Visitors who come to Ibiza’s energetic capital for its nightlife are treated to more than just thumping ultraclubs and celebrity sightings. By day, the harbour town is a sun-drenched sampler of Spanish-island style, with waterfront cafes, urban beaches, trendy boutiques, and even a UNESCO-listed fortress.

Ibiza: Old Spanish for "party 'til you drop." Perhaps not literally, but this is definitely one of Europe's favourite nightlife playgrounds. Ibiza boasts more than 100 miles of coastline with some 50 beaches, plus plenty of restaurants, bars, and water sports—and clubs, of course. Fit in a little culture and visit Ibiza's UNESCO-designated old town.

A popular gateway to the Balearic Islands, Denia is a worthy destination in its own right. The port city exudes culture at every turn: an ancient Moorish castle overlooks idyllic beaches, archaeological museums, and authentic eateries, while Mt. Montgó looms in the backdrop.

The home of Majorcan merrymarking, the resort town of Magaluf offers sun-soaked beaches by day and buzzing nightlife once the sun sets. Theme parks and upscale hotels cater to families, while unihabited islets off the coast await exploration.

The promise of sun, sea, and sangria continues to draw visitors to Palmanova, though the resort town offers more than just revelry. Sports facilities and scenic surrounds provide plenty of active options throughout the year, while the waterfront promenade boasts modern cafés, hotels, and bars.

Majorca has many beach towns, but if you like your sunny holiday served with a touch of history on the side, you should definitely consider Calvia. Homes and churches date from the 17th century (and earlier), and there are even the remains of a Roman villa.

Make sure to pack your wellies, because Snowdonia National Park is one of the wettest spots in the U.K. Besides being soggy, it’s also pretty impressive. A fairly easy hike takes you to the top of Yr Wyddfa, the highest peak in Wales (topping any peaks in England, too), where peregrine falcons nest in the jagged cliffs. The park also has the largest lake in Wales, Llyn Tegid. It has its own Loch Ness-style monster—called Teggie, of course—though some figure it’s just an unusually large pike. This Snowdonia’s wonders can also be found on a smaller scale. Keep an eye out for the Snowdon beetle, which has rainbow stripes down its back.

Dubai is a destination that mixes modern culture with history, adventure with world-class shopping and entertainment. Catch a show at the Dubai Opera, see downtown from atop the Burj Khalifa and spend an afternoon along Dubai Creek exploring the gold, textile and spice souks. If you’re looking for thrills, you can float above the desert dunes in a hot air balloon, climb aboard a high-speed ride at IMG Worlds of Adventure or skydive over the Palm Jumeirah.

The Zanzibar Archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania, is a breathtaking spot to escape from the world. You’ll enjoy clear, turquoise-blue water; shallow sandbars perfect for wading; and many small, nearly deserted islands virtually unvisited by tourists. Explore the World Heritage Site of Stone Town, Zanzibar City’s old quarter. Or just go beach to beach between tiny fishing villages—each one's better than the next.

Lusaka, the capital and largest city in Zambia, can be a confusing and chaotic place for visitors not familiar with its unplanned neighborhoods and streets. Busy stores and shopping centers line Cairo Road and the surrounding area. Nearby covered markets sell anything from souvenir figurines to spare engine parts. Just south of Lusaka is the Munda Wanga Environmental Park, which features botanic gardens, a wildlife park and sanctuary, picnic areas, swimming pools, and a relaxing terrace bar.

The largest game reserve in South Africa, Kruger National Park is basically a synonym for the word "safari." Home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptiles, nearly 150 mammals, multiple archaeological sites, and a stunningly diversity of trees and flowers, Kruger is the country’s flagship national park. Adventurers can explore the park in a 4x4, take a bush walk or fly above in a hot-air balloon.

Pretoria is a vision of purple, thanks to its plethora of blossoming trees that gave the South African metropolis its nickname: Jacaranda City. Give in to the animal magnetism of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, then get up close and personal with the big, bad kitties of the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre. The buildings of Pretoria reflect diverse architectural styles and influences, creating a unique urban landscape.