On the western coast of the Baltic Sea, Timmendorfer Strand invites you to stay and relax a while. The 7km beach is the main attraction (there's also a nude beach if you're interested in baring all). Travelers rave about the chic town, shops, restaurants, spas, and golf course. In the summer months, a KinderClub (children's club) offers daytime activities just for kids.

On the south side of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy. Since the climate is mild year-round, the area is filled with Mediterranean vegetation and exotic plants. Lake Maggiore was featured in Ernest Hemingway's infamous novel, A Farewell to Arms, when the protagonist and his lover must row across the lake in order to escape the Italian Carabinieri (think police in military uniforms). Here's hoping you won't have any run-ins of that nature.

You'll need a car and an area map to reach Porto-Vecchio's beaches, where you'll find pure white sands lapped by brilliant turquoise water. The busy beaches are the top attraction in this port town, which travelers report hasn't yet been totally overrun by the tourist trade. Sample fresh seafood in the local restaurants, and plan a side trip south to the charming town of Bonifacio.

Oia is carved out of the cliffs, and visitors can see houses built for Venetian sea captains as well as the more typical "cave houses" of the villagers. You’ll find the pure white buildings with colorful roofs that are typical of Greek architecture, and you’ll probably enjoy poking around the town. But don’t breeze through in an hour—you must stay for the sunset. It’s legendary. Watch from a café, or, better yet, from a boat—you’ll be spellbound.

Lourdes, nestled in the majestic Pyrenees mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place to recharge your batteries. The famous shrine of Notre-Dame de Lourdes attracts millions of pilgrims every year, offering hope and inspiration. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling and skiing in winter, thanks to the exceptional opportunities offered by the surrounding nature. Lourdes also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with unique architecture, captivating history and delicious local cuisine to sample. Located in Occitanie, the south-west region of France, Lourdes offers easy access to top sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cirque de Gavarnie, the Pic du Midi and the diverse flora and fauna of the Pyrenees National Park.

Often called "Paris of the Middle East", Beirut is a thriving hotspot for shopping, socializing and sightseeing, despite many wars and unrest. The city has been rebuilt several times, with modern architecture sharing space with Ottoman and colonial French buildings. Bustling streets such as Hamra and Ashrafieh provide hopping nightlife while the National Museum and the Gibran Museum give visitors a taste of the city's history. The Corniche is the place for activities like jogging and biking.

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers—but don’t be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a popular beach, or explore the Talangama Wetland, which several TripAdvisor travelers say is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets of the city.