Monet painted Juan-les-Pins. So did Picasso. If they showed up today, they'd find a youthful summer destination that centers on sunbathing (invented by Coco Chanel, some claim), casinos, nightclubs, and staying out late. TripAdvisor members say the one thing "JLP" lacks is restaurants, but neighboring Antibes, a short bus ride away, has more than enough to compensate.

Once one of the great Roman cities, Nimes’ storied past takes center stage in the modern city, with ancient ruins, medieval monuments, and archaeological museums all presided over by a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater.

Cambrils has a well-deserved reputation as the culinary capital of the Costa Dorada. There is a veritable cornucopia of fresh local ingredients, ranging from fish and other seafood to the internationally acclaimed DO Siurana olive oil. Between the historic population center and the ports, life in Cambrils unfurls peacefully around beaches and promenades. Looking on as fishing boats glide into the harbor and discovering the Old Quarter are two of the many pleasures that await in this Catalan town.

Set in a sheltered cove, Santa Ponsa's standout attraction is its vast beach, where sunseekers sprawl against a backdrop of pine trees. The resort town combines old and new, with a modern marina and waterfont promenade alongside ancient archaeological sites and a nearby nature preserve.

Seoul is the business and cultural hub of South Korea, where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. Take it all in from the N Seoul Tower, built atop a peak in Namsan Park. The teahouses and shops of Insadong give you a taste of Korean flavor, which you can further experience with a visit to the grounds and museums of Gyeongbokgung. UNESCO World Heritage Site Changdeokgung Palace is a fine example of authentic ancient architecture.

Arriving at La Digue feels like sailing straight into a painting, brimming with brush strokes of blue, green and tan. The beaches here are spectacular, particularly Grand Anse and Anse Source d'Argent, which is strewn with pink granite rocks. There are very few cars here, so traveling by bike or by ox cart is the way to go. Pedal over to Ile de Cocos for snorkeling or gawk at the rare Paradise Flycatcher (a beautiful black bird) at the Veuve Nature Reserve.