prepared. Nazare is a must see for anyone traveling in Portugal. You can take a tour or drive if you have a car. However you get there, you will have a great time.

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) encompasses 108 square miles of coastline and 365 white sand beaches between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. For an uncommon, all-inclusive Caribbean holiday, stay at The Galley Bay Resort and Spa. In and around the property are ruins of forts hundreds of years old, wrecks for snorkeling, a spa with tree houses for treatment rooms, plenty of authentic dining options, and even world-class sailing opportunities.

Off the coast of mainland Malaysia, Langkawi is an expanse of sandy beaches, forested mountains, and unique wildlife. Socialize with the residents or find solitude on the shores of a private island for the day. No matter what you do, it’ll be a trip to remember.

St. Kitts serves a full plate of dining options, from fresh vegetables at Belle Mont Farm to Caribbean lobster hot off the grill at the beach bars on The Strip. Visitors can also look forward to elegant dining at waterfront restaurants like the Spice Mill and a stylish scene in the evolving Christophe Harbour area.

Reef-lined beaches, farm-to-table restaurants, dense rainforests, and of course, reggae, are just a few reasons Jamaica has become a destination travelers return to time and again. Music lovers can live out their rock star fantasies at Geejam, which has its own recording studio. Live out your James Bond fantasies at GoldenEye, originally owned by author Ian Fleming. For barefoot luxury and unbeatable views, book a cliffside villa overlooking the sea at Rockhouse Hotel.

A visit to Tahiti is about more than just chilling on the beach or swimming in a tropical lagoon, although both are possible. It can also be a culturally rich experience, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about Polynesian culture from ancient times to modern day. So whether you want to experience the power of dance or get a tattoo in the place the art form evolved from, Tahiti offers all kinds of cultural immersion.

Three days in San Sebastián leaves just enough time for the city’s essentials. Visit the hallowed bars of the town’s old part, eating, drinking, and repeating until you find your favorite pintxo, those small bites for which San Sebastián is known. Drink in the city’s views from the surrounding mountains, beaches, and islands. Whether hiking or splurging at the seaside spa, a visit to San Sebastián is a lesson in luxurious living.

Montego Bay and the west coast of Jamaica attract first-timers to the island, and it’s easy to see why: white-sand beaches, the most glorious sunsets in Jamaica, plush resorts, a wide variety of restaurants, and a lively music scene. But there’s also plenty to see and do in the west coast interior away from Montego Bay: rivers, cenotes, and waterfalls such as the stunning Mayfield Falls.

Spending two weeks in eastern Jamaica? Start in Port Antonio, head to Boston Bay and Long Bay, and end in the majestic Blue Mountains. Eastern Jamaica offers wide-ranging natural beauty in which to play: Two weeks is plenty of time to swim in secluded coves and walk deserted beaches, hike to jade pools and waterfalls, surf the waves of Boston Bay, explore ruins and forts, raft across the Rio Grande, bike at 7,000 feet, and, of course, sample both original Jamaica jerk and reggae.

The best hotels in Mexico fit well in a country that dazzles visitors with world-class art, museums, and food, but also relaxes even the most harried traveler with its beautiful beaches. Choose from boutique properties in the city, eco-friendly accommodations on the coast, or luxurious spots that offer the ultimate spa experience.

Browsing Berlin’s many flea markets is a great way to spend a few hours on a sunny afternoon. Most of Berlin’s neighborhoods host flea markets on the weekends. Prenzlauer Berg’s Mauerpark is one of the largest and most popular in Berlin, while Friedrichshain’s Boxhagener Platz market attracts a young and international crowd. Rummage around and you’ll be sure to find unique souvenirs amongst Berlin’s vintage clothes and retro offerings.

Along with Vienna, Salzburg and the Alps are Austria’s top draws and the perfect place to spend the second half of a two week trip. Mozart’s Salzburg is adorned with beautiful gardens, a mighty fortress and great museums. Salzburg is the perfect gateway to the Austrian Alps, dotted with quaint villages like Hallstatt, pristine lakes and Austria’s most well known resorts, including the famous Kitzbühel. Trek through the Alps or just enjoy the views from cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck.

The traditional seat of business and fashion in Italy, Milan is the place other Italians love to hate—which means that it obviously has much to love. On the obvious side of the scales you’ll find Leonardo’s “Last Supper” and an outrageously beautiful cathedral, less so are the art and dining scenes which become more complex by the day. Ranging further afield, travelers will discover day trips to great wine regions, incredible contemporary art collections, and Lake Como (and George Clooney).

Unlike in America, whisky is spelled without the “e” in Scotland—but that’s not the only difference. Learn about what makes a single malt and other interesting facts by visiting one of Scotland’s best distilleries, many of which are located on the Isle of Islay. Several are even surrounded by great natural beauty, meaning you can sip your Scotch while enjoying the scenery.

One week in Kenya will no doubt leave you wanting lots more time to explore this wildly beautiful country, but if seven days is all you’ve got, there’s still a great range of sights you can pack in. A good place to start is with a couple of nights in one of Kenya’s national parks, followed by a visit to the Kenyan coast for a little relaxation. Don’t miss a final night or two in Nairobi to pick up some handcrafted gifts and explore Kenya’s capital.