When you think of quaint mountain villages in the French Alps, something like Bourg-Saint Maurice might come to mind. Narrow, cobblestoned streets lined with colourful buildings offer a glimpse into the past with local shops serving Savoyard specialties. In the colder months, skiers arrive en masse for some of the best skiing in the area. And when everything finally thaws, there’s a whole new world to discover: rich green mountains ripe for hiking and crystal-clear rivers perfect for kayaking or whitewater rafting.

Hugging the Swiss border, this stylish resort gets over 26 feet of snow each winter. Villages des Enfants, for kids and young teens, is the perfect place for learning. Softski is for adult newcomers or those who've been away for a while, while The Stash is Europe's first giant ecological snowboard park.

The shores of Lake Geneva have attracted visitors and invaders for millennia. The cheerful city of Geneva sits on the lake's western shore, lofty snowcapped peaks creating a gorgeous backdrop on all sides. The city is perfect for exploring on foot; hire a bike to venture further. At the top of any itinerary should be visits to Geneva's lakefront and its famous fountain, the Flower Clock in the English Garden, St Peter's Cathedral, Reformation Wall, Place Neuve and the birthplace of the UN.

Darjeeling, nestled among rolling mountains, is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular places to visit include Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop and the War Memorial, and the Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Center. What should you bring home? Tea, tea, and more tea—and beautiful local handicrafts.