Baguio, perched high in the Cordillera Central Mountains, is a great place to escape the heat of the Philippine lowlands. Camp John Hay, originally built as a recreation area for U.S. soldiers, now is a full-fledged resort complete with a world-class golf course. Definitely stop at the city market, where you can buy almost anything (just be prepared to haggle).

Davao City is a gateway to Mindanos, one of the Philippines’ largest islands, and home to Mt. Apo, one of the highest mountains in the archipelago. In Davao City, lovers of durian can eat their fill beneath a sculpture dedicated to the pungent fruit.

Situated on the banks of the river Godavari, the city of Nashik, also known as Nasik, is a major Hindu pilgrimage center. Nashik is a bustling township with a blend of the ancient and the modern. Scattered across the city are numerous forts and majestic temples that vie for space with factories and other symbols of Modern India. The Kumbh Mela is the major attraction of Nashik. Occurring once every twelve years it draws innumerable devotees to the city. Other attractions around the city include - Pandavleni Caves, Muktidham Temple, Kalaram Temple among others. Day excursions to Shirdi, Someshwar, Wani are also very popular.

Want to make your co-workers insanely jealous? Just casually drop "I’m vacationing in the Maldives this year" into conversation, preferably in the dead of winter. Or better yet, go there without mentioning it to anyone—then send them a "Wish you were here!" postcard.