1.) Hvar, Croatia
While it’s attracted more tourists of late, it is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. While there, experience the nightlife, seaside restaurants (try the local squid and ceviche), historic architecture, a town square with origins in the 13th century, and rent a boat (if you’re not already there for The Yacht Week)
2.) Lima, Peru
A mix of colonial historic town and modern Spanish city, it has become one of the top destinations in South America, with excellent nightlife, Peruvian cuisine, the Church of San Francisco, beaches, and museums. If you have a few extra days to spare, arrange a trip to Cusco and visit Macchu Piccu while in Peru.
3.) Havana, Cuba
With travel restrictions recently loosened, it is much easier to travel to this country and has quickly become a popular destination, with Jay-Z famously vacationing there in 2012. Experience an authentic Cuban cigar, visit tobacco farms, take up salsa dancing lessons, visit the Plaza Vieja, and most of all enjoy a very unique nightlife.
4.) Bali, Indonesia
A truly exotic destination by all means, visiting this island is truly an amazing experience. It is an island comprised of beautiful ancient temples, volcanoes, jungles, hot springs, and rolling rice paddies. While there check out bars and restaurants on the Indian Ocean (Ku De Ta and Rock Bar are highly recommended), Mount Agung, Tanah Lot temple, shopping in Seminyak, view Balinese dance performances, scuba diving, and surfing while you’re at it
5.) Granada, Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s image was historically tarred by guerilla warfare and the Contras but conflict is long gone. The country has a similar terrain to it’s neighbor Costa Rica yet is still a bit off the beaten path for many tourists. The country is rapidly attracting adventurous tourists though, and is safe, cheap, and has not been overly commercialized. Granada is a colonial town that once served as capital of the country, rivaling Leon for supremacy. While there, enjoy excellent Latin cuisine such as the local Vigaron, climb the tower on church La Merced, get a horse carriage ride, rent a bike, take a boat tour of the nearby Isletas, and trek to the rim of Mombacho Volcano.
6.) Chang Mai, Thailand
Thailand was recently ranked the #1 destination in terms of number of tourists. While it risks become “too popular” and touristy (and thus not #1 on our list), it is still a great place to visit. Avoid the Bangkok tourist traps and instead visit Chang Mai (or alternatively, Phuket). While there check out the temples, ride an elephant, watch a Thai boxing match, check out a festival, and get a massage
7.) Athens, Greece
Greece’s image may be marred by debt crisis, but that hasn’t affected the beauty of this Mediterranean nation. Visit before the economy regains footing and prices go up.
