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Situated closer to Cambodia than Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc has arguably the best beaches in the country. An international airport opened in 2012, raising the island’s profile and bringing in droves of visitors. Despite this, the island retains a laid-back, underdeveloped charm, and its coast is still dotted with small fishing villages with brightly painted boats. The interior of the island includes plenty of forest, while some of the land is earmarked for growing black pepper—pepper from here is famous throughout Vietnam. The best beach lies to the west of the town of Phu Quoc; it’s a 13-mile long straight stretch with golden sands, coconut palms, and clear turquoise waters. The An Thoi Islands, south of Phu Quoc but still part of its marine park, offer excellent snorkeling and diving during the dry season from December through May.

Tucked away in the heart of downtown Seoul is the quaint Insadong district, where a Korea of yore comes to life in the form of traditional artists and musicians, shops selling Korean crafts and souvenirs, and street performers dressed in native costumes. This is the place to go if you’re set on buying the wooden masks, paper lanterns, and tea sets that the country is famous for. Two other stores also stand out from the crowd in Insadong: Gounjae Handcraft can be smelled before you even enter the door. This handmade soap shop, in the small brick courtyard of Ssamji Gil Center, offers sumptuously scented soaps, lotions, and bath products in scents like avocado, ginger, and almond. I love the tiny, traditional mask-shaped soaps that make inexpensive and lightweight souvenirs. The Ee Gee boutique is a veritable treasure chest bursting with glimmering necklaces, bracelets, and other one-of-a-kind baubles–it’s located on Insadong’s main drag.

Many hikers get their sugar fix at this popular spot, which offers a variety of gourmet popcorn, fudge, nuts and saltwater taffy. Popcorn flavors include sea salt and caramel, double cheddar and mixes like the McKinley Munch, which comes with caramel, roasted nuts and white and dark chocolate along with the popcorn. The Grizzly Growler features caramel, dark chocolate and peanuts.

When it opened, Jumeirah Beach Residence, known to locals as JBR, was just a upscale beachside residential area with just a few cafés. Over the years, JBR got bigger and busier and now features dozens of cafés, restaurants, and pop-up boutiques and bazaars. Every day of the week, the neighborhood’s streets are busy with beachgoers and shopaholics. Head straight for the water, where you’ll be surrounded with great views and, more often than not, many Dubai residents enjoying at a day on the beach. When it’s time for a break from sunbathing, grab a Turkish dondurma (ice cream with a taffy-like consistency) from one of JBR’s many kiosks.